2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group
Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Contents CHARITY DETAILS ............................................................................................................................................... 2 TRUSTEE BOARD ................................................................................................................................................ 2 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................. 3 RISK MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................................................................... 4 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................................................. 5 FINANCIAL REVIEW ............................................................................................................................................ 6 GROUP LEAD VOLUNTEERS’ REPORT................................................................................................................. 7 VOLUNTEERS ..................................................................................................................................................... 8 SCOUTING REPORTS .......................................................................................................................................... 9 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ............................................................................................................... 13 RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ................................................................................................................................... 14 ASSETS & LIABILITIES ....................................................................................................................................... 15
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
CHARITY DETAILS
Group Registration Number with The Scout Association 7165
Charity Registration Number 303709
Principal Bankers
Lloyds Bank plc Market Place Romford Branch
Contact Name and Address
David Rogers 11 Deyncourt Gardens Upminster, RM14 1DF
TRUSTEE BOARD
Trustees
| Trustee name Michael Roome David Rogers Michelle Barkwith Gary Bone Susannah Brasier Debbie Carter Olly Clark Rebecca Cox Stuart Fink David Goss James Jaques Nicola Newton Lee Owen Julia Rogers |
Office (if any) Group Chair Group Treasurer |
Date acted if not for whole year Until 06/07/2025 From 30/11/2024 From 15/01/2025 From 02/09/2024 From 02/09/2024 Until 06/07/2025 Until 06/07/2025 |
|---|---|---|
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Type of governing document
The Group'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.
How the charity is constituted
The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.
Charity objectives
2nd Upminster Scouts is an educational charity whose primary object is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full potential as individuals, responsible citizens, and members of their local, national, and international communities. This is achieved by providing fun, adventure, and skills for life, and empowering young people to make a positive contribution to society.
Trustee responsibilities
The Trustee Board has overall control of the charity and is responsible for making sure the Group is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules.
Trustee Board membership
The Group’s Trustee Board is comprised of between 5 and 12 subject to a maximum number approved by the Scout Council at the AGM. These Trustees may be Ex officio, appointed, or co-opted. An Ex officio trustee is automatically a member of the Trustee Board because of their role in Scouts. At 2nd Upminster the Group Lead Volunteer is the only Ex officio trustee.
Trustee Board appointments
The Chair, Treasurer and other appointed trustees are all elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) by the Scout Council, based on the outcome of an open selection process. Co-opted trustees may be appointed by the board during the year to do a particular task, or to bring new skills to the mix.
Ex officio Trustees serve as a Trustee for as long as they hold the Ex officio role. Appointed Trustees (including Chair and Treasurer) are appointed by the Scout Council at the AGM for an initial period of no longer than three years. Coopted Trustees are appointed by the Trustee Board for an initial period of one year are encouraged to move to being appointed Trustees at the next AGM. Trustees may only be a member of the Group’s Trustee Board for a maximum of 9 years after which a break of three years is required.
Trustee selection methods
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
How the charity is managed
The Scout Association’s Policy, Organisation, and Rules (POR) says the Trustee Board purpose is to focus on oversight and strategy and supporting achievement of the organisation’s strategic goals.
Under the auspices of the Trustee Board, the Group Leadership Team helps volunteers across all sections to work well together and to feel motivated. They are tasked with a wide variety of responsibilities including support for the Group's sections in delivery of the programme, the development of volunteers and engagement with the community.
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Group Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:
Safeguarding incidents involving Scouting members.
This is mitigated by 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 within the Group and by the District Trustee Board.
Risk to the health and safety of leaders, helpers, supporters and 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.
Related financial risks are mitigated through capitation fees contributed to The Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy and other insurances arranged through Scout Insurance Services Limited. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
Damage to the buildings, property and equipment.
The Group has buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against these potential losses.
Reduced income
The Group is primarily reliant upon income from youth member subscriptions. The Group holds a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Board could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the Group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently.
Reduction or loss of leaders
The Group is wholly reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Group. If the number of volunteers reduced to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the Group, this would lead to a contraction, consolidation or closure of the affected section or in the worst case to the complete closure of the Group.
