Annual Report for 1[st ] Jan 2024 to 31[st ] December 2024
Charity No: 303866
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Charity Name................................................................................................................................................6 Registration Number....................................................................................................................................6 Charity Trustee Members for the period......................................................................................................6 Group Leadership Team...............................................................................................................................7 Sections........................................................................................................................................................7 Properties.....................................................................................................................................................8 General.........................................................................................................................................................9 Management.................................................................................................................................................9 Responsibilities...........................................................................................................................................9 General.......................................................................................................................................................10 Building & equipment risk.........................................................................................................................10 Injuries to members....................................................................................................................................10 Reduced income.........................................................................................................................................10 Reduction in leaders & adult volunteers....................................................................................................10 Reduction in youth members......................................................................................................................11 Our mission................................................................................................................................................11 Values........................................................................................................................................................11 Why is Scouting needed today?.................................................................................................................11 Our objectives............................................................................................................................................13 Reserves Policy...........................................................................................................................................16 Investment Policy.......................................................................................................................................16 Treasurers Report.......................................................................................................................................16 1: Accounting Policies...............................................................................................................................16 2: Financial Review....................................................................................................................................17 Income..........................................................................................................................................................17 Expenditure..................................................................................................................................................17 Receipts and payments.............................................................................................................................18 Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period......................................................................20
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner................................................................................25 Basis of Independent Examiner's report.....................................................................................................25
REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATION
Charity Name
14[th] Walthamstow Scout Group
Registration Number
303866
Principal Address
205A Wood Street, Walthamstow, London, E17 3NU
Charity Trustee Members for the period
| Trustee Name | Position |
|---|---|
| David Hawes | Group Team Member |
| John Hawes | Group President |
| Robert Howard | Scout Team Member |
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Group Leadership Team
The Group is led by the Group Lead Volunteer; the following roles are part of the ‘Group Leadership Team’.
| Team’. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Position | Dates acted |
| Gareth Wyatt | Group Lead Volunteer | |
| Chris Raby | Assistant Group Lead Volunteer | |
| Sam Raby | Cub Lead Volunteer | |
| George Nightingale | Scout Lead Volunteer | |
| Irene Raby | Beaver Lead Volunteer | |
| Lucy Nightingale | Group Secretary | |
| Joanna Mason | Group Treasurer |
Sections
There are 3 active sections within the group. Each section is managed by the Section Lead Volunteer who report directly to the Group Lead Volunteer (GLV). The Group also has a partnership with an Explorer unit that is run by the Explorer Lead Volunteer (ELV). The ELV reports directly to the District Lead Volunteer. Their finances are not consolidated with those of the Group.
| Section | Meeting Time |
|---|---|
| Beavers | Friday night 18:15 to 19:30 |
| Cubs | Thursday night 18:30 to 20:00 |
| Scouts | Friday night 20:00 to 21:30 |
| Explorers (Sloths ESU) | Biweekly Wednesday 18:00 to 21:00 |
Properties
The group owns one property. This comprises the main hall building, agarage and two outside storage buildings.
| uildings. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Address | Notes |
| Main Hall | 205A Wood Street Walthamstow, London, E17 3NU |
Roof Replaced 2024 |
| Garage | Storage Brick built, fbreglass roof. |
|
| Scout Shed | Storage Brick built, fbreglass roof. |
|
| Explorer Storage | Storage Wood walls, fbreglass roof. |
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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
General
The 14th Walthamstow Scout Group is a registered charity operating under the umbrella of The Scouts. It functions within the framework and rules set out in the Policy, Organization and Rules (POR) of The Scouts.
The Group’s governing documents are those of The Scouts, which consist of a Royal Charter that authorises the byelaws of the Association and the Policy, Organization and Rules documents.
The Group’s Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organization and Rules of The Scouts.
Management
The 14th Walthamstow Scout Group is managed by its Group Leadership Team, of which three members are the Charity Trustees of the Group. As Charity Trustees, they are responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant charity legislation, including registration, proper accounting, and submission of returns to the Charity Commission as required.
The Group Leadership Team normally includes the Group Chair, Group Treasurer, Group Scout Leader (GSL), Secretary, and Elected, Co-opted and Ex-Officio members. Meetings are normally held at least quarterly.
All members of the Group Leadership Team complete Essential Information for Trustee Board Members, GDPR, Safety and Safeguarding training within the first five months of joining the Group Leadership Team.
Responsibilities
The Group Leadership Team exists to support the Group’s Leaders in delivering quality Scouting and in meeting their responsibilities. The Group Leadership Team is responsible for:
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The maintenance of the Group’s property and equipment.
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The raising and administration of Group funds.
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Ensuring adequate insurance cover for people, property, and equipment.
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Supporting and promoting Group public occasions and events.
