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2024-01-31-accounts

District Trustees Annual Report to the

REDBRIDGE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

for the period 1st February 2023 to 31st January 2025 presented at the AGM 18[th] June 2025

Status

March 1963 as The Scout District was first registered with the Charity Commission on 22[nd] charity number 303803 with the name of Ilford East District Scout Council. On the merger of the Epping Forest South, Ilford Northwest and Ilford East Scout District’s on the 16[th ] October 2021 the name was changed to Redbridge District Scout Council.

The charity is part of the Scout Association, located within the Scout County of Greater London Northeast and has the District registration number 12158001.

Trustees

(Ex officio) Colin Wreyford (Vacant)

District Lead Volunteer (acting) District Youth Commissioner

(Appointed)

Chris Potten Interim District Chairman Tina Isherwood District Treasurer Jennie Coombs

District Secretary (until 6[th] November 2024 then Trustee)

(Other Appointed)

Ana Maria Dryden Charlie Paddon Dean Gibson (until Sept 2024) Denise Taylor Jon Groom (until March 2024 ) Karen Fage (until June 2024) Peter Hayward (until Sept 2024) Russell Vaughan Phil Merchant Tahir Mahmud Kresh Veerasamy

Honorary Vice Presidents Barbara Manwaring Barbara Westcott Dick Walker Joan Stevens Paul Plane Sue Paddon

Principal Address

ROVSCO Hall, 72 Hollybush Hill, Wanstead, London, E11 1PE

Bankers

CAF Bank & Metro Bank

Independent Examiner

Rob Handworker

Redbridge District Website and e-mail Address

www.redbridgescouts.org.uk

info@redbridgescouts.org.uk

Structure, Governance and Management

The District’s governing documents and constitution are those of The Scout Association (TSA). These consist of Charter Royal, 1991 being the most recent, which in turn gives authority to the bye laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scout Association. The District is a trust established under its rules, which are common to all Scouts. The trustees are appointed in accordance with the rules and policies contained in POR of The Scout Association.

The District is led by a District Lead Volunteer and managed by a District Trustee Board (DTB). They are accountable to the District Scout Council for the satisfactory running of the District.

The Trustee Board exists to support the District Lead Volunteer in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment.

Members of the Trustee Board must act collectively as charity Trustees of the Scout District, and in the best interests of its members to:

Objectives and Activities

The objectives of the District are as a unit of the Scout Association. The Aim of The Scout Association is “to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local national and international communities.”

“The method of achieving the aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership.”

Public Benefit

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. The groups are mainly but not entirely based in the London Borough of Redbridge.

Risk and Internal Control

The District Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the District is exposed which are:

Injury or adverse impact to health to Leaders, Helpers, Supporters or Members

The District supports compliance with the Safety Policy and ensures appropriate risk assessment; elimination, reduction and control measures are taken to reduce the likelihood of any injuries or adverse impact to health (including mental health). In addition, through membership fees, the District contributes to the Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy. A separate HS&E subcommittee is in place to help support the DC in the development and deployment of policy and good practice regarding health, safety, and environment.

Damage to Buildings, Property or Equipment

Should this impact on the operation of a Group or Unit, the District would request the use of buildings, property, and equipment from neighboring organisations. The District has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.

Reduced Income from Subscriptions and Fund Raising

The District is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fund-raising. The District holds adequate reserves to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The committee could also raise the cost of subscriptions to increase the District income either temporarily or permanently, recognising the potential risk to membership numbers, especially in cost-of-living crisis. Due to the very challenging financial environment for 2022, it was agreed to hold the District fees at the 2021 rate, further recognising the ongoing difficulties, fees have been held the same for 2025

Reduction or Loss of Leaders

The District is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the District. If there were a reduction in the number of volunteers to an unacceptable level, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of activities or sections.

The biggest challenge to both maintaining and growing scouting provision in the District is the shortfall of adult leaders and volunteers, especially taking into account the increasing age of many of the key leaders.

Reduction or Loss of Members

If there were a reduction in membership of a particular section or the District as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation, or closure of a section. At this time there are healthy waiting lists of young people wishing to join scouting, often constrained by a shortage of adult volunteers.

