2021-03-31-accounts

Gloucester District Scout Council

Annual Report Year Ending 31[st] March 2021

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Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 8[th] September 2021 19:00 for 19:30

Murray Hall, Tuffley Lane, Gloucester

The Chair of Gloucester District Scout Council, Andy Webb, welcomes guests and members to the meeting.

Agenda

1. District Chairman’s introduction

1. Apologies for absence

2. Approval of the minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2020

3. Acceptance of the Annual Report and Accounts

4. District Commissioners nomination for District Chair

5. Election of District Secretary

6. Election of District Treasurer

7. Election of five members of the District Executive

8. District Commissioner’s nominations for five members of the District Executive

9. Appointment of an Independent Examiner

10. Roll call of Honorary Vice Presidents

12. President’s Address

13. District Commissioner’s Address

1. Any other business

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Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Gloucester District Scout Council

Held via “Zoom” on 23[rd] September 2020

	Members Present	Members Present	Members Present
	Paul Baker Dave Hawkins Peter Martin Kat Turner Gareth Edwards And 45 other members of the Council			District Chairman District Commissioner District Treasurer District Youth Commissioner District Explorer Scout Commissioner
	Apologies
	9 apologies received
	Item		Discussions and Decisions
	Item 1		Welcome Paul Baker, the District Chair, welcomed all those present to the meeting and thanked all present for being there. Paul praised all for their hard work during the Covid pandemic to keep our Young People engaged in Scouting during the crisis. He asked that everyone should remember their promise to work together to be Kind, Helpful and Thoughtful and as we help our members to continue to interact meaningfully and develop as Scouts and as a person in these difficult times. Be A Friend.
	Item 2		Apologies for Absence Apologies were received from 9 members of the Council.
	Item 3		Minutes of the AGM held on the 12thJune 2019 The minutes of the Annual Meeting held on the 12thJune 2019, having been circulated with the agenda and Annual Report, were duly approved by the Scout Council and signed by the Chairman as an accurate record of that meeting.
	Item 4		Acceptance of the Annual Report and Accounts The Chair presented the Annual Report and Accounts to the meeting on behalf of the District Executive Committee noting that once again the year had been a busy one for the whole District. He also thanked the many contributors to the Annual Report. The Treasurer reported that the year had been going very well until the last two weeks of Marchwhen the lockdown hit us. We spentquite a lot of moneyon MurrayHall,

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completion of the disabled toilet, the fire alarm was installed as was the cavity wall insulation, the cost of all the work was around £12k some of which was supported by a grant from the Rotary Club of £5k. Overall there was a surplus for the year of £4003, with £1491 in the general fund. This year we have put away into an earmarked fund a further £5k for future work on Murray Hall maintenance where we are looking at replacing the roof at some point and also £5k aside for when we negotiate the renewal of the Murray Hall lease from Gloucester City Council, the lease expires in 2030.

The District is in a good strong financial position with £30k General Fund, since March we have received £10k grant from the City Council which will help us through the current year. There are challenges ahead, but we are in a strong position.

The Annual Report and Accounts were approved via a show of hands with no questions.

Item 5 Introduction to our President Elect and new VP Scout Ambassadors Steve Knibbs – introduced himself to the District Scout Council, he started Scouts at 41[st] Gloucester then moved to Beaufort VSU, he took part in Gang Show during his formative years. He hopes to be able to give back some of what he got out of Scouting. Steve was unanimously voted in as the new District President. Nick Bishop – introduced himself to the District Scout Council, Nick’s history goes way back to Cub Scouts and Venture Scouts at Hucclecote with Terry Newland and Gregor MacGregor. Nick works with Rotary locally, if the chance comes up he will put on his Scouting hat and feed something back to the District when he can. Like Steve said, if there’s any way he can help he will do his best to do so. Nick was unanimously voted in as new District Vice President Scout Ambassador.

Richard Brown – introduced himself to the District Scout Council, he did his Scouting in Hull where he had the most life forming experiences with a superb Scout Master for whom Scouting was his life. Richard has a connection with Rotary in Newent. Like the other two guys have said, it’s all about putting something back into Scouting, hopefully he can help out in any way he can. Richard was unanimously voted in as new District Vice President Scout Ambassador. Item 6 To agree the District Commissioner’s recommendations for membership of the District Scout Council forming the District Executive

• a. DESC and DYC – These appointments are ex officio and do not require nominating.

• b. Approval of District Commissioner’s nomination of the District Chair

The District Commissioner, Dave Hawkins, expressed a very big thank you to Paul Baker for all the work he has put in over the last few years, he has been a great support in the background, unfortunately Paul has had to step down from the Role of District Chair due to ill-health. Dave was pleased to ask Andy Webb to stand as District Chair. Andy echoed Dave’s thanks to Paul for his work as Chair. Andy’s nomination was approved by the meeting.

• c. Election of the District Secretary

• No-one has volunteered for this role.

• d. Election of District Treasurer

Peter Martin has been in the role for 30+ years and has indicated for some time he wishes to stand down from the role. Karen Hawkins has volunteered to take on this Role, she has experience in the role of Treasurer elsewhere in the District. She has agreed to step down from some of her other roles within the District to allow her the capacity to fulfil this role. Karen’s nomination was approved by the meeting.

