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2025-03-31-accounts

Suffolk County Scout Council Registered Charity No. 305682 Annual Report Trustees. Annual Report, Annual Review, & Statement of Accounts 202412025 suffolkscouts.org.uk

SkillsForLrfe

Scouts Suffolk

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL

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

Thursday 19th September 2024 at 7.45pm

PRESENT:

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

Introduction by the Chair

He noted the apologies from Gordon Biden, Vice President and the passing of John Ineson, Vice President in March.

The meeting was confirmed as quorate with 30 Council members in attendance and with 6 guests.

Governance

a. Suffolk Constitution

iii.with effect from the Appointed Day the Suffolk Constitution shall lapse and fall away as

the Council’s governing document and shall immediately be replaced by the model County constitution (Model Constitution) set out in Chapter Five (Rule 5.6) of POR to be adopted as the Council’s governing document until resolved otherwise by the Council; and

This was APPROVED by the members.

b. Financial Reporting Year dates

Review of 2023/2024

a. Receive and consider the Annual Report & Accounts 2023/24:

Howard Blackett presented the Annual Report and highlighted the following points:

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iii. A.C.C. (Scouts) Angela Humphrey

No questions were asked about the report.

Receive and consider the Annual Statement of Accounts 2023/24:

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

The year to 31st March 2024 at a county level was a quieter one than the year before in financial terms due to the much reduced income from events.

Income for the year fell to £112,000 down from £343,000 in 2023. The driver for this was the much-reduced income from events such as World Scout jamboree which received the majority of their income in the previous financial year. Remaining residual expenditure for these events carried over into the 2024 numbers. This meant that the county as a whole recorded a deficit or loss for the year of just over £35,000 for the period.

This deficit was therefore mainly a reflection of timing differences in income and expenditure over two financial years.

County bank balances at 31st March 2024 finished higher than the previous year at £418,000. This is mainly because as at the year-end, date county owed a higher sum to HQ for the annual membership fees than the previous year.

Of the £418,000 bank balances shown on the balance sheet, it must be noted that

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over this is by no means all generally available funds for the county. As at the year-end:

1. £216,000 of this sum was owed but not paid to HW for the membership fee.

This has now been paid.

2. Additionally restricted and designated funds totalling £111,000 we also

included.

Total county expenditure for the year was just over £28,000, the main items of note being:

1. County Secretary payroll and HMRC - £7,200

2. Loan Repayment re Bradfield debt - £5,000

3. Insurances - £5,500

4. Stores purchases - £5,000

Our remaining net free cash is comfortably in excess of our minimum reserves policy however we are faced with some potential significant future expenditure, most notably being the relocation the county office, the replacement of more stores equipment and a new storage facility for those stores.

A thankyou to all who provided their financial information in a timely manner and to Ian Brookman, our examiner, for pulling the consolidated numbers together.

No questions were asked about the report.

Make Appointments

The County Commissioner’s nomination for County Chair, Rodney Turner, was APPROVED .

The County Commissioner’s Nominated member of the County Trustee Board was APPROVED

Selina Noton

Election of the County Secretary – Carl Gloess - unanimously elected .

Election of the County Treasurer – Jon Emin - unanimously elected .

The following people were Elected to sit on the County Trustee Board (2 years left).

Colin Winter Keith Barber Gareth Cox [Two elected seats remain vacant]

Jon Emin proposed the appointment of Ian Brookman as Independent Examiner –

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seconded by Peter Jones which was approved unanimously.

County Representative nominated to serve as a Member of the Council of the Scout Association (2 years left) – Keith Barber

County Representative nominated to serve as a 18-24 Member of the Council of the Scout Association – currently no nomination.

It was confirmed that both of Suffolk’s National Council Representatives are ‘invited to attend’ County Trustee Board meetings.

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.

The highlight of the year was Camp Ohana, our County Cub Camp, led by Jo Cracknell and

overseen by a team of over 80 adult volunteers. It was a hugely successful event attended by well over 650 cubs, young leaders and adult volunteers

The death of Graham Parker Acting DC Wolsey was the low point – Graham has given more than 50 years of service to Scouting…truly a lifetime of service/commitment.

