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2024-12-31-accounts

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Sutton District

Tuesday 17 June 2025 at 8pm

Scout Council

Sutton District Scout Headquarters

72B, Woodcote Road Wallington SM6 0LY

Annual General Meeting 2025

(for the year ended 31 December 2024)

suttonscouts.org.uk/

Contents

Agenda.......................................................................................... 3 Sutton District AGM ................................................................... 4 Chair of Trustees report ............................................................ 7 District Lead Volunteer’s report .............................................. 8 Trustees Annual Report ........................................................... 10 Sutton District leadership team reports ............................... 21 Programme team ................................................................................. 22 Support team ........................................................................................ 25 Volunteering development team....................................................... 26 14-24 team ............................................................................................ 29

2

Agenda

1. Welcome

  1. Apologies for Absences

3. Governance

5. Appointments

e. Appointment of Independent Examiner

6. County Lead volunteer.

  1. Presentations.

  2. Closing remarks.

3

Sutton District AGM

Minutes of the Sutton District Scout Council AGM for the year ending 31 December 2023

Thursday 20 June 2024, 7.00 pm at the District HQ

4

5

Meeting closed 7:44 pm.

Approved: Ian Bowdler, Chair, Board of Trustees

Date: 3 December 2024

6

Chair of Trustees report

Chair, Board of Trustees report for year ending 31 December 2024

As I reflect on the completion of my first full year as Chair of the District trustee board, my overarching impression is one of just how dedicated the volunteers in our District are, whether leadership teams or trustees, in the pursuit of providing scouting excellence in the District. We all know how much effort goes into those weekly meetings, camps, events, activities, as well as the behind-the-scenes administration undertaken by trustee boards and I want to acknowledge these efforts by everyone involved in Sutton scouting.

I’ve been fortunate to visit many Groups’ AGMs during 2024 and to chat with, and get to know, leaders and trustees. One of the messages I’m keen to get across at these meetings is that although the District trustee board have a similar remit to those in Groups, additionally, we are here to provide direction and help to trustee boards that may need advice or guidance, and to reach out to us where needed. I like to think that we have been of help to Groups in 2024, and I’m keen to continue such assistance where it’s required.

Many Groups have their ups and downs and where misfortunes occur, I have seen that their volunteers are prepared to fight to keep scouting alive in their corner of the borough. In particular, the merging of the 15[th] Wallington with 3[rd] Beddington to continue providing scouting to members with special needs, and the 1[st] Belmont, who suffered the loss of key personnel during the year but have worked their way on to the road to recovery. My thanks are extended to the trustee boards and leaders who have found a way to continue providing scouting to their communities during their difficult times.

There are always specific people to thank in the running of the District and in addition to the trustee board members (many of whom also chair Group trustee boards),I’d like to mention Ian Mellor, our District IT co-ordinator (and 1[st] North Wallington GLV), who has provided invaluable guidance and expertise to the District trustee board as we got to grips with the technology aspect.

Finally, I would like to pay tribute to and thank Paul Littlechild, our out-going DLV, for his stewardship of the District over two and a half years, and to welcome Lisa Green into the role. We very much look forward to supporting Lisa as she works to shape the District to reflect the new look scouting structure.

Ian Bowdler

7

District Lead Volunteer’s report

Annual report 2024

I am delighted to have joined Sutton Scouts District in March 2025. It has been a pleasure to start visiting the different units around the District and experience the activities you are running as well as chatting with volunteers who already hold District roles – thank you all for being so welcoming.

My first event was an incredible way to kick off my role officially and it was fantastic to meet and see so many volunteers and young people at our first St George’s Day parade since 2019. Everyone should be incredibly proud of how well you represented Sutton Scouts with over 500 young members attending with their leaders. A huge thank you to Dave, Claire, Paul and the service crew for organising this event on behalf of Sutton District.

this will be around making sure we have suitable processes in place.

Despite having only been in role a few months I have been made aware of a huge number of amazing opportunties for our young people happening across the District including many planned camps, sailing, microlighting, activity days, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and caving – thank you to all involved.

