OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-03-31-accounts

Suffolk County Scout Council Registered Charrty No. 305682 Annual Report Trustees. Annual Report, Annual Review. & Statement of Accounts 2023 12024 suffolkscouts.org.uk

SkillsForLife

Scouts Suffolk

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL

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

Thursday 21st September 2023 at 7.45pm

PRESENT:

Peter Jones (County Chair), County Commissioner, County Treasurer, County Secretary and Members of the County Scout Council (as per Constitution).

Introduction by the Chair

a. Welcome: the meeting opened with Peter Jones, County Chair, welcoming everyone and thanking them for attending especially Katherine West, County Commissioner from Suffolk Girlguiding.

He noted the apologies from the Vice Presidents and wished Gordon Biden who had recently had a fall, a speedy recovery.

The meeting was confirmed as quorate with 27 Council members in attendance and with sixteen guests.

b. A Thought for the Meeting was delivered by the Deputy County Commissioner, Keith Barber.

c. Apologies for absence (34) had been received from – Lady Clare, Countess of Euston (County President), Alison Barber, Gordon Biden, Sarah Britten, Martin Brooks, Gary Burden, Steve Challis, Celia Comber, Robin Farrar, Leigh Foster-Green, Alfie Foster-Green, Matt Gilbert, Mike Golston, Alan Gosling, Brian Harvey, Debby Hatcher, Paula Hollings, Anne Humphrys, Paul Hunt, John Ineson, David Jameson, Peter Jarvis, Janet Jennings, Lucy King, Graham Mackie, Matt Mills, Selina Noton, James Nunn, Michael Phillips, Alex Price, Brian Roe, Jenny Roe, Henry Slim, Charmain Southgate.

d. The Minutes of the previous County Annual General Meeting held on 22nd September 2022 were APPROVED.

Governance

a. Suffolk Constitution

i. Members were asked to approve the recommendation of the Trustee Board for the re -adoption of the Suffolk Scouts’ Constitution updated 21-Jun-2023 to v1.0b.

a. This was APPROVED by the members.

ii. To note the amendments to the Suffolk Constitution in respect of the terms ‘Executive Committee’ and ‘Trustee Board’ with the changes introduced in POR in April 2023, the term ‘Executive Committee’ is replaced by ‘Trustee Board’ throughout the document. By inference, an ‘Executive Member’ becomes a ‘Trustee Board Member’.

1

a. Members ACKNOWLEDGED the changes.

b. Financial Reporting Year dates

Members were asked to note that the Council’s Financial Year begins on 1st April in each year and ends on 31st March the following year.

i. Members ACKNOWLEDGED the dates.

Review of 2022/2023

a. Receive and consider the Annual Report & Accounts 2022/23:

Howard Blackett, the County Commissioner, presented the Annual Report and highlighted the following points:

f. 200 young people are participating in the DofE Award and there have been 30 Bronze, 13 Silver and 2 Gold Awards. There is scope for growth in this area. Thanks to Ralph Hansby-Patterson and team.

g. In addition to the WSJ we are looking abroad for opportunities and we are planning a trip to Norway (Roverway). Thanks to Heather Bridges ACC (International)

2

No questions were asked about the report.

b. Receive and consider the Annual Statement of Accounts 2022/23:

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

The financial activity at county level in the year to 31st March 2023 was a much busier one than the year before as general scouting and events returned following Covid.

As a result, our income increased to £343,000 from £65,000 the year before. This was primarily due to events and activity income which totalled £265,000 of which World Scout Jamboree alone contributed £139,000. Naturally the costs associated with these activities and events also increased substantially.

The Net Income shown for the period of £24,000 does not include the cash effect of spending on replacing and renewing fixed assets across the county estate. It also includes an element of timing differences for World Scout Jamboree where further expenditure has yet to be incurred.

Excluding activities and events, county income for this financial period was £31,000, based on £6 per young person. We spent almost all of this income with total unrestricted cash outflows for the period of £28,000. The main expenditure items included: -

Turning to the balance sheet, Our net assets have increased to £365,000. Of this sum £154,000 related to fixed assets, the majority of which is the value of Bradfield and its related assets.

Cash balances, on the face of it, look extremely healthy however at £365,000 however we must note that, as at the accounts date, £178,000 of this sum was due to be paid to UK HQ for membership fees and a further £52,000 is held in restricted funds.

For the year ahead we continue to replace and refresh our county stores, further rebuild our WSJ fund and push on with investigating our plan to provide a new county office now that we have left our old home at 143 Cauldwell Hall Road.

3

Finally, I had the pleasure of working with Steven Young and his team in following the financial activity of the World Scout Jamboree event in South Korea. I would like to record my thanks and admiration for the way Steven and the team worked so hard in the long build up to the event to ensure, financially at least, it ran very smoothly indeed.

No questions were asked about the report.

Make Appointments

Rodney Turner Selina Noton

Matt Gilbert stood down having served for a number of years and was thanked for his contribution to the board.

Close of Meeting by the Chair of the Trustee Board .

The County Commissioner, Howard Blackett was invited to address the meeting and gave the following commentary.

I would like to raise a few points from my own specific report and add a few comments to the ones I made earlier when presenting the report.

4

i. Appointments

I am delighted to say that the following DC appointments have been made:

One other appointments of note:

Colin Winter

5

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

The meeting closed at 8.14 pm

Awards: The County Commissioner presented the following award (with citation)

Good Service Awards

Silver Wolf

Keith Gleen

Suffolk DoE Gold Neckerchief (a new County award for Gold DoE Award achievers)

Molly Peacock

Wood Badge

Heather Bridges (WSJ Deputy Leader)

Presentations then followed from some of the Suffolk Saxons Unit who attended the 25[th] World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in July/August 2023.

6

SUFFOLK COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT, ANNUAL REVIEW and STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2023/24

PRESIDENT Clare Countess of Euston, HM Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk VICE PRESIDENTS John P Ineson (dec. Mar-24) 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 Colin Winter Keith Barber Vacancy— Dan Jackson (resigned Jun-24) Gareth Cox Vacancy Nominated Trustees Rodney Turner Selina Noton Co-opted Trustees Peter Jarvis 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: 01473 711678 Email: county.admin@suffolkscouts.org.uk

7

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:

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.