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Assisting in the recruitment and retention of adult volunteers and leaders.
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Appointing sub-committees or working groups as required.
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Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.
RISK & INTERNAL CONTROL
General
The Group has in place systems of internal control designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss. These include the requirement for two authorised signatories on all payments and maintaining comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered. The Group Leadership Team has reviewed the major risks to which the Group is exposed and has established systems to mitigate them. The main areas of identified concern include:
Building & equipment risk
Damage to buildings, property, or equipment.
In such an event, the Group would seek temporary use of facilities and equipment from local partner organisations such as nearby Scout Groups, community centres, or churches. Reciprocal arrangements exist with several of these organisations.
The Group maintains sufficient building and contents insurance to mitigate against permanent loss.
Injuries to members
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members.
The Group, through membership fees, contributes to The Scouts national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. The Group has insurance for non-member adults helping with Group activities.
Reduced income
A reduction in income from fundraising or subscriptions could impact the Group’s ability to deliver its programme and maintain its facilities.
The 14th Walthamstow Scout Group is primarily reliant on income from member subscriptions, renting the main hall to third parties, fundraising events, and donations.
The Group maintains a financial reserve to ensure the continuity of Scouting activities in the event of a significant drop in income. Should this situation arise, the Group Leadership Team could consider temporary or permanent measures such as increasing subscriptions, seeking additional fundraising opportunities, or applying for grants to stabilise income levels.
Reduction in leaders & adult volunteers
The Group is entirely reliant on volunteers to run and administer all sections and activities. A reduction in the number of adult volunteers or leaders would directly affect the ability to deliver a full Scouting program.
If the number of leaders in a section were to fall below a sustainable level, the Group may be required
to merge sections, temporarily suspend activities, or, in the worst case, close a section.
Volunteer recruitment and retention are regularly monitored by the Group Lead Volunteer and the Group Leadership Team. The team provides support and encouragement to ensure all sections are adequately staffed and that new volunteers are welcomed and trained effectively.
Reduction in youth members
The Group provides Scouting opportunities for young people aged 6 to 14 through its Beaver, Cub, and Scout sections. A reduction in youth membership would impact the Group’s financial stability and overall vibrancy. Should there be a sustained fall in membership in a particular section, the Group may need to consolidate or merge sections to maintain viability.
Membership numbers are reviewed regularly by section leaders and the Group Lead Volunteer, and efforts are made to promote Scouting within the local community, including outreach through schools, community events, and word-of-mouth recruitment.
Our mission
At the 14th Walthamstow Scout Group, we actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Through fun, challenge, and adventure, we help young people develop skills for life — supporting them to grow in confidence, resilience, and responsibility.
Values
As Scouts, we are guided by the following core values:
Care:
We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
Respect:
We have self-respect and show respect for others.
Integrity:
We act with honesty, trustworthiness, and loyalty.
Cooperation:
We make a positive difference by working together, helping others, and building friendships.
Belief:
We explore our own faiths, beliefs, and attitudes while respecting those of others.
Why is Scouting needed today?
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Scouting continues to play an essential role in the lives of young people and the wider community.
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Across divided communities, Scouting brings people together. At the 14th Walthamstow Scout Group, we offer shared experiences and a safe space for young people from all backgrounds to meet, learn, and grow — promoting mutual understanding and lifelong friendships.
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In a time of uncertainty, Scouting provides stability and purpose. We help young people develop the values, confidence, and belief in themselves and others that equip them to become active, responsible citizens.
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We offer a place to belong, opportunities to learn skills for life, and an environment that encourages optimism for the future.
Our vision for 2025/26
As part of the national Scouting movement, the 14th Walthamstow Scout Group aims to prepare even more young people with skills for life — supported by dedicated volunteers who deliver an inspiring, inclusive, and adventurous program.
Our objectives
We want to…
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…grow.
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We believe Scouting changes lives, and we want to ensure that every young person in our local community has the opportunity to join and experience the benefits of being part of Scouts.
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…become more inclusive.
Everyone, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance, should be able to access Scouting. We are committed to breaking down barriers and making our Group welcoming and accessible to all.
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…be more youth-shaped.
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Young people should play an active role in shaping their Scouting experience. We aim to create more opportunities for our Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts to contribute ideas, take the lead, and develop their leadership potential.
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…impact our community.
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Scouting isn’t just about individual development — it’s about making a difference. Through community projects and social action, we aim to have a positive impact on Walthamstow and the wider local area.
Within our Group we aim to:
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Ensure we remain a resilient and well-managed charity, able to respond effectively to changes and challenges in our environment;
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Build and maintain positive relationships with local partners, including schools, community organisations, and other Scout Groups;
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Provide strong support to our leaders and volunteers, helping them to deliver safe, high-quality, and engaging programs for young people;
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Offer Group-wide events and activities that bring all our sections together and complement their regular programs;
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Maintain and make effective use of our premises, equipment, and resources to support our programs delivery;
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Strengthen our financial position by increasing fundraising, and grants — ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of young people for years to come.