In the coming months I will be looking to establish the District leadership team following the new structure that was brought in with Transformation – if you are interested in taking on a District role I would love to hear from you. Our teams include volunteer development, 1424, support and programme.

In line with Scouts programme of work I am keen to focus on our provision for 14-24 year olds – already the sections that are growing year on year in Sutton.

A huge thank you to every member of the District, from our adult and youth volunteers to our young members, for your commitment and enthusiasm to Sutton Scouts. I look forward to working with you in the remainder of 2025 and beyond.

Rosie received her award from His Worshipful the Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Colin Stears.

Best wishes

I’m still fact finding by meeting different people thoughout the District to understand how the District functions, where the gaps are and what changes we might need to put in place. Firstly,

Lisa Green

District Lead Volunteer, Sutton

8

Census highlights – Sutton District

Numbers of members, adult and young people, remain fairly constant in 2024 - 98.7% towards the pre-Covid membership. Sutton has 87 sections including 3 Squirrel Dreys, 24 Beaver Colonies, 26 Cub Packs, 24 Scout Troops, and 10 Explorer Units.

9

Trustees Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Charity name: Sutton District Scout Council Registered charity number: 303841 HQ registration number: 10001096 Charity principal address: Sutton District Scout HQ, 72b Woodcote Road, Wallington, Surrey. SM6 0LY

Names of the trustees who manage the charity:

Trustee Offce Dates acted if not
for the whole
year: from		 No of years
continuing*
Ian Bowdler Chair 3(to 2027)
Janet Cantrill Treasurer 3(to 2027)
Susan Jones Trustee 2(to 2026)
Gavin Merivale Trustee 1(to 2025)
Lisa Watson Trustee 1(to 2025)
Katie Hollis Trustee 1(to 2025)
Paul Littlechild District Lead Volunteer Ex-offcio
Mike O’Donnell District Explorer Leader 1(to 2025)
Lorenzo
Heitmeyer		 District Youth Lead
Volunteer		 Ex-offcio

The trustees which had indicated they wished to only serve for one year (as shown above) have all indicated that they wish to be considered for re-election and continue their roles for a further one-year period. Accordingly, the trustee board recommends that these trustees are appointed for a further period of one year. At the end of their term, they may choose to be considered for reelection. The roles will also be advertised to promote interest (internal and external) in joining the trustee board. The trustee board are responsible for recommending trustees to the District Scout Council, which ratifies (or not) their recommendation(s) at the AGM.

Bankers and other advisers:

  1. Barclays Bank plc

  2. CCLA Investment Management Limited

10

Structure, Governance and Management

Type of governing document: The District'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 District is a trust established under the Scout Association’s rules which are common to all Scouts. Trustee selection methods: The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. Organisational structure: The District is managed by the District Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the District, which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission, as appropriate.

The Trustee Board (from the 2024 AGM) consists of the Chair, Treasurer and six Trustees (including two ex-officio Trustees – the District Lead Volunteer and District Youth Lead Volunteer) and meets five times a year.

Members of the Trustee Board complete Trustee learning within the first six months of joining the Board.

This District Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity 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. Their support helps other volunteers run high-quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for life.

Risk and Internal controls:

The Trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the District faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen those risks.

11

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.

Sutton District Scout Council is responsible for Scouting in the London Borough of Sutton. The membership as at the 2025 census consists of 1,568 young people of both sexes between the ages of 6 and 18 years. The leadership of these young people is provided by adult volunteers, all of whom are unpaid. They are trained and appointed in accordance with the Scout Association's Policy, Organisation & Rules.

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:

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.

12

Financial Review:

The District incurred a deficit for the year of £5392 - (2023 - surplus £3514).

Investment policy: The District does not have a formal investment policy. It endeavours to obtain the best possible return on its investments and cash balances. Fluctuations in markets can, however, result in the value of investments going down as well as up. Reserves Policy: The accumulated reserves are represented by the General Fund and are free reserves which have been built up over time to cover future expenditure on projects and meet ongoing running costs. It is considered that the minimum reserve to be held at any one time should equate to twenty-four months running costs for the District’s properties excluding associated income, which is approximately £30,000. Responsibilities of the Trustees: Charity law requires Trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its incoming resources and application of resources, including the net income or expenditure for the year.

