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2024-03-31-accounts

Hornchurch District Scout Council

Annual Report and Accounts for the Year Ending 31 March 2024

#SkillsForLife

Contents

District Chair Report .................................................................................................................................................. 3 District Lead Volunteer Report ............................................................................................................................... 3 Thriftwood Report ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 Agenda for the 91[st] Annual General Meeting ..................................................................................................... 6 Minutes of the 90[th] Annual General Meeting ...................................................................................................... 7 Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 .......................................................................... 13 Charity Details ...................................................................................................................................................... 13 Governance ........................................................................................................................................................... 15 Objectives and Activities ..................................................................................................................................... 17 Charity Achievements ......................................................................................................................................... 18 Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 ............................................................................. 19 Financial Review .................................................................................................................................................. 19 Financial Policies .................................................................................................................................................. 19 Independent Examiner’s report ............................................................................................................................. 20 Statement of Receipts and Payments for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 .............................................. 21 Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31 March 2024 ............................................................................. 22 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 .................................................... 23 Attachments ................................................................................................................................................................ 25 Gambia & Hornchurch International Scout Project Accounts ....................................................................... 25 Adventure Island Accounts ................................................................................................................................ 26

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District Chair Report

Firstly, I would like to thank all of you for the time you give up making Hornchurch the great District it is.

It was nice to see that once again this year has been a busy year for AAC. Extra dates had to be added to ensure that all new adults were seen as quickly as possible. Thank you to Lisa, Scott and everyone who gives up their time to welcome the new adults.

This year, unfortunately, the Beaver sleepover was cancelled but a big thank you to the leaders that stepped up to ensure that the Spooks Day and Christmas Party were able to go ahead.

As you are aware the Scout Association advised that the transformation will take place throughout the Scout Association. One element of this is a new Constitution that will commence from 2024 AGM.

Thank you to Tracey Brown for all her hard work making sure everyone’s training is up to date. The monthly Compliance report has improved and is looking much better.

Finally, I would like to thank the District Trustee Board for their support over the year.

Louisa Golder District Chair

District Lead Volunteer Report

2024: Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Ahead to 2025

Introduction

As the District Lead Volunteer for Hornchurch Scouts, I am pleased to present this report, summarising our progress in 2023 and outlining our vision for the next two years.

2023 Achievements

2022 - 2024 Strategy Revisited…What we have been doing

1. Youth Engagement

2. Educational Methods

3. Diversity & Inclusion

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District Lead Volunteer Report – continued

4. Social Impact

5. Communications & External Relations

6. Governance

Looking Ahead to 2025

Conclusion

A HUGE thank you to everyone at the Group, District, County, and Regional levels. Your dedication makes a significant difference in the lives of our young people. Let’s continue to shape Scouting’s future together and prepare more young people with the skills for life!

David Wright District Lead Volunteer

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Thriftwood Report

Thriftwood has had another good year with camper (nights away) nights and more school bookings during the midweeks when youth groups aren’t about. We are seeing an increase in evening activity usage by Scouting and Guiding and constantly reviewing which activities we can floodlight for the winter months.

Our indoor accommodation buildings continue to have a lot of repeat bookings coming through and the trustees have committed some funds to upgrading our tented village cabins to make these better through the colder months. The larger type events are well attended and often some run at a sell out like the annual National Pedal Cart event in January.

We, like most activity centres, always need more help in the form of volunteers. Please get in touch with the campsite office and ask where help is needed if you have some spare time.

Remember Hornchurch District part own Thriftwood and we should continue to use the facilities we have available to help put the ‘out’ into all our Scouting programmes. We have 100 acres of ancient woodland just a short car journey away from all our Scout HQs. It would be great to see more young people there.

Debbie Carter & Scott Wilderspin

Hornchurch Representatives on the Thriftwood Trustee Board

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Agenda for the 91[st] Annual General Meeting to be held on

Monday 16[th] September 2024 at 1[st] Upminster Scout Group, Gwilcoo, Brookdale Avenue, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2LT

  1. Welcome by the District Chair

  2. Apologies for Absence

  3. Governance Topics

  4. a. Approve the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 18[th] September 2023

  5. b. Approve adopting the model constitution

  6. c. Note Financial Year

  7. d. Agree number of members that may be appointed to the District Trustee Board

  8. e. Agree the quorum for future meetings of the District Scout Council (excluding this AGM)

Review of the previous year

The formal business of the meeting will be followed by a presentation from Explorers and Network members who recently visited Gambia.

