Trustees, Annual Report For the period to end date From (start date) EtEt Section A Reference and administration details Charity name Royal Tunbridge Wells District Scout Council Other names the charity is known by Registered charity number (rf any) Charity's principal address 34 Prospect Road Tunbridge Wells Kent Postcode Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity Trustse Name Office (If any) Dates actsd if not for whole year lan Wadey Terri Collier Stuart Watt Nick Burgess George Cran Steve Dennis Scott Towner Chair Secretary Treasurer District Commissioner Treasurer District Explorer Scout Commissioner From September 19th 2023 Until September 19th 2023 10 11 12 13 14 15 I LT700LX)I
Section A Reference and administration details {continued) Names and addresses of advisers (optional infomiation but encouraged as best practice) Type of advisor Independent Examiner Name John Ridley Address 39 Prospect Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN4 OEN Section B Structure, governance and management Description of the charity's trusts Type of goveming document (e.g. trust deed, constrtLrtion) The District's goveming 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. How the charity is constituted (e.g. trust, association, company) The District is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. Trustee selection methods (e.g. appointed by, elected by) The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, 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: The District is managed by the District Executive Committee, the members of which are the 'Charity Trustees, of the Scout District which is an educational charity. As chaiity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making retums to the Charity Commission as appropriate. The Commrttee consists of 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. together with the District Commissioner and elected members and meets on a minimum of 3 occasions per annum. Policies and procedures adopted for: a) the induction and training of trustees; b) trustee, consideration of major risks and the systems and ProdureS to manage them The Executive Commrttee exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for: The rna1ntenan 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 recwitment of leaders and other adult support" Appoints'ng any sub committees that may be required; and 2 LT7CKJ1
Appointing District Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected. Risk and Internal Control The District has in place systems of intemal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assuran against material mismanagement or loss; these include 2 signatories for a51 payments and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered. Section C Objectives and activities Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its goveming document The objectives of the District are as a unit of the Scout Association. The Aim of The Scout Association is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals. as responsible citizens and as members of their local national and intemational communities. The method of achieving the Aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scherne of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership. Summary of the main activrties in relation to these objects In order to achieve these aims the District relies heavily on its volunteer leaders who all undertake training relevant to their appointments. All young people across the district have had the opportunty to experience a wide and diverse programme of activities. The trustees also provide a district camp site - Adamswell. Additional details of the objectives and activities (optional information but encouraged as best practice> You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, at)out'. The Executive will assist wrth 50 % of the cost of a relevant training course up to a maximum of £150, subject to the following criteria: The course is good value; Other avenues of funding have been explored by the applicant; and There is a binding agreement for the individual to support the District. • policy on grantmaking; • contribution made by volunteers The ExecutNe will also make grants, up to 500k, to young people who will represent the District at Intemational Jamborees up to a maximum of £6000 in total. The Executive also provides support to adult leaders attending intemational events organised by the District up to a maximum of £5000 in totsl. Public benefit statement The district meets the Charrty Commission's public benefit criteria urKJer both the advanment of education and the advancement of citizenship or communty development headings. 3 LT7(KK)01
Section D Achievements and performance Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year Scouting is alive and well in Tunbridge Wells! The period that this report covers. April 2023 - March 2024 seems a long time ago now. The year starting in April where we had to make the very sad decision to can1 our District St George's Day at the very last minute due to extremely heavy rain making the site unsafe. This was a very difficult decision to make and one that was most certainly not made lightly and I would like to thank our leaders and young people for your understanding. ON the upside, ourfinancial loss was minimised by being able to claim on our event cancellation insurance. Moving forward, a few things will be done differently as we learn from this and l am pleased to report than our 2024 event went without a hitch but more on that next year! During the 2023 Summer Holiday. Intemational Scouting was very much on the agenda wrth a group of