2023-03-31-accounts

Suffolk County Scout Council Registered Charity No. 305682 Annual Report Trustees, Annual Report, Annual Review. & Statement of Accounts 2022 12023 suffolkscout&ory.uk

SkillsForLife

Scouts Suffolk

2022 -biG.£ GIRLGUID

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL

Hallowtree Actvity Centre, Alnesbourne Priory, Nacton, Ipswich, IP10 0JP

Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 7.45pm

PRESENT:

County Commissioner, County Treasurer, County Secretary and Members of the County Scout Council (as per Constitution). Attending via an on-line link - Graham Woolley (Regional Commissioner for the East of England) and Peter Jones (County Chair).

A Prayer was delivered by the County Commissioner, Howard Blackett

A minute’s silence was held in memory of our late Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who had died on 8[th] September.

The Investiture of the County Commissioner , Howard Blackett, then took place led by Keith Barber, the Deputy County Commissioner.

1. Welcome: the meeting opened with Rodney Turner, Deputy County Chair, welcoming everyone to the physical meeting this year and giving Peter Jones’ apologies for his absence.

2. Jon Emin, the County Treasurer was introduced and thanked for his vital and significant contribution to our understanding of the effect of COVID pandemic on the finances of both the County and Groups.

The meeting was confirmed as quorate with thirty-six Council members in attendance and with twenty-one guests.

1. Apologies for absence had been received from – Lady Clare, Countess of Euston (County President), Peter Jones (County Chair), John Ineson, Jo Cracknell, Hilary Prior, Alison Barber, Sarah Britten, Martin Brooks, Karen Butcher, Alan Chilestone, Celia Comber, Barbara Cutting, Alfie Foster-Green, Leigh Foster-Green, Keith Gadsden, Mike Golston, Alan Gosling, Brian Harley, Paula Hollings, Malcolm Howard, Anne Humphrys, Daniel Jennings, Julie Lovett, Steve Lovett, James Nunn, Graham Smith, John Wiseman, Sam Rowland.

2. To approve the Amendments to the Suffolk Constitution which had previously been sent out to County Scout Council Members.

3. a. Rodney Turner noted that no questions had been received about the changes. One message of congratulation on ‘getting it right’ had been received. Members were requested for all amendments to be approved in one block vote which was APPROVED .

4. b. Members voted on the changes all of which were APPROVED .

5. The minutes of the previous County Annual General Meeting held on-line on 30th September 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions were APPROVED.

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5. Receive and consider the Annual Report & Accounts 2021/22:

Keith Barber presented the Annual Report for the period within the review period when he was in post as the Acting County Commissioner. No questions were asked about the report

John Emin, County Treasurer provided the following commentary regarding the accounts:

Our financial performance for the year to 31 March 2022 was as expected and as outlined in my commentary last year which resulted in a deficit for the year. This was due to our non-activity-based income reducing by 64% from £45k in 2021 to £16k in the 12 months to 31st March 2022. The two reasons for this were the fall in membership over Covid and also our 50% reduction in memberships charged to the districts.

Whilst income was severely reduced, our costs are not able to be reduced by similar percentages as a reasonable proportion of our annual costs are fixed. Three examples of this are noted below:

Salary, office rent and associated other office costs £10,000 p.a’ Insurances - £5,000p.a., Loan repayment to HQ - £5,000 (Bradfield loan) p.a.

The net result of these activities was a deficit of the year of £19k which has been absorbed by County reserves whilst not compromising our reserves policy.

Our balance sheet shows reduced total net assets of £342k. Of this sum £155k relates to the value of fixed assets, the most prominent one being Bradfield Park.

You will note cash balances showing as £358k however these are certainly not all free funds for County to use. If the Restricted and Designated elements are removed from this balance, then the free cash reduces to £308k. Of this sum £167k was primarily sums received in advance from Districts for the next years membership fee which will need to be paid over to HQ and also creditors of approx. £18k. If these sums are subtracted from the balance, then true free cash reduces to approx. £126k.

Looking forward to 2023 we need to look to rebuild our World Scout Jamboree fund as much as possible, so we are able to support leaders and financially disadvantaged participants as we have done in previous events. We are also faced with having to find a new home for our HQ operation during the next 12 months or so which will need to be considered and planned carefully.

My thanks go to all the incredibly supportive people that have helped me in the role in the last financial year, I am extremely grateful to you all for sparing so much time and your endless patience in helping me as a non-scouter navigate this amazing organisation. I joined in March 2020, which as it turned out was the start of a very interesting journey. Also, thanks and gratitude to Ian Brookman for preparing and examining the annual numbers.

No questions were asked about the report.

1. The County Commissioner’s nomination for County Chairman, Peter Jones, was APPROVED .

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1. Election of the County Secretary and County Treasurer,

2. a. The honorary County Secretary – Carl Gloess - unanimously elected

3. b. The honorary County Treasurer – Jon Emin - unanimously elected .

4. The following people were noted as presently Elected to sit on the County Executive Committee (1 years left).

Colin Winter Matthew Gilbert Keith Barber Dan Jackson [One elected seat remains vacant]

Keri John stood down during the year was thanked for her contribution.

1. The County Commissioner’s nominated members of the County Executive were approved unanimously .

Rodney Turner Emma Freeman (was Scholey) Selina Noton

1. County Representative nominated to serve as a Member of the Council of the Scout Association (1 year left) – Keith Barber

2. County Representative nominated to serve as a Youth Member of the Council of the Scout Association (2 years left) - Dan Jackson was approved unanimously

The Chair also thanked Caitlin Rawlinson who had stepped down as the County Youth Commissioner during the year.

1. It was confirmed that Keith Barber, as Suffolk’s National Council Representative and Dan Jackson, as National Council Youth Member Representative and the Regional Development Manager (Kathryn Andrews) are ‘invited to attend’ County Executive meetings.

The Chair noted that Co-opted Members of the County Executive Committee are selected (if required) at its first meeting after the AGM.

1. John Emin proposed the appointment of Ian Brookman as Independent Examiner – seconded by Rodney Turner which was approved unanimously .

2. The County Commissioner, Howard Blackett provided the following commentary.

3. I took up my role as County Commissioner at the beginning of April 2022: the County Commissioner’s report for this year’s AGM has been supplied by Keith Barber, who was acting CC for a number of months before I came into post.

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I would like to thank you all for the warm welcome I have received as the new CC and to record how impressed I have been by the people I have met and the activities I have seen in action (notably the recent Suffolk Punch). I would like to make special mention of Graham Woolley, East of England Regional Commissioner; Peter Jones, County Chair; Carl Gloess, County Administrator; Keith Barber, Deputy CC; Peter Jarvis; Rod Turner; members of the County Senior Leadership Team; and our DCs and ACCs, all of whom have readily given me advice and support as I have settled into the role of County Commissioner.

I have recently drawn up a Strategic Plan for the county which is included in these reports - (available to download at https://www.suffolkscouts.org.uk/about/strategic plan). The plan is deliberately brief and highlights, I hope, where my priorities lie – in delivering the best possible programme for our Scouts and in focusing attention on our greatest assets, our adult volunteers who deliver Scouting.

1. Graham Woolley, the Regional Commissioner for the East of England attended the meeting remotely but technical difficulties with microphone meant that his words were read by the County Secretary as follows: -

Fellow Scouters and supporters of Suffolk Scouts,

Despite the immense sadness we are feeling, following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II, we know she would have wanted us to carry on with as much “business as usual” as is possible. I’m therefore delighted that the County AGM is happening as scheduled this evening. I’m sure that Groups, Districts and Counties around the UK and Commonwealth will be finding appropriate ways to remember and honour the life of Her Majesty in the coming weeks.

God Save The King!

Thank you for offering me an opportunity to share some thoughts at your AGM, as we once again look back at the last year and, even more importantly, look to the future.

