OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-03-31-accounts

21[st] Romsey (Nursling & Rownhams) Scout Group

Trustees’ annual report for the year ending 31 March 2024

Reference details

Registered charity number: 302269

Scout Association registration number: 10014441 Website: https://www.21stromsey.co.uk/

Address of headquarters: Peter Digby Scout HQ, Joe Bigwood Close Nursling, Southampton, SO16 0YL

Objectives and activities

21[st] Romsey Scout Group (“the Group”) is part of the national Scout Association[1] and operates within the framework given in its “Policy, Organisation and Rules” (P.O.R.)[2] .

The purpose of Scouting is to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

The aims of the Scout Association are achieved by providing an enjoyable and attractive programme of progressive training, which is guided by the following 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 Group operates for the benefit of young people, between the ages of 4 and 14½ years, from any background, regardless of gender, faith or personal circumstances, and thus meets the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria.

We have two Squirrel sections (core age range 4 to 6 years), two Beaver sections (6 to 8 years), two Cub sections (8 to 10½ years) and two Scout sections (10½ to 14 years). Each section is overseen by an adult leadership team which, in consultation with the young people, devises an enjoyable programme of training that delivers the purpose and is relevant to the age-group. This enables the young people to attain the Scout Association awards relevant to their section.

1

The principal awards are divided into two groups:

Attaining all the Challenge Awards and a sufficient number of Activity Badges for their age-group leads to the Chief Scout Award for their section – Acorn, Bronze, Silver or Gold for Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, respectively.

An Explorer Scout section (14 to 17 years), which is the responsibility of the Scouting District, meets at our HQ and links with us through a partnership agreement. The Group also oversees a sub-section that engages in target activities: shooting, archery, crossbow and throwing-axes.

Achievements and performance

The following is a summary of the year. Further information can be found on our website.

2

----- Start of picture text -----
21st Romsey Uniformed Membership 2014 - 2024
180 36
150 30
120 24
Number of Young
90 18 People
Number of adults
60 12
30 6
0 0
Year
Number of Adults
Number of Young People
----- End of picture text -----

3

Structure, governance and management

21[st] Romsey Scout Group is governed by the Policy, Organisation and Rules (P.O.R.)[2] of the Scout Association, which provides the framework in which all UK Scouting operates. As a charity the Group is also governed by Charity Commission legislation. Note that between 2023 and 2025 the national Scout Association is introducing changes to the structure which are designed to enhance the governance arrangements of Scout Groups, at the same time creating more flexible opportunities for adults to participate. Most of the changes will take place from the AGM to be held on 11 July 2024; the following is the situation as it stands on 31 March 2024.

Within the Group there are a number of adult leaders and supporters, who give their time and expertise voluntarily, without remuneration, to help the development of young people. The Group is led by the Group Scout Leader, whose role is to co-ordinate the Group’s activities and to ensure continuity and development.

All leaders and trustees are subject to satisfactory DBS checks and are required to undergo training appropriate for their role. This includes ongoing refresher courses in safety and safeguarding every 3 years. In addition, leaders are required to have first aid training (First Response) every 3 years. Completion of training modules is recorded on a national database, which is constantly monitored to ensure that standards are maintained.

Trustees

In accordance with the changes mentioned above, from the 2023 AGM the Group’s Executive Committee was renamed the Trustee Board, which better reflects its responsibilities in that area. The Board currently consists of the Group Scout Leader (GSL), the Leader of each of the Group’s sections, the Leader of the Explorer Scout Unit that is linked with the Group, and other members who are appointed in accordance with the rules and guidance of the Scout Association[3] . Further changes will take place from the 2024 AGM[4] .

Between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 the Board met seven times to act collectively as charity trustees of the Scout Group, and in the best interests of its members to:

4

The following served as trustees during the year ending 31 March 2024. Unless otherwise indicated they were appointed prior to 1 April 2023 and re-appointed at the last AGM.