8

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

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

An increasingly varied programme of Scouting activities has been implemented at Group, District and County levels.

The Annual Review 2023– 2024 on pages 10 to 28 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 £90,223 . 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 05 September 2024

9

ANNUAL REVIEW 2023-2024

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

County Squirrels

Since the last year’s AGM Squirrel dreys have been steadily expanding and at the time of writing we are up to 12 dreys across Suffolk, and lots of top awards have been achieved and presented.

In June we all gathered at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Stonham Barns, this was the first time all Suffolk’s Squirrels gathered for fun and friends. We met all the owls and birds of prey and the newly moved meerkats in the sunshine. We were lucky to see the birds of prey fly due to the lifting of the bird flu ban.

I personally enjoyed reading Meerkat Mail to the dreys in the sandpit. The day was made more special as I received my 25-year service award and my ACC Wood Badge. It was also a great opportunity to enrol the leaders of the Felix Drey, our then newest drey.

All Squirrels participated in the county competition to design a postcard which was then sent off to residents at the St Elizabeth Hospice, to show compassion. This was in conjunction with ‘Making Steps in The Community’ and they all received a badge. Following our postcards, Emily Gravett sent us a personal message.

All Squirrels have been extremely active within their communities, showing respect at their remembrance parades and pride at their St George’s Day Parade.

Looking ahead, I hope the dreys continue to grow across the county, and looking ahead to a big celebration in 2026 to celebrate the 5 year birthday.

Brian Harvey ACC Squirrels

County Cubs

During the Summer Term of 2023 I was busy as part of the UK Contingent Management and Support Team for the 25th World Scout Jamboree. This was a valuable time of learning for me – giving a deeper insight on preparations for a large-scale event and how important it is to be ready for ‘when things don’t go as planned!’ Being part of the UK CST helped me with preparations for our County Cub Camp.

At the end of the Summer, individual meetings were held with the ADCs, mostly on Teams, to catch up and find out how each individual district was getting on. Each district has been providing a varied programme of events for the cubs, bringing packs together, giving time for the young people and adults to share in fun and support each other.

The end of 2023 and beginning of 2024 were a busy time planning and preparing for Suffolk County Cub Camp, ‘Camp Ohana’. Back in summer 2022, after I visited Essex Mega Camp, the dream of a Suffolk County Camp began. A camp on this scale was first discussed at the ADC Cub meeting in January 2023 and the planning started. In October a few leaders met at Hallowtree Scout Activity Centre and the camp really began to take shape. Early in January 2024, the Core Team held their first meeting. A few days later there was a meeting for the ADC Cubs, more details for the camp were shared and there was opportunity to contribute

10

to the camp programme. This camp would be possible because of many people working together.

Cub Scouting in the county is always busy, it’s good to see Facebook posts of regular cub activities and the district events. Thank you to all the adult volunteers who make it possible for our young people to gain #Skills for Life

Jo Cracknell ACC Cub Scouts

County Scouts

Here are some highlights from around the county that have been collated for this section.

Stowmarket District.

The Scouts have had a busy 12 months in the Stowmarket District. Last October we had 13 teams take part in our Annual Lightweight Hike competition where the teams have to get themselves and all of their kit from the start in Otley to the campsite in Debenham. Once there they set up camp, cooked their dinner and completed a few map reading challenges. Sunday morning we were all up breakfasted and packed up ready for a circular day 2 route. Massive Congratulations to the team from 1st Mendlesham who took the crown.

February is time for our next annual event, Frostbite Camp. This year the Scouts built and slept in their own shelters, butchered a deer to make some "Bambi Burgers" and took part in a "Frostbite Feast" challenge where they needed to channel their inner Gordon Ramsey and cook up some culinary delights Backwoods Style. 1[st] Eye came up trumps here with a roast dinner cooked in a Dutch Oven.

We have a busy programme planned for 24/25 with the aim of making the events bigger and better than ever before.

From Simon Oakley ADC

Bury St Edmunds District

B.S.E. Summer Camp in August was at Belchamps, on their Activity Week, 7[th] till 12[th] , attended by Scouts and Explores and a good time was had by one and all. The Scouts took part in abseiling, arial runway, low ropes, crafts, archery and lots of other activities, enough to keep everyone extremely busy from dawn to dusk.

In the evening, there where discos or film nights to keep everyone entertained, which everyone seemed to enjoy.

Whilst all this was going on the Water Activities Team and CMAT had been training Scouts in kayaks, hillwalking and climbing, and over the year had reached a good standard, ready to take part in various adventures.

In October we held a beginner’s camp at Bradfield. This was to enable those Scouts who were new to Scout camping to gain experience without the hustle and bustle of some of the

11

bigger camps. Again this was well attended with about 25 Scouts, who seemed to have a great time.

The District Dodge Ball Challenge was held in November at Bury Leisure Centre and saw teams from across the district compete. Admittedly, some were more talented than others, but an afternoon of skill and sportsmanship ensued, and good fun was had by all.

As the year ends and everyone’s thoughts turned to Christmas the Scouts had their annual 10 pin bowling competition, which is always very well attended and great fun.

Our first event of 2024 in February was the Scouts and Explorer Quiz. Our very own Ex-DC Paul Hunt supplied the questions, whilst Thurston chippy produced a chip supper to roundoff the evening. Teams arrived from all over the district. We heard some strange answers to some of the questions and some even stranger team names, but everyone had a great time.

In February we had a winter camp again at Bradfield and a hardy bunch braved the cold to do some backwoods cooking, using ground ovens and other bushcraft means to cook an excellent range of food.

In March, we had a Patrol camping competition, not one of our best attended events, but I expect this to change over the years as Troops gain experience.

Several of these regular events now enjoy attendance approaching 100 Scouts and are growing year by year, which can be taken not only as a sign of the strength of Scouting in our District, but also as a testimony to the work and dedication of the leaders. It should be noted that this interesting and enjoyable programme would not be possible without the help of Scout leaders throughout the district, each of whom takes responsibility for organising certain events and puts a great deal of time and effort into both their own projects and into bringing their Scouts to the other events.