This time last year, many of us were pretty confident that young people numbers would recover strongly but were rather more nervous about how many adults may have slipped from the Movement during the Pandemic.

The reality of the Suffolk Census 2022 was a 22% recovery in our youth membership – a fantastic result, whilst there was a slower 2% recovery in our adult numbers. So, there is still a way to go, but I firmly believe that Census 2023 will report our youth numbers being back in positive territory and, further progress having been made with adults. It’s great to hear that Adult Recruitment is back on everyone’s agenda.

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Why am I so confident in our recovery? Because of the quality of our adult volunteers across the county and, our belief in what we do!

2021 saw us taking tentative steps in returning to our active programmes, and a cautious return to camping and adventurous activities. This year, our confidence has strengthened further and there have been some amazing events already – something about which Suffolk is justifiably proud; I have heard some great stories about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and particularly your Suffolk Punch event, which was a huge success. Well done to all who helped make that happen!

Would you believe that our new Squirrels section is one year old already? I recall speaking to some Squirrel leaders earlier this year and, they explained just how well the “Cohort” arrangements have been working and, particularly the quality of support they had received. I know Squirrels will go from strength to strength and, I’d like to thank all our adults who have contributed to this success.

Another part of our increasing confidence starts from our senior leadership team and, I would like to sincerely thank Howard for accepting the role of your County Commissioner earlier this year. Whilst everything has been new to him, I’m delighted with the way his induction process was delivered and received. Huge thanks to Gary Burden and his team in Deben for your support.

I would also add similar thanks to Keith Barber, who kindly stepped in as Acting County Commissioner, and has provided ongoing support to Howard in recent months.

Whilst I have your attention for a moment, I must mention Mandatory Ongoing Learning… I’d like to thank everyone who has played their part in getting/keeping Suffolk at very low general levels of non-compliance. There are a couple of areas I’d like to mention:

GDPR: A stunningly interesting topic I know, but I’d appreciate everyone’s support in catching up and keeping up with where we need to be, particularly (but not only) around our Executive Committees.

And, a request for a change of mindset around mandatory learning… There are many things in life that we have to keep up with… Car MoTs, Insurance and tax, club membership fees and all sorts. Essentially, there’s a deadline we must meet…

Mandatory Ongoing Leaning is exactly the same! Your Compass records will include a expiry date for things like Safety, Safeguarding etc. My Plea: Could you all please keep your eyes on your own records, to see what is needed by when and, here it comes…: Make arrangements to complete mandatory learning before it becomes due, rather than after…

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Sorry to sound so radical! Have a think… You know it makes sense ;-) Thanks!

In closing, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention our Transformation plans for 2023.

You probably haven’t heard too much about the detail yet and, that is a deliberate strategy as there is so much to consider and to plan for. To avoid speculation and rumour and let Scouters continue to develop our young people, whilst a dedicated team of volunteers focus their attention on this year’s changes, I believe, is entirely the right way to do this. To embark on the most major internal change in recent years, as we continue to emerge from The Pandemic, shows how much confidence Carl and the UK Leadership Team has in our volunteers across the country. Thank you all, in advance for your support in the changes to come.

That’s almost it from me… Other than to thank every single person in Suffolk Scouts, for your personal time and commitment. You are an enormous force for good and every young person is benefitting hugely from what you do. Please, keep doing it in these difficult times!

Graham managed to get in contact with the meeting and added the following:

Apologies for the last-minute technical difficulties but the future is looking bright for Suffolk Scouting and my thanks to all the leaders who have done a wonderful job throughout the pandemic.

16. Closing Remarks

The Chair thanked the members for attending and noted the close of business.

Graham Woolley added the following (via text message) I would like us to pay tribute to our young adults who supported the Lying-in-State formalities. Weren't you/they amazing? A credit to our Movement, their Districts and Groups, together with parents, families and friends. Thank you all!

The meeting closed at 8.35 pm

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Awards:

The County Commissioner presented the following awards (with citations)

Good Service Awards

Silver Wolf

Keith Barber Peter Jarvis

Silver Acorn

Carl Gloess David Jameson

Bar to Award of Merit

Martin Agar Rodney Turner

Commissioner’s Commendation

Hayley Liddell Brian Harvey

Suffolk Punch Core Team (Will Dowe, Jo Cracknell, Max Raffe, Josh Dixon, Jake Dixon, Karen Butcher, Tim Cutbush, Dan Jackson, Adam Thorpe and Leigh Foster-Green)

Long Service Awards

15 Years Rodney Turner

Presentations

Presentations from Suffolk Punch (video) and the Suffolk Unit to 25[th] World Scout Jamboree were then made.

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SUFFOLK COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT, ANNUAL REVIEW and STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2022/23

PRESIDENT Clare Countess of Euston, HM Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk VICE PRESIDENTS John P Ineson Gordon K Biden TRUSTEES Ex-officio Trustees Peter Jones, County Chair Howard Blackett, County Commissioner Vacancy , County Youth Commissioner Jon Emin, County Treasurer Carl Gloess, County Secretary Elected Trustees Matt Gilbert Colin Winter Keith Barber Dan Jackson Vacancy Nominated Trustees Rodney Turner Emma Freeman Selina Noton Co-opted Trustees No Co-opted Trustees appointed Bankers Barclays Bank Independent Examiner I.C. Brookman F.C.A. Pakenham Accounting & Consultancy Chartered Accountants Bury St Edmunds, IP31 2LS Charity Registration No 305682 Contact Address Suffolk County Scout Office Hallowtree Scout Activity Centre, Alnesbourne Priory, Nacton, Ipswich IP10 0JP Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

GOVERNING DOCUMENTS

The 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.

CONSTITUTION

The County is a trust established under its rules, which are common to all Scouts. The County Scout Council has adopted its own constitution as from 26th September 2020 based on the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. It is available to download on the County Website in the latest version.

TRUSTEE SELECTION

The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.

The County Trustee Board, the members of which are “the Charity Trustees” of the Scout County, an educational charity. As charity trustees, they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping of proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.

The County Trustee Board exists to support the Districts and Groups within the Scout County.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The County Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the County 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 damage to:

• reputation

• buildings

• property

• equipment

The County has sufficient Personal, Buildings and Contents Insurance in place to mitigate against loss.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The objectives of the County Scout Council are to support Districts and Leaders within the Scout County.

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

The method of achieving the Aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of balanced training based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership.

The County Trustee Board appoints uniformed and lay members including Assistant County Commissioners and Advisers in support of Scouting within the County of Suffolk.

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The Council is indebted to the Development Grants Board of the Scout Association and individuals for their continued financial support.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

An increasing programme of scouting activities has been implemented at Group, District and County after the COVID-19 pandemic and the required restrictions imposed by Scout HQ and the Government.

The Annual Review 2022– 2023 on pages 11 to 29 forms part of this report.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The County’s current reserves policy is now £50k plus 1 year’s general fund of County expenditure and is set at £78,045. It is anticipate this figure will rise next year as general fund expenditure is planned to increase.

MATERIAL ASSETS

Capital assets are as detailed in the Accounts. Material assets include:

Bradfield Park Camp Site

The County has joint ownership of the Camp Site with Bury St. Edmunds and Sudbury Districts in accordance with the Bradfield Park constitution.

Hardwick Park Camp Site

Although the legal ownership is with Bury St. Edmunds District, in the event of any future sale, the proceeds are to be divided equally between the County Scout Council and Bury St. Edmunds District.

Other Assets

Training and camping equipment is stored at Hallowtree Activity Centre and Bradfield Park.

STAFF

The County has a part-time Administrator. All other Commissioners, Leaders, Helpers, and Administrators are unpaid volunteers.

BENEFIT STATEMENT MADE BY THE TRUSTEES

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.

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

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.