In preparing those accounts, the Trustees are required to:

  1. select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; 2. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 3. state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departure disclosed and explained in the accounts; 4. and prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The Trustees are responsible for having proper accounting records kept, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Declaration:

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

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature: Full name: Ian Bowdler

Position: Chair, Board of trustees, Sutton District Scout Council: Date: 11 June 2025

13

SUTTON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Statement of financial activities summary For the year ended 31 December 2024

General Fund
Notes
Total incoming resources
2
Total resources expended
3
Net incoming (outgoing) resources
Unrealised gain on investment assets
5
Loss on investment redemption
Surplus (Deficit) for year
Fund balance brought forward
General and restricted funds balance carried
forward		 2024
£
118,952
125,721
(6,769)
1,378
0
(5,392)
210,057
204,665		 2023
£
76,066
77,684
(1,618)
5,133
0
3,515
206,542
210,057

The accompanying notes on pages 7-11 are an integral part of the financial statements.

14

Balance sheet

As at 31 December 2024

2024 2023
Notes £ £
Fixed assets
Leasehold land and buildings 4 49,781 52,401
Investments 5 62,370 60,992
112,151 113,393
Current assets
Stocks 6 7,486 6,893
Loan debtor – groups 0 0
Sundry debtors and prepayments 25,203 55,524
Cash at bank 0
- District Council Accounts 43,588 39,570
- District Section Accounts 50,111 45,990
126,387 147,977
Current Liabilities
Sundry creditors and accruals (33,874) (51,313)
Net current assets 92,513 96,664
Net assets 204,665 210,057
Represented by
Restricted Fund 20,270 11,248
General Fund 184,395 198,809
Total Funds 204,665 210,057
~~_~~

The financial statements on pages 14 & 15 were approved by the trustees on 11 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Ian Bowdler, Chair, Board of trustees Janet Cantrill, Treasurer

15

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

1. Principal accounting policies

Accounting basis and standards

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the inclusion of investments at market value, and in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 1995), with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities and with the Charities Act 1993.

The accounts have been drawn up on an accruals basis, which is consistent with prior years.

Leasehold land and buildings

The leasehold land was acquired at no cost. The buildings are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis in order to write the asset off over a period of fifty years.

Investments

Investments are stated at market value, as required by the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 1995).

Stocks

Stocks are recorded at the lower of cost or net realisable value.

Income

Income is included in the accounts when due and quantifiable.

16

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2024

2. Incoming resources

Membership subscriptions
Investment income
- Dividends and interest
Section Activities
- Beaver Scouts
- Cub Scouts
- Scouts
- Explorer Scouts
- Service Crew & Network
- Ski
- Sundry
- Badges / scarves
- Caving & Sailing
Headquarters letting income
Grants
Total incoming resources		 2024
£
4,212
1,698
5,910
254
0
9,068
46,595
805
44,732
0
4,308
0
105,761
7,281
0
118,952		 2023
£
4,460
1,674
6,134
274
2,880
1,305
42,547
108
4,121
11,101
62,336
7,596
0
76,066

17

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2024

3. Resources expended

3.Resources expended
Notes
Donations / grants
- Sundry donations
Section Activities
- Beaver Scouts
- Cub Scouts
- Scouts
- Explorer Scouts
- Network
- Ski
- Badges / scarves
Headquarters expenditure
- Rates
- Light and heat
- Cleaning
- Repairs and maintenance
- Insurance
- Water
- Amortisation of lease
- Abbotts Road 2nd Cheam
- Harrow Road
Administrative expenses
- Leadership Team expenses
7
- Secretarial & other
Other expenditure
- District development activity
- AGM
- Miscellaneous
- Personal accident insurance
- Music Licence
- Leader training
- Equipment insurance
- Jamboree
- Caving & Sailing
- Equipment/clothing
Total resources expended		 2024
£
1,000
359
0
10,225
42,285
44
43,538
2,837
99,288
349
3,520
2,400
738
2,033
291
2,620
5,084
5,075
22,110
0
679
679
0
62
248
104
1,201
0
695
(500)
0
834
2,644
125,721		 2023
£
-
0
2,579
221
37,916
9
0
5,241
45,966
393
1,977
2,400
1,995
3,125
964
2,620
2,332
2,471
18,277
193
152
345
820
0
257
52
55
113
357
7,500
3,192
750
13,096
77,684

18

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

4. Leasehold Land & Buildings

The Scout Association holds, as Trustee for the District, a 125 year lease(commencing 11.10.1993) on land at 72b Woodcote Road, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 0LY, on which the District HQ now stands.

