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2025-03-31-accounts

Trustees' Annual Report

For the period

From (start date) 0 1 0 4 2 4 4 3 1 0 3 2 5
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name
Other names the charity is known by
Registered charity number (if any)
HQ registration number
Charity’s principal address		 1st Royston Scout Group
N/A
3
0
2
5
6
8
1st Royston Scouts HQ
BarkwaySt
Royston
Postcode S G 8 9 E W

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

(These will be published in the annual report of the charity and the Charity Register if reporting for a Registered Charity with a charity regulator)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15		 Trustee Name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for
whole year
Richard John Surridge Chair from 28/04/24
Sergios Siakallis Trustee from 28/04/24
Eleanor Browne Secretary from 28/04/24
Patrick Alister Sean Leighton Trustee
David Arthur Collinge Treasurer

Names and addresses of advisers (optional information but encouraged as best practice)

(These will be published in the annual report of the charity)

Type of advisor Name Address

Section B Structure, governance and management

1 LT700001 (14 September 2024)

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document 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. (e.g. trust deed, constitution) How the charity is constituted The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. (e.g. trust, association, company) Trustee selection methods The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, (e.g. appointed by, elected by) Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

Additional governance issues (optional information but encouraged as best practice)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

Policies and procedures adopted for: a) the induction and training of trustees; b) trustee' consideration of major risks and the systems and procedures to manage them

The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.

The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and up to 4 Trustees (including 2 Ex Officio Trustees, and 2 co-opted Trustees) and meets every 6 months.

Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board.

This Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run highquality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for life.

2 LT700001 (14 September 2024)

Section B Structure, governance and management (continued)
Risk and Internal Control
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 the church,
community centre and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocal
arrangements exist with these organisations. 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
Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk
Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
Reduced income from fundraising. The Group is primarily
reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The
group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of
activities should there be a major reduction in income. The
Board could raise the value 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 totally 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 the complete closure of the Group.
Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities
for all young people aged 6 to 14. 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 the complete
closure of the Group.

Section C

Objectives and activities

3 LT700001 (14 September 2024)

Summary of the objects of the charity set
out in its governing document
Summary of the main activities in relation
to these objects		 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.
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:
- enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
- make and live by their Promise.
Running group program nights and camping events for 1
Beaver Colony, 2 Cub Packs and 2 Scout Troops

Additional details of the objectives and activities (optional information but encouraged as best practice)

Youmay chooseto include further
statements, where relevant, about:
• policy on grant making;
• contribution made by volunteers;
• policy on investments.
Public benefit statement		 We do not make grants to other organisations from our main
general income.
We currently hold a sum of £40,000 in a fixed term interest
bearing saving account. We have no other investments.
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.
Section D Achievements and performance

4 LT700001 (14 September 2024)

Summary of the main achievements of A total of 1491 badges were awarded across the group in the the charity during the year year, up 510 on the same period last year, 413 being core received during investiture and for continued service between the sections, 353 staged these are the badges that carry from beavers all the way through to explorers such as nights away, hikes and time on the water, 455 activity badges which are gained either at home, during program nights or on camp, 234 Challenge badges which are the ones that go towards the Chief Scouts Awards which is the highest award you can get in each section, Bronze beaver, Silver cubs and Gold scouts, of these 3 top awards 36 in total were given out. Across the group we offered up to 88 nights away at various Christmas camps, district camps and summer camps. All sections took part in Remembrance Day Parade where we had 93 leaders and members turn out across the group.