Name Principal role on the
Committee
Dates of
service if not for
the whole year
Individual or body entitled to
appoint person as Trustee
Rebecca Fouch Chair _Ex officio._Nominated by
the GSL, and approved by
the Group Council5
Jason Phelps Treasurer _Ex officio._Elected by the
Group Council
Gillian McKay Secretary _Ex officio._Elected by the
Group Council
Sharon Archer General member Elected by the Group
Council
Ian Biondani Asst. Scout Leader Elected by the Group
Council
Leanne Cooper General member Elected by the Group
Council
Steve Batchelor Target Sports and
Asst. Scout Leader
Elected by the Group
Council
Craig Wilkins Cub Leader
(Phoenix Pack)
Ex officio
Randell McKay Deputy Chair Elected by the Group
Council
Cameron Beale Group Scout Leader Ex officio
Kerrie Bowers Beaver section leader
(River Beaver Colony)
Ex officio
Julie Nash General Member Elected by Group Council
Jo-Ann Ray Squirrel section leader _Ex officio_from 12 July 2022
Terry Elliot Draco Explorer Scout
Leader
Ex officio
Bethan Cowley Cub section leader
(Taurus Pack)
From
13 June 2023
Ex officio
Hazel Orris General member
(hall-hire administrator)
Stood down
7 March 2024
Elected by the Group
Council
Stephen McCann General member Stood down
17 October 2023
Elected by the Group
Council
Claire McCann General member Stood down
17 October 2023
Elected by the Group
Council
Louise Harris – Scott Scout section leader
(Atlantis Troop)
Stood down
17 October 2023
Ex officio
Tina Elliott Scout section leader Stood down
13 June 2023
Ex officio
Graeme Harris-Scott Beaver section leader
(Wood Beaver Colony)
Stood down
13 June 2023
Ex officio
Andrew Pickles General Member Stood down
13 June 2023
Elected by Group Council

5

Financial review

Further information is given in the annual accounts, but a summary of receipts and payments for the year ending 31 March 2024 is:

Unrestricted funds
2023 - 24
Restricted Funds
2023 - 24
Total
2023 - 24
Total
2022 - 23
Receipts £34,530 £17,055 £51,585 £50,211
Payments £32,943 £23,471 £56,414 £50,888
Net receipts /
(payments)
£1,587 (£6,416) (£4,829) (£677)
Net transfers
between funds
(£6,962) £6,962 - -
Cash funds at
31 March
£41,948 £6,069 £48,017 £52,846

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 of running costs. The trustees consider that the Group should hold a sum equivalent to 4 to 6 months of running costs in the General Fund to cover imminent payments and urgent building repairs should they arise.

At 31 March 2024 the balance stood at £9,762, which satisfies this policy with a considerable additional margin.

The Group Trustee Board also considers it prudent to hold two “designated” funds to ensure that there are adequate reserves to maintain the HQ and equipment to satisfactory standards, as detailed in the notes to the accounts.

Investment policy

The Group has adopted a low-risk strategy to investment, keeping funds in mainstream banks. At 31 March 2024 £10,160 was held in a Virgin deposit account and £32,035 in a Virgin notice account. The majority of the remainder was held in a TSB current account, with minor amounts in cash and on pre-loaded Equals cards.

Signatories to bank accounts

Payments or withdrawals from the Group’s bank accounts require authorisation by two of the following: TSB current account: Any two from Jason Phelps, Rebecca Fouch, Sharon Archer, Randell McKay, Julie Nash Virgin accounts: Any two from Randell McKay, Andy Pickles, Claire McCann, Lisa Mallen

Independent examiner of accounts

Linda Purkess 1 Fairway Gardens SO16 8JJ

6

Declaration

The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees:

Paper version signed by Rebecca Fouch

Approved at the meeting of the Trustee Board held on 27[th] June 2024. The Secretary of the 21[st] Romsey Trustee Board holds the original, signed copy.