Buildings
Cost
Depreciation
at 1 January 2024
- charge for year
at 31 December 2024
Net Book Value at 31 December 2024		 2024
131,003
78,602
2,620
81,222
49,781		 2023
131,003
75,982
2,620
78,602
52,401

5. Investments

3073.44 COIF Charities Investment Fund
income units
6. Stocks
Badges / scarves		 Market value
31.12.24
£
62,370
62,370		 Gain/loss on
revaluation
£
1,378
1,378
At 31
December
2024
£
7,486		 Market
value
31.12.23
£
60,992
60,992
At 31
December
2023
£
6,893

7. Trustees’ remuneration and expenses

No trustee, nor any person connected with them, has received or is due to receive any remuneration for the year, directly or indirectly, from the charity’s funds.

Expenses of £132 were reimbursed to trustees during the year (2023 £193).

19

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Sutton District Scout Council I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Sutton District ScoLrt Council for the year ended 31 December 2024. Responsibilities and basis of réport As the charity trustees of the Sutton 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 respecl of my examination af the Sutton District Scout Council accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the appliGqble Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have c￿mpleted my examinatlon. I conflrm 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 of (he Sutton 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 CA)me across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understandi?g-of.the accounts to be reached. Signed, Nam8: Steve Barnes Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): Address; 292 Coulsdon Road, Old Coulsdon, Surrey. CR5 1 EB. Date: 12th June 2025 20

Sutto rict p) reports f12 Il.

Programme team

Events team

Sailing

In July 2024 16 young people from seven Sutton Scout groups took part in an exhilarating in an exhilarating offshore sailing experience hosted by the Discovery Sailing Project. The weekend took place aboard two impressive yachts, offering young people a unique opportunity to experience real offshore sailing in a safe, controlled, and adventurous setting.

The event followed a

structured trail format, with each team navigating a pre‐ laid route and completing a series of Scout-themed incident bases designed to test their problem-solving ability, resilience, and Scouting knowledge.

The Scouts tackled a variety of engaging and immersive challenges including bungee run, rope bridges, smoke-filled room and a first aid incident.

Congratulationg to the winning teams:

The young people achieved their caving badge and adventure elements. The next opportunity will be a Scout Caving camp in January 2026 with an Explorer Caving trip happening the week after.

Gorge walking

In June 2024, 24 Scouts headed to South Wales for gorge walking with Quest Adventures.

Main Event – The Tate Shield: 1st Wallington.

Ray Shaw Award for Team Spirit: 14th Wallington.

All the Scouts were fully immersed in every aspect of yacht operation and earnt their time on water and nautical skills level 3 getting involved in helming, hoisting sails, navigation as well as domestic duties.

Night Adventure 2024

A dynamic evening event held at Frylands Wood Scout Campsite, Croydon, bringing together teams of Scouts from across the District for a challenge-packed night of skill, strategy and teamwork.

Novice Team Award: 9th Cheam.

The next Night Adventure is 15 November 2025.

Caving

60 Scouts were taken by service crew members to Charterhouse Outdoor Activity Centre, Burrington Combe for caving in January 2024.

Beaver activity day

On a sunny June afternoon, over 100 Beavers and their leaders sat around the campfire circle at Frylands Wood.

Everyone sang plenty of silly songs, with the leaders joined in almost as enthusiastically as the youngsters, followed by hotdogs and drinks.

Thank you to everyone who took part with their colonies, and to the leaders at 3rd Beddington who helped with the catering, clearing up, and kept the fire going!