Section E Financial Review
Details of any funds materially in deficit
(circumstances plus steps to eliminate)
Further financial review details (optional information)
Youmay chooseto include additional
information, where relevant, about:
• the charity’s principal sources of funds
(including any fundraising);
Most of the charity's income is from subscriptions from our
members which currently range from £30 to £50 per member
per term. Fundraising is also used and occasional grants and
donations come in that are used for general activities,
section night expenses, camping materials and equipment
and hut maintenance.
• investment policy and objectives;
None
The Group does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-
term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has
therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its
funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream
banks or building societies.
The Group held reserves of approximately £50k against this
at year end. This is above the level for operating expenses
and event contingency as the unit is saving towards a new
kitchen and toilets at the Scout Hut.
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. The Group
Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum
equivalent to 12 months running costs, c£10k and an
additional £10k event contingency.
Brief statement of the charity’s policy on
reserves		 The Group held reserves of approximately £50k against this
at year end. This is above the level for operating expenses
and event contingency as the unit is saving towards a new
kitchen and toilets at the Scout Hut.
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. The Group
Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum
equivalent to 12 months running costs, c£10k and an
additional £10k event contingency.
None

Most of the charity's income is from subscriptions from our
members which currently range from £30 to £50 per member
per term. Fundraising is also used and occasional grants and
donations come in that are used for general activities,
section night expenses, camping materials and equipment
and hut maintenance.
The Group does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-
term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has
therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its
funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream
banks or building societies.

5 LT700001 (14 September 2024)

The Group Trustee Board regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the group obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an account that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn, before doing so the Group Trustee Board considers the cash flow requirements.

Section F

Other Optional Information

Plans for future periods (details of any significant activities planned to achieve them)

The group is beginning to form plans to refresh the kitchen, toilets and some related equipment/facilities (e.g. fire safety). Quotes and applications for grants are being put in place to support this. A Group HQ asbestos review is also being put in place in advance of the above.

Section G

Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

ees ees ees ees ees ees ees
Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Date
Position (eg Secretary, Chair)
Dave Collinge Eleanor Browne
Treasurer Secretary
D
D
M
M
Y
Y
D D M M Y Y

6 LT700001 (14 September 2024)

1[st] Royston Scouts: Financial Report for the year end 31[st] March 2025

– Summary P&L see Appendix for detailed P&L

1. Executive Summary

Cash profit for the year was strong at £4,890 against a Budget of £62.

However, this was due to one off items, such as the receipt of £4,222 from the Royston District Easter Raffle that 1[st] Royston organised this year which is set aside against the Kitchen fund and unlikely to be repeated in 25/26 (See Section 4: Exceptional items).

This aside, there are number of positive factors. We raised £2,531 in Fundraising in the year, over £1,031 more than our budgeted targets. Gift Aid and Interest earned also performed better than expectation adding a further £1,311 against budget.

However, stripping out Easter raffle and other exceptional items (See section4) we were only £261 ahead of expectation even with these positive factors.

This is due to underlying unfavourable trends in running costs including utilities and the increase of Scout Membership from £62.50 to £74 (18%) per child. Together these added over £2,000 per year to our cost base. In addition our income from Hall Hire fell 70% year on year without any income from Totsplay the childcare group.

These unfavourable trends are expected to continue into 25/26 therefore, regrettably, it has been necessary to increase our standard subscription from £45 to £50 and our Leader’s child subscription from £22.50 to £30 from the summer term.

We remind all leaders and parents of the availability of our friendship fund that we hold aside for those parents for whom this may cause problems. The last thing we want is for kids to miss out.

In 24/25 Subscriptions remain strong with an average of 113 members throughout the year, our Camps continue to be managed well, with any excess profits’ paid back to parents or set aside to purchase new camping equipment.

Currently the group has £52,979 in cash reserves, up from £48,089 last year. £37,831 is held in 1 fixed interestbearing account and a further £7,702 is being held aside for the planned Kitchen renovations.

2. Income

Subscriptions: £12,733 (BUD: £12,569 LY: £12,123)

Scout numbers slightly ahead of prior year and budget due to high than expected membership. Budgeted 109, average of 103

Gift aid: £3,085 (BUD: £2,362 LY: £2,257)

Gift aid higher than expected, due to increased numbers and small catch up on claim for prior year.