Personnel

Gaps – of note we have been lacking a:

DCC (Programme)

ACC (Beavers)

CYC

There remain gaps in adult volunteers at every level

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Programme

Plenty of excellent stuff has happened at local level

The scouts’ programme is good but there is scope for greater integration of the DofE

Strategic plans

The county and district strategic plans have been updated in liaison with HQ

Girlguiding Suffolk

Very warm welcome to Katherine West

We have been working with Girlguiding Suffolk on a planned county combined county event in summer 2026

Thanks on a personal level to

County SLT

Carl Gloess County Administrator

County Trustees led by Peter Jones, County Chairman

Keith Barber DCC

The Regional Commissioner, Ian Newbery was invited to address the meeting and he noted that Suffolk had had a good year with some good growth – a credit to all the leaders and dedication they have. Two Explorer Scouts represented the region at the event announcing the new Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields which had a lot of good publicity. The Transition Programme will be launched by the end of the year and the data on Compass needs to be up -to-date before the three-week long shutdown for data transfer so compliance training should be completed as soon as possible. Transition will introduce new structures and job roles as lead volunteers, district lead volunteers, county lead volunteers, regional lead volunteers, and this gives us a real opportunity to reframe those roles and not to make them quite as frightening as they have broken them down into tasks and not roles, so you can spread what needs to be done over a much broader group of people who only need to pick up one or two or three bits of tasks.

He announced that Howard would be standing down as County Commissioner at the end of the year and he thanked him for his time in post; the task of finding his replacement has started with the formation of a search group. He encouraged people to put names forward if they knew of any candidates.

This year has been particularly busy as there has been a massive amount to do following the Great Orme disaster and the important task of regaining the trust of the public and parents which is now underway to avoid a similar situation happening again and great progress is being made in that regard now.

He concluded by thanking everyone for the work done and the Trustee Board and the new

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Chair.

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

The formal meeting closed at 8.14 pm

Awards: The County Commissioner presented the following awards with citation where available (presentations in bold).

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

James Gilchrist

Alexander Mayles

Good Service Awards

Commissioners Commendation – Camp Ohana Team )

John Brown, Jo Cracknell, Chris Frost, Keith Gleen , Alan Gosling, Dan Last, Joe Long, Matt Meyrick, Stuart Phillips, Max Raffe, Adam Thorpe , Amy White.

Long Service Awards

Rodney Turner (20 years)

Wood Badges

Colin Winter

Heather Bridges

Thank You

Peter Jones was presented with gifts for his service to Suffolk Scouts after 13 years as Chairman by Jenny Mullan who also gave some background to his time in the role and especially his support with Bradfield Park campsite and throughout the COVID pandemic. Howard Blackett also thanked him on behalf of the Trustees.

Presentation then followed from the CMAT Team with commentary by Andy Black

Address by Guests to the Meeting

Cllr Liz Harsant, Chair of Suffolk County Council, addressed the meeting noting how much she thought we should celebrate the achievements over the past year, but also the spirit of adventure that defines Scouting. She recognised the incredible work presented by the Suffolk County Mountain Activities Team which highlighted the dedication to promoting

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outdoor skills and fostering a love for nature among our Scouts was truly commendable. This ensured that our young members are not just learning important skills, but also developing teamwork, resilience and a deep appreciation for the great outdoors.

On behalf of Suffolk County Council, she thanked us for the hard work, passion and commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow. She also thanked Peter Jones and Howard Blackett both standing down and wished them good luck in whatever they were going to do in the coming years and to make the coming year one of great adventure and memorable experiences.

Mark Brennan , Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk was representing Lady Clare, Countess of Euston, Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk and our President as unfortunately, she couldn't attend. She sent her apologies and the best wishes for the night and to thank you for the for the work done day in, day out in the county. Mark noted the incredible work just seen (from CMAT) as fantastic examples.

He informed us that Lady Clare is a great supporter of all the community groups and organisations, but especially those that are looking after youngsters as that's where it all begins and the development of our younger generation is so, so important, so from Lady Clare, he gave her thanks for everything that’s being done.

Mark gave a personal thank you because a lot of what he’d seen today had reminded him he’d not really come across the scouts for a long time. He gave us some personal background about growing up in Bolton, Lancashire and that when he grew up in 60s and 70s in Bolton, it was pretty grim place but he thought he’d had it actually quite good. He decided to leave there in 1993 and joined the army which led to a 29 year career in the armed forces which eventually brought him into Suffolk which is now his home.

He was not planning on writing a book or any memoirs, but if he did, he would start off in the early chapters about childhood and there would be a massive chapter about his time with the 4th Bolton Scouts who for him were probably without doubt, the most influential thing in his life as a young person until the time he left Bolton. He said that school for him did not really exist and a comment made earlier that ‘scouts are my people’ resonated with him because that's exactly what it was like for him. He had fantastic time. He got to see places that he would not have had the opportunity to go and see otherwise. He spent nights under canvas in Wales and in the Lake District. He used to go on midnight hikes on the local moors and it just inspired in him a spirit of adventure which probably led to decide to want to join the armed forces.