22

Squirrels

8[th] Sutton Squirrels

Just after Easter 2024 a new drey opened. We opened with just eight Squirrels but by the end of the term the numbers quickly increased and have remained at around eighteen ever since. At every meeting we enjoy games, an activity related to the programme, a story and an action song. The Squirrels are all very enthusiastic and join in wholeheartedly.

A huge thanks to Leslie who manages and approves all of the submissions and to both Ian and Leslie undertaking all camp approvals.

International

In 2025 we have seen a variety of prepartions starting to be put in place for some planned camps abroad from Explorer trips to Norway and Holland, Scouts and Explorers headed to Scotland for PAGGS in August (I know not quite international this year!).

In 2027 we will see the World Scout Jamboree in Poland – unit leader applications are now open.

World Scout Jamboree | Scouts

Top awards

Their families are very supportive too. We have a very able and reliable leader team so I am confident that we will go from strength to strength. The leaders were nervous at first of working with such young children but have found it very rewarding and most of all FUN.

Nights away

In February 2024 Scouts travelled 10 hours to arrive in Claviere for their ski trip. The group split into several ability groups, the beginners practicing on the blue run and learning parallel turns. The advanced group bracing -6°C and climbing over 2100m into the mountains to ski 31km across in the France before retruning to Claviere.

Hundreds of top awards have been achieved in 2024 by the young people across the sections. These opportunities let young people have fun, make new granews and gains some great skills. The names of the individuals who have achieved them and their sections can be found on the next page.

January 2025 saw the introduction of the digital nights away notification (NAN). If you are planning on undertaking a residential you must submit your NAN using the membership system under the programme section.

23

Youth top awards

Chief Scout Platinum

Cheam Aviators: Mikey, Austin and Elijah

Chief Scout Bronze

1st Cheam: Jack, Ryan, Luke, Sebastian, Sophie, Rosa, Teddy, Daniel. 8th Cheam: Thomas, Kieran, Alfie, Theo, Rosalie, Jacob, Cameron, Daphne. 9th Cheam: Aaron, Luca, Nyah, Jack, Teddy, Oliver, Ayaansh, Rogan, Joseph, Theo, Leo, Charlie, Chloe.

1st North Wallington: Luke, Ella, Skylar, Isla, Lily, Ridta, Nathanal, Tianze

Chief Scout Diamond

11th Wallington: Ignacia, Samuel, Aaron. 14th Wallington: Aiden, Edward, Ethan, Owen, Gracie.

4[th] Worcester Park: Leo, Issabella, Elliot, Johnathon, Arlo, Isabelle, Jonathan, Alby, Toby, William, Daniel, Jack, Albert, Oliver, Shivansh, Ayaansh, Luke, Toby 5th Worcester Park: Nathan, Luna, Philip, Logan, Fionn, Reeva, Kael.

Chief Scout Silver

5th Carshalton: Leo, Logan, Hector, James, Vincent, Oscar, Sam, Sebastian, Daniel, Gabriel, Edwyn.

9th Carshalton: Alexsim, Shannon. 8th Cheam: Millie, Jacob, Tiana, Isaac, Noah, Reis, Lucas, Rory.

9th Cheam: Oscar, Ryan, Alice, Charlotte, Rosie, Parker, Daniil, Oliver, Ozzy, Teddy. 1st North Wallington: Oliver, Lincoln, Gaetano.

11th Wallington: Finn, Patrick, Julia.

14th Wallington: Thomas, Adele, Sebastian. 4th Worcester Park: Ethan, Anglia, Jessica, Ilay, Aidan, Niamh, Ben.

5th Worcester Park: Marco, Daniel, Joseph, Matteo, Antek, Daniel, Liliana

Chief Scout Gold

5th Carshalton: Jack, Oliver, Alexander, Walter.

9th Carshalton: Rafe, Ethan, Chad, Sophie, Amy.

1st Cheam: Ethan, Eddie. 8th Cheam: Fynn, James, Daniel, Miranda, Joseph, Mati, Oliver, Anthony. 9th Cheam: Rishan, Tia, Kai. 1st North Wallington: Emma. 11th Wallington: Thomas, Neilay, Jiya, Jonathan, Luke.

14th Wallington: Ryan.

