ST ALBANS DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
Report & Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2023
PRESIDENT
Vacant
VICE PRESIDENTS
Mr F A Prior; Mr J Walker; Mr G Bassil; Mrs J Thomas MBE.
TRUSTEES: Ex-Officio
CHAIR SECRETARY TREASURER DISTRICT COMMISSIONER DEPUTY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER DISTRICT EXPLORER SCOUT COMMISSIONER DISTRICT NETWORK COMMISSIONER
Mr N Churton Vacant Mr V Molloy Dr A Payne Vacant Vacant Mr G Bray
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 2023
Summary of main activities of the Charity during the year
This was the first reporting period that was fully free of Covid restrictions and it was good to see scouting activities fully operating again and the numbers of young people in scouting St Albans District back at pre pandemic levels.
Young people across the District were able to participate in a range of District led activities including Cub Camp, Beaver and Cub Cinema event, Dragonboating, I’m a Scout camp, Derek Turner and the annual Swimming Gala. Additionally, participants from the District selected for the World Scout Jamboree in Korea in August 2023 continued to raise funds via a variety of fundraising events.
After a forced absence of 2 years it was great to see Gang Show return to the stage to wonderful reviews. Thanks must be given to the brilliant cast who did an amazing job and mention must be made of the incredible production team and backstage crew who made it all possible.
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 charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
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;
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Appointing District Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.
St Albans District Scout Council
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 (cont.)
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.
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
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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 £ 111,000 against this at the year end. This is above the level required for operating expenses. The Executive Committee will be reviewing the level of reserves required and options for deployment of surplus funds during the next 12 months
St Albans District Scout Council
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 (cont.)
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 12 August 2023 and signed on their behalf by:-
Vincent Molloy Annette Payne
District Treasurer District
Commissioner
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St Albans District Scout Council
Report & Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2023 Receipts for the year ended 31 March 2023
| Receipts | 2022/ | 2021/22 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | |||
| £ | £ | ||
| Donations and Subscriptions | |||
| Membership Subscription | 115,66 | Note 1 | 93,233 |
| 8 | |||
| Donations and Grants | 775 | 1,700 | |
| Sub total | 116,4 | 94,923 | |
| 43 | |||
| Grants | |||
| Covid Grants | - | - | |
| Training Subsidies | - |
- | |
| Sub total | - | - | |
| Youth Programmes and | |||
| Activities | |||
| Core District Activities | 58,642 | Note 2 | -7,153 |
| Gang Show | 31,500 | Note 3 | 915 |
| Explorer Scouts | 20,495 | 3,382 | |
| Phoenix Expedition | 0 | Note 4 | -1,332 |
| Scout Shop Sales | 27,989 | 26,755 | |
| Squirrels | 0 | Note 5 | 500 |
| Miscellaneous | 41 | 128 | |
| Sub total | 138,6 | 37,501 | |
| 67 |
Investment and Other Income
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| Gift Aid | - | Note 6 | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| HQ Lettings & Rents | 30,882 | Note 7 | 24,512 |
| Bank Interest | 655 | 280 | |
| Sub total | 31,53 | 24,792 | |
| 7 | |||
| Total receipts for the year | 286,6 | 157,216 | |
| 47 | |||
| t Albans District Scout Council | |||
| ayments for the year ended 31 | March | 2023 | |
| Payments | 2022/ | 2021/22 | |
| 23 | |||
| £ | £ | ||
| Subscriptions | |||
| Membership Subscriptions to |
95,05 | 90,624 | |
| County | 0 | 90,624 | |
| 95,0 | |||
| Sub total | 50 | ||
| Charitable Payments | |||
| Youth Programme and Activities | |||
| Core District Activities | 52,597 | Note 8 | 11,420 |
| Gang Show | 17,534 | Note 9 | 2,098 |
| Explorer Scouts | 29,334 | Note 10 | 14,157 |
| Phoenix | 205 | Note 11 | -4,585 |
| Scout Shop Purchases | 30,899 | 24,346 | |
| St George’s Day | 3,399 | 1,133 | |
| Sections (Beavers) | - | 132 | |
| Sections (Squirrels) | 1,464 | Note 12 | 522 |
| Training | 36 | 482 | |
| Utilities | 6,183 | 3,120 | |
| Insurance | 2,807 | 2,743 | |
| Maintenance, Renewals and Repairs | 11,494 | Note 13 | 11,109 |
| Materials and IT/ Equipment | 515 | Note 14 | 1,117 |
| GoCardless Fees | 1,055 | Note 15 | - |
| Bank Charges | 72 | 96 | |
| Scout Shop Proft Distribution | - | - |
St Albans District Scout Council Payments for the year ended 31 March 2023
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| Sub total 157,5 94 Funding Expenses OSM 2030 Administration Expense 8,480 Note 16 Administration Services 6,941 Note 17 CVS Membership 60 Miscellaneous 416 17,92 7 Total payments for the year 270,5 71 St Albans District Scout Council Receipts & Payments Account Summary For the year ended 31 March 2023 2022/2 3 £ Total receipts for the year 286,647 Total payments for the year 270,571 Net receipts for the year 16,076 Cash, bank & similar funds b/fwd 192,711 Cash, bank & similar funds c/fwd 208,787 Note 18 |