During his time in the armed forces, he went on to do some crazy adventures all over the world from the Alps to Norway, in the Arctic Circle, all going back to that early start in life with that small scout group in Bolton.

He gave a heartfelt thank you for everything taking place in Suffolk and asked that we continue the good work as there are a lot of young people out there that that need that similar start in life and that's what Scouting provides.

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SUFFOLK COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT, ANNUAL REVIEW and STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2024/25

PRESIDENT Clare Countess of Euston, HM Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk VICE PRESIDENTS Gordon K Biden (dec. Oct-24) TRUSTEES Ex-officio Trustees Gary Burden, County Lead Volunteer Charlie Everitt, County Youth Lead (Sep-25) Appointed Trustees Rodney Turner, County Chair (Sep-24 to Dec-24) Howard Blackett, County Chair (from Jan-25) Jon Emin, County Treasurer Colin Winter Keith Barber Gareth Cox Selina Noton Carl Gloess Co-opted Trustee 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

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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 the ‘Model Constitution’ based on the Policy, Organisation and - Rules of the Scout Association as from 1st April 2025. It is available on the HQ POR Chapter 5 link in its 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 County Teams and the Districts and Groups within the 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 Council is indebted to the Development Grants Board of the Scout Association and

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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 2024– 2025 on pages 12 to 27 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 £100,293 . 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 members 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.

Howard Blackett, County Chair

Jon Emin, County Treasurer

15 September 2025

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ANNUAL REVIEW 2024-2025

Programme (All Section Activities)

The Transformation project that matured in December 2024 offered Suffolk Scouts the opportunity to restructure the core county teams. The Programme Team is therefore a new structure that is significantly different from its previous incarnation.

As a new team we have the opportunity going forward to work in a more collaborative manner to offer interesting opportunities for young people in Suffolk. Existing special interest groups have had a busy season and there are plans to expand opportunities over the next year or so. We are hoping to offer a county skills competition in the new year, and planning for Suffolk Punch next summer are at an advanced level.

Please do look out for events that are publicised on the website and on social media channels. Book early as this helps us plan better activities and opportunities. If you have skills that the county team could use to support events in Suffolk please feel free to get in touch with your ideas.

Colin Winter Programme Lead

Squirrels

Squirrel scouts have continued to grow and following last year’s AGM, we had other dreys which opened at 32nd Ipswich and 1st Oulton Broad.

I was honoured to join the Squirrel Scouts of Bury St Edmunds April for St George’s Day parade; I was also impressed to have some of my children from my class join me in their uniforms at school.

In June we all gathered once again as a county at Easton Farm Park, Woodbridge, this was the second time all Suffolk’s Squirrels gathered for fun and friends. We met many animals, explored the pond area and went on a minibeast hunt. A lot of fun was had by all despite having one downpour. I personally enjoyed reading ‘What the ladybird heard’ to the dreys whiles sheltering from the rain.

I was very proud to award two Acorn Awards at Easton Farm Park and the number of awards presented continue to grow.

Sadly, only two Squirrel dreys participated in the county competition to see how many animals they could have their photo taken with along with their scarves. A huge congratulations to 1st Brandon on winning this competition.

All Squirrels have been extremely active within their communities, showing respect at their Remembrance parades and pride at their St George’s Day Parades and other events in their districts.

I have enjoyed working with and continue to work with all the leaders of the dreys and thank everyone for all they do for the Squirrel Scouts of Suffolk.

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Brian Harvey Programme Team - Squirrels

Beavers

New appointment is awaited but has been covered by Brian Harvey in the interim.

Cubs

Camp Ohana, County Cub Camp, 3rd – 6th May 2024

41 packs - 442 cubs, 24 young leaders, 193 adult volunteers, 6 non-participating children, Service Team comprising 4 youth members, 71 adult volunteers, 7 young people attending with parents, 4 core team.

It was a wet start to camp. As everyone arrived the rain fell, but not for too long. At the opening ceremony, packs paraded their flags as we welcomed the sub-camps – Aladdin’s Cave, Cobra Bubbles, Hakuna Matata, Monstropolis, 101 Dalmatians, Rifiki’s Place, Star, and The Jungle Book. Disney music played, we sang and danced then watched as fireworks exploded marking the official opening of Camp Ohana.

