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2025-03-31-accounts

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

Trustees’ annual report for the year ending 31 March 2025

Reference details

Registered charity number: 302269

Scout Association registration number: 10014441

Website: https://www.21stromsey.co.uk/

Address of headquarters: 21[st ] Romsey 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. 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.

2024-25 Trustee report Final approved

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.

The Group also oversees a sub-section that engages in target activities: shooting, archery, crossbow and throwing-axes.

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.

Achievements and performance

As can be seen from the chart below, our membership has reached a plateau, which is unsurprising since we now have two sections in each age range (Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts). We did not open any new sections in 2024-5 and are unlikely to do so in the foreseeable future. At the time of the January 2025 census we recorded a total of 163 youth members and 35 uniformed leaders, which makes us one of the largest Groups in Romsey District. Any future increase in the number of children is likely to be small, within existing sections, and dependent on the availability of leaders.

All sections continue to run active programmes, which engage the young people as they work towards gaining badges. Several opportunities have been given for the young people to experience sleepovers or camping; events which have encouraged their self-reliance in ways appropriate to their age. The Group was well represented at camps and challenges organised by Romsey District Scouting, and at the annual St George’s Day parade. We are grateful to the local parish church for again allowing us to participate in their Remembrance Day commemorations.

As well as providing amazing programmes for the young people of our Group, our leaders actively support Scouting further afield. Many assist in running District-wide events and some have formal roles at District level. Our Target Sports team are also a resource, providing opportunities for the young people of other Groups and training for leaders.

Changes made by the national Scout Association have required our leaders to embrace a new national database of adult membership and alterations to their own training programme. At the same time they have carried much of the load for the operational running of the Group (maintenance, administration, fund-raising etc). We would welcome more volunteers in these areas to enable leaders to focus on running their sections, so continuing to provide excellent programmes for the young people.

The Trustees would like to express their sincere thanks and admiration for all that our leaders do to make 21[st ] Romsey Scout Group the success that it is.

2024-25 Trustee report Final approved

2

21st Romsey Uniformed Membership 2015 - 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
210 42
180 36
150 30
120 24 Number of Young People
90 18
Number of adults
60 12
30 6
0 0
Year
Number of Adults
Number of Young People
----- End of picture text -----

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 of England and Wales. Over the past two years the national Scout Association has introduced changes to the structure of the organisation, which are designed to enhance the governance arrangements, at the same time creating more flexible opportunities for adults to participate.

Within the Group the adult leaders and supporters give their time and expertise voluntarily, without remuneration, to help the development of young people. We are led by the Group Lead Volunteer, or 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 must conform to the requirements of the Charity Commission.

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. Over the past year operational duties which were previously overseen by the Executive Committee have been devolved to the Group Leadership Team, with appropriate sub-teams such as Maintenance and Administration. Consequently, from the 2024 AGM the number of Trustees was reduced from 15 to 7. The trustees work together to make sure that 21[st ] Romsey Scout Group is run safely and legally. At the heart of their role is a focus on strategy, performance and assurance.

2024-25 Trustee report Final approved

3

Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 the Board met five times to ensure that

In addition to routine matters, over the past year specific activities of the Trustee Board included:

Further information on the local governance and finance arrangements of Scout Groups can be found in chapter 5 of POR[2 ] and in Scout Association guidance for trustees[3] .

2024-25 Trustee report Final approved

4

The following served as trustees during the year ending 31 March 2025. The Group Lead Volunteer (Group Scout Leader) is an ex officio member of the Board, the others are appointed by the Group Council. Unless otherwise indicated the individuals were appointed prior to 1 April 2024 and reappointed at the 2024 AGM.

Name Specific role (if any) on
the Committee		 Dates of service if not for the whole year
Randell McKay Chair Appointed as Chair at 2024 AGM (11 July 2024),
previouslyDeputyChair
Cameron Beale Group Lead Volunteer
Jason Phelps Treasurer
Gillian McKay Secretary
Sharon Archer
Julie Nash
Andrew Pickles From 2024 AGM (11 July 2024)
Rebecca Fouch Chair Until 2024 AGM (11 July 2024)
Ian Biondani Asst. Scout Leader Until 2024 AGM (11 July 2024)
Leanne Cooper General member Until 2024 AGM (11 July 2024)
Steve Batchelor Target Sports and
Asst. Scout Leader		 Until 2024 AGM (11 July 2024)
Craig Wilkins Cub Leader
(Phoenix Pack)		 Until 2024 AGM (11 July 2024)
Kerrie Bowers Beaver section leader
(River Beaver Colony)		 Until 2024 AGM (11 July 2024)
Jo-Ann Ray Squirrel section leader Until 2024 AGM (11 July 2024)
Terry Elliot Draco Explorer Scout
Leader		 Until 2024 AGM (11 July 2024)
Bethan Cowley Cub section leader
(Taurus Pack)		 Until 2024 AGM (11 July 2024)