Hall Hire & Tent Hire £417 (BUD: £720 LY: £1,399)

A substantial drop off in Hall Hire in the year compared to last year and budget due to the loss of Tots Play due to the maternity leave of the leader. The income stream from Vitality Within Ltd - £390 continues but only uses 14 hours per term. There was £108 outstanding at year end that will be collected next year.

In the year there was also £27 raised through the hire of tents to other Scouts groups LY £137.

Donations and Fundraising and other £3,974 (BUD: £2,400 LY: £2933)

Another fantastic year for fundraising this year with £2,531 raised from the May Fayre, Pancake Parlour, the Board Game Cafes run by Chirs Lennoxsmith, and donation matching from Johnson Matthey organised by Jack Corps

This also includes £1,487 of interest mainly from the Fixed term £37,831 savings account.

Camps & Trips £370 (BUD: £625 LY: £740)

23 Camps held in the year, earning a cash profit in year of £370 and £790 in total against a budget of £625, with expenses outstanding at year end for Scouts Games and Film night sleep over and the Joint 1[st] and 10[th] Royston Beaver camp (subsequently received). An invoice from 10[th] Beavers for their contribution to the camp of £193 was outstanding at year end.

We also received £2,229 cash in advance for FY25/26 camps and refunded £(850) against the 2023 summer camp (included as exceptional items)

3. Expenditure

Membership Subscriptions £8,510- (BUD: £7,153 LY: £6,688)

The large increase compared to LY and Budget due to the 18% increase from £62.50 to £74 per child in membership charges from the scouts group. Budget was set at £64 per child.

Section Costs £4,498 (BUD: £4,173 LY: £4,035)

Section Costs comprise of the cost of running section nights £1,938, Section badges £1,572, the fees for GoCardless, the online payment provider (£988 -3%). Online Scout Manager Fees were paid following year end therefore are not included.

Section costs are slightly higher than budget but markedly higher than last year with more sections making use of their full budgeted allowance.

Hut Running Costs £4,409 (BUD: £4,767 LY: £3,481)

Hut running costs below budget as there has been less spent on HQ maintenance and repairs and New Equipment than in previous years. Electricity Costs continue to rise above expectation, and this drives the large increase in spend year on year primarily due to late billing by EON that was received in May 24 (See exception items)

Camping & Kit £1,353 (BUD: £1,135 LY: £1140)

This year 2 Coleman Shelters, 6 Coleman sides, 2 Coleman Doors, 2 Icarus tents (partially paid for by excess profit from camps). In Prior 2 tents, ten trestle tables, large cool box, first aid replenishment gas replacements and piping

4. Exceptional Items £3,172(BUD: £(1,396) LY: £2,728)

Exceptional items are items that should not be considered as part of the underlying profit of the group as they do not represent ongoing income of expenditure. Considering such items included in the profit for the year could lead to an unrealistic assessment of performance.

Issues with Eon billing and lack of clarity around historic credits built up lead to a large underpayment in 23/24 and part of 22/23 that has not been caught up.

Not paid in time for year end, budget exclused from total for comparability.

5. Bank Account Summary

Current Account
Deposit Account
Debtor Account with Scouts
FriendShip Fund
Kitchen Fund
Wilderness Donation
Cash
Fixed Saver
TOTAL		 b/f
£9,856
£5,649
£0
£15,505
624.9
401.45
£436
£1,462
£337
£30,784
£48,089		 Paid In
Paid out
Interest
Transfers
c/f
£37,978 £(35,079)
£(6,539)
£(3,640)
£6,217
£29
£(5,673)
£(5,644)
£5
£0
£0
£37,978 £(35,079)
£29 £(12,212)
£(9,283)
£6,222
£0
£(90)
£7
£(83)
541.04
£685
£77
£6,539
£7,301
7702.02
£(435.8)
£0
£(435.4)
£0
£685
£(526)
£84
£6,539
£6,782
£8,243
£645
£(300)
£682
£1,374
£5,673
£37,831
£39,308 £(35,905)
£1,487
£0
£(2,501)
£52,979

At year end 1[st] Royston Scouts held cash reserves of £42,909. Of this £37,831 was held in an interest-bearing 1 Year fixed term account, £7,702 held in an interest-bearing account for the Kitchen renovation and £6,217 held in the current account.