Name: Rebecca Helen Fouch Position: Chair of Trustee Board, 21[st] Romsey Scout Group Date: 27[th] June 2024

Glossary and references

  1. The Scout Association: https://www.scouts.org.uk/

  2. Policy, Organisation and Rules: https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/

  3. Scout Association rules and guidance concerning Trustee Boards:

https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/volunteer-experience/teams/trustee-boards/

  1. https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/volunteer-experience/volunteering-together/what-this-means-foryou/moving-to-trustee-boards/

  2. The Group Scout Council is the electoral body which supports Scouting in the Scout Group, and is the body to which the Group Trustee Board is accountable. Its membership consists of parents of the youth members of the Group; the Group’s leaders; patrol leaders (youth members) of the Scout section; the leaders of the Draco Explorer Unit; other eligible supporters; the Romsey District Commissioner and the Romsey District Chair of Scouting.

7

21ST ROMSEY (NURSLING AND ROWNHAMS) SCOUT GROUP

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

Charity Number: 302269

21st ROMSEY (NURSLING & ROWNHAMS) SCOUT GROUP

Charity Number: 302269

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 MARCH 2024

Trustee Responsibilities in relation to the accounts
Independent Examiner’s Report
Receipts and Payments Account
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Notes to the Accounts
1) Accounting Policies
2) Investment Policy
3) Fixed Assets
4) Unrestricted Funds
5) Restricted Funds
INDEX
Page
1
2
3
4
5
5
5
5
6

TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE ACCOUNTS

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a Report of the Trustees and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing the accounts, the trustees are required to:

  1. Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

  2. Observe the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP);

  3. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

  4. State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

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

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Page 1

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 21st Romsey (Nursling and Rownhams) Scout Group (registered charity number 302269) for the year ended 31 March 2024, which comprise of the Receipts and Payments Account, the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the related notes.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees, 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 21st Romsey (nursling and Rownhams) 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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: L J Purkess

Linda Purkess ACA 1 Fairway Gardens Rownhams SO16 8JJ

Date: 27 June 2024

Page 2

21st ROMSEY (NURSLING & ROWNHAMS) SCOUT GROUP CHARITY NUMBER: 302269 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR - ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

RECEIPTS
Donations, legacies and similar income
Section Membership Fees - Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs & Scouts
Group Camp
Scouting Programme and Activities
Joint Section Events
Rental Income from Letting Of HQ
Target Activities
Donations & Grants
Gift Aid
Contribution towards Group Branded Uniform
Fundraising income
Investment income
Interest from Virgin Money Deposit Account
Interest from Virgin Money Notice Account
TOTAL RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Charitable payments
Membership Fees to National/County/District Scouts
Group Camp
Scouting Programme and Activities
Joint Section Events
Uniform and Mileage
Other Premises Costs
Premises Insurance
Premises Electricity
Camping Equipment
Target Activities
Badges
Website
AGM Expenses
Administration Fees for Cash Collection
Sundry Payments
Fundraising Costs
TOTAL PAYMENTS
Net Receipts/(Payments)
Contribution (from) Group Funds to Sections
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Cash funds at 1 April 2023
Cash funds at 31 March 2024
Unrestricted
Funds
(note 4)
£
25,716
-
-
-
2,686
-
1,650
3,119
106
33,277
918
51
284
335
34,530
£
10,176
-
-
-
1,588
6,681
1,856
6,963
1,201
-
1,762
660
322
1,489
6
32,704
239
32,943
1,587
(6,962)
(5,375)
47,323
41,948
Restricted
Funds
(note 5)
£
-
-
7,738
7,534
-
1,783
-
-
-
17,055
-
-
-
-
17,055
£
-
-
14,306
7,227
-
-
-
-
-
1,938
-
-
-
-
-
23,471
-
23,471
(6,416)
6,962
546
5,523
6,069
2024
Total
Funds
£
2024
Total
Funds
£
2023
Total
Funds
£
21,650
3,120
5,561
5,745
5,149
2,433
2,232
3,144
-
49,034
1,013
25
139
164
50,211
£
9,736
3,541
12,297
5,934
610
3,414
1,827
4,883
3,907
744
1,971
-
20
1,317
82
50,283
605
50,888
(677)
-
(677)
53,523
52,846
25,716
-
7,738
7,534
2,686
1,783
1,650
3,119
106
50,332
918
51
284
335
51,585
£
10,176
-
14,306
7,227
1,588
6,681
1,856
6,963
1,201
1,938
1,762
660
322
1,489
6
56,175
239
56,414
(4,829)
-
(4,829)
52,846
48,017