67,890 2031 2317 1,628 60 865 6,901 165,415 2021/22 £ 157,216 165,415 |
|---|---|
For the year ended 31 March 2023 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 |
|
| -8,199 200,910 |
|
| 192,711 |
St Albans District Scout Council Receipts & Payments Account Summary For the year ended 31 March 2023
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St Albans District Scout Council
Statement of Assets & Liabilities as at 31 March 2023
| Monetary Assets Bank Current Accounts Bank Deposit Accounts Cash in hand Other Monetary Assets Debt due to District (Scout Shop sales) Phasels Wood deposits |
2022/ 23 £ 77,259 131,41 4 114 208,78 7 10,730 - |
2021/22 £ 75,947 116,650 114 |
|---|---|---|
| 192,711 9,475 3,447 |
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| Non-Monetary Assets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scout Shop Stock | 12,000 | 12,000 |
| District Headquarters | 574,09 | |
| 3 | 574,093 | |
| (Insured valuation) | ||
| Liabilities | ||
| (due within one year) | ||
| Scout Camp 2023 | 1,600 | - |
| World Scout Jamboree 2023 | 420 | 3,025 |
| I’m a Scout | - | 593 |
St Albans District Scout Council
Report & Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2023
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.
A total of £90,658 was collected from groups. £23,680 in membership subscriptions was collected by Explorers plus £1,330 from district Squirrels.
Note 2 – Core District Activities . A period of full activities. World Scout Jamboree 2023 accounted for the bulk to the income at £42,303 but activities included I’m a scout, Dragonboat, Ready Steady Cook, Cubs Cinema, Cubs Swimming, Cub Camp 2022, Derek Turner and advance payments for Scout Camp 2023.
NB: As many activities straddle accounting periods some of the income and expenditure for individual activities will be reflected in previous or future years accounts.
Note 3 – Gang Show . A 50/50 joint venture with Guides, the District accounts include 50% of Gang Show receipts.
Note 4 – Phoenix Expedition . An expedition did not take place during the period and consequently there was no income activity on the account.
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Note 5 – Squirrels The District run Squirrels drey received only membership income during the period. This is included with the membership subscriptions, see Note 1.
Note 6 – Gift Aid Due to administrative reasons a claim relating to Explorer subs was not made during the period. This will be addressed during 2023-24.
Note 7 – HQ Lettings & Rents Third party lettings were strong during the period. Amongst regular users increased use by the NHS who use the hut for training courses contributed significantly to the rise in income.
Note 8 Core District Activities See Note 2, corresponding costs including stage payments to County relating to World Scout Jamboree 2023.
Note 9 – Gang Show See comments for Note 3. Expenditure related to Gang Show associated costs plus payments made for attendance at other districts Gang shows. A number of payments relating to the 2023 show were made subsequent to the end of this accounting period hence the lower level of expenditure recorded for this period.
Note 10 – Explorers The increase in expenditure reflects a higher level of activities undertaken during the period both by District Explorers and individual Explorer units.
Note 11 – Phoenix An expedition did not take place during the period. The sole transaction related to the conversion of funds held in Namibian Dollars to Sterling which incurred a currency loss of £205. (ZAR 29,939.40 converted to Sterling realising £1,430.35).
Note 12 – Squirrels . Increased spend related to purchase of equipment, badges and uniforms etc plus normal meeting expenses. Having acquired a stock the level of spending should reduce during 2023-24.
Note 13 Maintenance, Renewals and Repairs In addition to regular maintenance costs relating to fixtures and fittings, DHQ cleaning and grass cutting it includes £5,448 cost of redecorating the outside of DHQ hut plus £762 cost of major service and repair of DHQ boiler.
Note 14 Materials and IT/Equipment Previous year Included the cost of new website build £535 not repeated hence reduced spend.
Note 15 GoCardless Fees The fees incurred in the collection of Explorer membership subscriptions and payments for Explorer activities via OSM / GoCardless.
Note 16 Administration Expense Increase reflects the inclusion of Explorer costs £6,084 relating to the hire of huts for regular meetings. This cost was previously included within the Explorer activities line.
Note 17 Administration Services The cost related to retaining the services of a contracted administrator for the District.
Note 18– Cash, bank & similar funds . Total District funds of £208,787 (2021-22 £192,711) comprise:
Core District £111,197 Gang Show (50%) £48,094 Explorers £18,696 Phoenix Expedition £10,591 Scout Shop £20,209
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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 2023.
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.
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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 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.
R Baker
Robert Baker, FCA
79 Woodland Drive, St Albans,
Herts, AL4 0EN 28 August 2023
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