ST ALBANS DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
Report & Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2021
PRESIDENT
Vacant
VICE PRESIDENTS
Mr F A Prior; Mr J Walker; Mr G Bassil; Mrs J Thomas MBE.
TRUSTEES: Ex-Officio
CHAIR Mr N Churton (Mr M Combes resigned 5.10.20) SECRETARY Mrs L Cheadle (Mrs J Woodworth resigned 5.10.20) TREASURER Mr V Molloy DISTRICT COMMISSIONER Dr A Payne DEPUTY DISTRICT Vacant COMMISSIONER DISTRICT EXPLORER SCOUT Mr N Welford COMMISSIONER DISTRICT NETWORK Mr G Bray COMMISSIONER (Mr M Hill resigned 30.9.20) TRUSTEES:- Elected Committee Mr D Barker; Mrs L Hunt; Mr S Lindsay MBE; Members Mr R Morton; Mrs N Wells . BANKERS CAF Bank Barclays – St Albans (Explorers) Lloyds – St Albans (Scout Shop & Phoenix) NatWest – St Albans (Gang Show)
District Registration Number with The Scout Association - 12215
Charity Registration Number - 302578
Contact Name & Mr V Molloy Address 30 Rowlatt Drive St Albans Herts, AL3 4NB
St Albans District Scout Council
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2021
Summary of main activities of the Charity during the year
Over the past year, Covid has continued to present a significant challenge to Scouting generally. St Albans District is no exception. However, despite the pandemic, the District Executive Committee has remained resolute in supporting groups and sections. The above national-average level of retained members over Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Scout Network has reflected this.
A committee priority over the year has been the strong encouragement of leader training. This focus has brought a substantial improvement in statutory qualifications within leader numbers. This effort is ongoing.
The focus for the District Executive is the re-establishment of a face-to-face, online-free Scouting experience for all members and adult leaders. Reopening the Scout Shop, the re-establishment of the Gang Show, and full reopening of the District HQ are priorities. So too is the exciting establishment of a new section, Squirrels, which the Committee is supporting.
Projects such as the World Jamboree in South Korea will receive the Committee’s enthusiastic backing.
The District Executive Committee has seen several changes over the past year. Nick Churton has taken over as Chair, replacing Mark Combes, to whom go the committee’s grateful thanks. The committee has also welcomed Nigel Welford as DESC and Lisa Cheadle as Secretary.
The committee plans to make further changes in the District Team and is investigating paid support to cover admin. Additionally, a resource is being sought to advise on safety.
Scouting continues to grow and develop as a fully inclusive and progressive organisation. The St Albans District Executive will continue to support the growth and development of local Scouting.
Governing Document
The District's governing documents are those of the 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.
Constitution
The District is a trust established under The Scout Association rules which are common to all Scouts.
Trustee Selection
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
District Management
The District is managed by the District Executive Committee, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the District which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to
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charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
St Albans District Scout Council
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2021 (cont.)
Members of the Executive Committee complete 'Essential Information for Executive Committee' training within the first 5 months of joining the committee.
The District Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner and is responsible for:
The maintenance of District property; The raising of funds and the administration of District finance; The insurance of persons, property and equipment; District public occasions; Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; Appointing any sub committees that may be required; Appointing District Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.
Risk and Internal Control
The District has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, including 2 signatures for all payments and comprehensive policies to ensure insurable risks are covered.
Summary of the Charity’s objectives as set out in the governing document
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:
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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.
Public Benefit Statement
The District meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
St Albans District Scout Council
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2021 (cont.)
Reserves Policy
The District's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the District should income and fundraising activities fall short. The District Executive Committee determined during the period that given likely future needs the core District (excluding Explorers, Gang Show, Scout Shop and Phoenix Expeditions) should hold a minimum sum of circa £30,000.
The core District held reserves of approximately £ 94,000 against this at the year end. This is above the level required for operating expenses. The Executive Committee is looking to draw down some of those funds over the coming 12 months to cover expenditure on a range of activities including potential improvements to the District HQ building.