Page 3

21st ROMSEY (NURSLING & ROWNHAMS) SCOUT GROUP CHARITY NUMBER: 302269 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR - ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

21
st
ROMSEY (NURSLING & ROWNHAMS) SCOUT GROUP
CHARITY NUMBER: 302269
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FOR THE YEAR- ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
CASH FUNDS
Bank current account
Virgin deposit account
(note 2)
Virgin notice account
(note 2)
Cash held by Target Activities
Cash prepaid on Equals Cards
TOTAL CASH FUNDS
CURRENT ASSETS
Gift Aid Tax recoverable
Accrued interest on Virgin deposit accounts
Accrued rental income from letting of HQ
Insurance premium paid in advance
Events deposits paid in advance
NON MONETARY ASSETS FOR CHARITY'S OWN USE
Land and buildings
(note 3)
Site improvements - Gazebo and benches
Scouting - tents
Scouting equipment

Kitchen equipment
Other electrical kit

Archery equipment
Tomahawks equipment

Kit stored in containers
- these are insurance values
LIABILITIES
Expenses incurred but not yet invoiced
Deposits received in advance for camps
Unrestricted
Funds
(note 4)
£
5,075
4,838
32,035
-
-
41,948
£
3,405
38
1,796
1,578
-
6,817
£
3,105
4,145
24,895
9,904
13,963
2,017
1,762
253
3,931
63,975
£
658
-
658
Restricted
Funds
(note 5)
£
-
5,322
-
1
746
6,069
£
-
42
-
-
42
£
82,351
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
82,351
£
-
-
-
2024
Total
Funds
£
5,075
10,160
32,035
1
746
48,017
£
3,405
80
1,796
1,578
-
6,859
£
85,456
4,145
24,895
9,904
13,963
2,017
1,762
253
3,931
146,326
£
658
-
658
2023
Total
Funds
£
2,665
8,108
41,751
1
321
52,846
£
3,100
-
-
1,536
300
4,936
£
86,581
4,145
22,632
9,004
12,694
1,834
1,602
230
3,470
142,192
£
198
875
1,073

There are no known material contingent liabilities or future obligations.

The notes on pages 5 and 6 form part of these accounts.

The above accounts were approved by the Trustees on 27th June 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

………………………………………………………..
Signed copy kept by Treasurer
Rebecca Fouch (Chair)
………………………………………………………. Jason Phelps (Treasurer)

Page 4

21st ROMSEY (NURSLING & ROWNHAMS) SCOUT GROUP CHARITY NUMBER 302269 FOR THE YEAR - ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1) ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a) Basis of Accounting

These Accounts have been prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis.

b) Valuation of assets

The Scout Premises are depreciated over the life of the Leasehold interest, which is 99 years from 25 September 2000.

Non monetary assets are valued on the statement of assets and liabilities at an estimate of current value, based on age and condition, and for insurance purposes.

2) INVESTMENT POLICY

The Group has adopted a low risk strategy to investment, keeping funds with mainstream banks and building societies. As at 31 March 2024 £10,160 was held within a Virgin Charity Deposit Account and £32,035 in a Virgin Charity 95 days Notice Account. Other funds were held in a current account with TSB.

