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.
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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:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect pf the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with the records; or
3. 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
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