Peter Jones, County Chair

Jon Emin, County Treasurer

07 September 2023

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ANNUAL REVIEW 2022-2023

Youth Programme (Squirrels, Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts & Scouts)

County Squirrels

Since taking up the position of ACC Squirrels in November, I have seen an increase in Squirrel activity. There have been rustlings of success in all districts that have an established drey.

• 1st Red Lodge, 1st Needham Market and 2nd Beccles have been exploring the community by visiting the library and enjoyed exploring the community.

• 5th Woodbridge opened up their drey in January and have had a splashing time both in

• and around the drey. They have recently joined in with the other members of their group at their family camp.

• 1st Long Melford, the oldest Suffolk drey, celebrated their first year with a party. In December, they joined residents in a local home to sing Christmas carols and more. This was mentioned on BBC radio Suffolk.

At the time of writing this report: there are rumblings of dreys opening in Felixstowe, as part of Orwell and one in Lowestoft which will bring the total to 11 active dreys in Suffolk; there is now at least one drey in each district!

There are plans for a big day out for all Suffolk Squirrel Scouts at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary Stonham Barns in the summer.

Taking on this role, I am happy to report that I have started to chip away at this macadamia nut of developing further and look forward to continuing to grow and develop whilst enjoying nutworking with everyone.

Brian Harvey ACC Squirrels

County Cubs

Programme team meetings were held online in March and September 2022. Meetings with the ADC Cubs have taken place in a variety of ways.

• May 2022 - ADC Beavers and Cubs met together at the Stoke Ash Centre. One item on the agenda was a report from Marie, Squirrel Leader from 10th, Ipswich, who shared her experience of setting up a Squirrel Drey. After some time discussing items together the beaver and cub leaders broke into groups for some time to talk about what was relevant to their sections.

• January 2023 – A virtual meeting was held with the ADC cubs. Feedback was received on the Activity Days held at Suffolk Punch and future events were discussed.

It is difficult to find dates, times and venues to get all ADCs together. So in June and July 2023, I have held virtual 1-1 meetings with the ADC Cubs from four districts, a face to face

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meeting with one ADC, two more districts still to arrange.

In June 2022 I visited Essex Cub Mega Camp at Skreens Park, Chelmsford. 1600 cubs were taking part in a variety of activities, all having a great time together. It is helpful to visit events and campsites in other counties, also to talk to leaders from outside our own county. You get new ideas.

Beaver and Cub Activity Days at Suffolk Punch.

Way back in 2019, I sent out a questionnaire to form a County Cub Forum. The responses received helped to shape the activity days held during the Suffolk Punch camp in August 2022. Over the three days, 421 cubs and 102 leaders attended from 28 groups across Suffolk. Every day was very hot but there was a buzz of excitement as cubs took part in the activities prepared for them. It was so good to have the beavers, cubs and leaders attend this big camp, something much bigger than most of them have ever experienced.

The beavers and cubs were put into groups that rotated around the four bases prepared for them.

• Circus: Mr Bean Entertainments provided a circus skills workshop.

• Craft: Beaver crafts took place in the main hall. Cubs were invited to take part in some of the crafts alongside the Scouts and Explorers.

• Outdoor Adventure: Some Beaver, Cub and Scout leaders provided a base of Scouting Basics.

• Free time: Time was given to explore the campsite and take part in some of the activities provided for the Scouts and Explorers.

Each day ended with a Circus Show in the Big Top. The Beavers, Cubs and leaders ooohed, aaahed and laughed as Mr Bean Entertainments thoroughly entertained us. The leaders went home hot and tired, the Beavers and Cubs (also hot and tired) went home buzzing with excitement, talking about the events of the day.

Looking forward, plans are taking shape for a County Cub Camp 3rd – 6th May 2024, at Hallowtree Activity Centre. Put the date in your diaries. More information coming out very soon.

Thank you to all who keep our young people Scouting in Suffolk and help them to gain Skills for Life.

Jo Cracknell ACC Cub Scouts

County Scouts

What an exciting time it was getting back to Scouting after the pandemic!

As final plans were being put in to place for Suffolk Punch, the weather became a concern with soaring temperatures. Leaders with their groups, and the support teams behind the

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scenes, did an amazing job keeping everyone safe from the heat. With an adapted program, the activities went ahead, and all the participants had a full, fun packed, itinerary, enabling them to not only have fun but giving the young people the opportunity to complete badges. One of my memorable moments, and there were many, was when I saw the fish and chip van slowly make its way to Bury District’s camp: my face must have been a picture. They ate well that night. And of course, who could forget the fire juggler.

Thanks again to everyone who was involved, and I look forward to the next one.

Thank you to Stowmarket for inviting me again to your Frostbite camp. February can be a challenging time to camp but, from what I saw, the young people were certainly getting stuck into their fish preparation.

I know that it has been difficult at times for troops to cover meetings due to leaders being unavailable but as we move forward and encourage parents/carers to become involved with helping at troop nights and activities, I am confident that their commitment will start to grow when they realise how important Scouting is to the lives of young people.

Angela Humphrey ACC Scouts

Network

New appointment awaited for an A.C.C Network

Scout Active Support

New appointment awaited for an SAS Manager.

Communications and IT

The County continues to utilise the Microsoft Office 365 platform, which has around 420 users from Adult members. The team have successfully applied for an EDU license from Microsoft to support this on an ongoing basis at minimal cost to the County.

The system has been fully integrated into the Scouts Compass database, allowing near automatic creation and suspension of accounts, with a view to incorporate automation of new joiner accounts in progress.

For the next 12 months, the team plan to decommission some of the legacy membership systems in order to bring all ‘logins’ onto the 365 platform. Plans to update the County Directory are also in the works, utilising integration with Compass to reduce administrative overhead. The team also hopes to explore improved targeted email news.

Rob Gloess County IT Manager

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Growth & Inclusion

On target!

There have been no major drives on recruitment over the past year but support offered locally when requested. We did attend 2022 Suffolk Show with a more adventurous stand (organised by Orwell and Wolsey Districts) – tomahawk throwing – and had queues nearly all day long. However, this is not intended as a recruitment event but about being visible and contributing within local communities.

This year’s Census figures showed that Suffolk is well on the way to meeting two key targets

1. Back to 2020 figures

2. Growth for the 2026 Strategic target

In more detail, the 2023 Census shows

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This is the first year Squirrels were counted in the Census so comparison can only be with the number of Dreys. Last year there were 4 Dreys and this year 9. All sections, except Network grew, although HQ again changed the way Network members were recorded so comparison is difficult.

The great news is that the number of Leaders continues to grow , both adults and Young Leaders. Whilst the total number of adults (which includes Commissioners, Executive Committees etc) fell, some of this may be due to roles being reviewed and ceased as Compass is being updated in preparation for the new system, due in 2024.

Unfortunately, as in previous years, our Waiting Lists grew

The figure for Squirrels is somewhat misleading as it includes all those aged 4 -6, even if there is no Drey in the Group.

Overall we now have 9 Dreys, 89 Colonies, 99 Packs, 92 Troops and 40 Units so by taking on one extra we could virtually eliminate the Scout Waiting List, halve the Cub list and make a significant impact on the Beaver list.

Keith Gleen DCC (Growth & Inclusion)

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County Safety

Introduction

This report is prepared using the latest data supplied by The Scout Association’s Information Centre and covers up to the end of March 2023. Where analysis references membership, the numbers used are of the census carried out in the January of that period. Information tables are appended for information.

On 23 March 2020 the UK experienced its first COVID 19 lockdown. Restrictions on social activity remained in place until the government published its latest guidance ‘Living With COVID’ on 24 February 2022. This resulted in a reduction in activity, and therefore a reduction of incidents in the period. Consequentially, statistic reporting will be impacted until at least 2027 (5 years).

General Summary

In the period Apr 22 to Mar 23, a total of 30 injuries were reported, of these;

• i. There were no fatalities or critical incidents where a person stayed in hospital for 3 or more days or multiple casualties from the same incident with major injuries that required a stay in hospital of at least one night.