Reduction or loss of members
The Group provides activities for all young people aged four to 14. If the number of youth members in a particular section or the Group reduced to an unacceptable level, this would lead to a contraction, consolidation or closure of the affected section or in the worst case to the complete closure of the Group.
Internal Control
The Group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include 2 signatories for all bank payments and insurance policies to ensure insurable risks are covered.
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
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
-
undertake new and challenging activities
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make and live by their Promise.
Our place in Scouting
2[nd] Upminster Scouts is a ‘unit’ of Scouting in the United Kingdom offering Scouting to boys and girls between the ages of four and 14. We have a sponsorship agreement with St. Laurence Church, Upminster and hold our usual weekly meetings in halls at the Church.
Our organisation
At 2nd Upminster we provide weekly Scouting activities for young people from age four to 14. Squirrel is for ages 4 to 6, Beaver Scouts is for ages 6 to 8, Cub Scouts for ages 8 to 10½ and Scouts for ages 10½ to 14. We currently operate seven sections: one Squirrels Drey, two Beaver Colonies, two Cub Packs and two Scout Troops.
Charity Commission's public benefit criteria
The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
Achievements and performance
The Group Lead Volunteers’ Report below describes the overall activities of the Group during the year. This is followed by a list of volunteers and section reports giving an insight into the main activities and achievements of the individual sections.
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Results
Overall payments for the year exceeded receipts by £1,752 and this deficit has been deducted from accumulated funds resulting in a carried forward balance at the end of the year of £13,090.
The main contributors to the result for the year were:
| Receipts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Membership subscriptions | £21,820 | 68.4% |
| Scouting activity charges | £4,307 | 13.5% |
| Gift Aid tax refund | £4,402 | 13.8% |
| Other | £1,390 | 4.3% |
| Total | £31,919 | 100.0% |
| Payments | ||
| Membership subscriptions paid on | £7,672 | 22.8% |
| Youth programme expenses | £21,977 | 65.3% |
| Programme support expenses | £4,022 | 11.9% |
| Total | £33,671 | 100.0% |
Gift Aid continues to make a significant contribution to the Group’s income. The reclaim in 2023/24 in respect of subscriptions received in the previous year represented almost 93% of the theoretical maximum we could have claimed.
Details of the Group’s receipts and payments, and assets and liabilities are reported on pages 14 and 15.
Financial controls
The Group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include 2 signatories for all bank payments and insurance policies to ensure insurable risks are covered.
Reserves policy
The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient cash funds and monetary assets to continue the charitable activities of the Group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Trustee Board considers that the Group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months’ running costs, circa £10,000.
Investment policy
The Group's income and expenditure is relatively small and consequently it does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a low-risk strategy for the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies or The Scout Association's Short Term Investment Service.
The Group Trustees regularly monitor the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the Group 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 Trustee Board considers the cash flow requirements.
APPROVAL
This report was approved by the Trustees on 18 June 2025. Signed on behalf of the Trustees by
Michael Roome Group Chair
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
GROUP LEAD VOLUNTEERS’ REPORT
Meetings, meetings, meetings…
2nd Upminster continues to thrive, offering Scouting to boys and girls between the ages of four and 14. In addition to our usual weekly meetings in the Church Halls, we continue to organise diverse and valuable Section outings and camps, and participate in District events.
Programme
Our programme is based around weekly section meetings delivered in the Church halls supplemented by camps and outdoor activities and opportunities to join with other local Scout Groups in larger events organised by the local Scout District and County. We offer activities, badges and nights away opportunities designed to develop skills for life for our young people delivered by our amazing team of volunteers.
Membership
The Group continues to attract applications from more young people than can be accommodated by the existing leadership team and the existing sections. Actual membership numbers change frequently as members join, move between sections and leave, but the numbers reported in our annual census provide a useful insight:
| Youth membership | January2025 | January2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Squirrels | 20 | 19 |
| Beavers | 43 | 26 |
| Cubs | 44 | 41 |
| Scouts | 29 | 34 |
| Totalyouth members | 136 | 120 |
The names and details of our adult members are shown in the volunteers section of this report. We have not shown statistics here because the move to teams-based volunteering has made year on year misleading. Our adult volunteers are assisted by members of the Young Leaders Scheme (young people aged 14-18, typically from Explorer Scout units) who contribute to the delivery of their section’s programme.