From Steve Williams DDC

Orwell District

It has been a fun packed year for the Scout section. We have been able to run a mostly full schedule of events for the past 12 months. Adult recruitment is still needed for the Scout section, with parent rotas and help from leaders from other sections, the Troops are just surviving. Scout numbers are steady with scope to increase across the section.

October 2023: District night hike, this was our first event without an ADC Scouts, and it was a big one. Bruce Rawlings 31[st] /9[th ] was asked if they would like to finish what they started last year and stepped up to plan and organise, during the event I “fell” into the control tent and ended up staying all night to help run and oversee the event while Bruce took a very well earned rest running a checkpoint during the night, with his effort along with many adult leaders (some from other sections and districts) this year we were able to run a full program, with the 13[th] Ipswich team A winning overall.

Joti/Jota, this ran the day of night hike and although those who attended very much enjoyed themselves and completed several parts of badgework unfortunately it wasn’t the success I

12

know it really can be, we are already in discussions on how to push this event along and my thanks to Jason Flynn for putting in so much effort the last few years to get this event running.

Fireworks, The Orwell District firework night was a wellattended event by Scout Groups from around the district it was nice to see so many people enjoying the evening.

I must underline the fact that all the Scout district

events are run by everyone, we are a team, I may have been the one to step into Craig’s shoes but without Craig, Dell, Adele & Bruce, along with all the other Scout Leaders from all the troops & support, hard work & enthusiasm from their leadership teams, our events would not be able to happen. The Explorer section has very kindly helped the Scout section with some of our larger scale events, for this, I thank them also.

Looking forward to another 12 months with a fantastic district of Scout Leaders!

From Jay Leach ADC Scouts

Lowestoft District

Lowestoft Scout Troops have had a busy time enjoying archery and rifle shooting competitions, quiz, ten pin bowling competition, cross country competition, cooking competition, go kart competition and a District Scout camp and activities day where each troop ran a base - axe throwing, rifle shooting, backwoods cooking, waterslide, kayaking and boarding. The 14th Lowestoft Troop also planted over 600 saplings in a new nature reserve for their conservation badge.

From Richard Brabben ADC

Angela Humphrey ACC Scouts

Network

New appointment awaited for an A.C.C Network

Scout Active Support

New appointment awaited for SAS Manager.

International

Well what a year it’s been for International Scouting with the 25[th] World Scout Jamboree being held in Korea. It turned out to be a very different Jamboree than anyone expected, due to organisation issues, heat and finally a typhoon. After just 2 days on site the UK Contingent left the main camp site for safety reasons and headed back to Seoul. The Korean people were amazingly kind and generous looking after all the overseas visitors, laying on activities and apologizing all the time. There were many acts of random kindness with offers of food, drink

13

and seats on the underground. We had a closing ceremony in a football stadium followed by a K-Pop concert. Although it was a very different experience the resilience of the Young people attending made it a trip to remember.

Next Year we have a Patrol going to Roverway in Norway and also a Wolsey District trip to Kandersteg.

Heather Bridges ACC (International)

Communications and IT

The County continues to utilise the Microsoft Office 365 platform, which has around 500 users from Adult members. The team have decommissioned the legacy user system, so all logins now utilise M365 accounts, including legacy tools such as the County Directory. The team has also supported in the development and update of other group websites, including a revamped Bradfield Park website.

For the next 12 months, the team will integrate the system with the new HQ membership platform to ensure we can continue to auto provision/decommission accounts as members join and leave the organisation.

Rob Gloess County IT Manager

Growth & Inclusion

- Development—the best census results in the Eastern Region.

This year’s Census figures showed that Suffolk had the highest overall growth of the 6 counties in the Eastern Region.

As a result the County is well on the way to meeting two key targets

resut te County s we on
way to meetng two key
gets
1. Back to 2020 fgures
2. Growth for the 2026
Strategic target		 East of England
%age growth		 YP Adults Overall
Beds 2% 0% 2%
Cambs 3% 4% 3%
Essex 2% 0% 1%
Herts 2% 1% 2%
Norfolk 1% -2% 0%
Sufolk 10% 3% 8%
Average 7% 1% 5%

14

Key Targets Census
2020		 Census
2023		 % progress
towards re-
turn to 2020		 Target by
% progress
towards
2026 Target
Census
2026
Total number of Beavers, Cubs,
Scouts and Explorers (Young Peo-
ple 6 and under 18)		 5,747
5,361
93.30%
6,035
88.80%
Total number of Squirrels 0
93		 785
11.80%
Total number of Explorer Scout
Young Leaders		 234
243
103.80%
246
98.80%
Total number of Leaders, Assis-
tant Leaders and Secton Assis-
tants		 1,067
1,116
104.60%
1,221
91.40%
Total number of Adult Volunteers 2,498
2,066

In more detail the 2024 Census shows that Squirrels have nearly doubled, Beavers have grown by 6%, Cubs by 8%, Scouts by a whopping 14% and Explorers by 10%. The only section to show a “loss” is Scout Network, partly due to the way the Census records all 18–25-yearolds (including Leaders) and where the method has changed year on year.

Totals 2024 2024 2023 2022 2020
Total
Young People Total Dif (%age change) Total Total
Squirrel Scouts 179 86 (92%) 93 0
Beaver Scouts 1423 82 (6%) 1341 1340 1558
1919
1687
583
239
5986
Cub Scouts 1949 144 (8%) 1805 1715
Scouts 1914 236 (14%) 1678 1592
Explorer Scouts 592 55 (10%) 537 518
Scout Network 6 -44 (-88%) 50 60
TOTAL YP 6063 559 (10%) 5504 5225
Compared to 2020
77 (1.29%)

15

Totals 2024 2024 2023 2022 2020
Adults Total Dif (%age change) Total Total Total
Adult Leaders 1208 92 (8%) 1116 1105 1067
Young Leaders 272 29 (12%) 243 213 234
Total Leaders 1480 121 (9%) 1359 1318 1301
Adults* 2070 54 (3%) 2016 2089 2259
Compared to 2020
-189 (-8.4%)

* Includes County level (38 in 2024)

The overall number of adults also grew compared to 2023, although we are a little down on 2020, but the number of Leaders has increased every year since 2020.

