RANDWICK SCOUT GROUP
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
2023
Annual Report and Accounts 2023
1. Administrative details
Charity Registration Number 302122 Scout Association Registration Number 30159
| Address | Randwick Scout HQ | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Townsend | |||
| Randwick | |||
| STROUD | |||
| GL5 4RY | |||
| Trustees | Alex Bingle | Section Leader (Scouts) | |
| Allison Cook | Secretary | To 11 June 2023 | |
| Catherine Phillips | Elected | To 11 June 2023 | |
| David Burns | Elected | ||
| Gemma Barton-Foreman | Section Leader (Beavers) | ||
| Harriet Vasey | Co-opted to 11 June 2023 | ||
| Elected from 11 June 2023 | |||
| Kerry Frazer | Elected | From 11 June 2023 | |
| Jeremy Riley | Chair | ||
| Liz Reed | Co-opted | From 6 Nov 2023 | |
| Louise Little | Section Leader (Cubs) | ||
| Matthew Castle | Secretary | From 11 June 2023 | |
| Paul Blanch | Section Leader (Scouts) |
2. Structure, governance and management
The Group's governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association and the Constitution of Randwick Scout Group.
The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Groups. There have been no changes in the objectives since the last annual report.
The Randwick Scout Group Constitution adopted at the 2023 Annual General Meeting follows the model in the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association at that date with minor changes and clarifications reflecting the local situation of the Group.
The Group Trustee Board consists of three independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with those individual section leaders who have opted to take on the responsibility and representatives elected at the AGM. The board may also co-opt a limited number of additional members. The board members are the charity trustees. The board meets ten times a year.
Members of the Group Trustee Board complete 'Essential Information for Executive Committee' training within the first five months of joining the board.
This Group Trustee Board exists to support the section leaders in meeting the responsibilities of their appointments and is responsible for:
Annual Report and Accounts 2023
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The maintenance of Group property;
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The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance;
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The insurance of persons, property and equipment;
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Group public occasions;
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Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support;
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Appointing any sub-committees that may be required;
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Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.
The Group Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:
Damage to the building, property and equipment. The Group would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as other Scout Groups. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The group holds a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The board could raise the cost of subscriptions to increase the income to the Group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently.
Reduction or loss of leaders. The Group is reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the Group as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario this could lead to the complete closure of the Group.
Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for young people. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the Group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario this could lead to the complete closure of the Group.
The Group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include two signatories for all payments and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.
3. Objectives and activities
The Group provides Scouting to children and young people aged six to fourteen living in the Randwick and Cashes Green areas of Stroud and surrounding areas.
The Purpose of Scouting
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Annual Report and Accounts 2023
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values:
Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others.
Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:
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enjoy what they are doing and have fun
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take part in activities indoors and outdoors
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learn by doing
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share in spiritual reflection
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take responsibility and make choices
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undertake new and challenging activities
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make and live by their Promise.
4. Achievements and performance
The Group has six sections providing age graded activities on weekday evening in school terms. Additional activities, including camping, residential trips, expeditions, opportunities to develop new skills or join in community events were provided throughout the year.
The Group has maintained its membership numbers and has waiting lists for some sections. Average membership through the year was approximately 135 young people comprising 48 Beavers, 55 Cubs and 32 Scouts. Approximately two-thirds of the young people are boys and onethird girls.
We continued to have a strong group of volunteers: approximately 27 regular adult volunteers, plus approximately 7 volunteer young leaders. However, recruitment of new volunteers remains a challenge.
The Group provided 6 sessions per week in school term time – totalling over 200 regular weekly meetings! Many of these were held at our premises, but there were also visits to other locations for adventurous activities; community and fundraising events.
Camps and overnight trips have been offered to all, including a Four Seasons sleepover at the Scout hut for Beavers, a Cub camp at Bourton-on-the-Water and a winter camp at Penn Wood for the Scouts with a ‘Taskmaster’ theme. We had large contingents attend Evolution (Cubs) and Strategy (Scouts) – weekend camps organised by Gloucestershire Scouts with several thousand participants.