Volunteering
Scouting at 2nd Upminster is made possible by the teamwork of our leaders and helpers who are all parents of current or past youth members or who were themselves members in their childhood. We rely on new parents joining this team effort to ensure our continued success and as a result we give priority to applications with an adult family member who can help.
Awards
During the last year, Hornchurch District Scouts awarded the HL Jackson Memorial Award to the Group having judged it to be a group in the District which has excelled in all aspects of Scouting. The District also awarded the Janet Winslow Award to Bex Cox recognising her for her willingness to go and help another group or section.
Mike Roome & David Rogers (Acting Group Lead Volunteers)
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
VOLUNTEERS
Organisation
Our adult volunteers are organized into three main types of teams: Section Teams, the Group Leadership Team, and the Group Trustee Board.
Group Trustee Board
This Trustees provides the legal and financial framework for the Scout Group, ensuring it complies with charity law and operates in accordance with the Policy Organization and Rules of The Scout Association. The members of the Board are shown on page 2.
Group Leadership Team
This Group Leadership Team supports all volunteers within the group in the delivery of safe and exciting Scouting by coordinating activities, planning programs, and ensuring continuity and development. This team includes the Group Lead Volunteer, a lead volunteer from each section and other volunteers overseeing group-wide responsibilities such as volunteer development, membership subscriptions and the maintenance and availability of Scouting equipment. The current members of this team are.
| Section team leaders | Section team leaders | Others | Others |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bex Cox | Michelle Barkwith | Debbie Carter | Mike Roome |
| Sukh Nahr | Olly Clark | Marie Sugrue | David Rogers |
| James Jaques | Lee Sambrook | Lee Owen | Julia Rogers |
| Louise Horsley |
Section Teams
The members of our Section Teams (we have one for each section) are responsible for planning, delivering, and running the youth program within their own section. This includes managing the day-to-day operations of the section, ensuring safety, and helping young people achieve Top Awards and other badges. They also support young people in developing new skills and finding their place in the world.
| Squirrels Bex Cox Georgina Delaney Joanna Edge Simon Gerrish Louise Hardy Jess Hewlett Katie Jenne Rosa Lewis-Samuels Chloe Pope Hannah Smith Louise Smith Paula Winter James Bowker (YL) Maisy Clark (YL) |
Gridiron Beavers Bex Cox Simon Gerrish Iris Huard Natalie Jeeves Thomas Kent Waiman Tang Lennie Hough (YL) Jack Bowker (YL) Harrison Clark (YL) Holden Beavers Sukh Nahr Carl Jacobs David Hayward Stuart Martin Michelle Cutter Mariam Ahmed Karolina Barabach Katie Jenne |
Tampa Bay Cubs James Jaques Lee Owen Natalie Jeeves Chris Plume Rob Bowker Gus Chuter (YL) Derham Cubs Michelle Barkwith Nicola Newton Wills Blundell Jonathan Slack Peter Cox Jelena Begena Emma Fair Steve Fair |
Carter Scouts Olly Clark Louise Horsley Sarah Chapman James Jaques Harry Constantinou Thomas Wood (YL) Eagle Scouts Lee Sambrook Sukh Nahr Brett Emblin Wills Blundell |
|---|---|---|---|
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
SCOUTING REPORTS
The Group
The Group continues to attract applications from more young people than can be accommodated by the existing leadership team and the existing sections. Actual membership numbers change frequently as members join, move between sections and leave, but the demand continues to rise for the activities that Scouting can offer.
In September 2024, we opened a second Scout Troop in response to oversubscription in the existing Troop. The existing troop adopted the name “Carter Troop” (a salute to Debbie Carter who has been a volunteer with the Group for more than 30 years) and the new troop gave itself the name “Eagle Troop”.