This gives us overall figures

Grand Total 2024 2024 2023 2022 2020
Total Dif (%age change) Total Total Total
Total 8133 613(8%) 7520 7314 8245
Compared to 2020
-112 (-1.4%)

Unfortunately, as in previous years, our Waiting Lists grew and we now have over 1000 young people in Suffolk waiting for a place

Unfortunately, as in previous years, our Waitng Lists grew and we now have over 1000
young people in Sufolk waitng for a place		 Unfortunately, as in previous years, our Waitng Lists grew and we now have over 1000
young people in Sufolk waitng for a place		 Unfortunately, as in previous years, our Waitng Lists grew and we now have over 1000
young people in Sufolk waitng for a place		 Unfortunately, as in previous years, our Waitng Lists grew and we now have over 1000
young people in Sufolk waitng for a place
Waiting Lists Summary
2024 2023 2020
Squirrel Scouts 336(6%) 316 0
Beaver Scouts 372(-5%) 390 336
Cub Scouts 194(2%) 191 119
Scouts 149 (57%) 95 90
Overall Total 1051 992 545

However, the Squirrels figure is a little misleading as there are many Groups who are yet to have a Drey and their waiting list is, in reality, a pre-Beaver age list.

Overall we now have 13 Dreys up from 9 last year, 89 Colonies, 98 Packs, 92 Troops and 39 Units. If your section could take on two additional young people, we could halve the waiting list.

The Census figures also reveal that we have fewer Managers and Supporters and of the 87 Groups, there were only 66 GSLS, 71 Chairs, 79 Treasurers. Further, out of 336 Sections there are 30 Sections (with 264 YP) that have no Leader, up 25% on last year and 83 Sections (with

16

1518 YP) have only 1 Leader, up 51% on last Year.

Whilst the forthcoming transformaton to a team based approach later this year, may help, our priority should be to recruit more adult team members.

If you need some help on recruiting a good place to start is htps://www.scouts.org.uk/ volunteers/growing-scouts/recruitment-toolkit/. Or contact me at keith.gleen@sufolkscouts.org.uk

Keith Gleen

DCC (Growth & Inclusion)

County Safety

1. Introduction

1.1 This report is prepared by the County Safety Advisor on behalf of the County Commissioner. It covers the period from 31 August 2023 to 01 September 2024.

1.2 Statistical information uses data supplied by The Scout Association’s Information Centre. Where analysis references membership, the numbers used are of the census carried out in the January of that period.

A.1.3 On 23 March 2020 the UK experienced its first COVID 19 lockdown. Restrictions on social activty 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).

2. General Activity

2.1 In the period the following activities to support safety have been carried out.

17

volunteers where the numbers of or experience of volunteers are below the threshold necessary to deliver scounting safely.

3. Summary

3.1 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.

3.2 There has been no major incidents or major injuries in the period.

3.3 There were at least 10 reportable incidents where a person required medical intervention but not covered as a major or critical incident.

3.4 Observation that volunteers are reporting incidents to HQ which do not meet the threshold for reporting. This creates work for HQ staff and distracts them from necessary tasks.

4. Detailed Analysis

Despite three requests headquarters has not provided any statistics or further details of safety incidents or occurrences.

5. Priority Areas for Safety

5.1 In response to the ‘Prevention for Future Death Reports’ issued by coroners in the period, headquarters has set out a plan to transform safety management in scouting. The changes proposed remain under development by HQ, with no clear timeline of readiness. These will give volunteers improved tools to manages safety records and decisions, communicate internally and externally and give improved transparancy.

5.2 As a direct result of meetings with Scouts HQ the priorities for Suffolk Scouts in the next 12 months are;

a. Ensuring that Districts, Groups and Campsites are aware of and using the safety tools and guidance documentation and that lead volunteers responsible for ensuring measures are in place are doing so and have an auditable record of checks. Specifically for premises and programme activities.

b. Ensuring that all volunteers have a firm understanding of their responsibilities in regards to the safety policy proportionate to their role and responsibilities. Where requested by line management providing support sessions on best practices for preparing written risk assessments and practical approaches for undertaking and recording dynamic risk assessments during activities.

c. Understanding and supporting changes required by headquarters relating to safety, this may include working with independent auditors, specifically in relation to premises and permitted activities including nights away.

Gary Burden County Safety Advisor

18

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 person turns 14, which means that as well as Explorers, Scouts can also help start the young people with the award, 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.

So, if you are a Scout leader, and want to get involved in helping to provide DofE for your - Scouts, then please contact us dofe@sufolkscouts.org.uk

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 form the groups that they would do their expeditions with.

Explorer Units Bronze Silver Gold Total
Bury St Edmunds - Explorers (Discovery)
BurySt Edmunds - Explorers(Endeavour)		 1
3		 1
3
Lowestoft - Explorers 7 6 13
Stowmarket - Explorers (Cougars)
Stowmarket - Explorers (Oculus / Eye)
Stowmarket - Explorers(Wolves)		 4
3
2		 4
3
2
Sudbury - Explorers (Bures Dragons)
Sudbury - Explorers (Quay)
Sudbury - Explorers (Stour Valley)
Wolsey- Explorers(Cattawade)		 2
3
3		 1
1		 1
1		 3
5
3
1
Total 28 8 2 38

We had 2 Gold 8 Silver and 28 Bronze participants

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.

Whilst not all the numbers of completed awards (see table for units/ numbers) for Bronze, Silver and Gold have been fed back to us, we had 2 Explorers fully complete their Gold Award Last year Molly Peacock and William Kenning. Both have gone through the complete program from Bronze to Gold, and we wish them our heartiest congratulations.

Special mention is made for Harry Adams, Jack Adams, Toby Bignell, Mollie Bolger and Lindsay Smith who have followed alongside from the Gold DofE and

19

[obtained the Kings Scout Award. The Gold DofE and Kings Scout Award go very closely ] together so it’s worth looking into it when you have completed the Silver level and are ready to go for Gold!