Internal Controls

The District has in place systems of internal control that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include dual signatories for payments, a robust expenses policy and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered

Financial Review

The attached accounts include the opening position of the District accounts as at 1[st] February 2023 to closure on 31[st] January 2024, and for the period 1[st] February 2024 to closure on 31 January 2025.

The accounts include the financial operation of all aspects of the Redbridge District including Scout shop, Hargreaves campsite, District HQ and other properties, Fellowships and Explorer Units.

The accounts have been agreed by the Trustees and reviewed but formal sign off from the our Independent Examiner is still pending – final approved sets of Accounts will be made available. The delay in getting sign off has been caused due to the Treasurer not receiving the necessary information from Groups – we would urge all members to provide timely responses to the treasurer in future.

Statement of Trustees Financial Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the District.

They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the district and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The accounts have been drawn up on the receipts and payments basis and follow best practice as set out in the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by

Charities."

Additional Reporting Requirements

Numbers at the end of each comment refer to The Charity Commission ‘Additional Reporting Requirements’ template.

There were no ‘serious’ or notifiable incidents during the year under review. All processes are subject to review by the trustees (4&36).

Grant making is not the main way the charity fulfils its purposes. However, in this unprecedented period, small grants were available within the Scout District in addition to those usually considered e.g., hardship assistance. No funds were raised from the general public (5&10).

No funding was received as payment for contracts with central or local government. (11, 14,15&16).

The charity does not have any trading subsidiaries, nor does it operate outside of England & Wales and has not received any overseas funding (17,20&27).

All the trustees are volunteers and as such are not remunerated except for the payment of claimed expenses. There are no paid staff, thus no trustees have resigned to start paid appointments (29,31&32).

As a young person’s charity, all volunteers including trustees are subject to a DBS check prior to appointment, which is reviewed upon positional changes and after five years. This service is provided centrally by The Scout Association via its approved contractor. Trustee details are recorded and shown on The Charity Commission portal (37&41).

Achievements and Performance

It has been an exciting and productive couple of years for our Scout District, with significant growth, engagement, and achievements across all sections. Our volunteers, young people, and supporters have worked tirelessly to uphold the spirit and values of Scouting. Below highlights key developments, successes, and challenges faced over the past Twenty-four months.

Membership & Growth

There has been continued positive growth in our district’s membership. We are pleased to report:

Our County Census highlighted the upward trend in membership, reflecting the district’s commitment to providing meaningful Scouting experiences.

In 2024 our membership increased by 2.2% and in 2025 it increased by 22.9% with a total membership of 2530 people. Which is the highest we have been since census records started in 2001

Activities & Events

Over the past two years, we have successfully delivered a variety of activities and events, including:

Learning & Compliance

These initiatives have strengthened our district’s leadership team, ensuring the quality and sustainability of Scouting within the community.

Challenges & Future Goals

While we celebrate successes, we acknowledge the challenges faced, including:

Looking ahead, we aim to:

Conclusion

The past twenty-four months have reaffirmed the strength and enthusiasm of Scouting in our District. With ongoing dedication and teamwork, we look forward to another year of growth, adventure, and success.

Thank you to all leaders, volunteers, parents, and young members for their unwavering support in making this year remarkable.

Colin Wreyford District Lead Volunteer (Acting)

FINANCIAL APPENDICES

Principal Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014, the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015.

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by charities preparing their ‘accounts’ in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Investments

Investment is shown at most recent valuation. Any aggregate surplus or deficit arising from changes in market value is transferred to SOFA.

Income & Expenditure

Income is recognised on a receivable basis. Turnover from the sale of goods is recognised on point of sale. Liabilities are generally recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Stock

Scout shop Stock is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets are capitalised at cost. Depreciation is charged at the following rates: Land Nil Buildings Between 10 and 40 years Furniture Fittings and Equipment Written off in the year of acquisition or straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.