£436 that was being held for Wilderness Scouts was repaid in the year.

£471 remains in the friendship fund and is available to the camp and subs fees for scouts who required assistance in the year.

APPENDIX 1 – Detailed Accounts

1st Royston Scout Group Accounts Income and Expenditure Account 2024-25

INCOME Subscriptions
Donations, Grants & Fundraising
Hall Hire
Tent Hire
Gift Aid
Interest
SHOP INCOME
Sales
Expenses
CAMPS AND TRIPS
Income
Expense
Net Revenue
Gross Revenue (excluding camp expenses)
TURE
Membership Subscription
Friendship fund utilised
SECTION COSTS
Online Scout Manager
Go Cardless
Section leader Expenses
Section Badges
AGM
HUT RUNNING COSTS
Insurance
Electricity
Water Rates
Cleaning
HQ Repairs/ maintenance
New Equipment for hut
CAMPING & KIT
New Equipment - Camping
Camping Replenishments
Net Expenditure
Gross Expenditure (inclduing Camp Expenses)
SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR
SURPLUS BOUGHT FORWARD
CURRENT SURPLUS
SURPLUS TO CARRY FORWARD
REPRESENTED BY
LLOYDS DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
LLOYDs Fixed Term deposit
LLOYDS CURRENT ACCOUNT
SCOUT SHORT TERM INVESTMENT
Cash
Friendship fund
Wilderness Fund
Kitchen Fund
Owed not yet paid
Owed not yet received		 2025
2024
£12,733
£12,123
£6,316
£4,706
£390
£1,269
£27
£131
£3,085
£2,257
£1,487
£867
£24,038
£21,352
£56
£20
£(100)
£(152)
£(44)
£(132)
£15,605
£15,759
£(13,848)
£(14,799)
£1,757
£960
£25,751
£22,181
£39,599
£36,979
£(8,510)
£(6,688)
£(90)
-
£(530)
£(988)
£(811)
£(1,938)
£(1,290)
£(1,572)
£(1,352)
-
£(53)
£(4,498)
£(4,035)
£(1,575)
£(1,496)
£(3,372)
£(135)
£(454)
£(406)
£(793)
£(857)
£(6,194)
£(2,894)
£(215)
£(398)
-
£(189)
£(215)
£(587)
£(6,409)
£(3,481)
£(1,048)
£(684)
£(306)
£(456)
£(1,354)
£(1,140)		 2025
2024
£12,733
£12,123
£6,316
£4,706
£390
£1,269
£27
£131
£3,085
£2,257
£1,487
£867
£24,038
£21,352
£56
£20
£(100)
£(152)
£(44)
£(132)
£15,605
£15,759
£(13,848)
£(14,799)
£1,757
£960
£25,751
£22,181
£39,599
£36,979
£(8,510)
£(6,688)
£(90)
-
£(530)
£(988)
£(811)
£(1,938)
£(1,290)
£(1,572)
£(1,352)
-
£(53)
£(4,498)
£(4,035)
£(1,575)
£(1,496)
£(3,372)
£(135)
£(454)
£(406)
£(793)
£(857)
£(6,194)
£(2,894)
£(215)
£(398)
-
£(189)
£(215)
£(587)
£(6,409)
£(3,481)
£(1,048)
£(684)
£(306)
£(456)
£(1,354)
£(1,140)		 2025
2024
£12,733
£12,123
£6,316
£4,706
£390
£1,269
£27
£131
£3,085
£2,257
£1,487
£867
£24,038
£21,352
£56
£20
£(100)
£(152)
£(44)
£(132)
£15,605
£15,759
£(13,848)
£(14,799)
£1,757
£960
£25,751
£22,181
£39,599
£36,979
£(8,510)
£(6,688)
£(90)
-
£(530)
£(988)
£(811)
£(1,938)
£(1,290)
£(1,572)
£(1,352)
-
£(53)
£(4,498)
£(4,035)
£(1,575)
£(1,496)
£(3,372)
£(135)
£(454)
£(406)
£(793)
£(857)
£(6,194)
£(2,894)
£(215)
£(398)
-
£(189)
£(215)
£(587)
£(6,409)
£(3,481)
£(1,048)
£(684)
£(306)
£(456)
£(1,354)
£(1,140)
EXPENDI
£(20,861)
£(34,709)
£4,890
£48,088
£52,978
£52,978
£5
£37,831
£6,217
-
£682
£541
£0
£7,702
£52,979
£0
£332
£332
£53,311		 £(15,344)
£(30,142)
£6,837
£41,251
£48,088
£48,088
£5,649
£30,784
£9,856
£0
£337
£625
£436
£401
£48,089
£0
-
-
£48,089