Scouts and Explorers enjoyed an amazing week in Iceland as well as three of our Explorers attending the World Scout Jamboree in Korea. I think that all attendees, on both the trips will agree that their trip was simply a Trip of a Lifetime. It's been great to be able to offer Intemational Scouting in the District and I'm pleased to say that we will shortly be launching a retum trip to Kandersteg during the summer of 2026. Other District Events which took place during the year included: Scout & Explorer Paintball DofE Expeditions Remembrance Parade Our annual census once again showed growth in the District, however, this was minimal and we remain with a waiting list of several hundred young people across all our sections. l am pleased to report that during the year, we opened a new Explorer Unit at St John's {Pioneers) and a new Squirrel Dray in Rusthall meaning we now have two Dray's across the district. The demand for Squirrels has been exceptional and I hope this is something we can grow across the district as and when groups have the resource to support it. Adamswell has continued to be a major asset and has just had it's busiest ever season. As always. new developments are always coming and a new toilet block, more suited to the needs of modem scouting, has been installed ready for the 2024 camping season. As always, a rnassive Thank You to all Adults and Young People fortheir efforts supporting Scouting in Tunbridge Wells and I look forward to seeing you all around the district over the next year. 4 LT7tMM)I
Section E Financial Review Accounts The gross income for the District in the year 2023-2024 was £147,498 and the expenditure was £149.511 giving an overall deficit of £2,012. These compare with figures of £144,803, £177,409 and surplus of £11,874 respectively for financial year 2022-2023. Adamswell had income from camping fees of £71.101 and expendrture of £45,340. giving a surplus of £25,761 so a healthy srtuation. This allowed significant investments in a the new climbing tower (£10,613), the new toilet block ( £22,774), major expendrtures were for the sewage {£4.719), Insurance (£5,681),maIntenan(£6,Sgo) Energy (£5,950)and cleaning (£3,456). Events showed an income of £50,592 and an expenditu of £61,939. These figures reflect snIficant activities by the Explorer Units as well as District itself. Four District events completed in the financial year (Iceland, Bewl Water, IOW 24 and Disneyland). It is usually the intent for events to break even, but with the problems with St Georges Day cancellation a deficit of £10,154 was experienced. Cash Funds With cash funds brought in of £177,409 the deficit of £2.012 means cash funds at yearend are £175,397 The surplus the previous year was £11.874. Savlngs and Investments Two deposit accounts are still held with Redwood Bank eaming interest of £2,530. The account with Wrtan is still held. Interest of £96 was eamed. Restricted Funds The Restricted funds from the sale of Baden-Powell Hall are intended for improving the facilities at Adamswell and as such have been used to cover the cost of the new toilet block. and the dimbing tower. The funds remaining at the yearend are therefore zero. Unrestricted Funds At the yearend the District had unrestricted cash and investment funds of £180, 897. This is in excess of its reserves policy of £25.500 (see below). The Committee plans to continue to invest in Adamswell facilities in the ne)rt financial year (see Section F). Overall At the yearend the District holds £180,897 in cash and investments slightly down from £182,293 in 2023. Non4Aonetary Assets These figures have been increased in line with the insurance valuations of these items. The total value of non-monetary assets now stands at £664.758. Total Assets Total assets of all types are valued at £845.655. 5 Lriooooi
Brief statement of the chaiity's policy on reserves Reserves Policy The District's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient funding to continue the chantable activities of the District should income and fundraising activrties fall short and to cover the depreciation costs of the capital equipment held. The District Executive Commtttee considers that the District should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running cost- £5,000. In addrtion an estimate to cover depreciation costs has been made of £40,500. This gives a total of £45,500 to be held aside to cover unexpected costs. You may choose to include additional infomiation, where relevant, about: . the charity's principal sources of funds (including any fundraising); Invesknent Policy The District's Income and Expenditure is relatively small and as a consequence has limited funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The District has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. Most funds are held in cash using banks but some funds are invested in bonds and shares. The District Executive regularfy monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the District 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 District Executive considers the cash flow requirements. Section F Other Optional Information Plans for future periods (details of any significant activities planned to achieve them) The Executive Committee will concentrate next year on improving the facililies at Adamswell including the updating of the toilet block and improving waste disposal. The replacement of some of the older campsrte maintenan equipment will also be made as and when required. A full events programme will also be provided including allocating funds to support intemational activities in fvture years, including Jamborees. 6 LT7IxxK)I