GROUP LEAD VOLUNTEERS ANNUAL REPORT
2024 has been another busy and successful year for the 14th Walthamstow Scout Group. One of our biggest achievements this year was the replacement of the roof of the Group’s main hall— a major project costing over £30,000. This essential work has ensured the long-term safety and sustainability of our building, protecting it from weather damage and creating a warm, dry, and welcoming space for all our members.
This ambitious project was made possible thanks to the incredible support of numerous grant providers, local organisations, and community fundraising efforts. It was truly a Group and community achievement, demonstrating what can be accomplished when we all pull together in support of local Scouting.
Our programme highlights included a large, week-long summer camp to Bournemouth, bringing together both the Scouts and the Explorer Unit. It was a fantastic experience that gave our young people the chance to develop independence, teamwork, and outdoor skills while enjoying a memorable adventure on the south coast.
We also organised a whole-Group trip to the Imperial War Museum Duxford, involving Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers. It was inspiring to see all sections coming together, learning, and sharing the experience as one group — a real celebration of what Scouting is about.
This year we have also expanded our Explorer Unit, welcoming more young people and offering a wider range of activities and challenges. Alongside this, we have seen an increase in the number of adult volunteers across the group, strengthening our leadership team and allowing us to deliver an even richer and more consistent program.
Plans for 2025
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be another exciting and ambitious year. Our main event will be a full Group camp, bringing together all sections and leaders for a shared weekend of adventure, challenge, and fun.
We are also planning to renew and expand the kitchen area at our main hall, allowing for improved catering and food preparation facilities. As part of this renovation, we will consolidate the existing den and office space into a smaller, more efficient admin area. This will free up valuable floor space and create a more flexible environment for activities, events, and community use.
In addition, we hope to continue the ongoing renovation works within the hall, including the completion of the hall ceiling and further improvements to ensure our HQ remains a safe, functional, and welcoming space for all who use it.
With continued enthusiasm from our young people, the dedication of our leaders, and the support of parents, friends, and the wider community, the 14th Walthamstow Scout Group continues to grow stronger each year.
Gareth Wyatt Group Lead Volunteer
PUBLIC BENEFITS STATEMENT
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.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves Policy
The Group’s policy is to keep £5k as a minimum in reserves that can be used to run and maintain the hall so that it can continue to be used to generate income. Any surplus reserves at the end of the financial year will be retained for future expenditure.
Investment Policy
The group does not maintain sufficient funds to consider any investment opportunity. In addition, the risk to funds is too great to outweigh the potential benefits. All funds are stored in charity-based business accounts with a reputable bank. Only our savings and extra account accrue interest.
Treasurers Report
The accounts below are for the period 1[st] January 2024 to 31[st] December 2024.
1: Accounting Policies
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The Financial Statements of the Group, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, has been prepared in accordance with the Charity SORP (FRS 102) ‘Accounting & Reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK & Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK & Republic of Ireland’ and the Charities Act 2011. The Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The accounts have been prepared using an accrual accounting methodology to give a true and fair view of the Group’s financial activities and financial position.
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Income
All income comes from membership subscriptions, hire of the main hall, and running section activities, and this year from government/local council grants.
Expenditure
Expenses are recognised and classified under headings that aggregate all costs relating to the category.
Taxation
The Group is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for restricted purposes within the objective of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for restricted purposes. No restricted funds were received in the year.
Going Concern
The Group has sufficient funds to meet its financial obligations for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these Financial Statements.
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2: Financial Review
Receipts and payments
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| RECEIPTS | |||
| Donations1 | 16,919 | 1,692 | |
| Rental income | 9,986 | 13,572 | |
| MembershipFees | 7,933 | 9,576 | |
| Income from runningevents | 7,140 | 12,411 | |
| GroupShop- clothing | 801 | 1,262 | |
| Bank interest | 342 | 73 | |
| Other income | - | 677 | |
| TOTAL RECEIPTS | 43,121 | 39,263 | |
| PAYMENTS | |||
| Venue Maintenance2 | 34,940 | 4,300 | |
| Expenses from runningevents | 12,430 | 10,223 | |
| Groupmeetings and badges | 2,371 | 2,284 | |
| Utilities | 2,345 | 2,737 | |
| GroupShop | 1,162 | 2,389 | |
| Insurance | 955 | 695 | |
| Hall Consumables | 880 | 273 | |
| Equipment | 627 | 5,414 | |
| Admin | 347 | 166 | |
| Other expense | 32 | 789 | |
| TOTAL PAYMENTS | 56,089 | 29,270 | |
| NET OF RECEIPTS | (12,968) | 9,993 | |
| CASH FUNDS LAST YEAR END | 29,064 | 19,071 | |
| CASH FUNDS THIS YEAR END | 16,096 | 29,064 |
Notes
1 – Includes Gift Aid and an unrestricted grant of £3k
2 – The large increase this year was due to the repairs to the main hall’s roof.