Investment Policy
The District does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer term investments. The District has therefore adopted a risk averse strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in current or short term deposit accounts at mainstream financial institutions.
Approved by the Trustees on the 21 September 2021 and signed on their behalf by:-
Nick Churton
District Chair
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St Albans District Scout Council
Report & Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2021
Receipts for the year ended 31 March 2021
| Receipts | 2020/ | 2019/20 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | |||
| £ | £ | ||
| Donations and Subscriptions | |||
| Membership Subscription | 87,390 | Note 1 | 82,120 |
| Donations and Grants | 40 | ||
| 1,050 | |||
| Sub total | 88,44 | 82,160 | |
| 0 | |||
| Grants | |||
| Covid Grants | 20,241 | - | |
| Training Subsidies | - |
170 | |
| Sub total | 20,24 | 170 | |
| 1 | |||
| Youth Programmes and | |||
| Activities | |||
| Core District Activities | - | Note 2 | 23,814 |
| Gang Show | 137 | Note 3 | 33,160 |
| Explorer Scouts | 690 | Note 4 | 35,526 |
| Phoenix Expedition | - | Note 5 | 106,104 |
| 87,635 | |||
| Scout Shop Sales | 6,763 | Note 6 | 37,392 |
| Network | - | 500 | |
| Active Support Unit | - | - | |
| Miscellaneous | - | 16 | |
| Sub total | - | 236,512 | |
| 80,04 | |||
| 5 | |||
| Investment and Other Income | |||
| Gift Aid | 17,061 | Note 7 | - |
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| HQ Lettings & Rents | 4,899 | Note 8 | 20,470 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Interest | 380 | 334 | |
| Sub total | 22,34 | 20,804 | |
| 0 | |||
| Total receipts for the year | 50,97 | 339,646 | |
| 6 |
St Albans District Scout Council Payments for the year ended 31 March 2021
| Payments | 2020/ | 2019/20 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | |||
| £ | £ | ||
| Subscriptions | |||
| Membership Subscriptions to | 91,12 | Note 9 | 89,9 |
| County | 9 | 01 | |
| 91,1 | 89, | ||
| Sub total | 29 | 901 | |
| Charitable Payments | |||
| Youth Programme and Activities | |||
| Core District Activities | 1,381 | 25,113 | |
| Gang Show | 2,561 | 29,230 | |
| Explorer Scouts | 5,502 | 25,798 | |
| Phoenix | - | 12,240 | |
| Scout Shop Purchases | 8,997 | 29,646 | |
| St George’s Day | - | 1,686 | |
| Sections (Beavers) | 1,156 | - | |
| Training | - | 5,003 | |
| Utilities | 3,084 | 3,518 | |
| Insurance | 2,666 | Note 10 | 7,503 |
| Maintenance, Renewals and Repairs | 4,134 | 4,094 | |
| Materials and Equipment | 150 | 468 | |
| AGM Expenses | - | 68 | |
| Bank Charges | 69 | 60 | |
| Scout Shop Proft Distribution | 1,000 | - | |
| Donations |
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| Sub total | 30,70 | 144,427 |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | ||
| Funding Expenses | ||
| Online Scout Manager | 1,728 | 1,620 |
| Administration | 2,230 | 1,906 |
| CVS Membership | 60 | 60 |
| Miscellaneous | 670 | 305 |
| 4,688 | 3,891 | |
| Total payments for the year | 126,5 | 238,219 |
| 17 |
| St Albans District Scout Council Receipts & Payments Account Summary For the year ended 31 March 2021 2020/2 1 £ Total receipts for the year 50,976 Total payments for the year 126,517 Net receipts for the year -75,541 Cash, bank & similar funds b/fwd 276,451 Cash, bank & similar funds c/fwd 200,910 Note 11 |
2019/20 £ 339,646 238,219 |
|---|---|
For the year ended 31 March 2021 Total receipts for the year Total payments for the year Net receipts for the year Cash, bank & similar funds b/fwd Cash, bank & similar funds c/fwd |
|
| 101,427 175,024 |
|
| 276,451 |
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St Albans District Scout Council
Statement of Assets & Liabilities as at 31 March 2021
| Monetary Assets Bank Current Accounts Bank Deposit Accounts Cash in hand Other Monetary Assets Debt due to District (Scout Shop sales) Phasels Wood deposits Non-Monetary Assets Scout Shop Stock District Headquarters |
2020/ 21 £ 119,41 8 81,378 114 200,91 0 3,431 - 12,000 574,09 |
2019/20 £ 192,219 84,118 114 |
|---|---|---|
| 276,451 7,466 3,477 12,000 |