On Saturday morning the sun shone down on us and continued through to Sunday. Throughout the weekend the cubs had fun joining in with a variety of activities. Daytime programme included Aerial Runway, Amateur Radio, Archery, Assault Course, Climbing Tower, Craft, First Aid Fun, Go Carts, Inflatable Assault Course, Lego, Orienteering, Rifle Shooting, Robot Challenge, Rope Making, Science, Tomahawks, Tyre Ravine, Vintage Litter Museum, Water Zorbs. The evening entertainment was Bingo, board games, camp fire, disco, films, and watching the stars with the Orwell Astronomical Society Ipswich .

Our theme was Disney. Our aim was to have fun together as one big family at Camp Ohana. ‘ Ohana means family. Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten .’ As a family we looked out for each other to make sure everyone had a great weekend. And we did. All who attended the camp, adults and young people, had a weekend of fun, spending time with friends old and new. Everyone who camped, or helped with the camp, was presented with a ‘Camp Ohana’ badge.

Thank you to all who attended. Thank you to all who helped plan, prepare and present the Suffolk County Cub Camp 2024.

Jo Cracknell

Programme Team - Cub Scouts

International

We have had two very different trips abroad from Suffolk this year. After a year of fundraising and preparations eight Network and Explorers made their way to Norway for Roverway 2024. Although the Pathway given to them was not what they wanted they made the most of the experience. Many friends were made from different countries hopefully for a lifetime.

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After some last minutes transport changes the 11th Ipswich enjoyed a week Exploring Holland using public transport.

Next year we have a group going to Kandersteg, an Explorer Unit enjoying Holland and Orwell District Explorers trip to Cyprus.

The build-up also starts for the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland.

Heather Bridges Programme Team - International

Duke of Edinburgh Scheme & Top Awards

It has been another great year for Top Awards & DofE in Suffolk with an array of amazing expeditions at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, including Bures Bronze, Eye/Stowmarket Silver cycling and Lowestoft Bronze, Silver and Gold, which included three on their Kings Scout expedition.

Our young people continue to amaze us with their dedication and commitment to gaining their awards with a number electing to continue from Bronze through Silver to Gold. They continually come up with weird and wonderful ideas for the award sections, from campsite warden for volunteering and origami for skill to trying new sports for physical and getting creative with expedition aims.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our team of mentors, leaders, supervisors and assessors who tirelessly work to support our young people in achieving their goals, without you we would not be able to facilitate this success. However, something that does continue to be an issue is when a young person comes to us and says “I’ve got my Scout awards can I get my DofE signed?”. It is truly heartbreaking to have to tell them “no” and that all their efforts must be repeated. A young person must register on the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme in order for the efort to be recognised.

Please encourage all young people to do this so they can achieve both their Scout awards and DofE simultaneously. We look forward to another great year with more Top Awards achieved. Thank you all for your continued support, dedication and commitment. If you would like to know more about

Top/DofE in Suffolk please visit the county website or contact us at Ralph.hansby@sufolkscouts.org.uk

Ralph Hansby-Patterson D of E Coordinator

Growth & Volunteering Development

Growth

A little disappointing that this year’s Census in January 2025 was down overall by 3% on 2024. The number of Young People (YP) was down 2%, adults down 5% (Leaders up 0.5% but Management Governance and Support down 13%)

This means that there was a total of 5921 YP and 1965 adults, giving an overall total of 7886.

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A breakdown by Section shows that

A similar breakdown by District showed that one District (Waveney Valley ) grew both YP and adults giving an overall growth of 2.7%. Two Districts grew the number of adults Lowestoft (1.6%) and Orwell (7.2%), whilst Wolsey grew YP (2%)

Waiting lists all sections except Beavers went up with an overall increase of 12% to a total of 1180

As a result, whilst the County is now close to the pre-COVID-19 2020 figures, we have fallen behind on the strategic target set for 2026 for growth in Young People, whilst we are above target for Adults.

In more detail the 2025 Census shows that the number of Squirrels has increased by nearly a third and there was a slight increase Explorers. Unfortunately, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts all lost members over the year. Scout Network is difficult to judge as the recording method has changed year on year.

The overall number of adults shrank compared to 2024, although the number of Leaders has increased every year since 2020.