This year we had two Group events. Our ‘Haggis’ Camp (named after our late Group President) brought together over 80 young people and leaders for a fun filled weekend with activities such as a climbing wall, archery, fire lighting, singing, an obstacle course and much more. In the autumn we had a group sleepover for almost 100 people at Airhop in Bristol.
Some members of the Group took part in overseas Scouting trips to the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea and the Haarlem Jamborette in the Netherlands.
Annual Report and Accounts 2023
In our local community, the group was once again well represented at the annual Remembrance Service in Randwick, with a large number of young people attending and laying wreaths and giving readings. We also held various community and fundraising events, including a stall and car parking at the Randwick Wap (village fête); and a car-boot sale.
Some of the events provided this year were supported by individual fundraising activities by some parents. We thank them for their efforts which encouraged us to put on more events while keeping the cost down for participants.
The Group has continued to rent out the headquarters building as a space for community activities as a way to offset the costs of maintaining and running the building.
As reported last year the board is undertaking a project to replace the garage and repair and extend the main building. We have planning permission for approved plans and are working on the next steps of the project, including raising the substantial funds that will be required to complete the works.
The Group is entirely volunteer run and the trustees thank all those who give their time and expertise supporting the work of the charity.
5. Public benefit statement
The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
6. Financial review
General
The Board of Trustees regularly monitor the levels of income, expenditure and bank balances to ensure that the Group financial position in in good order.
The accounts have been drawn up on the receipts and payments basis which is consistent with the previous year. The accounts are included in this annual report.
Reserves policy
The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short, or in case emergency maintenance of the Group’s building is necessary.
The Board of Trustees considers that the Group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £10,000.
The Group holds a designated fund, circa £1800, to allow financial support to be given to those needing it to access to Scouting activities offer by the Group.
The Group holds a designated fund, circa £55,000, in anticipation of substantial building renewal project which is currently in the early stages of planning.
Annual Report and Accounts 2023
7. Declaration
This annual report and accounts were approved by the Trustees on 2nd September 2024 and signed on their behalf by
Name Jeremy Riley
Signed
Annual Report and Accounts 2023
RECEIPTS
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Membership Fees | |||
| Beavers | 5,265.00 | 3,925.00 | |
| Cubs | 6,116.00 | 5,706.50 | |
| Scouts | 3,600.00 | 3,162.00 | |
| 14,981.00 | 12,793.50 | ||
| Fundraising | |||
| General | 2,532.00 | 2,621.09 | |
| International trips | 6.48 | 3,061.90 | |
| 2,538.48 | 5,682.99 | ||
| Activities | |||
| Badges | 0.00 | 59.00 | |
| Camps | 10,253.00 | 6,260.00 | |
| Events | 4,155.30 | 1,468.50 | |
| Meetings | 1,285.50 | 1,126.00 | |
| Uniform | 256.50 | 164.70 | |
| 15,950.30 | 9,078.20 | ||
| Building | |||
| Parties and one-off | 1,567.33 | 1,363.00 | |
| Other Scouts | 460.00 | 426.00 | |
| Recurring | 2,570.00 | 2,949.17 | |
| Wayleave | 14.32 | 14.32 | |
| 4,611.65 | 4,752.49 | ||
| Grants, donations, &c. | |||
| Donations | 1,081.26 | 2,016.44 | |
| Legacies | 0.00 | 26,352.67 | |
| Gift Aid | 4,201.26 | 0.00 | Note 1 |