4th Worcester Park: Liam, Ollie, Evan, Matthew, Arya, Logan, Vasu, Daniel, George, Alex 5th Worcester Park: Oliver

24

Support team

Service Crew

The service crew have been busy this year, supporting the Night Adventure exercise, Howe Cup, and several groups with their camps and equipment.

Most recently we were at Blacklands Farm assisting 1st Wallington with their group camp. Mainly on Catering but also with logistics and support.

Greater London South West Scouts (our County) have acquired a Mobile Climbing wall. This is being run by County but Districts have been asked to get people trained on how to use it. We are really pleased that there are now numerous members of the crew trained on the Wall and they have already been out at several events raising funds, getting young people climbing and assisting with the training of other volunteers.

We were successful in getting a Tesco Grant which has been spent on equipment for the

Expedition Challenge. We now have a full compliment of Map cases, compasses, map measurers, some rucksacks and more. All available for the district to use.

Behind the scenes we have been able to kit out many members of the crew with branded hoodies and Polo shirts - financially supported by the District.

Thank you to the whole service crew team, ably lead by Paul.

If you would like any info on the crew, need our help or want to join please email: paul.Green@suttonscouts.org.uk

IT and digital

As Scouting continues to evolve in a fast-moving digital world, we’re increasingly relying on online and cloudbased systems to support the work we do across the District. Many of you will be aware that we’ve recently transitioned to the new HQ

management system. While there have been a few initial teething problems, most users are now up and running successfully.

Within the District, we use a range of tools to manage dayto-day operations and events. One of our key platforms is Microsoft 365 (M365), which we use for email, communications, file sharing, and document storage. These services are generously provided to us free of charge by Microsoft as part of their support for charities.

Thank you to Ian who is currently our one-person operation for all things IT. If you have skills or interest in digital tools and would like to contribute, we’d love to hear from you.

Property and equipment

We have struggled a little with the District equipment store which is bursting at the seams, we have some plans and ideas and the District Trustee board are looking into the future options. Many thanks to Dave and Jim who continue to manage the two District buildings.

25

Volunteering development team

Our Volunteering development team makes sure that volunteers are safely recruited; welcomed into Scouting; have a positive and enjoyable experience and learn new skills.

Welcome team

Ben, Claire, Ian and Sarah are our volunteers in the District with the Welcome Conversation Accreditation.

A welcome conversation is an opportunity to give a great first impression to our new volunteers so they feel welcome, valued and supported. Welcome conversations should happen within 30 days of a new volunteer’s joining journey. Please contact one of the welcome team through the membership system to arrange these.

Learning

Learning is the new name for training. The Scout Learning tree helps all volunteers to have the skills and knowledge they need to feel confident to keep young people safe and help them gain skills for life.

New volunteers are encouraged to complete their Growing Roots learning within 180 days but must complete safety and safeguarding within 30 days.

Branching Out is the learning you can choose to do to develop your knowledge further and get accrediations.

Once in place our new Learning team will be helping our volunteers with identifying their learning needs and completing learning.

Growth and new

provision

We want to see more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing

volunteers that deliver an inpsiring programme. We want to grow, be more inclusive, be shaped by young people and make a bigger impact in our communities. Thank you to Lynne and Susan who are part of this team who will be using their wealth of experience to support some of the smaller groups within our District to grow.

Awards and recognition

An incredible number of leaders within Sutton District have gained adult awards this year. A massive thanks to Susan who has been diligently making sure these are given out and travelling all over the borough to present them.

26

Adult awards (2024-2025)

Chief Scout’s Service Awards

Chief Scout’s Service Awards

5 years

Adam Taylor, Alexander Stevenson, Amileigh Monk, Anthony Ellis, Benjamin O’Brien Skerry, Christopher Amer Clare Mcnamara, Danielle Walker, Dominic Devereux, E Wei Lee, Elizabeth Messenbird, Gemma Mascarenhas, Gordon Hold, Neill Denny, Holly Carpenter, Ingrid Hodges, Isabelle Lyons, James Whittingham, Jonathan Adams, Jonathan Parker, Kaitlin Duncan, Katharyne Crosse, Kieran Reynolds, Laura Tasker, Nafise Taghavi, Natacha Crosdale, Paul McDermott, Robert Home, Rosalind Hook, Rose Dawson, Sara Bartholomew.