Description of Funds

specific purpose

Redbridge District Final accounts 2023-24

Jan-24 Jan-23
FIXED ASSETS
Freehold Land & Bldgs - Hargreaves £430,000 £430,000
Freehold Land & Bldgs - Rovsco £264,976 £264,976
Freehold Land & Bldgs - The Kraal £100,000 £100,000
Equipment (note 18) £4,563 £5,323
INVESTMENTS
CAF Investment a/c (note 16) £0.00 £24,428
CURRENT ASSETS
Scout shop stock (note 8) £27,249 £29,884
Bank accounts (note 19) £668,361 £630,297
Cash (note 19) £1,623 £1,267

£1,496,772

£1,486,175

Jan-24 Jan-23
FUNDS
General £236,785 £223,919
Rovsco Hall Asset Fund £264,976 £264,976
Hargreaves Asset Fund £430,000 £430,000
The Kraal Asset Fund £100,000 £100,000
Explorers £24,998 £30,096
Fellowship £6,647 £6,440
DESIGNATED
Rovsco Development fund £10,000 £10,000
Explorers Expeditons £1,390 £1,390
Gold fund (Hargreaves, projects etc) £263,218 £258,369
RESTRICTED
Askew Fund (Actvity Days) £3,584 £5,584
Brian Dyer Fund (Actvity Days) £0 £0
John Davis (£250 pa leader award) £2,500 £2,500
Platnum fund (Barnes - Hargreaves bldg) £27,748 £27,236
Phil Wray (DoE kits) £0 £0
12th Ilford £116,170 £117,065
Eurojam/YP support £0 £600
Jack Petchey Grants £25 £0
Hargreaves Toilet Block £7,731 £8,000
Graham Jones legacy £1,000 £0
£1,496,772 £1,486,175

Redbridge District Scout Council

Financial Statement for period Ending 31st January 2024

General Designated Restricted
INCOME
Note 1 Membership fees £4,463.50
Note 2 District Actvites £ -
Note 4 Administraton £ -
Note 3 Training £ -
Note 6 Hargreaves Actvity Centre £20,432.80
Note 7 Equipment £1,000.00
Note 8 Scout Shop £2,904.00
Note 9 Rovsco/Propertes £25,869.20
Note 5 Explorer General £590.00
Note 10 Explorer Units £31,926.05
Note 11 Fellowship £1,042.68
Note 13 Restricted Funds £2,611.25
Note 14 Funds held for Groups
Note 15 Designated Funds £4,849.84
Note 12 Miscellaneous £1,330.62
Total Income £89,558.85 £4,849.84 £2,611.25
EXPENSES
Note 2 District Actvites £2,000.00
Note 4 Administraton £3,300.41
Insurances £6,276.75
Note 3 Training £0.00
Note 6 Hargreaves Actvity Centre £14,195.83
Note 7 Equipment 1202.34
Note 9 Rovsco/Propertes £15,112.26
Note 5 Explorer General £0.00
Note 10 Explorer Units £37,023.51
Note 11 Fellowship £835.57
Note 13 Restricted Funds £1,944.30
Note 14 Funds held for Groups £895.00
Note 15 Designated Funds £0.00
Note 12 Miscellaneous £3,148.40
Total Expenses £81,095.07 £0.00 £4,839.30
Operatng Surplus £8,463.78 £4,849.84 -£2,228.05
Note 16 Gain on investment sale £271.20
Note 18 Depreciaton -£760.46
Surplus £7,974.52 £4,849.84 -£2,228.05
Balance B/F £260,455.69 £269,758.86 £160,985.30
Balance C/F £268,430.21 £274,608.70 £158,757.25
Total Jan-23
£4,463.50 4701
£ - 14792
£ - 0
£ - 390
£20,432.80 14548.5
£1,000.00 1400
£2,904.00 11533.81
£25,869.20 14177.71
£590.00 2169.71
£31,926.05 35145.44
£1,042.68 725.53
£2,611.25 12478.72
118130
£4,849.84 943.93
£1,330.62 973.65
£97,019.94 £232,110.00
£2,000.00 14835.78
£3,300.41 4634.7
£6,276.75 5032.82
£0.00 1465.6
£14,195.83 13629.83
1202.34 2176.43
£15,112.26 8154.17
£0.00 3717.67
£37,023.51 31892.59
£835.57 505
£1,944.30 9400.71
£895.00 2080
£0.00 14571
£3,148.40 831.07
£85,934.37 £112,927.37
£11,085.57 £109,345.08
£271.20 565
-£760.46 -£761.00
£10,596.31 £118,986.63
£691,199.85 £572,213.22
£701,796.16 £691,199.85