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Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| CASH FUNDS | ||
| 14th Walthamstow Beavers | 719 | 1,737 |
| 14th Walthamstow Cubs | 333 | 2,103 |
| 14th Walthamstow Scouts | 924 | 4,903 |
| 14th Walthamstow Scout Group | 14,120 | 20,321 |
| 16,096 | 29,064 | |
| ASSETS RETAINED FOR THE GROUP’S OWN USE |
||
| Scout building– current value | 629,625 | 613,670 |
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER REPORT ~~ee~~ I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 14[th] Walthamstow Scout Group for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust 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.
Signed:
Name: Jack Sharville ATT CTA
Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): Association of Tax Technicians and Chartered Institute of Taxation
Address: c/o 205a Wood St, London E17 3NU Date: 15 October 2025
EXEMPTION FROM DISCLOSURES
No Names have been withheld or omitted from the Trustees Annual Report
FUND HELD AS CUSTODIAN TRUSTEES ON BEHALF OF OTHERS
14[th] Walthamstow Scout group does not hold any funds as custodian trustees.
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| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Income | ||
| Actvity Equipment | 20.00 | 8.03 |
| Bank Interest | 341.91 | 72.83 |
| Donaton | 8,997.10 | 2,250.65 |
| Events | 2,016.68 | 8,245.35 |
| Events - Beavers | 190.00 | 0.00 |
| Events - Cubs | 690.00 | 1,059.78 |
| Events - Scouts | 4,243.01 | 3,106.00 |
| Gif Aid | 10,408.91 | 0.00 |
| Group Shop | 801.16 | 1,262.03 |
| Inital Transfers | 0.00 | 669.00 |
| Meetngs - Beavers | 6.99 | 0.00 |
| Membership Fees | 11,704.52 | 9,576.00 |
| Rent | 9,985.78 | 13,572.49 |
| Utlites | 81.02 | 0.00 |
| Expense | ||
| Venue Maintenance | 34,939.67 | 4,299.74 |
| Events - Scouts | 6,661.65 | 204.78 |
| Membership Costs | 3,771.40 | 0.00 |
| Donaton | 2,486.98 | 558.50 |
| Utlites | 2,425.94 | 2,737.04 |
| Events | 2,038.41 | 8,463.09 |
| Events - Cubs | 1,959.71 | 1,555.01 |
| Events - Explorers | 1,473.63 | 0.00 |
| Group Shop | 1,161.82 | 2,389.23 |
| Insurance | 955.46 | 694.92 |
| Hall Consumables | 879.63 | 272.83 |
| Meetngs - Beavers | 797.43 | 902.92 |
| Meetngs - Cubs | 731.35 | 295.67 |
| Meetngs | 427.40 | 0.00 |
| Camping Equipment | 370.59 | 3,288.99 |
| Admin | 346.72 | 165.64 |
| Events - Beavers | 296.62 | 0.00 |
| Actvity Equipment | 276.77 | 2,124.75 |
| Badges | 213.55 | 861.66 |
| Meetngs - Scouts | 208.22 | 223.37 |
| Training | 32.33 | 50.00 |
| Bank Fees | 0.00 | 723.95 |
| Rent | 0.00 | 17.00 |
| Account balances | ||
| 14th Walthamstow Beavers | 719.31 | 1,737.00 |
| 14th Walthamstow Cubs | 332.52 | 2,103.46 |
| 14th Walthamstow Scouts | 924.20 | 4,902.65 |
| 14th Walthamstow Scout Group | 5,801.46 | 2,837.79 |
| 14th Walthamstow Extra | 3,203.08 | 2,306.07 |
| 14th Walthamstow Savings | 5,114.96 | 15,176.76 |
Summary
| Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Account balance brought forward | 29,063.73 | 19,070.66 |
| Total income | 49,487.08 | 39,822.16 |
| Total expenditure | 62,455.28 | 29,829.09 |
| Net income | -12,968.20 | 9,993.07 |
| Account balance carried forward | 16,095.53 | 29,063.73 |
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of 14[th] Walthamstow Scout Group
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 14[th] Walthamstow Scout Group for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
- accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the
Act; or
- 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:
Name: Jack Sharville ATT CTA
Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): Association of Tax Technicians and Chartered Institute of Taxation
Address: c/o 205a Wood St, London E17 3NU
Date: 15 October 2025