Section G Declaration The twstees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above Signed on behalf of the chanty's trustees Signature{s} Full name(s) s. Position (eg Secretary. Chair) Date 7 LT7(K)I
Royal Tunbridge V•ell$ Distrld Scout Council Receipts and Payments Account Year start Year end dat8 For th• ygar 01-ApTr23 To 314lJar44 Ro¢eipts and paymettts 2023 Endowmonl f¥nd• Totsl funds Totsl tund• R•c•lpt8 Dontlon•. kngacl•s and slmllar Incomg K4embership 8ubscrwtK)ns PaKI for pnor year Mèmb8¥ship subscriptions received ft Trent ear Less.. Membership 8ubscrwilior6 paKI for rjjrtI year Net memb8rship subscrfpll0 retained Don8tlons 503 72.296 72.296 58,120 {55,5711 17,228 148,7911 9,82S 17.228 Gffid 1,462 Sub tot•l 17,228 Grnnts Adamswell grants Fundrnislng 17,228 12.170 1.049 Sub tot•1 497 1549 clI1•blO Actlyltl (Nots 1) Adams*ll campsite Events & Active Support Jamboreg 2.549 497 71,101 71.101 55,804 80,592 60,592 1,951 246 61,855 5,741 85 1,951 Explorers Sub total 123,890 Otr Incom• 123,890 123,48 Bank Interest 164 Online Scout Manager Other income 184 107 430 Sub tot#1 Investmwrt In¢ome Closure of CAF Investment Other investrnent i1me 1.207 1,207 1.477 5,593 1625 2.62 2.625 1,581 Sub totsl 7.17 rothl Gro$8 Income 147.498 147.498 144.803 147.498 147.498 144.803 1 LTT00003
Royal Tunbrfdge Wells Distrlct Scout Council Re¢eipts and Payments Account Year start date For th? Year end date pr43 To 3141ar44 Receipts and payfnents 2024 2023 Unre8trlct•d Endowm•nt fund8 Total fund• Totsl funds Support payments Insuran¢o Media 504 Licen 265 TrAining and literature OSM Bank fees 1,305 396 2.035 District Equipment 297 669 552 Rent 883 Other costs 1.221 3.729 480 Sub tot1 Charftsbl• ACtItIo- Nots 1 Adams11 carnpsile- Note 2 Events & Aclivg Support Jambo 682 7.823 8,172 17,836 45.340 29,300 84,714 81.93• 61.939 Explorers 11,719 Syb total 90.327 17 108.163 10 98.1SO 17. 115,986 As•ot •nd In¥Mts1rt Pu¥ch•*•• New Toilet Block Adamswg11 improvefflenls 33,525 33,526 21.026 131.67 17 149,511 132.929 14 117,8361 Transf•Y8 brtw•on fundB 12.0121 11.87 Cash funds Fast year ond 163.S73 17.838 6,000 165,535 f $9.39 175.39 177.40 2 LT700CHJ3
Royal Tunbridge Wells Dlstrict Scout Councll Receipts and Payments Accourrt Year start ¢Jate For the year Year eThJ d8te 01Apr-23 To 31r.24 Statcnient of assets and liabilities at the end of the ear 2024 2023 Total funds Unr•strlet•d funds Rmtrlcted l¥ndB End¢)wm•nt fund• Total funds Cash lund• Bank Crn1 account Redwood Bank 90.439 92,981 84.958 84,968 84,428 Total rA8h fvnd¥ 17S.39 175,397 17T.409 Invo•tmonl a••ots Quoted Investments wrrAN Olher inveslrngnts- CAF Subtotsl Non mon•t•ry •8$0ts for ch•rW• 5.500 4,884 $.600 Land and byildlr4Js Molor vehlcles 483.070 483.070 442.502 19,862 Scouting gquipmènl. fumlbjrg etc Sub totsl 19.812 19,675 161,826 161.826 664,768 84S.655 155,752 664,768 Totsl and cash lund• 617,929 800,22 Llabllltt•s Expensgs incur but not Invooced Cllmbing Tower final Balanc Suh tot•1 Th• abov• r•c•lpt• occouht ¥tat•nl ofaMet• and Ilabilitle• tAro approv•d by th• Tru8t• g.ef.EeMber and ¥lgnod on thr bghalf by Prtnt N8me l Ar+4 QQNinLO IAd Dèy JLOOL(15 sTEft4E E VCGLSS 3 LT700003
Royal Tunbrldge We118 Dlstrlct Scout Group Recelpts and Payments Account Year start date For tho y••r Year end dats 01.Apr.23 To 314Iar-24 Receipts aiid payiiieiits 2024 2023 NOTE 1 Ch•rllabl• Actlth {gVOB• INCOIIE EXPENtMTURE MEf SURPLUSI IDERCI NET SURPLUSI IDEFICIT) Adams1 camp8ite Events & Actlve Support Jamboreg 71,101 14fj.3401 161,939) 26.761 26,004 12.8691 IS,9771 60,S92 1.9S1 111.3471 1.961 Explorers 18851 1108,1631 Total 16391 16.726 123.690 17,Y63 NOTE 2 Adam•w•ll co•tB 2024 materia 8nd Other Ca ui m8nl 482 1.703 633 1,512 MaIntenan, seTht Fuel 11,001 1.1915 4.535 507 Insurance 5.681 Rates 4.377 71 294 hl and heal 6.062 622 Water 2.499 Waste dis 555 osal 1,081 Sewer8 e dis 1.718 4,719 deani 4,435 4.093 Activitles 3,325 1.214 Te hone and interrt Adams11 OSM 2,016 1.058 757 Other costs 6,459 782 Tot•1 4S,340 Toilet Block 29.31x1 33.5 4 LT700003
Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Distrlct Scout Counul I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Distritt Scout Council ('District') for the year ended 31 March 2024. Responslbilltles and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Distritt 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 Twst's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Dlrections given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examinerfs 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: l. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by settion 130 of the Act," or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. Whilst I have no concern5 and have come across no other matters In connection wlth the examination that would prevent a proper understanding of the accounts being reached, I do wish to draw the trustees, attention to the following matters: l. Reserve5 poIIcy The Charities Commission guidance notes (CC32 para 9.3) requires that the trustees disclose their reserves pollcy and manage their reserves accordingly. The trustees may wish to reconsider the current reserves policy In light of current spending as current reserves are well in excess of the stated policy. 2. Going concem and financial risks Also in the guidance notes (CC32 para 9.9) is the requirement to document the trustees, assessment of the District as a going concern. Whilst I do not have any concerns over the District as a going concern, there does not appear to be any documentary evidence to show that the trustees have considered this matter. ohn 39 Prospect Road Southborough Kent TN4 OEN Date: 2. 1 Sq/&L Zé2*