ROMFORD DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 REGISTERED CHARITY 303701
Romford District Scout Council
ROMFORD DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL INDEX
| Page | 1 | – | 4 | Trustees Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Page | 5 | Accountant’s Independent Report | ||
| Page | 6 | Income and Expenditure Account | ||
| Page | 7 | Balance Sheet | ||
| Page | 8 | - | 9 | Notes to the accounts |
Romford Scout Council
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024
The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
Charity details
Charity Name Romford District Scout Council Registered Charity Number 303701 District Registration Number132545 Charity’s Principal Address 24 Park Drive. Romford, RM1 4LH Bankers Barclays Bank Plc. 36/38 South Street, Romford, RM1 1RH
Lloyds Bank Plc. 1 Market Place, Romford, RM1 3AA
Independent Examiner Paul Naude
Board of Trustees
District Commissioner Dean Jeffreys District Chair Julien Rawle District Treasurer Colin Shepherd District Secretary Penelope Williams District Youth Commissioner Reece Wiltshire District Explorer Scout Commissioner TBA District Network Commissioner Scott Riches (Resigned 8 September 2023) District Network Commissioner TBA District Appointments Secretary Adam Vale Warden DHQ Geoff Hutton Elected Member Elizabeth Godden Elected Member Jack Tape
Governance
Governing Document
Romford 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 to the Association and the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
Charities Constitution
The District is a trust established under rules of the Scout Association which are common all Scouts of the United Kingdom.
Trustee Selection
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.
Romford District Scout Council
Policies and Procedures
1
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.
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 Trustee Board complete Module 1 Essential information, Safety, Safeguarding, GDPR and Trustee Introduction training within the first 5 months of joining the Board.
The District Board exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment. It meets at least 4 times a year.
Members of the Board must act collectively as charity trustees of the Scout District, and in the best interests of its members to:
-
Comply with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
-
- Manage District finances
-
Provide insurance for people, property and equipment.
-
Provide sufficient resources for Scouting to operate. This includes, but is not
-
limited to, supporting recruitment, other adult support and fundraising activities. - Promote and support the development of Scouting in the local area.
-
- Manage and implement the Safety Policy locally.
-
Ensure that a positive image of Scouting exists in the local community.
-
Appoint and manage the operation of any Sub-Committees, including appointing a
-
Chair to lead the Sub-Committees.
-
Ensure that young people are meaningfully involved in decision making at all
-
levels within the District. - The opening, closure and amalgamation of Groups, Explorer Scout Units, Scout
-
Network and District Scout Supporter Units as necessary. - Appoint and manage of any Appointment Advisory Committee, including
-
appointing an Appointments Committee Chair to lead it. - Supervising the administration of Groups, particularly in relation to finance and
-
the trusteeship of Property.
The Trustee Board must also:
Appoint administrators, Advisers, and co-opted members of the Trustee Board. Approve the Annual Report and Accounts after their examination by an appropriate auditor, Independent Examiner or Scrutineer.
.
Romford District Scout Council
2
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 training and renewal. The District Commissioner and District Chair take the lead on monitoring compliance.
Risk to the health and safety of scouting members . There is mandatory safety training for volunteers which is monitored by the District Trustee Board bynthly 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 training and renewal, In addition, routine planned and preventative maintenance is carried out at the District HQ and Crow Camp to protect the health and safety of those using the facilities.
Internal Controls. The District has placed systems of internal control that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement of loss, these include 2 signatories (or online approvals on all payments).
The District has comprehensive insurance policies to ensure risks are covered. These include insurance for non-members attending scouting activities and events. Risk assessments are required for all scouting activities including both indoor and outdoor activities.
Objectives and Activities
The charity’s objective is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, interllectual, 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 is their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values:
Integrity We act with integrity: We are honest, trustworthy and loyal. Respect We have self respect and respect for others. Care We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Belief We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes. Co-operation We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:
-
Enjoy what they are doing and have fun.
-
Take part in activities indoors and outdoors.
-
Learn by doing.
-
Share in spiritual reflection.
-
Take responsibility and make choices.
-
Undertake new and challenging activities.
-
Make and live by their Promise.
3
Romford District Scout Council
Charity Activities
Scouting is open to all young people between the ages of 4 and 25. irrespective of their background, ethnic origin, nationality, race, marital or sexual status, political or religious beliefs. The Scout District incorporates the geographical areas of Romford, Collier Row, Gidea Park, Harold Hill, Havering and Squirrels Heath which are situated in the Greater London Borough of Havering. Romford Scout District is part of the Greater London North East Scout County.
The District’s role is to support the Groups within its area if 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 criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship of community development headings.
Financial Review
The District’s policy on reserves is to hold bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the District obtains maximum value from its banking arrangements. Sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the District should income and fundraising fall short.
Charity Achievements
The District continues to redevelop Crow Camp, our District camp site. After a structural report on out District Headquarters showing serious defects, it has now been condemned. In the coming months the Trustee Board will be considering 3 options for our Headquarters.