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Item 7		a. Election of five members of the District Executive The following were proposed and elected to the District Executive Committee: Nominee Proposer Seconder Beavers - Nikki Hughes Nick Harris Kat Turner Cubs - Heather Taylor Pam Tovey Nick Harris Scouts - Neil Moles Andy Webb Richard Large GSL rep - Alan Faulkner Richard Large Heather Taylor Active Support – Lisa Jenkins Alan Faulkner Heather Taylor b. District Commissioner’s nominations for five members of the District Executive The District Commissioner wished to nominate Roger Tovey, Shell Vaughan, Nick Harris, Zak Elkins and Paul Baker to serve as members of the District Executive Committee. The Scout Council approved these nominations.
Item 8		Appointment of an Independent Examiner Martin Collins has accepted the role of Independent Examiner for the coming year.
Item 9		Role call of Honorary Vice Presidents The Chairman confirmed Gerald Grant, Peter Hudson, Robin Stayt and Vera Watson as Honorary Vice-Presidents of the District Scout Council. Terry Newland was appointed in February, Andy asked the Council to ratify the motion that Terry Newland should be elected as Honorary Vice-President, motion carried by Scout Council. Barry Smith was nominated as Honorary Vice-President, motion carried by Scout Council. Peter Martin was nominated as Honorary Vice-President, motion carried by Scout Council.
Item 10		Remembering those who have passed Normally we would have the book of remembrance out, but this is rather difficult to do this year, let us remember: John Tanner – 25thAugust 2019 Ken Morris – 25thOctober 2019 Brian Kimber – 10thDecember 2019 Keith Foord – 26thJuly 2020
Item 11		District Commissioner’s Address A huge thankyou to everyone, everyone who is on the meeting tonight and everyone behind the scenes who, for whatever reason, can’t join us tonight. Please pass on my sincere thanks to any of your Scouting colleagues who aren’t here tonight. These are challenging times and it is quite incredible what our adults are doing to sustain Scouting and to stay engaged with our young people and keep our young people engaged in Scouting. What people are doing to get round the issues that we have is quite astonishing, who would normally be out playing a game in Gloucester Park in the rain, in the dark at this time of year? Our Leaders are doing it just to make sure Scouting is sustained in Gloucester District.

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Item 12		County Commissioner Welcome to Steve, Nick and Richard who all appear to be Star Wars fans, thank you to Paul for his work as Chair, he’s been a pleasure to work with. Even during these hard times, if we can all just make a difference to just one other person, it really is amazing. We all continue to need support from others, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. A huge thank you to 11thHucclecote, 1stUpton St. Leonards, 41stGloucester and 46th Gloucester for letting me get involved in your camps over the past few months. You are all doing amazing things for your young people. Thank you so much for everything every single one of you does, remember you are making a difference even though it’s really tough at the moment. Look out for one another and keep up the good work. Thank you so much.
Item 13		Any other business Peter Martin was presented with a gift for his hard work over the years. There was a virtual round of applause.
Item 14		District Chair’s closing remarks Thank you to everyone for attending tonight and participating. Unfortunately there has been an issue with the virtual nibbles and drinks, they didn’t arrive. Thanks to Paul Baker for all his hard work as Chair, thanks to Dave for nominating me to this honour. Scouting is brilliant and I don’t think I would be where I am today without Scouting and some of the resilience it gave me. The resilience we offer to the young people who are going through a very difficult time at the moment. The opportunity Scouting gives young people to do activities that they can’t get anywhere else and the camaraderie they gain.

Signed ……………………………………………………… Dated ……………………………….. District Chairman

Distribution : District Executive Committee members. Leaders of all Groups in the District, following the approval and adoption of the minutes by the District Executive.

Appendix A: List of members of the Executive Committee as from 23[rd] September 2020

Chair - Andy Webb Secretary - VACANT Treasurer – Karen Hawkins DC – Dave Hawkins DYC – Kat Turner Beaver Rep – Nikki Hughes Cub Rep – Heather Taylor Scout Rep – Neil Moles Explorers – Gareth Edwards GSLs – Alan Faulkner Active Support – Lisa Jenkins	Nominated members: Michelle Vaughan Roger Tovey Nick Harris Zac Elkins Paul Baker Other members invited to report: Andy Tucker (Local Training Manager) Jack Brook (Chair Appointments Committee) Richard Large (Murray Hall Manager)

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District Officers as at 31[st] March 2021