| Grants - Government | 0.00 | 3,167.00 | |
| Grants - Non-government | 2,575.03 | 0.00 | |
| 7,857.55 | 31,536.11 | ||
| Other | |||
| Miscellaneous | 350.00 | 5.00 | Note 2 |
| Bank Interest | 1,332.87 | 28.78 | |
| 1,682.87 | 33.78 | ||
| Total | 47,621.85 | 63,877.07 |
Annual Report and Accounts 2023
PAYMENTS
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Membership Fees | ||
| Membership Costs | 8,784.00 | 7,729.00 |
| Membership Fees - Cubs | 24.96 | 0.00 |
| Membership Fees - Scouts | 93.69 | 77.62 |
| 8,902.65 | 7,806.62 | |
| Fundraising | ||
| Fundraising | 872.46 | 1,440.72 |
| Fundraising - Intl trips | 0.00 | 116.81 |
| 872.46 | 1,557.53 | |
| Activities | ||
| Activity Equipment | 503.48 | 258.57 |
| Badges | 1,507.61 | 1,785.73 |
| Camping Equipment | 168.54 | 715.01 |
| Camps | 10,841.93 | 4,000.27 |
| Events | 4,073.29 | 2,386.21 |
| Meetings | 5,625.75 | 5,078.97 |
| Uniform | 697.15 | 91.00 |
| 23,417.75 | 14,315.76 | |
| Building | ||
| Licences | 164.80 | 339.97 |
| Utilities - Electricity | 1,245.73 | 1,400.28 |
| Utilities - Gas | 472.65 | 694.63 |
| Utilities - Internet | 202.82 | 242.22 |
| Utilities - Water | 433.14 | 464.54 |
| Venue Maintenance | 2,313.03 | 1,582.27 |
| 4,832.17 | 4,723.91 | |
| Building project | ||
| Building project | 526.00 | 0.00 |
| 526.00 | 0.00 | |
| Grants, donations, &c. | ||
| Donations | 0.00 | 208.00 |
| Grants | 246.48 | 3,498.27 |
| 246.48 | 3,706.27 | |
| Insurance | ||
| Insurance | 2,182.21 | 2,019.48 |
| 2,182.21 | 2,019.48 | |
| Other | ||
| Admin | 380.38 | 402.63 |
| Training | 0.00 | 37.50 |
| Bank Fees | 0.00 | 5.00 |
| 380.38 | 445.13 | |
| Total | 41,360.10 | 34,574.70 |
Annual Report and Accounts 2023
SUMMARY
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Cash, bank and similar funds brought forward | 75,908.17 | 46,605.80 |
| Total receipts for the year | 47,621.85 | 63,877.07 |
| Total payments for the year | 41,360.10 | 34,574.70 |
| Net receipts (payments) for the year | 6,261.75 | 29,302.37 |
| Cash, bank and similar funds carried forward | 82,169.92 | 75,908.17 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT YEAR END
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Cash funds | |||
| Current accounts | 6,236.24 | 13,036.17 | |
| Deposit accounts | 76,013.68 | 62,953.60 | |
| Cash | 0.00 | 43.40 | |
| 82,249.92 | 76,033.17 | ||
| Liabilities | |||
| Rental deposits held | 80.00 | 125.00 | |
| 80.00 | 125.00 | ||
| Current assets | 82,169.92 | 75,908.17 | |
| Fixed assets | |||
| Land and property | 354,000.00 | 354,000.00 | Note 3 |
| 354,000.00 | 354,000.00 | ||
| Total assets | 436,169.72 | 429,908.17 |
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Note 1 No Gift Aid claim was made in 2022, so the 2023 figure is two years claim.
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Note 2 £350 was received from a third party for repairs to damage they caused to our property.
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Note 3 Valuation is based on a professional survey dated December 2020.
Annual Report and Accounts 2023
Independent Examination Declaration
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Randwick Scout Group Scout Council
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Randwick Scout Group for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Randwick Scout Group you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Randwick Scout Group accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Randwick Scout Group as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records.
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 accounts to be reached.
Signed: ________
Name: Mr Joseph Bottrill
Date: 26[th] August 2024
Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): n/a
Address: 27 Upper Church Road, Stroud, GL5 4JF
Annual Report and Accounts 2023