Notes to the Financial Statement for the period ending 31st January 2024

Note 1 Membership Fees

Membership Fees Received £73,395.00
Less Paid to HQ £68,931.50
District Levy £4,463.50
2/23 - 1/24
Income Expenses
Note 2 Actvites
District Actvity Day (DAD) £ - £2,000.00
£ - £2,000.00
Note 3 Training
Fencing course £ - £ -
Rife shootng course £ - £ -
£ - £ -
Note 4 Administraton
4th Goodmayes opening Flyer 37.58
AGM Expenses £46.76
Printer ink £44.59
14th SK Closure Exp £3,171.48
£3,300.41
Note 5 Explorers General
DofE memberships £590.00 £0.00
YL items £0.00 £0.00
DofE Equipment £0.00 £0.00
590 £0.00
Note 6 Hargreaves Actvity Centre
Site/Actvity fees £20,432.80
Campsite maintenance £2,063.92
Campsite Admin £1,184.97
Business Rates £451.81
Commercial waste £3,105.69
Council Tax £1,756.22
Utlites £3,790.64
Fire protecton cert £649.14
Cleaning £804.04
Goats £389.40
£20,432.80 £14,195.83
Note 7 Hargreaves Equipment
Jack Petchey Awards Grants £1,000.00
Infatables £1,202.34
£1,000.00 £1,202.34
Note 8 Scout Shop
Sales £31,594.03
Opening stock £29,883.55
Add Purchases £25,095.26
Less Closing stock £27,249.13
Cost of sales -£27,729.68
Gross Proft £3,864.35
Bank interest £50.55
Bank fees -£60.00
Card machine costs/fees -£497.20
Broadband -£453.70
Net Proft £2,904.00
Note 9 Rovsco/Propertes
Rovsco £17,926.70 £7,059.48
The Kraal £674.43
Rodings 7942.5 £3,405.35
Kraal acquisiton costs (Note 17) 3973
25,869.20 £15,112.26
Note 10 Explorer Units
Epping Forest South £2,336.95 £4,121.26
Ilford East £6,546.42 £9,010.80
5th Seven Kings £2,935.00 £2,901.80
7th Goodmayes £11,544.38 £14,798.39
Hornets £1,239.00 £1,133.18
Knights £3,002.50 £2,157.81
Enceladus £1,380.00 £827.76
Endeavour £2,941.80 £2,072.51
£31,926.05 £37,023.51
Note 11 Fellowship
Epping Forest South £513.26 £597.52
Ilford East 529.42 238.05
£1,042.68 £835.57
Note 12 Miscellaneous
Bank interest/fees £530.62 £60.00
Jamboree Fee £800.00 £3,050.00
Gratuity 0
Poppy wreath £38.40
£1,330.62 £3,148.40
Note 13 Restricted Funds movements
Graham Jones legacy 1000.00 £0.00
YP support (formerly Eurojam) £200.00 £800.00
Jack Petchey £900.00 £875.45
Barnes £511.25 £0.00
Davies £0.00 £0.00
Askew (Actvites) £0.00 £2,000.00
Hargreaves Toilet block £0.00 £268.85
£2,611.25 £3,944.30
Note 14 Funds held for Groups
12th Ilford £895.00
£895.00
Note 15 Designated Funds movements
Rovsco Maintennace £0.00
Gold projects £4,849.84 £0.00
Explorers Overseas trips £0.00
£4,849.84 £0.00
RESTRICTED FUNDS
YP support (formerly Eurojam)
EFS F/ship Donanton for WSJ £200.00
GLNE - Jamboree Fees contributon £800.00
Balance B/F 01/02/23 £600.00
Balance C/F 31/01/24 £0.00
£800.00 £800.00
Jack Petchey Leader Awards
JPA - Enceladus £300.00
JPA - Enceladus £300.00
Hodgson Expenses for Enceldus JPA £479.00
Hodgson Expenses for Enceldus JPA £396.45
JPA - Enceladus £300.00
Balance B/F 01/02/23 £0.00
Balance C/F 31/01/24 £24.55
£900.00 £900.00
Bill Barnes Legacy
Bank Interest £511.25
Balance B/F 01/02/23 £27,236.44
Balance C/F 31/01/24 £27,747.69
£27,747.69 £27,747.69
Davies
Donaton £0.00
Balance B/F 01/02/23 £2,500.00
Balance C/F 31/01/24 £2,500.00
£2,500.00 £2,500.00
Askew
DAD- Deposit for 2024 £2,000.00
Balance B/F 01/02/23 £5,584.00
Balance C/F 31/01/24 £3,584.00
£5,584.00 £3,584.00
Hargreaves Toilet block
Hodgson- Toilets £268.85
Balance B/F 01/02/23 £8,000.00
Balance C/F 31/01/24 £7,731.15
£8,000.00 £8,000.00
Graham Jones Legacy
Will legacy received £1,000.00
Balance C/F 31/01/24 £1,000.00