President Steve Knibbs Honorary Vice Presidents Gerald Grant Terry Newland

District Scout Ambassadors Nick Bishop

Peter Hudson Peter Martin Barry Smith Robin Stayt Richard Brown

District Chair	Andy Webb	District Commissioner	Dave Hawkins
Secretary	vacant	District Youth Commissioner	Kat Turner
Treasurer	Karen Hawkins	District Explorer Scout Commissioner	Gareth Edwards
Appointments Advisory Committee Chair	Jack Brook	District Scout Network Commissioner	Gareth Edwards
Appointments Secretary	Pam Tovey	ADCs Programme Support	Mel Richards Paul Rothwell Chris Slater Nick Treacher Kat Turner
District Administrator & Minutes Secretary	Karen Hawkins
Finance Sub Committee Chair	Vacant
Murray Hall Manager	Richard Large	ADC Development	Roger Tovey
Scout Shop Manager	Yvonne Bunce	ADC GSLs & Special Activities	Alan Faulkner
Bookings Secretary	Karen Hawkins	Local Training Manager	Andy Tucker
Badge secretary	Chris Shute
Gang Show Chair	Gemma Rowles
Gang Show Producer	Lisa Jenkins
Cotswold Marathon co-ordinator	Alan Faulkner
District Quartermaster	Richard Large

Census Figures

Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures	Census Figures
GLOUCESTER DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
CENSUS AS AT 31st JANUARY 2021
	Beavers			Cubs				Scouts Explorers						**Youth **	Adults	**Total **	**Total **	Total
Groups	M	F	S/I	PNS	M	F	S/I	PNS	M	F	M	**F **	S/I	<18		**2021 **	**2020 **	2019
11th	34	3			24	3			21	2				87	25	112	135	131
15th	3	1			6	3			7	7				27	14	41	65	55
22nd	1				8	2			7	3				21	14	35	68	60
29th	1				1				8	2				12	7	19	38	40
31st	6	5			15	4								30	4	34	66	71
38th	25	3			19	1			24	5				77	13	90	104	92
41st					6	3								9	11	20	41	30
45th	9	1			8				13	3				34	13	47	56	54
46th	5	1			12	7			13	1				39	19	58	61	71
48th	9	2			11	3			16	4				45	12	57	35	41
K/way	9	1			10	4								24		24	73	78
51st	3				16	1			4	2				26	12	38	48	49
C'down	7	1		7	20	2		4	26	11				78	48	126	135	116
St. Aug	1				4	3			3	3				14	9	23	33	34
H'wicke	2	2			21	4	1		3	2				35	7	42	70	76
Upton	33	1			33				10					77	17	94	139	154
I'worth	6	4		4	19	6			9	3				51	14	65	62	71
ES Units
Glos Dragons																		10
Unmentionables											10	7	2	19	4	23	18	19
Longlevens											2	3		5	2	7	12	17
Hucclecote - Javelin											6	2		8	4	12	10	21
Upton - Nutty Badgers											8	2		10	2	12	10	14
Churchdown- Phoenix											7	5		12	3	15	19	19
Lonsdale - Falcons											7	1		8	3	11	12	10
Gladiators											5	3		8	1	9	15	17
Double 2											5	2		7	4	11	19	14
Brockworth/St Augustines											3	2		5	1	6	7	7
Young Leaders															1
Network															104	104	102	102
2017
2018
2019																		1,473
2020																	1,453
2021	154	25		11	233	46	1	4	164	48	53	**27 **	2	768	368	1,136
District SAS															19	19	20	15
District Leaders, Commissioners and Officials															20	20	12	13
Total Membership																**1,175 **	**1,485 **	1,501
Group & Unit Membership by Section
**2021 **	154	25		11	233	46	1	4	164	48	53	**27 **	2	768	407			1,175
**2020 **	285	37	1	4	290	69			206	72	62	**33 **	2	1,061	424			1,485
**2019 **	306	53			275	62			204	67	77	42		1,086	415			1,501

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Report from the Chair

Although I have not been an active member of scouts for several decades (except on the periphery), my early years in scouting provided me with life skills and a resilience to be able to face most challenges in my life. Having taken over as the District Chair at the last AGM it felt that I had returned to my roots and was reunited with family members; some of whom I knew well and others who are new to me, but all with a common goal and shared beliefs in giving young people the chance to experience new adventures and learn new skills along the way.

It is therefore with sadness that I found myself in this pivotal role in the midst of a global pandemic. This has been unchartered territory and a monumental challenge for everyone involved in scouting, not just locally but worldwide; however, the commitment from extraordinary volunteers has meant that young people have continued to be able to engage in activities in these unprecedented times. Even though we have been in extended periods of lockdown, scouting has continued albeit via digital platforms, which appear to have become the norm. I wish to offer my appreciation and admiration to those who have gone above and beyond to ensure that some constants have been maintained for our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and also our Network Members ensuring that those valuable life skills are still being shared to the same high standards.

I would fall at the first hurdle in the role of Chair without the dedicated commitment of the executive committee and those involved in ensuring that the District runs smoothly to be able to maintain a high calibre of scouting within Gloucester.

Firstly I would like to thank Dave Hawkins, our District Commissioner, who with endless determination and drive ensures that the District runs smoothly and efficiently. To Karen Hawkins who has taken on the role of District Treasurer as well as keeping the bookings at Murray Hall organised and acting as minute Secretary for the committee, ensuring an accurate record is maintained. I would like to thank Peter Martin who stood down at the last AGM for maintaining the District Finances for 3 decades and for the smooth handover to our new treasurer.