APPENDIX 2: Detail (with Exceptionals split out vs Budget)

1st Royston Scout Group Accounts

Income and Expenditure Account 2024-25

Income and Expenditure Account 2024-25
INCOME
Children
Subscriptions
Donations, Grants & Fundraising
Hall Hire
Tent Hire
Gift Aid
Interest
Income from TY Camps
Expense from TY Camps
CAMPS AND TRIPS
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Membership Subscription
FriendShip Fund Utilised
SECTION COSTS (inc OSM and AGM)
Online Scout Manager
Go Cardless
Section Expenses
Badges
AGM
Contingency
HUT RUNNING COSTS
Insurance
Electricity
Water Rates
Cleaning
HQ Maintenance & Repairs
New Equipment for Hut (includes fire extinguisher)
Camping Replenishment (Matches surplus)
New Equipment
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
SURPLUS
Exceptional Items
Easter Raffle for Kitchen
Pay back wilderness
Electricty catch up
Refunds for Last years camps
Income from next years camps
Expenses for next year camps
Camp Income/ Expense timing		 ACTUALS
BUDGET
VS BUD
113
109
£12,733
£12,569
£164
£2,531
£1,500
£1,031
£390
£720
£(330)
£27
£27
£3,085
£2,362
£724
£1,487
£900
£587
£20,253
£18,050
£2,203
-
£13,568
£(13,198)
£370
£625
£(255)
-
£20,579
£18,675
£1,904
-
-
-
£(8,510)
£(7,153)
£(1,357)
£(160)
-
£(160)
-
-
-
£(546)
£546
£(988)
£(862)
£(126)
£(1,938)
£(1,899)
£(39)
£(1,572)
£(1,412)
£(161)
-
-
-
-
-
£(4,498)
£(4,719)
£220-
-
-
£(1,575)
£(1,541)
£(34)
£(1,372)
£(1,200)
£(172)
£(454)
£(418)
£(36)
£(793)
£(857)
£64
£(215)
£(500)
£285
-
£(250)
£250
£(306)
£(625)
£319
£(1,048)
£(500)
£(548)
£(5,763)
£(5,892)
£129
-
£(18,931)
£(17,764)
£(1,168)
£1,648
£912
£736
-
£4,222
£4,222
£(436)
£(436)
£(2,000)
£(2,000)
£(843)
£(700)
£(143)
£2,880
£2,880
£(651)
£(150)
£(501)
£1,387
£(850)
£2,237
£3,172
£(850)
£4,022
£4,820
£62
£4,759

LT700006 - Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees (January 2024)

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of 1[st] Royston Scout Group

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 1[st] Royston Scout Group for the year ended 21[st] March 2025

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the 1[st] Royston 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 1[st] Royston 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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the 1[st] Royston Scout Group as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. 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: Stuart Hanna

Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): FCCA

Address: 37 Greengage Rise Melbourn, Cambs. SG8 6DS Date: 19/01/26