• ii. There was one major incident due to a pre-existing condition/illness (Heart Attack) and one major injury resulting in an overnight stay in a hospital.

• iii. There were eight reportable incidents where a person required medical intervention but not covered as a major or critical incident.

Analysis

The number of injuries by seriousness is provided at table 1, this compares Suffolk Scouts against national figures. The performance of the previous 5 years would be used for comparison; Covid 19 affected 2 reporting periods therefore the lookback for analysis has been extended.

Comparison of the number of injuries reported by membership type against national membership is shown in table 2. This has identified that

• i. Beavers appear to have a lower incident rate (3%) compared to the national (9%), all other sections appear to be very similar.

• ii. Incident frequency rate of adult members in Suffolk is considerably higher when compared to the national benchmark. In Suffolk injuries to adults make up 27% of all injuries, whereas it is 13% nationally.

There is a distinct upwards trend of non-major injuries when compared to previous years. Historical data gives that around 20 injuries in total would be typical, 30 injuries recorded in this period appears unprecedented and does not appear to be reflected nationally.

On reviewing incident data, and other changes in scouting over the last three years it is believed that the increase in reporting of injuries may be due to a combination of factors. These are outlined as;

• i. Increasing youth and adult membership numbers

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• ii. loss of leadership skills due to inactivity during covid periods

• iii. increased awareness of the need to report incidents due to more frequent safety training

• iv. employment of a more accessible reporting system

Analysis of Injury Type

When considering what activities are most likely to give rise to injuries, four of the top five activities in Suffolk are shared with those given nationally.

Consistent with all previous years, the number of injuries caused during free time is identified as having the highest number of reported injuries. It is important to give some context to this as the 8 injuries include;

• i. One that occurred whilst members were outside buildings waiting to start sessions

• ii. one occurring at an adult only session (meeting).

iii. The remaining occurred during residential experiences.

Paddle Sports appear in the Suffolk top 5 and is the only permit controlled activity giving rise

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to injuries, of the 3 incidents all were recorded as non major injuries, two of which were received by leaders. Injuries in and around the HQ, remain in the top 5, and this is expected as it is where most activities take place. Injuries here tend to be related to slips / trips, collision or impact, likely from games, or those injuries associated with cooking – burns and scalds, lacerations and such.

Emerging Areas of Safety Risk

Squirrels is a relatively new section, no injuries are included so far, however in the period a number of new squirrel sections have started up and our rules around residential experiences have changed. As the sections grow in number, it is reasonable to assume there will be some injuries in the future. Stand Up Paddleboarding has become increasingly accessible and very popular. It is currently reported with paddlesports but not yet seperated like kayaking or canoeing.

Upper: Suffolk Scouts Lower: National Scouts

Off road Cycling is now controlled under the permit system with terrain types based upon remoteness and technical complexity. In the period there has been an increase of injuries related to cycling on the road. This may be due to leaders choosing to carry out cycling on the road rather than off road due to either a lack of understanding of the permit system or lack of available permit holders.

Gary Burden

County Safety Advisor

Duke of Edinburgh Scheme & Top Awards

The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme is there to enable young persons to develop those Skills for Life that Scouting also works towards. In order to facilitate more organisations to help provide the award scheme, Bronze can now start in the school year that the young

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person turns 14, which means that as well as Explorers, Scouts can also help to start the young people on the award scheme which in turn we hope will encourage them to stay on at your local Explorer unit.

We know many do it (usually Bronze) through schools, but with the cost of energy, schools are talking about what they may need to cut. Also, they often can’t provide for a whole school year, which leads to many not getting the opportunity. DofE is available for all young people and we can get their achievement transferred from their school to Scouts so they don’t lose out.

So, if you are a Scout leader, and want to get involved in helping to provide DofE for your Scouts, then please contact us - [e-mail]

During the period from April -> October we ran expeditions for Bronze and Silver awards.

Starting in April with a training weekend for participants, where they got to meet other Explorers from across the county and to form the groups that they would do their expeditions with. We had 8 Silver and 20 Bronze participants come to this weekend, held at Needham Market Scout hut. This involved training on map reading, first aid, nutrition and kit. They also had to go to purchase their food for the weekend which consisted of Evening meal, breakfast and lunch (the lunch would need to keep to the following day and be eaten on a walk.

In early October, we held a practice weekend, where some other teams also joined us, and 1 Bronze group did their qualifying. This was in North Essex and was a good success.

This year, all camped, but we did take advantage of the continued Covid rules to allow the Silver participants to be closer to home (for some) than normal. In all cases, none of the Silver participants had done their Bronze expedition in Thetford.

In October, Andy Brown broke the news that he was going to stand down from front line Scouting and DofE for a while and we thank him for his contribution to DoE.

This reporting year we have achieved 30 Bronze Awards, 13 Silver Awards and 2 Gold Awards and currently have just over 200 young people participating across all levels.

Whilst not all the numbers of completed awards for Bronze and Silver have been fed back to us, we had 2 Explorers fully complete their Gold Award in this year Molly Peacock and William Kenning. Both have gone through the complete programme from Bronze to Gold, and we send them our congratulations!

During the year, the first King’s Scout Award and last Queen’s Scouts awards were announced and 6 were awarded (2 Stowmarket, 2 Lowestoft, 1 Wolsey and 1 Sudbury).

Ralph Hansby-Patterson D of E Coordinator

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International

WSJ25 Korea

Over the last year the Suffolk Contingent of 36 Explorers and 4 Leaders have been planning and preparing for their trip to the 25[th] World Scout Jamboree in South Korea. With some help from IST members they held weekend camps and meet up days to get the skills and knowledge they would need on this trip of a lifetime. They have learnt about Korean Food and Culture, navigated their way around London to prepare for Seoul, passed their level 5 First Aid badge and designed a Unit badge and t-shirt. The Explorers had an active role in deciding what they wanted to do both on these weekends and for the post Jamboree visit to Seoul. I’m sure they will pass on their experiences to younger members encouraging them to apply for the 26[th] WSJ

Roverway 2024

Planning also started in March for Roverway 2024 in Norway. Suffolk have been allocated two patrols of eight young people between the ages of 16 – 22. Fourteen young people were selected including two Assistant Patrol Leaders but the search is still on for two Patrol Leaders who need to be over 18. Roverway consists of a five day self lead tour followed by a Jamboree style camp.

Other International trips

After three years of planning and two postponements, Orwell District’s Ipswich Alpha Explorers finally got to fly to Cyprus for their long awaited Summer Camp in July 2022. Hosted by the 53[rd] St Barnabas Scout Group they spent a fun filled 11 days split between their Scout base in Limassol and the Platannia Campsite in the Troodos Mountains. Firm friendships were made between the two groups of Explorers whilst they Kayaked to the sea caves, had a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, hiked in the mountains and relaxed on the beach. They also visited the Kourion Roman Amphitheatre, Aphrodites rock and Limassol Castle. The camp ended with a day at the Waterpark followed by a Cypriot Souvla cooked for them by the wonderful parents from the group. Later gifts were exchanged and Skip surprised them by investing the five leaders into the 53[rd] . Amazing memories were made with amazing hosts Richard, Tracey and everyone else from the group.

I look forward to hearing of future International trips you are planning across the County.

Heather Bridges ACC (International)

Training

Leader Training continues both via Zoom and face to face. We are continuing to encourage people to complete mandatory training on time and preferably on their first notification from headquarters as this saves a lot of work chasing at the last minute. We have also been encouraging groups and district to ensure all trustees have completed the correct training which is also mandatory and will help them understand the role they have taken on as a trustee.

First response training continues and has mostly been face-to-face as this appears to be

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[what most people want but we do provide an online course at least once a term for those ] who find it easier only having to do the 15minute practical part of the course in person. Woodbadge training continues with a large number of Woodbadges being awarded across the county.