2024-25 Trustee report Final approved

5

Financial review

Further information is given in the annual accounts, but a summary of receipts and payments for the year ending 31 March 2025 is:

Unrestricted funds
2024 - 25		 Restricted Funds
2024 - 25		 Total
2024 - 25		 Total
2023 - 24
Receipts £33,594 £13,731 £47,325 £41,409
Payments £25,348 £14,765 £40,113 £46,238
Net receipts /
(payments)		 £8,246 (£1,034) £7,212 (£4,829)
Net transfers
between funds		 (£6,018) £6,018 - -
Cash funds at
31 March		 £44,176 £11,053 £55,229 £48,017

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 2025 the balance stood at £8,819, which satisfies this policy.

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 2025 £10,299 was held in a Virgin deposit account and £32,189 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

Independent examiner of accounts

Linda Purkess 1 Fairway Gardens SO16 8JJ

2024-25 Trustee report Final approved

6

Declaration

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

Signed on behalf of the Trustees:

Randell McKay (Group Chair)

Approved by the Trustee Board on 2 July 2025. The Secretary of the 21[st] Romsey Trustee Board holds the original, signed copy.

Name: Randell McKay Position: Chair of Trustee Board, 21[st ] Romsey Scout Group Date: 2 July 2025

Glossary and references

  1. The Scout Association: https://www.scouts.org.uk/ 2. Policy, Organisation and Rules: https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/

  2. 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.

2024-25 Trustee report Final approved

7

21ST ROMSEY (NURSLING AND ROWNHAMS) SCOUT GROUP

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Charity Number: 302269

21st ROMSEY (NURSLING & ROWNHAMS) SCOUT GROUP

Charity Number: 302269

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 MARCH 2025

INDEX

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		 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 2025, 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: 2 July 2025

Page 2

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

FOR THE YEAR - ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

RECEIPTS
Donations, legacies and similar income
Section Membership Fees - Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs & Scouts
Less: Membership Fees to National/County/District Scouts
Scouting Programme and Activities
Joint Section Events - Other
Joint Section Events - District Camp
Rental Income from Letting Of HQ
Target Activities
Donations
Gift Aid
Contribution towards Group Branded Uniform
Grants
Fundraising income
Investment income
Interest from Virgin Money Deposit Account
Interest from Virgin Money Notice Account
TOTAL RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Charitable payments
Scouting Programme and Activities
Joint Section Events - Other
Uniform and Mileage
Other Premises Costs
Premises Insurance
Premises Electricity
Camping Equipment
Target Activities
Badges
Website
Accounting Software
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 2024
Cash funds at 31 March 2025		 Unrestricted
Funds
(note 4)
£
24,924
(10,970)
13,954
-
1,912
-
7,794
-
2,470
3,476
-
29,606
2,200
1,495
138
155
293
33,594
£
-
2,048
87
9,428
1,955
5,708
1,568
-
1,205
10
95
292
1,555
-
23,951
1,397
25,348
8,246
(6,018)
2,228
41,948
44,176		 Restricted
Funds
(note 5)
£
-
-
-
10,896
-
1,450
-
1,385
-
-
-
13,731
-
-
-
-
-
13,731
£
14,264
-
-
-
-
-
-
501
-
-
-
-
-
-
14,765
-
14,765
(1,034)
6,018
4,984
6,069
11,053		 2025
Total
Funds
£		 2025
Total
Funds
£		 2024
Total
Funds
£
25,716
(10,176)
15,540
7,738
7,534
-
2,686
1,783
1,150
3,119
106
39,656
500
918
51
284
335
41,409
£
14,306
7,227
1,588
6,681
1,856
6,963
1,201
1,938
1,762
660
-
322
1,489
6
45,999
239
46,238
(4,829)
-
(4,829)
52,846
48,017
24,924
(10,970)
13,954
10,896
1,912
1,450
7,794
1,385
2,470
3,476
-
43,337
2,200
1,495
138
155
293
47,325
£
14,264
2,048
87
9,428
1,955
5,708
1,568
501
1,205
10
95
292
1,555
-
38,716
1,397
40,113
7,212
-
7,212
48,017
55,229