3) FIXED ASSETS - Land and Buildings

Cost
At 1 April
Additions
At 31 March
Depreciation
At 1 April
Charge for year
At 31 March
Net Book Value
At 31 March
At 1 April
General fund
£
4,066
-
4,066
920
41
961
3,105
3,146
Restricted
HQ fund
£
107,258
-
107,258
23,823
1,084
24,907
82,351
83,435
2024
Total
£
111,324
-
111,324
24,743
1,125
25,868
85,456
86,581
2023 Total
£
111,324
-
111,324
23,618
1,125
24,743
86,581
87,706

Construction of the Scout Headquarters was completed in 2001 and the lease is held until 25 September 2099. The Insurance rebuild value is £ 360,565 for the Scout Hut and £3,075 for the separate Gazebo, installed autumn 2020.

4) UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

The General Fund is an unrestricted fund, available for the general purposes of the charity. The trustees have set aside funds in a designated international events fund to support young people to attend international scouting events. The designated Buildings fund is to cover any future major costs to the HQ. This year some of the designated equipment fund has been used to replace old tents.

Net receipts/(payments) for the year
Transfers between funds
Contribution (from) Group funds to Sections
Contribution (from) Group funds to Other Funds
Other net transfers between funds
Cash funds at 1 April 2023
Cash funds at 31 March 2024
General
Fund
£
1,188
(6,962)
-
-
15,536
9,762
Designated
International
Events Fund
£
1,600
-
-
-
-
1,600
Designated
Buildings Fund
£
-
-
-
-
29,457
29,457
Equipment
Fund
£
(1,201)
-
-
-
2,330
1,129
2024
Total
£
1,587
(6,962)
-
-
47,323
41,948
2023 Total
£
5,278
(5,493)
(189)
-
47,727
47,323

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 of running costs. The trustees consider that the Group should hold a sum equivalent to 4 to 6 months of running costs in the General Fund to cover imminent payments and urgent building repairs should they arise. At 31 March 2024 the balance stood at £9,762, which satisfies this policy.

Page 5

21st ROMSEY (NURSLING & ROWNHAMS) SCOUT GROUP CHARITY NUMBER: 302269 FOR THE YEAR - ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

5) RESTRICTED FUNDS

Section Funds - Group Camp Fund - Target Activities Fund

Subscriptions are received by each section for the running costs of that section. These sums are for use by the individual section only, and do not form part of the Unrestricted Funds of the Group. The Group Camp fund is used to support any section where camp costs are greater than income.

Joint Events

This fund is for any joint section events which is not attributable to a single section.

RECEIPTS
Target Activities
Joint Events
Group Camp / Events
Programme & activities - Scout Sections
PAYMENTS
Target Activities
Joint Events
Group Camp / Events
Programme & activities - Scout Sections
Camping Equipment
Net (payments)/receipts
Transfers between funds
Contribution from Group funds to Sections
Other net transfers between funds
Cash funds b/fwd at 1 April 2023
Cash funds c/fwd at 31 March 2024
River Beavers Fund
Wood Beavers
Fund
Phoenix Cubs Fund
Taurus Cubs Fund
Endeavour Scouts
Fund
Atlantis Scouts
Fund
Peanut Squirrels
Fund
Acorn Squirrels
Fund
Group Camp Fund
Taget Activities
Fund
Joint Events
Total
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,783
-
1,783
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,534
7,534
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
820
190
4,254
1,965
344
165
-
-
-
7,738
-
-
820
190
4,254
1,965
344
165
-
1,783
7,534
17,055
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,938
-
1,938
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,227
7,227
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
500
495
2,332
1,222
5,639
2,875
656
587
-
-
-
14,306
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
500
495
2,332
1,222
5,639
2,875
656
587
-
1,938
7,227
23,471
(500)
(495)
(1,512)
(1,032)
(1,385)
(910)
(312)
(422)
-
(155)
307
(6,416)
763
713
1,347
750
1,125
963
588
713
-
-
-
6,962
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
349
87
165
570
1,120
475
236
-
812
1,709
-
5,523
612
305
-
288
860
528
512
291
812
1,554
307
6,069
Total
2023
£
2,433
5,745
3,120
5,561
16,859
744
5,934
3,541
11,267
1,328
22,814
(5,955)
5,493
189
5,796
5,523

Page 6