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Minutes of the 90[th] Annual General Meeting Held on Monday 18[th] September 2023 at 1[st] Upminster Scout Group, Gwilcoo, Brookdale Avenue, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2LT

1. Welcome by the District Chair – Louisa Golder

Louisa welcomed everyone to the 90[th] Annual General Meeting and thanked them for coming.

Louisa introduced herself and the top table:

Alan Pyle – District President David Wright – Incoming District Commissioner Lisa Jones – District Treasurer Tracey Brown – District Administrator

Louisa also welcomed the following guests:

Terry Kingham – Interim GLNE County Commissioner Ollie Stride – GLNE County Chair Linda Thorogood – District Vice President Bob Wickington - District Vice President Carol Wickington - District Vice President Paul Fix Stuart Brown – Award Recipient Bob Wallace – Award Recipient Barbara Pyle

Louisa announced she was delighted to welcome the Young Leaders who have been shortlisted for the Young Leader of the Year award:

Khadija Naimah – 2[nd] Squirrels Heath

Thomas Hardy – 1[st] Upminster

2. Apologies for Absence

Louisa had received some apologies and asked if any other apologies could be reported on the sheet at the back of the hall.

Apologies were received from: Richard Williams – Regional Commissioner Julie Leeper – Chair of Employment Sub-committee Pat Hipperson – 1[st] Cranham Paul Snell – 8[th] Hornchurch Adam Woodgate – 3[rd] Upminster Scott Wilderspin – 2[nd] Elm Park Allyson Cheung – 1[st] Corbets Tey Marie Sugrue – 2[nd] Upminster Charles Cox – 8[th] Hornchurch Julien Rawle – District Chair for Romford Sarah Meacher – 8[th] Hornchurch James Youngs – 2[nd] Squirrels Heath Hope Youngs – 2[nd] Squirrels Heath Ben Carter – 2[nd] Upminster Tom Carter - District

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Minutes of the 90[th] Annual General Meeting – continued

3. Approval of Minutes of the 89[th] Annual General Meeting

Louisa confirmed that a copy of the Minutes of the 89[th] AGM were sent in a special Scouting About on 15[th] September 2023 to everyone in the District.

Louisa requested a proposer and seconder to approve the minutes and asked for people to show a thumbs up to approve: Approved.

Proposer – Bob Wallace Seconder – Paul Fix

4. Presentation of the Trustees Report and Annual Accounts - Year Ending 31st March 2023

Louisa confirmed that these were sent out in a special Scouting About on 15th September 2023. They have been approved by the District Trustee Board and are being presented tonight for the District Scout Council to receive and consider as per POR. There is no need for a Proposer and Seconder.

Louisa asked Lisa Jones to go through the key points in the accounts for the period 2022/23.

Lisa Jones then spoke about the accounts for the period 2022/2023 saying “Almost 92% of our income for 2022/23 was from Adventure Island profit and Membership fee. The Adventure Island profit is kept separate from our main income as this is used to purchase tickets the following year, where agreed by the Trustee Board. Explorer Scouts & Scout Network both show asa net loss-this comes from the approved District budget and the funds they take in from their unit subs and events. GHISP income has increased as they are currently fundraising and saving in for their trip next year. Our biggest costs are for the District Headquarters–this covers utilities, rent, cleaning, maintenance and insurance, and also for our Paid Administrator. We have continued to fund First Aid Training for our adult members this year”.

Louisa asked if there were any questions. There were none.

Louisa asked for a show of hands to show that the Council adopts the accounts.

Louisa then thanked Lisa for all the hard work and time she has given over the year.

Louisa then formally stood down as Chair and handed over to Alan Pyle who as District President will chair the next few items until a new Chair is appointed.

5. District President – Alan Pyle

Alan said a few words and the past year.

a. The District Commissioner’s Nomination for District Chair

Alan asked David, the District Commissioner, to nominate his choice for District Chair. David nominated Louisa Golder. Alan asked for a show of hands to approve this nomination. Louisa was appointed as the District Chair.