We had been hoping that the new training scheme would have been in place by now but there have been delays and it is now expected that he ‘Getting Started’ replacement will be ready by April 2024 and the Woodbadge replacement, by the beginning of 2025. At the moment we are continuing as normal with woodbadge completion within 3 years of starting.

All Districts currently have a LTM in place and I would like to thank all of them for their hard work over the past year, also to my deputies and all the trainers without whom we couldn't run the training courses for all their support.

Jenny Roe

County Training Manager

County Executive Committee

The Trustee Board (formerly the County Executive Committee) has met 8 times during the year via the Teams online link. Whilst this is no substitute for face to face meetings, it does result in increased attendance and avoids travelling expenses. The board, in my view, has an effective decision making process. The board combines a good blend of long experience in scouting, young persons' representation and input from two board members from outside scouting.

Peter Jones

County Chair

THE ACTIVITY TEAMS

County Mountain Actvites Team (CMAT)

The team have a been highly active this year and making the most of our freedoms in the post -COVID world.

The team has actively run a series of events for young People and leaders from across the county and team members have also been involved with activities with scouting organisation across the border in Essex.

Activities for young People

We have run weekend events at Gradbach in Staffordshire climbing on the Roaches, Glenbrook in the Hope Valley, Derbyshire, climbing and walking plus a highly successful leaders and explorers’ weekend to Nidderdale near Harrogate, a new and exciting venture for the team. This has had increasing numbers as confidence returns.

Team activities

The team have actively been helping volunteers gain and renew permits running.

• Two-day wilderness and Wild country first aid open all those involved in adventurous

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activities not just CMAT.

• Hill walking Assessment weekend in some particularly interesting conditions in March in the lakes

• Climbing permit assessment weekend in the peaks in April

The team would like to acknowledge County support for our training activities. The decision by Girlguiding UK to close their activity centre has affected our major venue Glenbrook which has already had an impact on our 2024 venue bookings.

Andy Black

CMAT Co-ordinator

Water Actvites Team

There continues to be a steady stream of adults and Explorer Scouts working towards adventurous activity permits to lead water activities for young people in the county. Demand for British Canoeing Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Training (was FSRT) and the Paddlesport Instructor qualification in particular remains high.

With the introduction of specific permits to lead Stand-Up Paddleboarding (becoming mandatory on 1 September 2023) we have invested in the training and assessment of British Canoeing SUP coaches who can act as assessors within Scouting in the county.

Sudbury District continue to focus on adult paddlesports development during weekly summer training sessions, whilst continuing to run the popular introduction to white water trips in Wales. Weekly Friday evening paddle sports sessions continue to take place during the summer term at Oulton Broad for groups in the Lowestoft and Waveney Valley districts. The paddle sports equipment (bell boats, canoes, kayaks, rafting, stand-up paddleboards) at the lake at Lackford near Bury St Edmunds sees regular evening use during the summer, with numerous weekend events. The equipment is regularly towed off-site for use at other venues too by groups and Districts from around the County. Sadly, our kayak trailer was stolen in December 2022, fortunately, insurance paid out and we replaced it.

Suffolk Scouts continue their involvement with Offshore sailing, with groups taking the opportunity to access both evening cruises and multi-day residential trips. Keep an eye on the County website and Facebook pages for more information if Offshore sailing is of interest. Individual groups also spend many enjoyable hours sailing, pulling (rowing) and powerboating. There was an impressive flotilla of a range of craft on the Deben in May 2022 to celebrate 5[th] Woodbridge’s 50[th] anniversary (my favourite was the mega-raft).

The Scout & Guide Wet Weekend returned after being previously scuppered by Covid, as did the Thorpeness Meare day event. Water activities was also well represented at the county Suffolk Punch event in August 2022. Thank you to Jo Saagi and team for making these happen.

Thank you to everyone who plays their part in getting our young people and adults on the water.

Leigh Foster-Green County Leader

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BRADFIELD PARK SCOUT CAMPSITE

It has been a busy year for the campsite, especially for DoE campers. Earlier in the year saw the completion of the Cresta Sledge Run. The caving unit has also been refurbished. We have also added tomahawk throwing to our list of activities. These activities have been very popular with our campers. In March the much needed refurbishment of the toilets in Lunney Lodge were finished thanks to Phil Holland and his team.

Sadly our booking secretary Martin Brooks gave notice that he was stepping down at the end of January. Mitch Laws volunteered to take over the role and has done sterling work updating our booking system. The bookings can now be done on OSM. Arnaud Therin, our camp warden, also stepped down at the end of January and up until now we have not been able to replace him. Phil Holland, Bill Evans and Peter Thompson are doing a fantastic job looking after the site. However, we do need more volunteers to keep the site in good order. Jenny Mullan

Bradfield Park Chair

Suffolk Punch 2022

During the dark days of the pandemic, four Leaders started discussing the idea of a County Camp to get things going once the restrictions were removed and thus the idea for ‘PUNCH’ was born.

The Hallowtree Activity Centre was chosen as the location for the camp and in August 2022 nearly 1,200 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders attended the event over one of the hottest weekends of the year. There were a varied range of 26 activities running through the event both on and off site, although some changes were made as to how they were run due to the heat. Water activities were mainly at Waldringfield with powerboating from Levington and clay shooting at Woolverstone using 12 mini-busses to ferry everyone back and forth.

Site preparations were started in February 2022 with additional power supplies being laid in the ground, both archery and shooting ranges were updated and an off-site parking area prepared. Sixteen additional toilets were distributed over the site in activity areas or sub camps and two 6 bay shower units were installed using a temporary pressurized water system. Water consumption was huge with the zorbing pool using around 14 tonnes over the weekend, scuba diving pool 28 tonnes and temporary shower blocks 3 tonnes daily, we were glad there was a large supply pipe available for us to use.

Due to the very hot weather the programme had to be re-arranged with rest periods and some activities starting early in the day. Following discussion with Suffolk Fire Service who were very busy, a private fire service was hired to attend the site for the weekend, fortunately we had no problems, but we were prepared!

We were very lucky to have been given a large stock of bottled water beforehand and arrangements were made to ensure everyone was well hydrated. We consumed around

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3,750 bottles of water over the weekend resulting in nobody suffering from the effects of heat exhaustion or dehydration.

Overall, a great success with 98.7% of the youth attendees wanting to return for a similar event.

Max Raffe Suffolk Punch Team

COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

Foreword

This is my first official annual report to the Suffolk Scouts’ Council, having taken up the role of County Commissioner in April 2022. Prior to appointment, I had no previous experience in Scouting and so for the past 18 months I have spent time familiarising myself with the day-to -day operation of Scouting from national level to local level and meeting adult volunteers and young people of all ages involved in Scouting across the county.

I am delighted to report that despite some not inconsiderable challenges, Scouting in Suffolk thrives; it is good to note that the number of young people involved (in excess of 5,000) has recovered well post-pandemic.

Leadership/management of Suffolk Scouting

i. County Trustees

The County Trustees meet under the Chairmanship of Peter Jones at least 4 times/annum on the first Thursday of the relevant month.

ii. Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

Suffolk Scouting is led on a routine basis by the County SLT, which meets on the first Wednesday evening of each month (deliberately just before the County Trustees meeting). The SLT has recently been expanded to include all DCs – this has improved communication between the county and the districts and should lead to much better planning/coordination of events etc. across the county.

Most recently, the SLT has been considering the problems we are experiencing with the recruitment and retention of adult volunteers (see below); once this exercise has been completed, we will review how the programme is operating across the county.

iii. County Team

There is a County Team (CC, Deputy CCs, ACCs, DCs, DDCs, other County appointees e.g., Training Manager) but it has not met during the reporting period. The intention is to diarise two meetings each year for the County Team.