Thank you to Richard Large and his trusted helpers who have continued to manage Murray Hall and maintain the building and grounds in order to provide a safe and welcoming environment. It is with sadness though that we have been unable to use it to its full potential this year, but many will have the opportunity to utilise the facilities it offers as a meeting place for activities as lockdown eases. I would also like to thank Yvonne Bunce for running the scout shop and adapting to new models of providing a full range of scouting paraphernalia and Chris Shute who ensures the district badge stocks are maintained and accessible.

Scouting in Gloucester would not be possible without leaders, whose appointments would not be possible without the dedication of Pam Tovey and Jack Brook and the members of the appointments committee. Leadership and helper training is skilfully managed by Andy Tucker who has the relentless task of ensuring that appropriate training is delivered and records are maintained. This can often be a thankless task especially chasing those volunteers with already busy lives to make sure they complete the training deemed necessary and appropriate to keep our charges safe, which is paramount.

You will see from reports that due to the pandemic the 60[th] Anniversary Gang Show was once again cancelled; however, a virtual online challenge and choreography was set up to keep prospective cast members nimble and on their toes. It is hoped that 2022 will be the year when our budding stars will once again be treading the boards.

Unfortunately, the Cotswold Marathon also fell victim to the Covid restrictions; however, a virtual marathon took place with over 1200 participants who walked over 11000 miles between them. It is hoped that the Marathon will resume in 2022.

I would like to take the opportunity to celebrate those members who passed away during the past 12 months who had made significant contributions during their lifetimes to scouting in

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Gloucester. Vice-President Vera Watson passed away in October. Vera had a long standing association with both the District and St Peter’s as well as holding the post of County Training Advisor, and she will be sadly missed. Kyle Howell died unexpectedly in January, a member of the District Active Support team, he was an active gang show cast member and a close support to many cast members. We also lost Stewart Selwood in July, former Scout Leader with St Peter’s. He holds the distinction of being the only known Sea Scout Leader who was afraid of the water.

Finally, I would like to give a special thank you to Paul Baker who retired from the post of District Chair at the last AGM. His dedication and hard work is an inspiration to me, which I can only hope to match. He has agreed to continue to serve on the district executive for as long as his health will allow. I am extremely grateful for this as he is a valuable resource of knowledge and skills which I rely upon and no doubt will continue to do so.

Keep safe and please keep up the fabulous work that you are all doing across the district, my admiration goes out to all of you.

Andy Webb, District Chair

Report from the District Commissioner

The Scouting Year started just two weeks after the first lockdown began. All face-to-face meetings and activities were prohibited: Section Meetings; District Meetings; Adult Training Courses and the Archery Club all had to stop and the District Shop was closed. Gang Show and St. George’s Day Parade and Service were cancelled. These were truly unprecedented times which threatened the future of Scouting.

Alternative methods of delivering programme holding events and ensuring good governance were identified and developed throughout the District and by Scouting as a whole. Some Leaders delivered Activity Packs to youth members whilst on their daily exercise and most turned to technology in order to support our young people. Meetings were held online via Social Media or video conferencing platforms all of which meant a steep learning curve for many of us. We were even able to present a live St. George’s Day Celebration via Social Media. The District AGM, normally held in June, was postponed in the hope that the situation would improve allowing us to conduct our meeting as normal later in the year. Sadly, the pandemic persisted and our AGM took place online in September 2020.

July saw some easing of restrictions which allowed for meetings to be held outdoors with strict limits on the number of people allowed to meet and only with an approved Covid Risk Assessment in place. Camping was not permitted so some sections resorted to Virtual Camps. By November the Country was in lockdown again, so face-to-face Scouting was suspended once more. Some Adult Training was now being delivered online as we continued to adapt. The Cotswold Marathon Committee presented an ingenious alternative event which accommodated participants of any age and from anywhere in the World.

Our annual Census in January followed the national trend of reduced membership of both young people and adults. Credit must be given to the handful of Sections whose numbers remained the same or even increased.

It has been a challenging year, unlike any other, and I am sincerely grateful to our resilient adults and incredible young people who have kept Scouting alive. My greatest respect to you all.

Dave Hawkins, District Commissioner

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Gloucester District Scout Council

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] March 2021

Reference and Administrative details.

Gloucester District Scout Council is a registered charity, (Number 302111). It is administered by the members of the Executive Committee, (who are also the charity’s trustees). The Membership of the Executive Committee who served between the 2020 and 2021 AGMs was as follows:

Dave Hawkins	District Commissioner
Andy Webb	District Chair
Karen Hawkins	Treasurer
Kat Turner	District Youth Commissioner
Gareth Edwards	District Explorer Scout Commissioner
Alan Faulkner	GSL rep (ADC GSLs and Special Activities)
Lisa Jenkins	Manager, Scout Active Support
Neil Moles	Scout Leader representative
Heather Taylor	Cub Scout Leader representative
Nikki Hughes	Beaver Scout Leader representative
Paul Baker	DC nomination
Zac Elkins	DC nomination
Nick Harris	DC nomination
Roger Tovey	DC nomination
Michelle Vaughan	DC nomination

Structure, governance and management.

The Executive Committee is responsible for the overall governance of the Charity. It consists of the District Commissioner, who is appointed by the County Commissioner. The District Commissioner appoints the District Chairman and nominates up to six other members. The Secretary, Treasurer and up to six section representatives are elected by the District Scout Council. The number of nominated members may not exceed the number of elected members. The Executive Committee may co-opt further members annually but their number must not exceed the elected members. All members serve a one year term and are either appointed or elected annually at the AGM.