2nd Upminster Scouts first opened in 1924. We marked this anniversary in July 2024 with a centenary family camp at the Thriftwood Scout Campsite in Brentwood. This was followed on Remembrance Sunday by an anniversary event after our usual annual awards ceremony with cake, refreshments and a display of photographs and memorabilia in the Minor Hall.
Scouting in the UK has introduced a transformation programme aimed at making volunteering with Scouts easier, more enjoyable and rewarding. This change includes moving to teams-based volunteering which effectively formalises what we have been doing in some of our sections for several years. We continue to operate very flexible volunteering arrangements with some people getting involved almost every week, some helping once or twice a month and others less frequently. Our philosophy is that ‘many hands make light work’.
Squirrels Report
Over the past year, our Squirrel Drey have enjoyed a fantastic range of activities designed to build their confidence, teamwork, and life skills whilst having lots of fun along the way. We challenged their sense of adventure by visiting the assault course, cresta run and cave bus at Thriftwood and water based fun was had on the pedalos at Stubbers in the summer.
Food is always a keen interest for our Squirrels, so it featured a lot across this year! They were lucky enough to visit a local allotment where the children got an insight into the food cycle as well as practicing our practical skills when we made pizzas and pancakes and cooked on our campfire.
As always, we continue to embrace other cultures and traditions as we learnt about Chinese New Year and Diwali. This year, our Squirrels also found a new love for litter picking, whilst we did our bit for the community and cleared up our park. We enjoyed a visit from a local personal trainer who kept us all moving and helped us work towards our ‘Be Active’ badge – it was a great way to burn off some of their energy, a really enjoyable session.
A special highlight of this year was our first film night, where the Squirrels enjoyed a lovely evening together, building friendships over a play in the park, dinner and a film. To top it all off, the Squirrels had an exciting and educational trip to Hornchurch Fire Station, where they learned about fire safety and the role of firefighters in the community.
It’s been a busy and rewarding year, and we’re incredibly proud of all the Squirrels’ enthusiasm and achievements!
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Gridiron Beavers Report
The theme for Gridiron Beavers this year was better out than in! We’ve been lucky enough to enjoy lots of visits over the past 12 months including to the RAF Heritage Museum, the Apple shop, the Astrological Society at Thames Chase to name but a few.
We’ve continued to push our colony to be adventurous and have successfully managed to get everyone rock climbing at Stubbers and canoeing at Thriftwood this year. Life skills have been taught with Debbie doing Emergency First Aid with our Beavers, they’ve also learnt to tie 3 different knots, put up a tent, make their bed, tie their shoelaces, light a candle and the phone number of one of their parents.
It was an interesting night when our full colony turned up to work on our cycling badge and we all went for a bike ride around the park with a real variety of cycling abilities, but we were really proud of them all for coming and not giving up, it showed real courage and resilience.
A special mention as well to our first joint sleepover with Holden Beavers as 11 of our own colony went to Oak Lodge for their ‘nights away’ adventure following a busy but wet ‘District Beaver Badge Day’ where they all earnt 5 activity/staged badges. It was a really successful sleepover and one we are planning again for next year, a fantastic way for both colonies to come together.
It’s certainly been a busy but very fun filled year for Gridiron Beavers, including awarding 3 Chief Scout Bronze Awards.
Holden Beavers Report
What a fantastic year it's been for the Holden Beaver Colony! Our young members have enjoyed a packed programme of activities, making great strides in their learning and development.
We spent a good deal of time exploring the world around us, including trips to places like Thames Chase where we learned about plants and even constructed bug hotels. We also embraced physical challenges, such as tackling the climbing walls at Stubbers. Caring for our local area was important, and we got stuck into community clean-up efforts like litter picking.
Connecting with our community and participating in Group traditions was a highlight. The Beavers proudly paraded at events throughout the year, including supporting the St George's Day, Remembrance Sunday, and Christingle services.
Inside, there was plenty of room for creativity and learning new things. We enjoyed various arts and crafts, from building with Lego and following instructions to creating thoughtful cards for people we care about. We also expanded our understanding of the wider world by learning about different cultures, like celebrating Chinese New Year. We also had a visit from a local Police Officer, which the Beavers thoroughly enjoyed.