Personnel

i. Overview

I would like to acknowledge and thank the adult volunteers (c2,000) who contribute on a routine basis in one way or another to Scouting here in Suffolk. Young people are at the heart of what we do, and attention is rightly focused on them, but the most important people in Scouting are the adult volunteers – without them nothing would be possible, and I salute all those involved.

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Of considerable concern is that Scouting in Suffolk (and no doubt elsewhere) is short of adult volunteers – we have gaps in key roles (uniform and non-uniform) at every level across the county. To illustrate the point, as of March 2023:

• i. At County level

• We have been without a County Youth Commissioner (CYC) for months

• ii. At District level

• a. One District has no Chair

• b. 4 Districts have no Secretary

• c. 1 District has no Treasurer

• iii. At Group level, of our 89 groups:

• a. 21 have no GSL

• b. 56 have no DGSL

• c. 14 have no Chair

• d. 5 have no Treasurer

• e. 25 have no Secretary

• f. 31 have no executive members

Given the gaps raised above I have, in consultation with the County SLT, undertaken a review of the County Team and I have decided to close a significant number of roles so that no time is wasted recruiting unnecessarily and in the hope that I can move people from redundant roles into those which need to be filled.

I have asked DCs to conduct a similar review at District level and, in due course, the same exercise needs to be carried out by individual scout groups. There is a problem, and we need to fix it!

ii. County Appointees

Given the obvious problems in adult volunteer recruitment, I am very pleased to report that the following important appointments have been made at County Level.

• a. DCC Programme Andrew Shoesmith w.e.f. 1 September 2022

b. Transformation Colin Winter w.e.f. 1 March 2023 c. ACC Squirrels Brian Harvey w.e.f. 1 November 2022 d. ACC International Heather Bridges w.e.f. 1 January 2023

There will be 4 District Commissioner vacancies appearing in Waveney Valley, Lowestoft, Orwell and Deben as the current role holders step down during the summer. We aim to fill these vital roles as quickly as possible.

Programme

i. Overview

On a routine basis the Scouting programme is operating sensibly at all levels across the county, but it is clearly the case that scout groups which are well-led and well-supported by adult volunteers undertake the task more successfully than those which are less fortunate. My observation is that the scouts’ programme has many strengths; it is well articulated on the scouts’ website; and it is well understood at the sharp end, but I would like to see the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, which is closely aligned to the scouts’ programme, integrated

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better into Scouting activities.

The national strategy Skills for Life has, as a key target, 50% of young people achieving their Chief Scout Award. Across Suffolk the evidence suggests that most adult volunteers are unaware of this aspiration or believe that, whereas it might be achievable for Beavers and Cubs, at higher levels it is unrealistic.

ii. Key Events

Suffolk Punch ( August 2022), which involved well in excess of 1,000 young people and adult volunteers, was a highly successful event. I would like to acknowledge Will Dowe and his team for making it so.

We’re planning on sending a contingent of 36 young people accompanied by 4 adult volunteers under the leadership of Steven Young to the 2023 World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in July.

Other matters

i. Strategic Plans

During the course of the past year a County Strategic Plan and District strategic plans have been produced. These plans are deliberately brief (2 sides of A4), presented in a similar format and reflect the direction of travel determined at national level. The County Strategic Plan can be found online at htps://www.sufolkscouts.org.uk/about/strategic-plan.

ii. Transformation

The national transformation strategy is being coordinated in Suffolk by Colin Winter, our recently appointed Transformation Lead.

iii. Training

Our County Training Team, led by Jenny Roe, has continued to offer excellent training for adult volunteers across the county (See separate report)

iv. Girlguiding Suffolk

I have met with Katherine West, County Commissioner Girlguiding Suffolk, on several occasions and in July plan to visit the Suffolk County Guides’ camp at Trinity Park, Ipswich. It is my intention to build a strong and positive relationship with Girlguiding Suffolk.

Concluding remarks

Suffolk Scouting thrives but, as you will have picked up from this commentary, there are problems to be addressed and challenges to be met; in particular, we have the serious issue of gaps in adult volunteer roles to resolve. I hope that we will have made serious progress in this respect by the time this report is written next year.

Finally, I would like to thank and acknowledge Peter Jones and the County Trustee Board, the County SLT, the County Team, the County Appointments Advisory Committee (CAAC) and our DCs for their support and encouragement during my first full year in office. I trust none of them will mind me making special mention of our excellent County Administrator, Carl Gloess, the linchpin of Suffolk Scouting, and Keith Barber, my Deputy CC, who has routinely offered me very sensible guidance, for his time, patience and understanding.

Howard Blackett County Commissioner

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Good Service Awards for Reporting Year Apr-22 to Mar-23

Award

Chief Scouts Commendation for Good Service

Recipient District Award Date Jane Stone Deben 05/2022 Jennifer Hiter Wolsey 08/2022 Duncan Adkinson Sudbury 11/2022 Paul Carver Lowestof 11/2022 Claire Maynard WaveneyValley 02/2023 Ollie Smith Scout HQ 12/2022	Recipient District Award Date Jane Stone Deben 05/2022 Jennifer Hiter Wolsey 08/2022 Duncan Adkinson Sudbury 11/2022 Paul Carver Lowestof 11/2022 Claire Maynard WaveneyValley 02/2023 Ollie Smith Scout HQ 12/2022
Jane Stone	Deben
Jennifer Hiter	Wolsey
Duncan Adkinson	Sudbury
Paul Carver	Lowestof
Claire Maynard	WaveneyValley
Ollie Smith	Scout HQ

Award for Merit

Craig Finch Deben 05/2022 David Clouter Deben 05/2022 Kevin Baldwin Lowestoft 08/2022 Katherine Stiff Sudbury 08/2022 Marie Whiting Wolsey 08/2022 David Balls Waveney Valley 08/2022 Tricia Everett Lowestoft 11/2022 Julie Lamb Orwell 11/2022 Michael Sharman Orwell 11/2022 Evie Swan Orwell 11/2022 Gillian Dunnett Orwell 11/2022 Harry Emmerson Lowestoft 11/2022 John Meyrick Orwell 11/2022 Wendy Court Orwell 11/2022 Jane Warne County 11/2022 Alan Foreman Lowestoft 11/2022 Keith Prior Lowestoft 11/2022 Andy Black Wolsey 11/2022 Keith Lovitt Waveney Valley 02/2023 Andy Garner Waveney Valley 02/2023 Gemma Buck Lowestoft 02/2023 Timothy Savill Waveney Valley 02/2023 Adrian Slim Adventures Offshore 02/2023 Samantha Hurren Lowestoft 02/2023 Kirsty Tatum Waveney Valley 02/2023 Mike Walker Waveney Valley 02/2023

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Good Service Awards for Reporting Year Apr-22 to Mar-23

Award

Recipient District Award Date

Bar to Award for Merit

Rodney Turner County 05/2022 Jo Harley Lowestoft 11/2022 Nickie Phillips Scout HQ 12/2022 Michael Norman Orwell 02/2023

Silver Acorn

David Jameson Stowmarket 05/2022 Carl Gloess County 05/2022 Mark Pearson Wolsey 05/2022 Mel Buck Lowestoft 11/2022

Silver Wolf

Peter Jarvis County 05/2022 Robin Farrar Waveney Valley 05/2022 Keith Gleen County 02/2023

Our warmest congratulations to all the Good Service Award recipients on their awards and our thanks for their services to Scouting.