-
1 To redevelop the site with a new headquarters.
-
2 To seek a suitable site for our new headquarters.
-
3 To sell the site.
Declaration
The Trustee Board declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above
Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustee Board
Julien Rawle District Chair
Colin Shepherd District Treasurer
Date
Date
4
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of Romford District Scout Council
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the ROMFORD DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Romford 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 Trust’s 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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect pf the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with the records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts set
-
Out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a
-
‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed
Name: Paul Naude
Address: Clover Tye Little Browns Lane Edenbridge TB8 6LJ
Date:
5
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
Year ended Notes
Year ended
31 March 2024
31
March 2023 INCOME – UNRESTRICTED
| District HQ and Crow Camp Rental Income Adult Training and Development Squirrel Activities Beaver Activities 830 Cub Activities Scout Activities 0 Explorer Activities Network Activities Scout Shop District Events Donations, Fund Raising, Gift Aid Investment Income and Bank Interest Int. Trip Balance TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE Member Fees Net – District District HQ and Crow Camp Costs Training Squirrel Activities Beaver Activities 646 Cub Activities Scout Activities 0 Explorer Activities Explorer International Camp Expenses 3,189 Network Activities Loss on Badge/Scout Shop Stock District Events 6,896 Repairs, Renewals and Equipment Ofcers & Sundry Expenses Equipment Minibus and Van Crow Camp Development WSJ – South Korea for Explorers Depreciation on FF and Equipment TOTAL EXPENDITURE 88,625 |
0 804 140 270 76 0 2,180 7,456 9,929 2,337 37,316 12,884 1,476 0 0 1,616 265 0 6,367 20,521 20,126 5,079 0 3 ,738 77,739 55,672 1,108 1,586 4,628 4,187 151 2,638 132 0 2,254 5,453 9,078 2,592 32,602 20,292 0 2,317 166 56 4,876 2,438 2,738 1,721 1,723 2,792 0 138 1,974 1,693 5,403 7,894 0 16,600 5,307 4,233 70,878 |
|---|---|
PROFIT/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR
6,861 -
32,953
6
Romford District Scouts
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024
| STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND FUNDS |
||
|---|---|---|
| FIXED ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Barclays Bank Current Account Barclays Bank Reserve Account Lloyds Explorer Account Lloyds Explorer Depoait Accounts Bank Accounts Skipton Building Society Nationwide Building Society Redwood Bank Buckinghamshire Building Society Hinckley Building Society Vernon Building Society United Trust Bank United Trust Bank Investment Accounts Badge / Shop and Badge Stock Debtors and Prepayments Accrued Investment and bank Interest TOTAL ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES Accrued Expenses International Trip Member Balances - Iceland/Holland TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES FUNDS Total Accumulated Fund RESTRICTED FUNDS: |
31/03/2024 Notes 42,576 AA 1,465 31,1189 8,177 A1 93,369 134,130 100,000 A3 91,217 A2 45,000 70,000 50,000 51,562 51,422 51,533 510,734 263 4,053 3,549 A2/A3 7,865 695,304.90 2,551 55,295 L1 57,845.87 637,459 129,032 |
31/03/2023 38,092 8,007 40,256 47,849 0 |
| 96,112 100,000 86,887 45,000 70,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 |
||
| 501,887 125 741 1,541 |
||
| 2,407 | ||
| 638,498.46 | ||
| 1,400 6,500 |
||
| 7,900.44 | ||
| 630,598 | ||
| 117,128 |
| Bunny Warren Legacy DHQ Redevelopment Crow Camp Redevelopment TOTAL FUNDS |
20,332 F1 451,210 F2 36,885 F3 637,459 7 |
20,332 451,210 41,928 |
|---|---|---|
| 630,598 | ||
Notes to the Financial Activities for year ending 31st March 2024
AA FIXED ASSETS FIXTURES
| Balance B/Fwd Additions Depreciation B/Fwd Depreciation in year NBV 31 March 2024 |
FITTINGS & CONTAINER S COMPUTER EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT TOTAL |
|---|---|
| 42325 0 0 42325 0 8832 959 9791 |
|
| 42325 8832 959 52116 |
|
| 4233 0 0 4233 4232 883 192 5307 |
|
| 8465 883 192 9540 |
|
| £33,860 £7,949 £767 £42,576 |
Depreciation is calculated as follows:
Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment Over 10 years Containers Over 10 years Computer Equipment Over 5 years
| A! STOCK Opening Stock Purchases in year Sales in year Stock W/Of Closing Stock |
125 357 |
|---|---|
| 482 -163 -56 |
|
| £263 |
A1 Explorer bank account holds deposits and savings for international trips. A2 Investments that pay interest directly to the funds.
-
A3 Investment that pay interest to the District bank account
-
All investments have been reviewed where appropriate.
Liabilities
- L1 Deposits and savings for Explorer overseas trips
Funds
-
F1 Bunny Warren legacy fund – no movement in the year
-
F2 DHQ Redevelopment Restricted fund- no movement in year
-
F3 Unspent Balance of Crow Camp restricted redevelopment fund
-
L1 Deposits and savings for Explorer overseas trips
9
8