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Minutes of the 90[th] Annual General Meeting – continued

b. Election of District Secretary

Alan explained that there were no nominations for District Secretary at the present time. However, this is a key appointment, and we are required to have one for good governance. Alan asked if all Council members consider if they could take on this role. The District Trustee Board would like to thank Glynis Youngs for all the work she has done in this role.

c. Election of District Treasurer

Alan explained that there had been one nomination for District Treasurer – Lisa Jones. Therefore, Lisa was elected as per our constitution no approval vote is needed.

d. Election of Independent Examiner

Alan explained that we have one nomination for the Independent Examiner – Shanie Goddard who agreed to take this on this year and we would like to thank her and she is therefore elected as per our constitution – no approval vote is needed.

e. Election of Members to Serve on the District Executive Committee.

Alan explained that three members put themselves forward for election for the post, therefore no vote was required as per our constitution. They are Holly Stephens, Shivani Harrison and Aaron Williams.

f. The District Commissioner’s Nominations to serve on the District Executive Committee.

Alan asked David to nominate his representatives to serve on the District Trustee Board. David nominated Tim Leak, Christopher Littlewood and Kevin Cooper. Alan asked for a show of hands to approve the nomination – majority achieved.

g. Co-option of Members to Serve on the District Executive Committee

Alan explained that three members will be co-opted onto the District Trustee Board and they will be approved by the Trustee Board at its next meeting as per POR.

Each year Louisa invites all GSL’s and Chairs to nominate themselves to join the District Trustee Board, so we ensure that we are guided by our local Scout Groups. These positions usually revolve each year in order to bring a fresh perspective every twelve months. The intention is that one of each will be co-opted onto the Trustee Board. For the record the intention is to co-opt

Katie McDonald who is Group Chair at 6[th] Squirrels Heath and Dean Claxton who is GSL at 1[st] Upminster this year. The third co-opted member will be Debbie Carter as fundraiser for the District.

h. Election of a Scouter to Serve on the County Scout Council.

Alan confirmed that the District would like to elect Rachel Taylor to serve on the County Scout Council of GLNE. Alan asked for a show of hands to approve this nomination - majority achieved.

Alan then handed back to the newly elected Chair, Louisa.

8. The District Chair – Louisa Golder

Louisa thanked all the Trustees for their hard work over the last year and congratulated everyone who had been elected and nominated. She thanked Trevor Cottis and Mark Scrace for giving their time to sit on the District Trustee Board last year. She confirmed that the District Trustee Board was now complete and asked the Trustees that were there to stand in order that everyone would know who they are.

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Minutes of the 90[th] Annual General Meeting – continued

Louisa also confirmed to the Council members that the Trustees are appointing the following as President and VicePresidents for the following year:

President – Alan Pyle

Vice Presidents – Edward Body, Joan McGovern, Linda Thorogood, Bob and Carol Wickington

Louisa thanked our President and Vice Presidents for all their support this year and said we were lucky to have a team who so actively support the District.

9. The District Commissioner – David Wright

What an inspirational year it has been as the incoming District Commissioner for Hornchurch Scouts. I’ve had the honour and privilege to visit various groups, camps and activity days in the last 12 months and one thing that has been apparent, especially in light of the WSJ, is that when we come together as a team of Scouts there isn’t much we can’t achieve.

Your success in Scouting is evidenced by the increase in both young people and adults across the District and I am confident this is a result of your efforts and our amazing leaders who are delivering inspiring programmes.

I’m sure that with the introduction of Squirrels sections, a smoother volunteer recruitment process and introduction of better online tools, groups within the district will be able to significantly grow and develop in the next 12 months. By growing Scouting locally, we will help prepare more young people with skills for life, be growing more inclusive, be shaped by young people and be making a bigger impact in our communities.

Our objectives and strategy for 2024 were presented at last years AGM, and are as follows:

Youth Engagement

Scout groups should give young people the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge, empowering them to take an active part in the Movement and in their communities. Involvement, recognition and intergenerational exchange are key in providing a framework for our youth members.

Educational Methods

The Youth Programme should provide a non-formal learning environment, strengthening the capacity of young people to face the challenges of tomorrow. Scouting should attract, train and retain quality adult volunteers to deliver the Youth Programme.

Diversity & Inclusion

Scout groups should reflect the societies in which it exists and actively work to welcome all individuals without distinction. This diversity should not only be reflected in the membership, but also the methods and programme used within the Movement.

Social Impact

Every Scout should be involved in community service and share their experiences to inspire others. Through activities and projects, Scouts contribute to their communities and become leaders of positive change.