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MEMBERSHIP CENSUS REPORT SUMMARY - JANUARY 2023	MEMBERSHIP CENSUS REPORT SUMMARY - JANUARY 2023
Male Female Self Iden- tfy Prefer not to say Total 2022
YOUTH MEMBERSHIP
Squirrel Scouts 64 29 - - 93 Beaver Scouts 1,057 283 1 - 1,341 Cub Scouts 1,388 415 1 1 1,805 Scouts 1,197 475 6 - 1,678 Explorer Scouts (including Young Leaders) 375 158 4 - 537 Network members 39 11 - - 50	- 1,340 1,715 1,592 518 60
TOTAL YOUTH MEMBERSHIP 4,120 1,371 12 1 5,504	5,225
PROGRAMME DELIVERY ROLES
Secton Leaders 152 163 - - 315 Assistant Secton Leaders 245 207 - - 452 Secton Assistants 182 166 1 - 349	294 480 331
TOTAL ADULT PROGRAMME DELIVERY ROLES 579 536 1 - 1,116 YoungLeaders+ 153 86 4 - 243	1,105 213
TOTAL PROGRAMME DELIVERY ROLES 732 622 5 - 1,359	1,318
LINE MANAGER ROLES(GSL, DC, CC)
Group Scout Leaders 43 19 - 62 District Commissioners (inc ES/SN) 10 3 - 13 CountyCommissioners 1 - - 1	62 13 1
TOTAL LINE MANAGER ROLES 54 22 - - 76	76
GOVERNANCE ROLES(Chair/Secretary/Treasurer/Executve Members)
TOTAL GROUP GOVERNANCE ROLES 193 224 - 417 TOTAL DISTRICT GOVERNANCE ROLES 19 5 - 24 TOTAL COUNTY GOVERNANCE ROLES 3 1 - 4	431 32 4
TOTAL GOVERNANCE ROLES 215 230 - - 445	467
SUPPORT ROLES(Deputes, Assistants, Administrators, Instructors, Other Suppt roles)
TOTAL GROUP SUPPORT ROLES 84 45 1 - 130 TOTAL DISTRICT SUPPORT ROLES 68 23 - 91 TOTAL COUNTY SUPPORT ROLES 23 16 - 39 Actve Support 80 39 - 119	121 136 40 144
TOTAL SUPPORT ROLES 255 123 1 - 379	441
TOTALS
TOTAL YOUTH MEMBERSHIP 4,120 1,371 12 1 5,504 TOTAL ADULT MEMBERSHIP 1,103 911 2 - 2,016	5,225 2,089
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 5,223 2,282 14 1 7,520	7,314

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SUFFOLK COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL - STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

For the year ended 31 March 2023

Notes Unrestricted INCOME Donatons and similar income 1,000 Income from Charitable Actvites: Membership Subscriptons 2 31,031 Income from Actvites 3 283,179 Grants 3 - Bank Interest 981 ----------- Total Incoming Resources 316,191 ----------- EXPENDITURE Scoutng Actvites 4 289,439 ----------- Total Resources Expended 289,439 ----------- Net Income before Transfers 26,752 Transfers (5,000) ----------- Net Income and net movement in funds for the year 21,752 Reconciliaton of Funds 8 & 9 Total Funds brought forward 289,761 ------------ Total Funds carried forward £311,513 =========	Restricted 26,000 - 1,500 - --------- 27,500 ----------- 30,354 ----------- 30,354 ----------- (2,854) 5,000 ----------- 2,146 52,142 ------------ £54,288 =========	2023 Total 27,000 31,031 283,179 1,500 981 ----------- 343,691 ----------- 319,793 ----------- 319,793 ----------- 23,898 - ----------- 23,898 341,903 ------------ £365,801 =========	2022 Total 3,815 16,456 31,214 13,667 7 ----------- 65,159 ----------- 84,495 ----------- 84,495 ----------- (19,336) - ----------- (19,336) 361,239 ------------ £341,903 =========

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 32 to 39 form part of these accounts

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SUFFOLK COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL - BALANCE SHEET As at 31 March 2023

Fixed Assets Tangible Assets Current Assets Badge Stock Prepayments Bank and Cash Balances Current liabilites Creditors falling due within 1 year Net current assets Total assets less current liabilites Creditors: falling due in more than 1 year Net assets The funds of the charity: Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Designated General

Note 2023 2022 6 153,755 141,086 ----------- ----------- - 850 3,726 23,567 364,878 358,840 ----------- ----------- 368,604 383,257 7 151,558 172,440 ----------- ----------- 217,046 210,817 ----------- ----------- 370,801 351,903 11 5,000 10,000 ----------- ----------- £365,801 £341,903 ======== ======== 8 54,288 52,142 9 97,229 87,847 9 214,284 201,914 ----------- ----------- £365,801 £341,903 ======== ========

Approved by the trustees on 07 September 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

Peter Jones, County Chair Jon Emin, County Treasurer

The notes on pages 32 to 39 form part of these accounts

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

For the year ended 31 March 2022

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Ireland FRS 102 issued on 16 July 2014 and with the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102.

Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s).

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities or income and expenses unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102.

The trustees have prepared the accounts on a going concern basis based on the budgets and forecasts for 2023/24

Funds structure

• Unrestricted income funds comprise those funds which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objects. Unrestricted funds include designated funds where the trustees, at their discretion, have created a fund for a specific purpose.

• Restricted income funds are funds which the donor has specified are to be used solely for particular areas of work or specific projects being undertaken by the County Scout Council.

Incoming Recognition

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is more likely than not the charity will receive the income; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Membership subscriptions which gives a member the right to services are recognised as the income is earned from the provision of services and disclosed as income from charitable activities.

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met.

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.

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Expenditure recognition

Liabilities are recognised as where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Support costs have been allocated between governance and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. Other support costs include central function and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the expenditure heading for which it is incurred.

Fixed Assets

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost. Depreciation is charged from the year of acquisition on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows:

Freehold property additons (excluding land)	10 years
Other fxed assets	5 years

Debtors

Debtors are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.

Creditors

The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.

2. MEMBERSHIP FEES	2023	2022
Total Membership Fees Collected	211,765	166,982
Natonal Membership Fees	(178,192)	(148,464)
District Refunds	(2,542)	(2,062)
	---------	---------
	£31,031	£16,456
	======	======

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3. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Income from actvites Actvites Jamboree Bradfeld Campsite COVID-19 Grants General funds Bradfeld Campsite Other Grants Events 4. DIRECT CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Actvites World Jamboree Training Development actvites East of England Region Campsites - Bradfeld - Bradfeld Depreciaton Support costs - County Team Governance costs	2023 Unrestricted £125,675 £139,053 £18,451 ----------- £283,179 ----------- - - --------- - --------- £123,583 £129,671 £1,512 - - £15,612 - £14,854 £4,207 ----------- £289,439 ========	2023 Restricted 2023 Total 2022 Total - £125,675 £26,411 - £139,053 - - £18,451 £4,803 ---------- ---------- ---------- - £283,179 £31,214 ---------- ---------- ---------- - - - - - £10,667 £1,500 £1,500 £3,000 --------- --------- --------- £1,500 £1,500 £13,667 --------- --------- --------- £7,697 £131,280 £35,892 £129,671 - - £1,512 £2,404 - - £83 £66 £66 - - £15,612 £9,938 £22,591 £22,591 £20,725 £14,854 £11,172 - £4,207 £4,281 ----------- ----------- ----------- £30,354 £319,793 £84,495 ======== ======== ========

The County Team includes the cost of one part-time employee £5,512 (2022 - £5,427, one part-time employee).

The cost of the County Team and governance includes £1,925 (2022 - £1,622) and restricted activities £3,197 (2022- £3,197) in respect of depreciation of equipment.

The total for direct charitable activities for the previous years of £84,495 includes £60,082 on activities undertaken and £24,413 on support costs.

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4. DIRECT CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES (continued)

The breakdown of support costs and how these were allocated between governance and other support costs is shown in the table below.