The Executive Committee meets four times a year to discuss current issues and to receive reports. The AGM is held within six months of the financial year end, normally in May or June, but in September last year due to Covid restrictions, and is open to all members of the District Scout Council. The District Scout Council consists broadly of any member or associate member of the Scout Movement registered in Gloucester District. All members of the District Scout Council are entitled to vote in elections for the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may establish and appoint members to any sub-committee that it deems necessary. All sub-committees report to and are responsible to the Executive Committee.

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Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities and corporate governance.

The Trustees are responsible for their annual report and for the preparation of financial statements for each financial year.

The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the Charity’s incoming resources and application of resources during the year. In preparing those accounts they are required to:

• Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.

• Make judgements which are reasonable and prudent.

• State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts.

• Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.

The Trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring that the Charity has appropriate systems and controls, financial and otherwise. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the Charity’s assets and for their proper application as required by charity law and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities and to provide reasonable assurance that:

• The Charity is operating efficiently and effectively.

• All assets are safeguarded against unauthorised use or disposition and are properly applied.

• Proper records are maintained and financial information used within the Charity, or for publications, is reliable.

• The Charity complies with relevant laws and legislation.

The systems of internal control are designed to provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. They include:

• An annual budget approved by the Trustees.

• Regular consideration by the Trustees of financial results and variances from budget.

• Delegation of day-to-day management authority and segregation of duties.

• Identification and management of risks

Risk management.

The District has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

The District Executive Committee and the Leadership Team under the direct control of the District Commissioner conducts an ongoing review of the risks that members of the Association in Gloucester might be exposed to and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. Risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation on all projects undertaken by members and these procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of Scouting in Gloucester.

The District Executive follows, without question, the policies issued by The Scout Association in relation to the safe operation and administration of all activities involving its youth and adult members in accordance with Policy Organisation and Rules.

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The District Executive keeps under review all insured risks and the policies maintained by the District Treasurer to ensure that all insurable risks are adequately covered. In addition, there are two signatories for all payments.

Objects, objectives and principal activities of the Charity.

Gloucester District Scout Council operates in accordance with the ‘Policy, Organisation and Rules’ of the Scout Association. The principal objective of the District is the promotion of Scouting and the support of Scout Groups within Gloucester District. The District runs a series of activities for member groups, (Including an annual Gang Show), administers and supports adult training and development, runs a shop which supplies Scout uniform and badges and raises funds mainly through the hiring out of Murray Hall, the District Scout headquarters.

Achievements and performance.

Please refer to the individual reports within this Annual Report.

Financial review and results for the year.

The financial results are set out in pages 17 to 20.

Reserves and investment policy.

A policy is set which reflects the Trustee’s wish to safely commit as much funding as possible to the primary objectives of the Charity whilst retaining financial stability. Excess funds are held in a National Savings Investment Account on one month’s notice. The Trustees are satisfied with the return being achieved.

Independent Examination.

Martin Collins was re-appointed at the last AGM as Independent Examiner of the District accounts and his report is shown on page 16 of this report.

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

K.Hawkins

Trustee / Treasurer

September 2021

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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Gloucester District Scout Council

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Gloucester District Scout Council (the Charity) for the year ended 31 March 2021.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Martin Collins ACA

Old Forge Cottage Butt Green Painswick Stroud GL6 6QS

Dated 1[st] September 2021

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GLOUCESTER DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES: YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

Notes Income Membership subscriptions Murray Hall lettings Scout shop and badge sales Donations and grants Grant From Council re Covid-19 Funds from closed groups Gang show (2020 cancelled show) Cotswold Marathon Network fundraising Interest received Total income Direct charitable expenditure Murray Hall expenses Rent, rates and water Electricity and gas Insurance Repairs and maintenance Cleaning and sundries Telephone District Shop expenses 3 Administrative expenses Bank charges Support for district events Depreciation Net surplus for the year Fund balances brought forward Fund balances carried forward

2021 2020 £ £ 9,012 9,346 3,167 8,002 623 2,252 49 5,001 21,670 - - 1,301 (1,236) 486 1,067 440 400 600 138 136 34,890 27,564 (204) 1,068 1,205 1,760 3,108 2,993 3,631 12,657 1,167 2,164 544 656 9,451 21,298 1,785 - 415 953 116 538 5 169 550 603 12,322 23,561 22,568 4,003 93,566 89,563 116,134 93,566 Unrestricted Funds

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GLOUCESTER DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2021

Notes FIXED ASSETS 2 STOCKS Scout shop OTHER GENERAL FUND ASSETS General bank account National Savings Investment Cash in hand Debtors and prepayments Less creditors TOTAL GENERAL FUND ASSETS SPECIFIC FUND INVESTMENTS General bank account Gang show account Cotswold Marathon account Scout Active Support account Explorer scout account Cub scout bank account Short term investment account National Savings Investment Unrestricted Funds General fund 4 Designated funds 4	£ 54,297 - 51 1,229	2021 £ 3,719 7,247 54,285 65,251 50,883 116,134 64,939 51,195 116,134	2020 £ 4,269
			7,963
			33,414 - 51 537
	55,577 1,292		34,002 3,271
	6,247 17,703 6,310 373 1,918 2,057 1,322 14,953		30,731
			42,963
			5,973 18,939 5,243 373 1,869 2,057 1,303 14,846
			50,603
			93,566
			42,963 50,603
			93,566

These accounts were approved by the Executive Committee of Gloucester District Scout Council on 9th August 2021 and are signed on its behalf by:-

TREASURER Karen Hawkins

CHAIRMAN Andrew Webb

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GLOUCESTER DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNT: YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounts have been prepared under the historic cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting by Charities.