Communications & External Relations

Scout groups should accurately portray what we do and why we do it, reflecting our shared values. By using the most impactful methods of communication, and engaging in strategically relevant partnerships, Scouting should be recognised as the world’s leading youth movement.

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Minutes of the 90[th] Annual General Meeting – continued

Governance

The governance of scout groups should be transparent, accountable, efficient and clearly linked to the strategy, and focused on achieving the mission and vision of the Movement. The roles and responsibilities of the different levels in the group should be clearly defined and understood, ensuring a customer-focused approach. In doing so, we ensure high synergy across all groups and sections.

I would like to thank you once again for all you do for Scouting, whether it is at Group, District, County or Regional levels, you are making a huge difference to our young people, Thank You!

10. Presentations

Louisa asked David to make the presentations:

Long Service & Good Service Awards

Stuart Brown – Silver Acorn Award Bob Wallace – Bar to the Award for Merit Alistair Lane – Award of Merit Kevin Cooper – 25 years’ service award David Rogers – 20 years’ service award Dean Claxton – 10 years’ service award Ian Backman – Chief Scout Commendation for good service

Louisa congratulated Stuart and Bob for their awards this evening and all those who received a long service or good service award.

Annual District Awards

Jackson Memorial Trophy

This award is awarded to a group in the District which we feel has excelled in all aspects of Scouting. The trophy was presented to:

2[nd] Squirrels Heath

Ron Sorrell Shield

This award is awarded to a leader who has been outstanding this year: Michelle Barkwith, 2[nd] Upminster

Janet Winslow Trophy

This award is awarded to a leader who has helped at more than one section. Aliyah Jamil, 8[th] Hornchurch

Young Leader of the Year

This is awarded to a Young Leader who has been an asset to their section Khadija Naimah, 2[nd] Squirrels Heath

10. The Interim County Commissioner – Terry Kingham

Terry said a few words and thanked everyone for their work in Hornchurch District.

David talked through his vision for Hornchurch District of Safe, Fun, Adventures.

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Minutes of the 90[th] Annual General Meeting – continued

Louisa formally closed the meeting and thanked everyone for coming and for all their work in the District. Louisa also thanked 1[st] Upminster for allowing us to use their hall for the meeting.

There was then a short presentation from some of the young people who attended the 25[th] World Scout Jamboree in South Korea earlier this year.

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Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of Hornchurch District Scout Council for the year ended 31[st] March 2024. The Trustees have chosen to continue preparing Receipts & Payments accounts along with a Statement of Asset and Liabilities to ensure we continue to comply with the rules and guidance of the Charity Commission and The Scouts.

Charity Details

Charity Name Hornchurch District Scout Council Other Names Hornchurch District Scouts Registered Charity Number 303699 Scout Association Registration Number 13705 Charity Principal Operating Address The Paddock, Wood Lane, Elm Park, RM12 5NH Charity Registered Address 5 Cormorant Walk, Hornchurch, RM12 5HD Principal Bankers Barclays Bank plc, 36/38 South Street, Romford, RM1 1RH Independent Examiner Shanie Goddard

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Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 - continued

District President and Vice Presidents

President:

Mr Alan Pyle

Vice Presidents:

Mr Edward Body Mrs Linda Thorogood Mrs Carol Wickington Mr Robert Wickington Mrs Joan McGovern

Trustee Board

District Commissioner District Chair District Treasurer District Secretary District Youth Commissioner

David Wright[2]

Louisa Golder[2,4]

Lisa Jones[2,3]

Glynis Youngs

Rebecca Fish[1 ] (to 23.11.2023) Sam Rogers[1] (from 03.01.2024)

District Explorer Scout Commissioner District Network Commissioner Elected by the District Scout Council

Rachel Taylor

Alan Winston

Debbie Carter[3,5] (to 18.09.2023) Aaron Williams[1] Holly Stephens[1 ] Shivani Harrison (from 18.09.2023)

Nominated by the District Commissioner

Tim Leak Chris Littlewood (from 18.09.2023) Kevin Cooper (from 18.09.2023)

Co-opted by the District Trustee Board

Trevor Cottis (to 18.09.2023) Mark Scrace (to 18.09.2023) Dean Claxton (from 18.09.2023) Katie McDonald (from 18.09.2023) Debbie Carter[3,5] (from 18.09.2023)

118-25yr members

2 Employment sub-committee member

3Appointments Advisory sub-committee member

4GHISP sub-committee member

5Thriftwood Representative

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Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024 - continued

Governance

Governing Document

Hornchurch District Scout Council’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.