Page 3

21st ROMSEY (NURSLING & ROWNHAMS) SCOUT GROUP CHARITY NUMBER: 302269 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR - ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

21
st
ROMSEY (NURSLING & ROWNHAMS) SCOUT GROUP
CHARITY NUMBER: 302269
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FOR THE YEAR- ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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
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
There are no known material contingent liabilities or future obligations.
The notes on pages 5 and 6 form part of these accounts.		 U nrestricted
Funds
(note 4)
£
11,959
3,838
27,055
-
-
42,852
£
3,594
128
1,390
1,660
6,772
£
3,064
4,145
27,385
10,894
15,359
2,219
1,938
278
4,324
69,606
£
-
-
-		 R estricted
Funds
(note 5)
£
-
6,461
5,134
-
782
12,377
£
-
31
-
31
£
81,268
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
81,268
£
-
1,550
1,550		 2025
Total
Funds
£
11,959
10,299
32,189
-
782
55,229
£
3,594
159
1,390
1,660
6,803
£
84,332
4,145
27,385
10,894
15,359
2,219
1,938
278
4,324
150,874
£
-
1,550
1,550		 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

The above accounts were approved by the Trustees on 2 July 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………….

Randell McKay (Chair) Jason Phelps (Treasurer)

Page 4

21st ROMSEY (NURSLING & ROWNHAMS) SCOUT GROUP CHARITY NUMBER 302269 FOR THE YEAR - ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 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 2025 £10,299 was held within a Virgin Charity Deposit Account and £32,189 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
961
41
1,002
3,064
3,105		 Restricted
HQ fund
£
107,258
-
107,258
24,907
1,083
25,990
81,268
82,351		 2025
Total
£
111,324
-
111,324
25,868
1,124
26,992
84,332
85,456		 2024 Total
£
111,324
-
111,324
24,743
1,125
25,868
85,456
86,581

Construction of the Scout Headquarters was completed in 2001 and the lease is held until 25 September 2099. The Insurance rebuild value is £ 369,940 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
Cash funds at 1 April 2024
Cash funds at 31 March 2025		 General
Fund
£
8,514
(6,018)
(3,439)
9,762
8,819		 Designated
International
Events Fund
£
1,300
-
-
1,600
2,900		 Designated
Buildings Fund
£
-
-
1,000
29,457
30,457		 Equipment
Fund
£
(1,568)
-
2,439
1,129
2,000		 2025
Total
£
8,246
(6,018)
-
41,948
44,176		 2024 Total
£
1,587
(6,962)
-
47,323
41,948

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 2025 the balance stood at £8,819, which satisfies this policy.

Page 5

21st ROMSEY (NURSLING & ROWNHAMS) SCOUT GROUP CHARITY NUMBER: 302269 FOR THE YEAR - ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 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
Programme & activities - Scout Sections
PAYMENTS
Target Activities
Joint Events
Programme & activities - Scout Sections
Net (payments)/receipts
Transfers between funds
Contribution from Group funds to Sections
Cash funds b/fwd at 1 April 2024
Cash funds c/fwd at 31 March 2025		 Acorn Squirrels
Fund
Peanut Squirrels
Fund
River Beavers Fund
Wood Beavers
Fund
Phoenix Cubs Fund
Taurus Cubs Fund
Atlantis Scouts
Fund
Endeavour Scouts
Fund
Group Camp Fund
Target Activities
Fund
Joint Events:
Others
Joint Events:
District Camp
Total
2025
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,385
-
-
1,385
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,450
1,450
340
455
488
338
2,511
1,146
675
4,943
-
-
-
-
10,896
340
455
488
338
2,511
1,146
675
4,943
-
1,385
-
1,450
13,731
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
501
-
-
501
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
597
607
1,208
880
3,491
2,007
552
4,922
-
-
-
-
14,264
597
607
1,208
880
3,491
2,007
552
4,922
-
501
-
-
14,765
(257)
(152)
(720)
(542)
(980)
(861)
123
21
-
884
-
1,450
(1,034)
537
537
587
587
980
703
987
1,100
-
-
-
-
6,018
291
512
612
305
-
288
528
860
812
1,554
307
-
6,069
571
897
479
350
-
130
1,638
1,981
812
2,438
307
1,450
11,053		 Total
2024
£
1,783
7,534
7,738
17,055
1,938
7,227
14,306
23,471
(6,416)
6,962
5,523
6,069

Page 6