Depreciation is provided on fixed assets at the following rates

Murray Hall Straight line basis over the period of the lease Fixtures and equipment 15% on reducing balance

2.FIXED ASSETS

Leasehold property: Murray Hall Equipment	At Deprec- At 1/4/20 Adds iation 31/3/21 £ £ £ £ 2,287 - 253 2,034 1,982 - 297 1,685
	4,269 - 550 3,719

Murray Hall is built on land owned by Gloucester City Council. The lease is for a term of 60 years from 20 February 1970 at a rent of £179 per annum. The original cost of the building was £14,957 which is being written off over the 60 year period. The current insured value of the property is £426,687.

3. SHOP TRADING ACCOUNT

Sales Cost of sales Opening stock Purchases Card Machine Rental AIB Mercantile Credit Charges Closing stock Surplus for the year	2021 £ 623 7,963 871 150 48 (7,247) 1,785 (1,162)	2020 £ 13,136
		8,102 10,745 - - (7,963)
		10,884
		2,252

Notes Due to Covid and the reduction in turnover of stock, the Exec Committee agreed that the value of the Closing stock should be reduced as follows:-

Stocks of Uniform and Neckerchieves have been written off at 10% of value Stocks of Badges have been written off at 20% of value

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GLOUCESTER DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS: YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2021

4. SUMMARY OF DESIGNATED FUNDS General Fund Designated general funds Maintenance Fund Lease Renewal/Purchase Fund Gang Show Fund (2020 cancelled show) Cotswold Marathon Fund Scout Active Support Fund Scout Network Fund Explorer Scout Fund Cub Scout Fund Special Activities and Support Fund Total funds	Balance Allocation Balance Brought of surplus Carried Forward for the year Transfer Forward £ £ £ £ 42,963 22,288 (312) 64,939
	9,500 - - 9,500 5,000 - - 5,000 18,939 (1,236) - 17,703 5,243 1,067 - 6,310 373 - - 373 1,095 400 - 1,495 1,869 49 - 1,918 1,745 - 312 2,057 6,839 - - 6,839
	50,603 280 312 51,195
	93,566 22,568 - 116,134

Notes Due to Covid-19, Gang Show had to cancel their show for 2020 and therefore incurred a modest loss.

The Cub Scout Fund was increased to bring it into line with the Balance on their Bank Account

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Gloucester District Beaver Report

Despite the pandemic, several Beaver colonies across Gloucester have seen a rising number of Beavers in their colonies and on waiting lists as they returned to face-to-face meetings. The search for additional leaders continues to enable more young people to take part. Throughout the lockdowns and isolation periods, Gloucester District Beaver colonies continued to step up to the mark and leaders pushed themselves out of their comfort zones in the constantly changing circumstances to provide Zoom meetings, online tasks and socially distanced faceto-face opportunities when Covid restrictions allowed.

In order to not miss out on the usual sleepover opportunities, 11[th] Gloucester Beavers joined in with the County VE Day virtual camp and ran a virtual Halloween sleepover, providing the Beavers with the opportunity to earn 2 nights away.

As part of the Halloween sleepover, the Beavers received an activity pack delivered to their door, several Zoom sessions over the weekend and a 1 hour face-to-face activity session in line with the Scouting restrictions at the time of the events.

In February, 11[th] Gloucester Beavers were lucky enough to be the first youth group working with a group of dentists in their free youth outreach programme, focusing on the importance of healthy eating and looking after our teeth via a Zoom meeting; these dentists intend to offer this programme to a range of other groups in the district moving forwards (with both virtual meetings and face-to-face opportunities available). As part of this, a poster and badge competition was held and two of our Beavers received some fantastic prize bags from the dentist group.

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District Explorer Unit Reports

Nutty Badgers ESU

That’s was an interesting 12months….!!! As soon as the unit could move away from our fortnightly Zoom meetings we were out and about no matter what the weather. The unit took part in the village parish council tree planting initiative, with each explorer planting their own tree. Photos of the unit featured in the village newsletter.

A small group took advantage of the County Climbing Team using them for instructor practice with climbing at Symonds Yat and Plump Hill. The unit had a service evening helping at Cranham Scout Centre, clearing brush from the new camping area. We were able to get out kayaking on the Stroud canal. Plus evenings hiking in the immediate area including a dump hike. We have kept away from zoom meetings….