10 years

Anna Jackman, Christopher Doyle, Michael Dohan, Susan Ricks, Jack Francis, Bryony Gorley, Emma Doyle, Katy James, Matthew Cordwell, Nicholas Sergeant, Robert Low, Matthew Emerson.

15 years

Cynthia Wise, Dennis Wallace, Hermione McMurray, Jonathan Kemp, Linda Joiner, Marc Wise, Mark Dennis, Peter Randall, Sarah Evans, Sarah Grainger.

Chief Scout’s Service Awards

Chief Scout’s Service Awards

20 years

Andrew Marshall, Angela Duncan, Colin Siarey, Celia Langley, Dean Whitehead, Ewan Duncan, Graham Purton, Hanna Randall, Nigel Binns, Sally Page, Toni Wallace, Valarie Street.

40 years Janet Purton Jill Lennon Paul Sharp

50 years Robert Mann

25 years

Christopher Little, Ian Daniel, Mark Laming, Michael Odonnell.

60 years James Dimmock

30 years

Audrey Witham, Garry Renton, Stephen Roberts.

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Good Service Awards (2024)

Adult Wood Badge (2024)

Silver Wolf: Paul Goldsmith.

Bar to the Silver Acorn: Chris Williams. The Silver Acorn: Joseph Clare.

Bar to the Award for Merit

David Pearcy, Paul Green, Mark Sagrott.

Award for Merit: Adrian Oliver, Andrew Marshall, Audrey Witham, Ben Pearcy, Dennis Wallace, Edward Driver, Ian Bowdler, Mark O'Leary, Matthew Cordwell, Ronnie Leste, Sally Page.

Chief Scout’s Commendation

Adam Flint, Adrienne Rogers, Angela Bovis, Ben McDavid, Benjamin Oliver, Callum Buchanan, Campbell Milton, Carol Beard, Claire Adams, Claire Mcnamara, Cynthia Wise, Diana Schofield, Graham Cockram, James Endersby, Jeffery Richards, John Carpenter, Katharyne Crosse, Marc Wise, Nicole Potton, Nigel Laflin, Thomas Amphlett, Robert Low.

Andy Coppin, Benjamin Lewis, Campbell Milton, Cleo Morris, Donal O'Neill, Ella Yates, Elsa Presswood, Emily Lewis, Gerard Mascarenhas, Holly Stuart, Jonathan Adams, Josh Smith, Kelly Rice, Laura Tasker, Luella Marshall, Oliver Williams, Rose Dawson, Samantha McGann, Shaun Hodges, Thomas Amphlett.

Additional or change of role certificates: Alex O'Sullivan additional role Cub at 4th Worcester Park; Sam Carpenter assists at Squirrels 3rd Beddington; Richard Buckell took on Beaver leadership at 1st Belmont; Robert Low accepted the role on District Cub team; Mark Sherry took on the GLV role at 3rd Cheam; Susan Peek Awards ADC District; Sarah McLeod Scout Section lead at District.

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14-24 team

There are 127 young people participating in 10 Explorer units in Sutton District and 72 young people involved in Network. Explorers have seen an amazing 28% increase in numbers since the end of 2023. Many of our young people are supporting units as Young Leaders or undertaking their volunteering sections as part of their Duke of Edinburgh.

Duke of Edinburgh – Gold Expedition

Four young people from Sutton took part in a great week in North Wales for their qualifiying expedition and all passed with flying colours. More young people completd their practice expedition and wil be doing their qualifying expedition in August in North Yorkshire.

Currently there are 27 young people in Sutton taking part in all three levels of Duke of Edinburgh but we would love more of the 14-24 year olds in the District to take part in Duke of Edinburgh. If you have anyone who has completed their expedition it’s a great idea to invite them to present to an explorer unit to encourage others to take part.

Congratulations to Aviators ESU, team Bviators on winning 1st place in the GLSW Scouts Operation Red Flare 2024.

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