Charity Constitution

The District is a trust established under its rules of The Scout Association which are common to all Scouts in the United Kingdom.

Trustee Selection

The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

Policies and Procedures

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

The Board consists of the District Chair, District Treasurer and District Secretary together with the District Commissioner, and members nominated by the District Commissioner, members elected by the District Scout Council and members co-opted by the Board (in accordance with the District constitution). The County Commissioner and County Chair have a right of attendance at meetings of the District Trustee Board.

Members of the Board complete Module 1 Essential Information, Safety, Safeguarding, GDRP and Trustee Introduction training within the first 5 months of joining the Board.

The District Trustee Board exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment. It meets formally at least five times a year.

Members of the Board must act collectively as charity trustees of the Scout District, and in the best interest of its members to:

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Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024 - continued

Policies and Procedures - continued

Risk and Internal Control

The Trustees routinely monitor the District key risks and put in place measures to manage them appropriately. The Trustees have identified the following as the potential key risks faced by the charity:

A safeguarding incident involving Scouting members . This is mitigated through following The Scout Association’s adult appointment process which includes carrying out DBS checks for those performing regulated activity; a national vetting process; and a clear system for reporting concerns. Volunteers are required to complete mandatory safeguarding training within the timeframes set out in the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. Training completion and renewal is monitored by the County Executive through monthly reporting. During the year, there was improved compliance with mandatory safeguarding training and renewal. The District Commissioner and District Chair take the lead on monitoring compliance.

Risk to the health and safety of Scouting members . This is mitigated through mandatory safety training for volunteers, which is monitored by the District Trustee Board through monthly reporting of completion and renewal data; adherence to the requirements of the adventurous activity permit scheme; and following the provisions of the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. During the year, there was improved compliance with mandatory safety training and renewal.

In addition, routine planned and preventative maintenance is carried out at the District HQ to protect the health and safety of those using the building. This is led by the District HQ Manager and overseen by the District Trustee Board.

Internal Controls

The District has in place systems of internal financial control that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include two signatories (or online approvals for all payments).

The District has comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered. These include insurance for non-members attending Scouting activities and events. In addition to this the District holds Employers Liability Insurance.

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Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024 - continued

Objectives and Activities

Charitable Objectives

The charity’s objective 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 international communities.

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:

Charity Activities

Scouting is open to all young people between the ages of 6 and 25, irrespective of their background, ethnic origin, nationality, race, gender, marital or sexual status, mental or physical ability, financial status, political or religious beliefs.

The Scout District incorporates the geographical areas of Ardleigh Green, Corbets Tey, Cranham, Elm Park, Emerson Park, Hornchurch, Rainham & Upminster, which are situated in the Greater London Borough of Havering. Hornchurch Scout District is part of Greater London North East Scout County.

The District’s role is to support the Groups within its area of operation. It does this through supporting the development of Scouting, the provision of training and other services, and the running of events and activities for young people.

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

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Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024 - continued

Charity Achievements

The Explorer Scout units in the District (Centurion, Trojans, Vikings and the Young Leaders Unit) continued to run their own programmes and held a number of joint unit activities.

Gambia & Hornchurch International Scout Project (GHISP) continued to support the work on their expeditions in Basse. They worked hard with their fundraising, and we look forward to hearing all about their experiences! The accounts are shown as an attachment to this report.

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

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:

Louisa Golder District Chair Date: 11/09/2024

Lisa Jones District Treasurer

Date: 11/09/2024

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Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Financial Review

Overall receipts for the year, including the profit from the sale of Adventure Island Bands and GHISP funds, exceeded payments by £44,246.96 (2023 Excess Receipts £15,478.60).

Net income from District events was £669.79 (2023 loss £2,370.17).

Adventure Island tickets continue to be accounted in a separate bank account. Profit for the year was £9,939.47 (2023 £15,618.38). Stock of Adventure Island tickets was £29,170.00 (based on cost price) at the end of the reporting period. The accounts are shown as an attachment to this report.

Financial Policies

Reserves and Investments

The trustees maintain cash reserves in order to support the future of Scouting in the Hornchurch District. Six months operating costs, approximately £4,200 are held in reserves. In addition to this the District holds £39,035.70 designated for the eventual replacement of the District Headquarters building (prefabricated) and District stores. Other designated reserves are set out in note 2 to the accounts. After these designations, free cash amounts to £18,568.00 (2023 £16,652.59).