The leader team also developed a village walks website, with a recent addition being the USL Peaks Challenge. With the checkpoints being tagged into over 650 times across the village.

So if you feel up to The Ultimate or just want a local walk take a look at our website. Nuttybadgers.org.u

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Phoenix

In the summer term 2020, Phoenix Explorers made their own full, face-to-face programme, which the Explorers set themselves and went kayaking on the River Severn, go-karting in Gloucester, backwoods cooking, tomahawk throwing, pizza making and a local Churchdown monopoly run.

This term they also set about making ideas for hoodies as well to then have ready for the autumn term. Weekend camps are planned monthly in the autumn term to make up for no camps since Beast 2019, all due to Covid restrictions. Cycling and then an end of term presentation night will round the term off before the summer break.

Kayaking at Lower Lode, River Severn on 28th June

We have set most of the Explorers the challenge of the Platinum or Queens Scout award badge by the end of summer term 2022. Attendance was very healthy and up on average from mostly existing Explorers and some new joiners too.

Phoenix ESU Leaders

Unmentionables

Like all other groups and sections, the last year has been bumpy in terms of Scouting due to the impact of Covid-19. However, we are proud to have only missed one week due to this as we took advantage of the Zoom licence available to us to run Explorers online, when we weren’t able to meet face-to-face.

Our online meetings included sessions such as yoga, edible pioneering, baking, quizzes, Taskmaster challenges, a session with Shelter Box and making paracord bracelets.

When we were able to meet face-to-face, we took part in sessions such as hiking, cooking, stand up paddle boarding, maintenance work at Murray Hall, games and a Road Code session run by Young Gloucestershire. Some of these activities took place during the summer holidays instead of our normal annual summer camp, which for obvious reasons didn’t take place!

We also took part in the county’s We Will Survive camp at home in May 2020 as well as the remembrance and St George’s celebrations which took place online throughout the year.

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We would like to thank Gareth Edwards and the district for their on-going support over the last year. Also, a massive thank you to the Explorers themselves for their engagement, resilience and humour over a rather turbulent year! We look forward to a year of things seeming more ‘normal’ (if that’s a thing!)!

Ashley, Matt, Darren and Lauren, Unmentionables ESU Leaders

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Gloucester District Gang Show

Gloucester Gang Show are an optimistic bunch and we really hoped we’d be able to put on our 60th anniversary show at Easter 2021. In the autumn of 2020, the committee looked at how we could make rehearsals work within the Scouting and Government rules but felt that we couldn’t put on the 60th show to the standards we wanted with the restrictions in place.

The 60th anniversary show was officially postponed for another year to 2022 in November 2020. Members of the committee and production team recorded a special video for the Gang to let them know the decision.

Virtual show week

The committee and production team decided to mark what would have been show week in 2021 with an online challenge and choreography to try every day.

The Gang were challenged to send us their most creative Gang Show necker picture, create a past Gang Show scene from household objects, tell us their favourite Gang Show memory and their favourite Gang Show picture. At the end of the week we brought all the challenges together for a special 2021 edition of Tripe ‘n’ Rubbish, our daily newsletter produced during a “normal” show week.

For the audience, we released some favourite numbers and front tabs from the last ten years to watch on YouTube. You can still see them now on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChX7MYl2Mn4tv96Ty-Yn9KA.

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Planning for 2022

The committee have already started planning for the 2022 60th anniversary Gloucester Gang Show and have everything crossed that we can start rehearsals in September 2021. Gang Shows have proven to be exceptional at helping young people to develop their confidence, self-belief, inter-personal relationships, social skills, commitment and sense of community, not to mention their performance skills and we can’t wait to get back to doing that.

If you’d like to join the Gang in any area, please get in contact.

Gemma Rowles, Chair Gloucester Gang Show

[e-mail] www.glosgangshow.co.uk

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Cotswold Marathon

Cotswold Marathon 2021

The 48th. Cotswold Marathon was planned for February 2021.

In November 2020 it became clear that the Marathon could not take place in February due to the Covid restrictions. The Marathon Team discussed various options and came up with the idea of a Virtual Cotswold Marathon which would involve scout and guide members undertaking a personal challenge with their families. Younger members of the scout and guide movements would also have the opportunity to participate.

The team had been developing a system of on-line booking for the proposed 2021 main event and it was agreed that this should be tested on the virtual marathon. The team enlisted the help of Dominic Trott who adapted the programme that he was developing for the main event to use on the virtual event. Dominic and the team spent 6 weeks developing and perfecting the booking system and it went live in mid-January. At the same time Matt Wadley updated the Cotswold Marathon website to promote the virtual event as well as publicising the event on social media and in the press and local radio stations.

The marathon team originally envisaged that possibly 100 to 200 people would enter, but in the dark days of winter the virtual marathon gave people the incentive to get out and about in the countryside. The event was a massive success with 1283 members of the scout and guide movements and their families taking part. We had people signing up from all over the country with all age ranges from Beavers and Brownies through to leaders in their 80s participating. We even had a scout group from Canada taking part. The feedback from participants has been fantastic. We sent out nearly 1000 badges and sent digital certificates to everyone that took part.