Ralph Hansby-Patterson D of E Coordinator

Training

We have continued to run training courses during the year mostly one day and online, these were planned later than we had hoped as the new training did not come in during February 2024 as expected but HQ are trying to make sure it is correct before it is released so we don't have to have a lot of further changes.

We have had a large number of people completing the ‘Getting Started’ modules and also a good number of Wood badges in all Districts.

Mandatory Training was where a lot of work was put in to get towards 100% compliance and I would like to thank all the LTMs DC's GSL's and TA's who have been involved with this activity for all their hard work, also thanks to Carl Gloess for his monthly updates of what is required.

First aid courses have been run throughout the year mostly on a district basis as this seems to work best for ‘face-to-face’ and saves a lot of travelling for both participants and trainers. We have also run several online module 10a but sometimes people are slow to book 10b which doesn't need a course just a meeting with a scout 1st aid trainer to demonstrate CPR and takes about 15 mins; if you haven't done this can you please get in touch with your LTM or myself.

There are some changes to ‘1st response’ particularly around 1st aid at work that have just come in but they are backdated 2 years. If this applies to you don't be surprised if you are contacted by one of the training team or HQ or if you know you used 1st aid at work for this can you contact myself.

Finally I would like to thank all the training team for their often forgotten hard work.

Jenny Roe

County Training Manager

County Trustee Board

The Trustee Board met regularly during the past year usually via a Teams link. Unlike in previous years when face to face meetings were not possible, they were usually online for convenience and avoided much travel, pollution and cost to our finances.

A feature of this year’s work has been the production, initiated by Rodney Turner, of policy documents in relation to Governance. Some guidance has been issued regarding County Events Grants but we have the main document to produce. The Trustee Board not only needs to be compliant with POR (which itself has changed during the year) but also with the Suffolk County Constitution.

20

[I will be stepping down as your Chair at the forthcoming 2024 AGM. It has been a privilege to ] serve and very enjoyable. I wish my successor a similar experience.

Peter Jones

County Chair

THE ACTIVITY TEAMS

County Mountain Actvites Team (CMAT)

The team have a been highly active this year and increasing our scope and activities to give young people a range of activities .

The team has actively run a series of events for young People and leaders from across the county and team members .

Activities for young People and Volunteers

We have run weekend events at Gradbach in Staffordshire in autumn 2023 climbing on the Roaches, Whitely Woods near Sheffield as replacement venue for Glenbrook which has been closed by Girl Guiding UK .The activities offered were climbing and walking involving some night navigation. plus a highly successful leaders and explorers’ weekend at Waddecar Scout Centre (February 2024) located in the Forest of Bowland , a new and exciting venture for the team. In summer 2024 we undertook a summer expedition to North Wales utilising the Felin Bach centre owned by Carnarvon guides this involved 70 young people and volunteers . The week offered whitewater rafting , Coasteering and the worlds fastest zip wire all via external providers. The team utilising its permitted leaders provided walking camping paddle boarding and canoeing activities.

Training

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

NB all of these have been at least part funded by team volunteers and for our trips leaders pay exactly what the young people do

Important reviews and reflections

Safety

The team have been keen to review and scrutinise our behaviours and processes in light of the coroners report for the great ORME section 28 prevention of future deaths report .

Funding

We acknowledge support from County on training support and equipment and especially support from the county Treasurer with challenges with Barclays bank .

21

We have a full programme for 24 /25 season and team members continue to support other scout events such as the Long Melford Church Abseil fund raiser .

Advanced warning - next wild county and wilderness first aid course is 30[th] November to 1[st] December at Bramford Scout HQ 2024.

Andy Black

CMAT Co-ordinator

Water Actvites Team

Leigh Foster-Green resigned as ACC Water Activities, so this year’s Water Activities was a bit rudderless as a replacement has not been appointed. I have stepped in for a short period to coordinate where I can.

We should give a big thank you to Leigh for his work as ACC Water Activities and I know he will continue offering his expertise where he can. Leigh continues to lead the activities at Lackford Lake which is an important resource.

The two annual events which we do jointly with the Guides, The Wet Weekend and the Meare Day both took place under the Guidance of Jo Saagi. They were both successful although numbers were down. There were some administration issues that we are doing our best to resolve.

SWACOB continues under the guidance of Lawrence Chapman and offers facilities for water activities in the north of the county. Offshore sailing is still happening in two excellent sailing craft operating out of Ipswich. Suffolk is very much involved with this Essex based resource. Water Activities continues with enthusiasm in Suffolk, but it has to be said that it exists in isolated groups of excellence. Thank you to all those Leaders that put the time in to make sure this fantastic activity for young people is still happening in a safe and controlled manner. David Clements.

Interim Water Activities Adviser.

BRADFIELD PARK SCOUT CAMPSITE

It has been a very busy year for the campsite with many groups making repeat bookings for the following year.

Earlier in the year, much to our disappointment Mitch Laws stood down as Bookings Secretary and as yet no one has volunteered to take on the role , which is really needed to take some of the pressure off a small group of campsite volunteers. The committee are still looking for campsite wardens, mainly to work when campers are on site. These volunteer roles come with free camping for you and, providing all adults have a DBS, your family. We are keen to recruit a young person on to the committee so if you know of a young person who would like to represent the district please do get in touch.

We are also in need of instructors for the climbing wall, rifles and archery. The committee have agreed that each volunteer instructor should receive £20 each towards expenses. Please help if you can.

So, what’s been happening on the campsite, successful and happy campers throughout the

22

summer months.

In September the committee held a Review and open evening for Bury and Sudbury districts, although successful September was probably not the best time of the year as the evenings draw in quite rapidly.

We now have the Community Volunteer Service working with Phil Holland every Thursday, they have been a tremendous help. The top carpark has been cleared to make a much larger space and Phil and the team are working to create many more spaces by Lunney Lodge. There has been much work done to bring our website up to date and we are grateful to Rob Gloess for all his help and advice.

We were so pleased to welcome Jocelyn Holland onto the committee to look after our Facebook page. It has been a slow process however we are getting there!

This is just a very brief overview of the past year and the work being done. The crew under the management of Phil Holland work exceptionally hard to keep the campsite in tip top order.

It is a great privilege to be part of the committee.