Current Year

Current Year
Cost type	Total allocated	Governance	Other support	Basis of appor-
		costs	costs	tonment
	£	£	£
Staf costs	5,512	1,378	4,134	Staf tme
Ofce rental and admin- istraton	6,517	1,629	4,888	Staf tme
County team expenses	3,907	-	3,907	County team tme
Depreciaton	1,925	-	1,925	Actual
Independent examiners	1,200	1,200	-	Actual
	---------	---------	---------
	£19,061	£4,207	£14,854
	======	======	======
Previous Year
Cost type	Total allocated	Governance	Other support	Basis of appor-
		costs	costs	tonment
	£	£	£
Staf costs	5,427	1,357	4,070	Staf tme
Ofce rental and admin- istraton	6,899	1,724	5,175	Staf tme
County team expenses	305	-	305	County team tme
Depreciaton	1,622	-	1,622	County team tme
Independent examiners	1,200	1,200	-	Actual
	---------	---------	---------
	£15,453	£4,281	£11,172
	======	======	======

5. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION & RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The trustees all give freely of their time and expertise without any form of remuneration or other benefit in cash or kind except Carl Gloess who received salary as County Administrator of £5,512 (2022 - £5,427).

No trustee during the year had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the Council this year or the previous year except as disclosed above.

£489 (2022- £305) was reimbursed to 1 trustee (2022 - 3) of the County Scout Council during the year including the County Administrator.

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6. FIXED ASSETS Cost As at 1 April Additons As at 31 March Depreciaton As at 1 April Depreciaton As at 31 March Net Book Value As at 31 March 2023 As at 31 March 2022	Freehold Property 407,577 32,238 ----------- 439,815 ----------- 273,186 22,591 ----------- 295,777 ----------- £144,038 ======= £134,391 =======	Equipment Total 115,462 523,039 8,144 40,382 --------- ---------- 123,606 563,421 --------- ---------- 108,767 381,953 5,122 27,713 --------- --------- 113,889 409,666 --------- --------- £9,717 £153,755 ======= ======= £6,695 £141,086 ======= =======	Total

The Bradfield Campsite is a joint project by the County Scout Council with Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury Scout Districts, who would share equally in any surplus realised on a disposal of the site after payments made by the County Scout Council are deducted and paid.

The County Scout Council have invested directly and through loan repayments £123,507 in the Bradfield campsite to date.

The Hardwick Park Campsite, Bury St Edmunds is a joint project with Bury St Edmunds Scout District and any surplus realised on a disposal of the site are shared equally.

7. CREDITORS	2023	2022
Sundry Creditors	982	1,760
Income in Advance	143,176	164,480
Loan	5,000	5,000
Accrued Expenses	2,400	1,200
	-----------	-----------
	£151,558	£172,440
	=======	=======

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8. RESTRICTED FUNDS Current year Bradfeld Campsite Water actvites Africa Events East of England Region Fund Previous year Bradfeld Campsite Water actvites Africa Events East of England Region Fund	Balance 1 April 2022 Income 27,526 26,000 9,126 - 3,261 - 3,000 1,500 9,229 - ----------- --------- £52,142 £27,500 ======= ====== Balance 1 April 2021 Income 41,601 1,650 12,323 - 3,752 - 3,000 9,229 - ----------- --------- £66,905 £4,650 ======= ======	Expenditure (22,591) (3,197) - (4,500) (66) ----------- £(30,354) ======= Expenditure (20,725) (3,197) (491) - - ---------- £(24,413) =======	Transfers 5,000 - - - - -------- £5,000 ===== Transfers 5,000 - - - - -------- £5,000 =====	Balance 31 March	Balance	Balance
				2023 35,935 5,929 3,261 - 9,163 ----------- £54,288 ======= Balance 31 March	2023 35,935 5,929 3,261 - 9,163 ----------- £54,288 ======= Balance	2023
				2022 27,526 9,126 3,261 9,229 ----------- £52,142 =======		2022

The Bradfield Campsite Fund represents the proceeds of appeals to purchase and develop the campsite and the fund balance is represented by part of the net book value of the campsite.

The East of England Region Fund represents funds received and expended in connection with the Scout Association’s regional activities and is represented by bank balances.

The Water Activities fund is restricted grants for these activities and is represented by the net book value of water activity equipment and bank balances in respect of unspent funds.

The Events funds represents grants restricted to Suffolk Punch and represented by bank.

The Africa fund is represented by bank balances and is for the development and activities relating to the Mafeking Scouts.

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9. GENERAL AND DESIGNATED FUNDS

**9. GENERAL AND DESIGNATED FUNDS **
Current Year Balance 1 April 2022 Income General 201,914 177,138 Bradfeld Campsite 57,507 - Assistance with Campsites 3,650 - World Jamboree 3,321 139,053 Hardship Fund 14,000 - Explorer Belt Expediton 1,746 - Richard Freeman Bequest 1,096 - Water Actvites 6,527 - ----------- ----------- £289,761 £316,191 ======= ======= Previous year Balance 1 April 2021 Income General 206,487 60,509 Bradfeld Campsite 57,507 - Assistance with Campsites 3,650 - Jamboree 3,321 - Hardship Fund 14,000 - Explorer Belt Expediton 1,746 - Richard Freeman Bequest 1,096 - Water Actvites 6,527 - ----------- ----------- £294,334 £60,509 ======= =======	Expenditure (159,768) - - (129,671) - - - - ----------- £(289,439) ======= Expenditure (60,082) - - - - - - - ----------- £(60,082) =======	Transfers (5,000) - - 7,000 (7,000) - - - ------- £(5,000) ====== Transfers (5,000) - - - - - - - ------- £(5,000) ======	Balance 31 March	Balance
			2023 214,284 57,507 3,650 19,703 7,000 1,746 1,096 6,527 ----------- £311,513 ======= Balance 31 March		2023
			2022 201,914 57,507 3,650 3,321 14,000 1,746 1,096 6,527 ----------- £289,761 =======		2022

The Water Activities Fund has been designated for the development of water activities in the county.

The Explorer Belt Expeditions Fund represents the funds held in respect of these expeditions.

The Assistance with Campsites Fund is to help with the development of group and district campsites.

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9. GENERAL AND DESIGNATED FUNDS (contnued)

The World Jamboree Fund represents a designated fund which represents the transactions related to the county contingent to the World Jamboree.

The Hardship Fund has been established to help scout groups experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. During the year this fund was redesignated to the World Scout Jamboree Funding to assist with financial hardship and to provide a contribution to the leaders’ attendance fees.

The Assistance with Campsites, Jamboree, Explorer Belt, Richard Freeman Bequest (designated to support water activities) and the Water Activities Funds are all represented by bank balances.

The Bradfield Campsite designated fund represents the council’s original contribution towards the purchase and construction of the site and is represented by a share in the assets of the site. The balance of the net book value of the site is part of the general fund.

10. ANALYSIS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES BY FUNDS

Fixed Assets Prepayments Bank and Deposit balances Creditors due in less than one year Creditors due in more than one year	Restricted Funds 51,864 - 12,424 (5,000) (5,000) ----------- £54,288 -----------	Designated Funds 57,507 - 39,722 - ---------- £97,229 ----------	Unrestricted Funds 44,384 3,726 312,732 (146,558) - ----------- £214,284 -----------	Total 153,755 3,726 364,878 (151,558) (5,000) ----------- £365,801 -----------

11. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

At the year end, the County Scout Council had authorised expenditure of £Nil (2023- £NIL).

12. CREDITORS FALLING DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR

The loan is due to The Scout Association and was to assist with the development of the Bradfield Campsite. The loan is repayable over 10 years from 1 December 2015 and the loan bears interest at 2% over base.

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS TO THE

TRUSTEES OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL (Charity No. 305682)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 March 2023 set out on pages 30 to 39.

As the charity's trustees, 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 Charity’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.

The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

• the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or

• the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or

• the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

…………………………….

I C BROOKMAN, FCA, DChA

Pakenham Accounting & Consultancy Chartered Accountants BURY ST EDMUNDS

5th September 2023

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