Results

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A video was produced and released to celebrate the end of the Virtual Cotswold Marathon and Scout Founders Day and Guide Thinking Day. This was a great advert for scouting and guiding.

Thanks to everyone on the Committee for their hard work and support with special thanks to Dominic Trott and Matt Wadley for making this year's virtual event such a success.

Assuming all restrictions are lifted, the main Cotswold Marathon will be held again on 12/13[th] February 2022. The team are also planning a similar virtual event in January prior to the main marathon. Full details will be published on our web site www.cotswoldmarathon.org.uk.

Alan Faulkner – Marathon Co-ordinator

The Canadian Team

Gloucester District Scout Active Support

It has been a very quiet year for Active Support members, with very little to get involved with during the pandemic.

The members who have roles within the Gloucester Gang Show have been busy at home putting on various virtual events for Gang Show members over the lockdowns, and planning when the 60[th] Anniversary Show can start up again. If there are no further changes to the Gov. roadmap, rehearsals will start in September and performances will be Easter 2022.

The group sadly lost its member Kyle Howell on 1[st] January. This came as a massive shock as was so unexpected and Kyle was a very close friend to many members.

Lisa Jenkins, Scout Active Support Manager

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Adult Appointments Advisory Committee

Due to the pandemic and lack of face to face scouting, the work of the Appointments Advisory Committee was very quiet during 2020. We have certainly made up for that in 2021, catching up with the few prospective leaders who had come forward last year and also new appointees for 2021.

As we were unable to meet people in person we have taken to Zoom and from the start of the year until the end of March we have seen 13 new leaders. These meetings have worked exceptionally well, with the new leaders being a mix of young people who have been through the Scout movement and now want to give something back and also adults who are new to Scouting.

It has also been a busy time for DBS applications – over the year 90 have been dealt with within the District of which 9 were for people new to scouting. The DBS notification system has resulted in 13 cancellations, mainly Occasional Helpers. As a result of no face to face scouting some leaders have ignored the warnings of the DBS expiry date until the last minute which has caused some extra work in chasing them up and getting their applications through in time. Checking DBS ID was being done by Zoom, facetime, etc.

In January it became apparent that there were a lot of leaders whose appointments remained as provisional, 45 in total. To have these made full appointments the leaders need to complete their Getting Started training and for this to be recorded on Compass. Unfortunately, since some changes made by Headquarters in the latter part of 2020, Compass did not carry through the training record to the ‘approval’ page of the leaders record. This has meant going through each individual provisional appointment record and then asking Andy Tucker to manually transfer the necessary dates of completion after which I could make the appointments ‘full’ – a very time consuming exercise for all concerned.

I have emailed everyone who needed to complete their Getting Started training to remind them what they need to do and that the training is, at the moment, all online. This has proved to be successful and we now have only 12 people with outstanding training (over 5 months) – I’ll keep trying! There are 3 who are within the 5 months and they are being encouraged to complete as soon as possible.

It has been a busy few months but, as a committee, we feel it has been very productive. It has been good to get back to holding Appointment Committee meetings and to see the enthusiasm of the new leaders we have met.

Pam Tovey, Appointments Secretary Jack Brook, Appointments Committee Chairman

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Gloucester District Training Report

Since the last AGM Training in the District has been slow with leaders completing their getting started by e-learning and wood badges.

Training induction, which is still part of the appointments committee by zoom meetings for new leaders, has been going well. This gives the leaders a better understanding of the training, they need to complete over the next three years and also fits in with the new way training is delivered with in the County and District.

Over the last year working along with Pam we have reduced the outstanding or over run leaders who have not completed their getting started. At the moment we have 13 leaders still outstanding and 3 leaders still within the 3 months. E-mails have been sent out to the 13 leaders and we are still getting no further at the moment.

The County have been running a range of training modules by zoom, which can be found on their new website, Leaders in the District have attended. Leaders who have attended have enjoyed the courses and the feedback we have received has been positive.

G.D.P.R., safeguarding and safety has also been awfully slow even when leaders have been getting emails direct from HQ.

First aid is in two parts the first is online by zoom meetings and the second part will be completed when we return to face to face scouting. Again, Leaders who have attended have enjoyed the courses and again the turnout is exceptionally low for the district.

Executive members training (Module 1E) and other modules for this role again have been very poor, emails have been sent out to every Executive member in the District. Three have completed the training but there are still 23 Executive members outstanding, including district members.

I would like to thank my hard-working Training Advisors for everything they are doing and for their support to me during the year. I would also like to express my appreciation for the support and encouragement that I receive from the District.

Andy Tucker, District Training Manager

Murray Hall Manager report 2020.

The building upgrades and repairs have continued throughout the year, but as the building hasn’t been used much there haven’t been any major repairs.

We have repaired the drain in the car park, which should make it less likely to flood. While completing that I had the area beside the gravel cleared of brambles and sown with wild flowers.

We still have to replace the flooring in the Curzon room, but due to the reduced income from hirings, we decided to wait until things started to get back to normal.

We also still have to paint the Chair store and Curzon room, which will complete all the decorating of the building.

If anybody has any ideas over improvements that are needed, or could be made, please let me know.

Richard Large (AKA Dickie), Murray Hall Manager

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