Teamwork skills were put to the test with engaging group games, which helped everyone work together effectively and build strategies.
We continued to expand our leader team by welcoming two additional parent volunteers building upon the energy and diverse experiences of our existing leaders. These new additions to the team and the further development of the existing leaders will help guide the colony on future exciting new adventures.
Looking back, the Beavers have shown real enthusiasm, dedication, and have developed lots of valuable skills. It's been a rewarding year full of fun, learning, and growth, and we're excited about what the next year holds!
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Tampa Bay Cubs Report
There have been numerous highlights for Tampa Cubs over the last twelve months. We’ve engaged with the local community; enjoying informative visits to the fire station in Wennington, litter picking in the local neighbourhood and stargazing with Havering Astronomical Society, where we saw Jupiter.
We’ve enjoyed visits to Thriftwood for adventure evenings and our Robert special evening with Dads for Father’s Day. We have been laser tag and kayaking at Stubbers. Severa Tampa Cubs attended fun-filled District events, including the annual District Camp at Skreens. It was great to bring the Cub pack together for an overnight stay at Sleepover at Thriftwood as well.
We’ve tried new activities, including the Cave Bus, made marble runs and held an evening of detective skills.
We have also been to the Apple Store to learn about apps, had furry visitors stopping by at the hall and many chaotic nights of cubs cooking from scratch, pancake night is always a favourite.
Throughout the year we’ve worked towards numerous badges, and it was pleasing to see George, Oliver, Jaden, Joseph and Finlay all deservedly get their Silver Awards.
It’s been a busy year and plenty more fun still to be had in 2025!
Derham Cubs Report
There have been numerous highlights for Derham Cubs over the last twelve months. We’ve learnt about environmental conservation, working with St Laurence Church to plant herbs in the church grounds, as well as making bird boxes/feeders, and distributing seed bombs to encourage wildflowers. We also went on a litter pick and took part in the RSPB Big Bird Count. We’ve made the most of other local green spaces on a summer hike around Pages Wood and have had lots of fun in Upminster Park.
We’ve undertaken various adventurous activities, including paddle boarding and archery at Stubbers, tubing in Brentwood, and climbing, caving, den building and campfire nights at Thriftwood. Eight Derham Cubs took part in a very memorable day of various water activities at the unique Lord Amory Scout site in the heart of the Docklands. Our Cubs also had a great nights-away experience whilst engaging in loads of activities and team challenges at the annual District Cub Camp in June 2024, and we’re looking forward to this years’ camp..
But the fun wasn’t limited to outdoors, as we had an eye-opening evening in the hall when we met several fascinating creatures (including an armadillo!) brought to us by Animal Encounters. We learnt about our local history with a visit to Upminster Windmill and enjoyed many celebratory sessions, including Halloween, Chinese New Year and Pancake Day. The Cubs have input into planning our programme, such as a bowling night for our Christmas activity, a Talent Showcase evening and plenty of games.
We’ve worked towards lots of badges throughout the year and several Cubs are on track to achieve their Silver Chief Scout Award by summer 2025. It’s been a busy twelve months and plenty more fun still to come!
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Carter Scouts Report
The scout section has seen a return to more normal numbers and an increased level of retention throughout the year with 25 members currently.
This is in large part due to the advent of the second scout troop. To mark this the leaders named our troop Carter Scouts, a nod to the help, guidance and influence of Debbie Carter.
We have also benefited from a new young leader and having retained a young leader as a fully fledged adult leader. The troop recently took 20 scouts on a Survivor themed camp which saw every scout sleep in the trees in hammocks. There have also been activities such as river cleaning, scuba diving (not at the same time), junk yard golf, hikes, trebuchets, bushcraft and raft building.
Four scouts have received their Chief Scout Gold Award, congratulations to: Gus Chuter, Austin Horsley, Alex Jeffries and Finlay Smyth.
Eagle Scouts Report
Eagle Scouts—A Journey of Strength, Friendship, and Creativity
The Eagle Scouts may be newly formed, but they have already demonstrated the core values that make Scouting so impactful: resilience, teamwork, and a thirst for adventure.