Jenny Mullan Bradfield Park Chair

COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

I am delighted to report that, once again, Scouting in Suffolk has continued to thrive; the number of adult volunteers and young people involved has grown and, on a routine basis, Scouting has been as active as ever.

The highlight of the year was Camp Ohana , our County Cub Camp which ran from 3 – 6 May 2024. 41 Packs (442 cubs), 24 Young Leaders and 193 adult volunteers, all under the watchful eye of a large Service Team of over 80 adult volunteers, enjoyed a few marvellous days of activities and camping. Jo Cracknell (ACC Cubs) and her team deserve our congratulations and thanks for arranging such a hugely successful event.

Earlier this year we very sadly lost Graham Parker, Acting DC Wolsey. Graham’s contribution to Scouting at all levels within the County, but particularly within the District of Wolsey, was monumental – his 50 years plus in Scouting was truly a lifetime of service. I am pleased to mention that just before he died, on my behalf Max Raffe (DC Orwell) presented Graham with his Silver Wolf. Graham’s funeral was held, in the presence of a very large congregation many of whom are involved in one way or the other in Scouting, on 11 June at the Seven Hills Crematorium.

Our County Chair, Peter Jones, will be stepping down from the role at the 2024 County AGM. Peter has served as County Chair since May 2011 – i.e. for the past 13 years. On behalf of all involved in Suffolk Scouting I would like to acknowledge and thank Peter for all that he has done and I wish him well for the future.

23

Leadership/management of Suffolk Scouting

• County Trustees

The County Trustees have continued to meet under the Chairmanship of Peter Jones regularly on the first Thursday of the month.

• Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

Suffolk Scouting continues to be led on a routine basis by the County SLT, which now includes all 8 DCs. The SLT meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Most recently, the SLT has agreed that the pattern of both County and District events over the years ahead will be as follows:

• County Team

There is also a County Team (CC, Deputy CCs, ACCs, DCs, DDCs, other County appointees e.g., Training Manager). The County Team has not met during the reporting period.

Personnel

• 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.

The shortage of adult volunteers – we have gaps in key roles (uniform and non-uniform) at every level across the county – continues to be a significant problem but progress has been made in all Districts, particularly in Waveney and Sudbury where the problem was acute. In this context I am very pleased to report that we have had a full team of District Commissioners in place for much of the year (with a few short-term gaps). Our DCs are arguably the most important adult volunteers across the County, and I applaud and thank them for their energy and commitment.

• County Appointees

The following important appointments have been made at County Level during the course of the reporting period.

• District Commissioners:

24

w.e.f. 9 Feb 2024 w.e.f. 18 May 2024

Acting DC Bury St Edmund’s Tony Millburn • DC Wolsey Mark Pearson

The following key appointments remain outstanding:

Programme

• Overview

On a routine basis the Scouting programme is operating well 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 better into Scouting activities.

• Key Events

Camp Ohama (mentioned above) was the key event of the year. Unfortunately, the Wet Weekend, scheduled for the w/e of 6/7/8 July was cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

Our CMAT team has run a full programme of events throughout the year

Other matters

• Strategic Plans

During the course of the past year both the County Strategic Plan and our 8 District strategic plans have been updated with the assistance of the Growth and Development Team from HQ. 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.

• Transformation

The national transformation strategy has gained considerable momentum over the period f this reporting year. We have been fortunate in having Colin Winter as our Transformation Lead. Colin has kept abreast of events and has kept both the County and our 8 Districts wellinformed of developments. The transformation strategy has inevitably led to considerable frustration/irritation (not least with the changes in roles/role titles) but our intention has been to support the strategy as best we can and to acknowledge that in due course, Scouting will be better placed to face the expectations of the 21[st] century than was previously the case. It is encouraging to note that the various District AGMs which have taken place to date

25

have been run following the updated governance procedures and that Executive Committees at all levels have been replaced by Boards of Trustees. All Groups, Districts and Counties must now positively adopt a constitution; models are contained in POR

• Training

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

HQ has delivered a very simple message concerning volunteer training (not least in the aftermath of the Great Orme disaster) – those who fall behind (with first aid, safeguarding and safety training) should be suspended from Scouting until they have done the required training. We have supported this very prudent initiative as rigorously as possible.

• Girlguiding Suffolk

I have met with Katherine West, County Commissioner Girlguiding Suffolk, on several occasions. We are currently in close liaison with Girlguiding Suffolk on plans for our combined event which we have in mind to take place in summer 2026.

Concluding remarks

The good news is that Suffolk Scouting continues to thrive; the less good news is that the challenges we faced this time a year ago are still there – we need more adult volunteers at all levels; HQ’s transformation agenda remains ongoing/unfinished.

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 as County Commissioner. 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

26

Good Service Awards for Reporting Year Apr-23 to Mar-24 Award Recipient District Award Date Chief Scouts Commendation Paul Crawford Sudbury 04/2023 for Good Service Yvonne Pearce Sudbury 04/2023 Robert Flack Bury St Edmunds 10/2023 Paul Samuel Bury St Edmunds 10/2023 David Nessling Deben 10/2023 Tony Steel Sudbury 10/2023 John Hughes Deben 10/2023 Barrie Hayter Deben 10/2023 Henry Slim Deben 10/2023 Jacqueline Tricker Deben 10/2023 David Brown Deben 10/2023 Clare Barstow Deben 10/2023 Clare Catton Deben 10/2023 ~~si~~ Kevin Drane Bury St Edmunds 10/2023 Award for Merit Joanne Waring Sudbury 04/2023 Jon-Paul Broughton Sudbury 07/2023 Mark Gardiner Sudbury 07/2023 Peter Runnacles Deben 10/2023 Jackie Ball Waveney Valley 10/2023 Brian Phillips (dec.) Sudbury 10/2023 Beverley Sutton Wolsey 10/2023 Steven Messer Deben 10/2023 Keith Sparrow Wolsey 10/2023 Roger Sykes Deben 10/2023 Adam Thorpe Deben 10/2023 Roland Dakin Wolsey 10/2023 Joan Gibson Deben 10/2023 Paul Hickman Wolsey 10/2023 Angus Wheeler-Rowe Deben 10/2023 Silver Acorn David Ward Wolsey 01/2024 Our warmest congratulations to all the Good Service ~~ree~~ Award recipients on their awards and our thanks for their services to Scouting. 27