FUNDS HELD FOR GROUPS

12th Ilford
Fees - 12th Ilf £315.00
Rent to 14th IN £250.00
Chabad Centre (Advert) £180.00
Essex Jewish News £150.00
Balance B/F 01/02/23 £117,064.86
Balance C/F 31/01/24 £116,169.86
£117,064.86 £117,064.86
DESIGNATED FUNDS
Rovsco Maintenance
Balance B/F 01/02/23 £10,000.00
Balance C/F 31/01/24 £10,000.00
£10,000.00 £10,000.00
Gold Projects
Bank Interest £4,849.84
Balance B/F 01/02/23 £258,368.57
Balance C/F 31/01/24 £263,218.41
£263,218.41 £263,218.41
Explorer overseas trips
Balance B/F 01/02/23 £1,390.29
Balance C/F 31/01/24 £1,390.29
£1,390.29 £1,390.29
Note 16 Investment (CAF)
Gain on sale £271.20
Valuaton 31/01/23 £24,428.00
Sale proceeds 2/23 £24,699.20
£24,699.20 £24,699.20
Note 17 The Kraal property transfer
Building survey 2100
Asbestos survey 360
Property Registraton 1200
Property Registraton 313
3973

Note 18 Equipment - Kawasaki Mule (Hargreaves)

Cost - 2021 £7,604.60
Depreciaton
As at 31/1/23 £2,281.38
Charge for the year £760.46 3041.84
Net Book Value £4,562.76
Note 19 Bank Accounts Jan-24 Cash Total
Current A/C £263,421.06 £263,421.06
Deposit A/C £263,218.41 £263,218.41
30 DN A/C £27,747.69 £27,747.69
Scout Shop A/C £29,541.51 £250.00 £29,791.51
Rovsco/Propertes A/C £37,058.64 £53.14 £37,111.78
Hargreaves £17,047.12 £17,047.12
EFS Explorers £8,920.34 £8,920.34
IE Explorers £5,752.41 £260.82 £6,013.23
EFS Fellowship £3,082.84 £3,082.84
IE Fellowship - £3,544.55 £19.94 £3,564.49
Knights Explorers - £2,919.12 £2,919.12
Hornets Explorers - £1,062.00 £128.54 £1,190.54
5th Seven Kings Explorers- £33.20 £33.20
7th Goodmayes Explorers £4,142.39 £4,142.39
Enceladus Explorers £910.28 £910.28
Endeavour £869.29 £869.29
£668,360.57 £1,622.72 £669,983.29

1/31/2024

26884.41 20046 23898.04 29883.55 -14151.49

12732.92

23.42 -95.92 -726.88 -399.73

11533.81

Jan-23 Cash Total

£252,788.09 £252,788.09
£258,368.57 £258,368.57
£27,236.44 £27,236.44
£24,003.09 £250.00 £24,253.09
£22,378.65 £3.19 £22,381.84
£10,000.00 £10,000.00
£10,704.65 £10,704.65
£7,988.45 £489.16 £8,477.61
£3,167.10 £3,167.10
£3,203.18 £69.94 £3,273.12
£2,074.43 £2,074.43
£988.00 £96.72 £1,084.72
£7,396.40 £7,396.40
£358.04 £358.04
£0.00 £0.00
£630,297.05 £1,267.05 £631,564.10

Template 1: Unqualified report for a non-company charity preparing receipts and payments accounts with a gross income of £250,000 or less in the relevant financial year

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Redbridge Scouts District

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Redbridge Scouts District for the year ended 31[st] January 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Redbridge Scouts District, 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 Redbridge Scouts District 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 Redbridge Scouts District 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: Mod iuly Name: Robert Handworker

Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any)

Address: 25 Gordon Road, London E181 DW

Date: 18 April 2026