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574,093
(Insured valuation)
Liabilities
(due within one year) Phoenix 2020 Refunds - 9,000 - Essex Int Jamboree Refunds 4,230 HQ Rents - Explorers 1200 720 - - World Scout Jamboree I’m a Scout 2019 - (due within 18 months) Phoenix 2021 - rescheduled - 77,000
St Albans District Scout Council
Report & Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2021
Notes to the Accounts
Note 1 - Membership Subscriptions . Annual membership subscriptions are collected by District from all groups plus Explorers. The subscriptions collected are levied on a per head basis for members under 18 and comprise National, County and District fees. The National and County elements of the fees are passed on via County.
Previously, the membership fees have been shown in the accounts under Receipts as a net figure (ie. net of the amount passed on to County. With effect from this year, and in accordance with Scouts POR guidance, the total received and amount passed on via County will be shown gross under Receipts and Expenditure respectively.
Note 2 – Youth Programmes and Activities . Due to Covid it was not possible to undertake any District organised events during the period.
Note 3 – Gang Show . A 50/50 joint venture with Guides, the District accounts include 50% of Gang Show receipts. Due to Covid restrictions a Gang Show did not take place during the period
Note 4 – Explorers – Few Explorer and Explorer unit events or face to face activities took place during the period. Additionally, memberships fees received were previously shown under activities but going forward are now listed under Membership Subscription.
Note 5 – Phoenix Expedition . The Expedition was cancelled due to Covid restrictions. The negative receipts figure is mainly the result of refunds made to intended expedition participants. Refunds during the period totalled £104,126.72 against receipts from
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participants of £15,554.00. The bulk of the receipts had been received during the previous accounting period.
Note 6 – Scout Shop Sales The shop remained closed for most of the period with limiting trading activity.
Note 7 – Gift Aid The sum of £17,061 represented a back claim of gift aid by Explorers covering the period 2016-19. A claim is to be made for 2020 and 2021 and it is expected that this will be reflected in the accounts for 2021-22.
Note 8 – HQ Lettings & Rents Significantly reduced income as Covid restrictions required the HQ building to be closed for a significant part of the period or restricted the ability of 3[rd] party hirers to operate.
Note 9 – Membership Subscriptions ( See also Note 1) The level of membership subscriptions collected by Explorers during the period was impacted by Covid and additionally an agreement was made with 20[th] St Albans Ansar group to defer payment of their membership fees into the financial period 2021-22 (since paid). This resulted in the County and National elements passed on being higher on this occasion that the total subscriptions collected.
Note 10 – Insurance . £2,666 represents a return to a more normal level. The previous year’s figure included a one off additional insurance cost relating to Phoenix Expedition.
Note 11 – Cash, bank & similar funds . Total District funds of £200,910 comprise:
Core District £94,497 Gang Show (50%) £35,763 Explorers £39,732 Phoenix Expedition £6,543 Scout Shop £24,375
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the
St Albans District Scout Council
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the St Albans District Scout Council for the year ended 31 March 2021.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the St Albans District Scout Council 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 St Albans District Scout Council 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
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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 St Albans District Scout Council 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.
Robert Baker, ACA
79 Woodland Drive, 14 September 2021 St Albans, Herts, AL4 0EN
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