MEMBERSHIP CENSUS REPORT SUMMARY - JANUARY 2024

MEMBERSHIP CENSUS REPORT SUMMARY - JANUARY 2024 MEMBERSHIP CENSUS REPORT SUMMARY - JANUARY 2024
Male
FemaleSelf Iden-
tfy
Prefer not
to say
Total
2023
YOUTH MEMBERSHIP
Squirrel Scouts
114
65
-
-
179
Beaver Scouts
1,118
304
-
1
1,423
Cub Scouts
1,468
476
1
4
1,949
Scouts
1,363
546
3
2
1,914
Explorer Scouts (including Young Leaders)
398
190
3
1
592
Network members
4
2
-
-
6		 93
1,341
1,805
1,678
537
50
TOTAL YOUTH MEMBERSHIP
4,465
1,583
7
8
6,063		 5,504
PROGRAMME DELIVERY ROLES
Secton Leaders
144
177
-
-
321
Assistant Secton Leaders
226
202
-
-
428
Secton Assistants
239
218
2
-
459		 315
452
349
TOTAL ADULT PROGRAMME DELIVERY
ROLES
609
597
2
-
1,208
YoungLeaders+
163
107
2
-
272		 1,116
243
TOTAL PROGRAMME DELIVERY ROLES
772
704
4
-
1,480		 1,359
LINE MANAGER ROLES(GSL, DC, CC)
Group Scout Leaders
45
21
-
66
District Commissioners (inc ES/SN)
6
5
-
11
CountyCommissioners
1
-
-
1		 62
13
1
TOTAL LINE MANAGER ROLES
52
26
-
-
78		 76
GOVERNANCE ROLES(Chair/Secretary/Treasurer/Executve Members)
TOTAL GROUP GOVERNANCE ROLES
185
230
-
415
TOTAL DISTRICT GOVERNANCE ROLES
20
5
-
25
TOTAL COUNTY GOVERNANCE ROLES
3
1
-
4		 417
24
4
TOTAL GOVERNANCE ROLES
208
236
-
-
444		 445
SUPPORT ROLES(Deputes, Assistants, Administrators, Instructors, Other Suppt roles)
TOTAL GROUP SUPPORT ROLES
82
45
-
-
127
TOTAL DISTRICT SUPPORT ROLES
49
22
-
71
TOTAL COUNTY SUPPORT ROLES
23
15
-
38
Actve Support
74
30
-
104		 130
91
39
119
TOTAL SUPPORT ROLES
228
112
-
-
340		 379
TOTALS
TOTAL YOUTH MEMBERSHIP
4,465
1,583
7
8
6,063
TOTAL ADULT MEMBERSHIP
1,097
971
2
-
2,070		 5,504
2,016
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP
5,562
2,554
9
8
8,133		 7,520

28

SUFFOLK COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL - STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Notes
INCOME
Donatons and similar income
Income from Charitable Actvites:
Membership Subscriptons
2
Income from Actvites
3
Grants
3
Bank Interest
Total Incoming Resources
EXPENDITURE
Scoutng Actvites
4
Total Resources Expended
Net Income before Transfers
Transfers
Net Income and net movement in funds
for the year
Reconciliaton of Funds
8 & 9
Total Funds brought forward
Total Funds carried forward
 Unrestricted

43,632

65,470

-
2,890
-----------
111,992
-----------

122,097
-----------
112,097
-----------
(10,105)
(4,120)
-----------
(14,225)

311,513
------------
£297,288
=========		 Restricted
-
1,000
-
---------
1,000
-----------
26,132
-----------
26,132
-----------
(25,132)
4,120
-----------
(21,012)
54,288
------------
£33,276
=========		 2024 Total

43,632
65,470

1,000

2,890

-----------

112,992

-----------

148,229

-----------

148,229

-----------

(35,237)

-

-----------

(35,237)

365,801

------------
£330,564
=========		 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
=========

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 31 to 38 form part of these accounts

29

SUFFOLK COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL - BALANCE SHEET As at 31 March 2024

As at 31 March 2024
Note 2024 2023
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets 6 132,501 153,755
----------- -----------
Current Assets
Debtors 1,110 -
Prepayments 1,869 3,726
Bank and Deposit Balances 418,993 364,878
----------- -----------
421,972 368,604
Current liabilities
Creditors falling due within 1
year		 7 223,909 151,558
----------- -----------
Net current assets 198,063 217,046
----------- -----------
Total assets less current liabili-
ties		 330,564 370,801
Creditors: falling due in more
than 1 year		 11 - 5,000
----------- -----------
Net assets £330,564 £365,801
======== ========
The funds of the charity:
Restricted funds 8 33,276 54,288
Unrestricted funds
Designated 9 78,303 97,229
General 9 218,985 214,284
----------- -----------
£330,564 £365,801
======== ========
Approved by the trustees on 05 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by: Approved by the trustees on 05 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Peter Jones, County Chair Jon Emin, County Treasurer
Bors

The notes on pages 31 to 38 form part of these accounts

30

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

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.

31

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 2024 2023
Total Membership Fees Collected 239,976 211,765
Natonal Membership Fees (193,617) (178,192)
District Refunds (2,727) (2,542)
--------- ---------
£43,632 £31,031
====== ======

32

3. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Income from actvites
Actvites
World Jamboree
Bradfeld Campsite
Other Grants
Events
World Jamboree
4. DIRECT CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Actvites
World Jamboree
Training
East of England Region
Campsites - Bradfeld
- Bradfeld Depreciaton
Support costs - County Team
Governance costs		 2024
Unrestricted		 2024 2024
Restricted
2024
Total
2023
Total

-
£14,660
£125,675

-
£14,207
£139,053

-
£36,603
£18,451

----------
----------
----------

-
£65,470
£283,179

----------
----------
----------
£1,500

£1,000
£1,000
-

---------
---------
---------

£1,000
£1,000
£1,500

---------
---------
---------

£716
£27,205
£131,280

£34,133
£129,671

-
£1,245
£1,512

£654
£654
£66

-
£42,501
£15,612

£24,762
£24,762
£22,591

£12,749
£14,854

-
£4,980
£4,207

-----------
-----------
-----------

£26,132
£148,229
£319,793
========
========
========		 2023
Total
£14,960
£14,207
£36,603
-----------
£65,470
-----------
-
---------
-
---------
£26,489
£34,133
£1,245
-
£42,501
-
£12,749
£4,980
-----------
£122,097
========

The County Team includes the cost of one part-time employee £6,690 (2023 - £5,512, one part-time employee).