Free Cash 2023/24 2022/23
Cash at bank 140,140.47 88,166.66
Building & Equipment Reserves (39,035.70) (31,089.86)
Operational Reserves (4,200.00) (4,100.00)
Adventure Island Funds (33,715.76) (23,528.21)
GHISP Funds (38,992.99) (6,185.12)
Water Activities (3,973.62) (4,956.48)
New Container @ DHQ (1,654.40) (1,654.40)
18,568.00 16,652.59

Reserves are currently invested in income-earning deposits at banks, although interest earned is currently minimal.

Independent examiner

Shanie Goddard has this year carried out the independent examination of the 2023/24 Accounts and the District Trustee Board is grateful to her for continuing the appointment.

Trustee’s responsibilities

The trustees acknowledge their responsibility for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with guidance issued by the Charity Commission and The Scout Association, and for safeguarding the assets of the charity. The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:

Louisa Golder District Chair Date: 11/09/2024

Lisa Jones District Treasurer Date: 11/09/2024

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Independent Examiner’s report

to the trustees of Hornchurch District Scout Council

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Hornchurch District Scout Council for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiners

As the charity trustees of the Hornchurch 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 Hornchurch 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

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 Hornchurch District Scout Council 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

Shanie Goddard Date:

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Statement of Receipts and Payments for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

2023/24 2023/24 2022/23 2022/23
£ £ £ £
Receipts Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted
Membership fee from members 64,032.20 63,726.00
Less membership fee paid on (National/Re-
gional/County)		 (54,395.00) (53,701.00)
Net membership fee retained 9,637.20 10,025.00
Donations and Other Income (note 5) 1,337.50 -
Interest 515.57 88.49
District Activities - Net Income/(Cost) 669.79 (2,370.17)
Explorer Scouts - Net Income/(Cost) 300.65 (1,516.30)
Scout Network Net Income/(Cost) 119.69 (122.87)
Training 30.00 30.00
Adventure Island Profit 9,939.47 15,618.38
GHISP Funds - Net Income/(Cost) 32,807.87 6,128.99
Water Activities Team - Net Income/(Cost) -
(982.86)		 -
-
New Container @ DHQ -
-		 -
1,654.40
Total Receipts 55,357.74 (982.86) 27,881.52 1,654.40
Payments
Membership Fee Rebates to Groups 608.50 561.00
Conferences/Social Events 536.56 552.78
Duke of Edinburgh - Net (Income)/Cost (2,106.52) 168.58
Young Leaders 230.00 209.85
Development and Growth - Net (Income)/Cost (15.00) 36.29
St George’s Day 880.91 531.90
Equipment and Sundry Expenses 765.02 1,222.21
Paid Administration (note 6) 3,379.61 2,184.74
District HQ Costs 3,798.86 4,853.29
District Trustee Board Expenses 395.13 273.46
DC & District Team Expenses 314.07 365.43
Training 716.78 1,038.19
AGM Costs 291.86 258.20
Grants and Donations (note 5) 1,000.00 -
Access Fund 315.00 147.00
Total payments 11,110.78 - 12,402.92 -
Excess (Payments)/Receipts 44,246.96 (982.86) 15,478.60 1,654.40

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Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31 March 2024

At the year end the Trustee Board had no material liabilities.

Notes 2023/24 2022/23
Cash at Bank 1
Reserve Savings Account 2 43,235.70 35,189.86
Current Account 16,911.82 19,259.78
Explorer Scouts Accounts (inc Network & DofE) 5,803.07 2,972.04
Equals Prepaid Cards - Explorers 846.00 888.56
Equals Prepaid Cards - Network 3.90 1.17
Equals Prepaid Cards - DofE 414.91 -
Equals Prepaid Cards - Admin 216.32 141.92
Adventure Island Account 33,715.76 23,528.21
GHISP Account 38,992.99 6,185.12
140,140.47 88,166.66
Fixed Assets 3
Buildings
District Headquarters 19,095.00 19,095.00
Containers Stores 1 407.00 407.00
Containers Stores 2 2,363.92 2,363.92
21,865.92 21,865.92
Equipment
Office 600.00 600.00
Activity 5,000.00 5,000.00
5,600.00 5,600.00
Thriftwood 250.00 250.00
Stock
Adventure Island 4 27,775.00 34,050.00
Sealife 1,312.50 3,343.75
Golf 82.50 153.75
29,170.00 37,547.50
Total Assets 195,631.39 149,932.58

The above statement of receipts and payments and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Louisa Golder District Chair Date: 11/09/2024

Lisa Jones District Treasurer Date: 11/09/2024

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Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting and Reporting by Charities where relevant. Receipts are brought into account when cash is received, and payments are accounted for when payment is made. This basis of preparation is permitted to charities with an income of less than £250,000 and which are not companies, under section 113 of the Charities Act 2011.