Their journey began with a 5km cycle ride, a challenge that tested their determination and teamwork. Pushing their limits, they learned that perseverance and encouragement can take them further than they ever imagined.
They took their skills to Stubbers, where they mastered the art of fire-making. Just as patience and precision create the perfect flame, these Scouts learned that problem-solving and persistence are essential in both survival and life.
Beyond the outdoor adventures, the Eagle Scouts have also embraced the power of creativity and storytelling. They turned their experiences into a promo video, showcasing the spirit of their group and sharing their journey with the wider community on Facebook. Through filmmaking, they displayed leadership, innovation, and teamwork—proving that Scouting isn’t just about survival skills, but also about expressing ideas and inspiring others.
Most importantly, this group has formed strong friendships, built on trust, support, and a shared commitment to pushing boundaries. Whether outdoors, behind the camera, or in everyday challenges, they lift each other up and move forward together.
This is just the beginning. As they continue to grow, the Eagle Scouts will face new challenges, embrace new adventures, and show that Scouting is about more than badges—it’s about courage, learning, and a spirit that never gives up.
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
2ND UPMINSTER (ST. LAURENCE) SCOUT GROUP
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the 2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group 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 2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the 2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group 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.
Name Richard Davies Qualification Chartered Accountant Address 9 Goirle Avenue Canvey Island Essex SS8 8BJ Date 21 May 2025
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
| RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 RECEIPTS |
2024/25 Unrestricted funds £ |
2023/24 Unrestricted funds £ |
|---|---|---|
| Donations, legacies Membership subscriptions and similar income Donations Gift Aid Other similar income Grants Grants Scouting activities Camp receipts Other activity receipts Fundraising (gross) Fundraising activities Investment income Interest received TOTAL RECEIPTS PAYMENTS |
21,820 1,095 4,402 187 27,504 - - 1,910 2,397 4,307 - - 108 108 31,919 |
19,051 253 4,310 182 |
| 23,796 | ||
| 300 | ||
| 300 | ||
| 3,410 846 |
||
| 4,256 | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| 31 | ||
| 31 | ||
| 28,383 | ||
| Charitable Payments Membership subscriptions paid on Youth programme and activities Adult support and training Hall hire Electricity Insurance - building and contents Insurance - accident and injury Banking services Uniforms Purchase of badges Equipment purchases (major items) Maintenance, repairs and renewals AGM and trustee expenses Miscellaneous expenses Fundraising expenses Fundraising expenses TOTAL PAYMENTS CASH FUNDS |
7,672 15,485 - 4,380 353 359 1,406 576 903 1,127 648 337 - 425 33,671 - - 33,671 |
6,261 10,452 - 3,622 401 612 1,756 512 527 1,482 - 342 - 446 |
| 26,413 | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| 26,413 | ||
| Cash funds last year end Net receipts/(payments) Cash funds this year end |
14,842 -1,752 13,090 |
12,872 1,970 |
| 14,842 |
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2nd Upminster (St. Laurence) Scout Group Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
| STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31 MARCH 2025 ASSETS |
2024/25 Unrestricted funds £ |
2023/24 Unrestricted funds £ |
|---|---|---|
| Cash funds Bank current accounts Bank deposit accounts Cash/Floats Other monetary assets Tax reclaims Camp and activity fees paid in advance Capitation fees paid in advance Uniform purchased available for resale Debts due from the County/Area/District/Group Insurance claims Investment assets Investments Non monetary asset Scouting equipment, furniture etc for charity's own use Badge stock LIABILITIES |
6,524 6,566 - 13,090 4,882 - 7,672 - - - 12,554 - - 5,494 - 5,494 |
14,842 - - |
| 14,842 | ||
| 4,258 100 6,261 - - - |
||
| 10,619 | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| 5,456 - |
||
| 5,456 | ||
| Current liabilities Accounts not yet paid Expenses incurred but not invoiced Camp and activity fees received in advance Subscriptions not yet paid Loans Other liabilities Contingent liabilities and future obligations |
172 - - - - - 172 - |
50 - - - - - |
| 50 | ||
| - |
The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 18 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by
Michael Roome Group Chair
David Rogers Group Treasurer
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