The cost of the County Team and governance includes £913 (2023 - £1,925) and restricted activities £716 (2023- £3,197) in respect of depreciation of equipment.

33

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
costs		 Other support
costs

Basis of apporton-
ment
£ £ £
Staf costs 6,960 1,740 5,220 Staf tme
Ofce rental and admin-
istraton		 8,160 2,040 6,120 Staf tme
County team expenses 496 - 496 County team tme
Depreciaton 913 - 913 Actual
Independent examiners 1,200 1,200 - Actual
--------- --------- ---------
£17,729 £4,980 £12,749
====== ====== ======
Previous Year
Cost type Total allocated Governance
costs		 Other support
costs

Basis of apporton-
ment
£ £ £
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 County team tme
Independent examiners 1,200 1,200 - Actual
--------- --------- ---------
£19,061 £4,207 £14,854
====== ====== ======

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 £6,960 (2023 - £5,512).

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.

£379 (2023- £489) was reimbursed to 3 trustees (2023 - 1) of the County Scout Council during the year.

34

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 2024

As at 31 March 2023
 Freehold
Property
439,815
5,137
-----------
444,952
-----------
295,777
23,642
-----------
319,419
-----------
£125,533
=======
£144,038
=======

Equipment
Total
123,606
563,421
-
5,137
---------
----------
123,606
568,558
---------
----------
113,889
409,666
2,749
26,391
---------
---------
116,638
436,057
---------
---------
£6,968
£132,501
=======
=======
£9,717
£153,755
=======
=======

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 £128,507 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 2024 2023
Sundry Creditors - 982
Income in Advance 216,224 143,176
Loan 5,000 5,000
Accrued Expenses 2,685 2,400
----------- -----------
£223,909 £151,558
======= =======

35

8. RESTRICTED FUNDS

Current year

Bradfeld Campsite
Water actvites
Africa
World Jamboree
East of England Region Fund

Previous year
Bradfeld Campsite
Water actvites
Africa
Events
East of England Region Fund
 Balance
1 April
2023
Income
35,935
-
5,929
-
3,261
-
-
1,000
9,163
-
-----------
---------
£54,288
£1,000
=======
======
Balance
1 April
2022
Income
27,526
26,000
9,126
-
3,261
-
3,000
1,500
9,229
-
-----------
---------
£52,142 £27,500
=======
======		 Expenditure
(24,762)
(716)
-
-
(654)
-----------
£(26,132)
=======
Expenditure
(22,591)
(3,197)
-
(4,500)
(66)
----------
£(30,354)
=======		 Transfers
5,000
-
-
(1,000)
120
--------
£4,120
=====
Transfers
5,000
-
-
-
-
--------
£5,000
=====		 Balance
31 March		 Balance Balance
2024
16,173
5,213
3,261
-
8,629
-----------
£33,276
=======
Balance
31 March		 2024
16,173
5,213
3,261
-
8,629
-----------
£33,276
=======
Balance		 2024
2023
35,935
5,929
3,261
-
9,163
-----------
£54,288
=======		 2023

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.

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

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

36

9. GENERAL AND DESIGNATED FUNDS

Current Year

Balance
1 April
2023
Income
General
214,284
97,785
Bradfeld Campsite
57,507
-
Assistance with Campsites
3,650
-
World Jamboree
19,703
14,207
Hardship Fund
7,000
-
Explorer Belt Expediton
1,746
-
Richard Freeman Bequest
1,096
-
Water Actvites
6,527
-
-----------
-----------
£311,513 £111,992
=======
=======
Previous 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
=======
=======		 Expenditure
(87,964)
-
-
(34,133)
-
-
-
-
-----------
£(122,097)
=======
Expenditure
(159,768)
-
-
(129,671)
-
-
-
-
-----------
£(289,439)
=======		 Transfers
(5,120)
-
-
1000
-
-
-
-
-------
£(4,120)
======
Transfers
(5,000)
-
-
7,000
(7,000)
-
-
-
-------
£(5,000)
======		 Balance
31 March
2024
218,985
57,507
3,650
777
7,000
1,746
1,096
6,527
-----------
£297,288
=======
Balance
31 March
2023
214,284
57,507
3,650
19,703
7,000
1,746
1,096
6,527
-----------
£311,513
=======

37

9. GENERAL AND DESIGNATED FUNDS (contnued)

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.

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.

The Assistance with Campsites, Jamboree, World Scout Jamboree Funding, 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
Debtors and Prepayments
Bank and Deposit balances
Creditors due in less than one
year		 Restricted
Funds
35,935
-
2,341
(5,000)
-----------
£33,276
-----------		 Designated
Funds

57,507

-

20,796


----------

£78,303

----------		 Unrestricted
Funds
39,059
2,979
395,806
(218,909)
-----------
£223,762
-----------		 Total
132,501
2,979
418,993
(223,909)
-----------
£330,564
-----------






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.

38

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 2024 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:

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.

----- Start of picture text -----
aee
----- End of picture text -----

…………………………….

I C BROOKMAN, FCA, DChA

Pakenham Accounting & Consultancy Chartered Accountants BURY ST EDMUNDS

39

This page is blank for notes etc.

============================================================

This report is printed for Suffolk Scouts by Seale Print & Direct Mail, 16 The Quadrangle Centre, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR www.sealeprint.co.uk.

============================================================

40

.s.Y ,I'iii,

Scouts Suffolk Suffolk Scouts County Office Hallowtree Scout Acbvity Centre Alnesboume Priory Nacton Ipswich Suffolk Ipio ojp Z 01473 711678 111 c￿t￿l@￿￿0￿.uk