The accounts comprise the funds under the control of the District Trustee Board, which are:

1. Bank Balances

The balances quoted are the amounts reconciled to the bank statements for the period covered by these accounts. These balances are reconciled against outstanding lodgments and payments not included in the statements at 31 March 2024.

2. Designated Funds

The trustees designate funds to the Operational Expenses fund in order to support the future of Scouting in the Hornchurch District. Six months operating costs, approximately £4,200 are held in the reserve account. In addition to this, the District designates funds to the Building and Equipment fund for the eventual replacement of the District Headquarters building (prefabricated) and District stores.

The funds of the Scout Active Support, the Explorer Scout Units, the Scout Network and Adventure Island Fundraising are regarded as designated funds of the Executive Council.

Designated Funds
Buildings and Equipment Fund
Operational Expenses Reserve Fund
Explorer Scouts Accounts
Adventure Island Funds
Equals Prepaid Cards
GHISP Funds		 2023/24
2022/23
39,035.70
31,089.86
4,200.00
4,100.00
6,649.07
3,860.60
33,715.76
23,528.21
418.81
1.17
38,992.99
6,185.12
123,012.33
68,764.96

3. Fixed Assets

In the statement of assets and liabilities, fixed assets are included on the following basis of valuation: Buildings: HQ at its cost in 1994/95; Container stores 1 at cost in 2004/05; Container stores 2 at cost in 2017/18. Office and activity equipment: at the trustees’ estimate of their current replacement cost. Thriftwood at its historic cost in 1957. Since the purchase, our share has increased due to the closure of Squirrels Heath District.

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Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 - continued

4. Adventure Island Stock

Stock value is based on the cost price of the Adventure Island tickets.

Qty
Cost
Adventure Island
2222
12.50
Sealife
210
6.25
Golf
22
3.75		 2023/24
2022/23

27,775.00
34,050.00

1,312.50
3,343.75

82.50
153.75
29,170.00
37,547.50

5. Donations and Other Income

Jack Petchey
Pro Deo Et Patricia Lodge		 2023/24
2022/23
1,000.00
-
337.50
-
1,337.50
-

6. Paid Administration

We currently employ a District Administrator on a permanent contract. These costs are fully funded by membership fee.

7. Trustee’s Expenses

The trustees are volunteers and do not receive remuneration for their services to the Council. Trustees received reimbursement of necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties amounting to £395.13 (2022 £273.46).

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Attachments

Gambia & Hornchurch International Scout Project Accounts

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Adventure IsLand Accounts A￿entUre 1slarKI Accowts f(K the year l 2023 to JI Maith 2024 Note5 39.015.76 49.214.25 47.54 116.69 4&DJ 19.W.9) 46.77& &).( 7.fl(l.￿ II¢XJ.QJ 226. .22 Sales RelLW)Js s Fwd (tfrts CLYrert*¢ z((o.oJ fAJ7.24 4.16 10768 134884 7&84 5479L14 6.10 7705 W923 10.187.40 145252Q 1 23.52&21 m053.41 39.014.76 49.154.25 47.54 116.69 119.W.9) 14Q779( 17.flQ(O IllC(J.(O 1226 IM.2J I￿.()> 15CQ.(O Sales dtK IQ91 (fy)7.24 16.1 1416 177.(F4 162 11.45&84 33.71&67 U528.21 Wg23 202Y24 202V23 2222 I1￿ 27.775Q) 34.09)Tr) 210 6.25 L31150 3.343.75 22 3.75 82.￿1 153.75 29.170.￿ 37.$47.50 Seoirfe CxAf 39.01&76 49.154 25 37.541.￿ 23.4CQ75 Costs leKlL4Je5tr￿5I￿5 to 20.698 79 47.674.62 4&29 7L(fj337 29.170.￿ 37.547.50 29.076 29 33.535.87 9939.47 1&618.38

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