This gives us overall figures shown in the following tables

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,Totals 2025 Z024 Z023 Z022 2020 Totsl Dlff Total Dlff 86 92% Total Total Total Squlrrel Scouts % chan Beaver Scouts % change Cub Scout5 % change Scouts % chan lorer Scouts % ¢han out Network % ¢han Total YP % ¢han are to 2020 % change 235 31% 179 93 82 1389 1,423 1,341 1,340 1.558 1814 -135 144 8% 1,949 1,805 1,715 1,919 1874 .2% 1,914 236 14% 1,678 1,592 1,687 Ex 600 592 55 io% 537 518 1% 583 44 -88% 50% 50 239 -142 -2% 559 io% 5921 6.063 5.504 5,225 5.986 Com *55 -1% 77 1% 2025 2024 2023 Total 2022 Total 2020 Total Total Dlff Total Dlff 92 Adult Leaders % Chan Young Leaders % change Total Leaders % chan Management etc 1214 0.5% 18 1,208 8% 29 12% 121 1,116 1,105 1,067 29) 272 243 213 234 24 IS04 2% -111 .13% .ios -5% 1,480 9% 1,359 1,318 1,301 751 862 Adults ' % chan are to 2020 % change 196S 2,070 3% 2,016 2,089 2,2S9 Com -294 -13% -189 4% Includes County level141 In 20251 This gives us overall figures 2025 2024 2023 2022 2020 Total Total DifF Total Diff Total Total TOTAL -247 613 % chan8• Compare to 2020 % chan88 7,886 -3% 8,133 8% 7,520 7,314 8,245 -359 4A% -112 -1.4% 16

Unfortunately, as in previous years, our Waiting Lists grew and we now have nearly 1200 young people in Suffolk waiting for a place. 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 17 Dreys up from 13 last year, 87 (-2) Colonies, 97 (-1) Packs, 91 (-1) Troops and 40 (+1) Units. If your section could take on two additional young people, we could nearly halve the waiting list.

The Census figures also reveal that we have fewer Managers and Supporters and of the 87 Groups, there were only 67 GSLs and 73 Chairs. Further, out of 339 Sections there are 58 Sections (with over 770 YP) that have no dedicated Leader, and 223 Sections (with nearly 3000 YP) have only 1 Leader (although they may have had Section Assistants).

Volunteering Development

Part way through the year the Transformation project changed volunteering experience and created Volunteering Development Teams at County and District level.

Volunteering Development Teams make sure all volunteers have a positive and enjoyable volunteering experience. They make it easy for people to join and learn new skills.

They will

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Leadership Team Members.

Ensure volunteers are well supported:

Help volunteers with learning:

At County level, Jenny Roe and her team have taken on these tasks

Recognise volunteers:

Whilst the transformation to a team-based approach earlier this year, may have helped, 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/recruitmenttoolkit/. Or contact me at keith.gleen@sufolkscouts.org.uk.

Keith Gleen

County Leadership Team - Volunteering Development Lead

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Communications and IT

The County continues to utilise the Microsoft Office 365 platform, which now supports around 600 adult members. Over the past year, the team has worked on integrating with the new HQ membership platform. While full automatic syncing has presented challenges, a reliable manual process is in place, with development underway on an automated system to improve efficiency. Looking ahead, the team plans to update the legacy County Directory system to make use of automatic syncing with HQ membership data.

The team also continues to provide support across County systems and websites, ensuring tools remain up to date and accessible for all members.

External provision of the Facebook sites for the County (public), Programme (closed) and County Support (closed) are actively maintained and monitored.

Rob Gloess County IT Manager

Learning (formerly Training)

Well it has been a year of many changes, we are no longer a training team but a learning team.

We had the change to the new membership system in November and this caused a number of problems with some training both mandatory and Woodbadge not being moved over correctly, this all seems to have been sorted now and we have to remember that this was an enormous undertaking and some mistakes were bound to happen.

Growing Roots was introduced which is all online to replace getting started , this is all online and includes programme planning, inclusion and leading adult volunteers which replaces the independent learning modules for managers, the 3 skills courses for managers still have to be done.

One of the other changes is all the Sectional assistants who had completed getting started who have now become team members now have to do inclusion and if working with a Section programme. Extra people have also have had to do first response so we have run a large number of these courses around the county, if you have an external 1st aid course you now have to have a discussion with a scout 1st aid Trainer before this counts for your mandatory training as not all courses cover the required content

Team members will find obtaining a Wood badge is not now compulsory, but please remember that the learning is to help you do the role you are doing. If you wish to do a woodbadge you can register on the my learning portal and the system will tell you which modules you need to do as yet these are still by courses as the online branching out is not yet completed by HQ.

We have not yet set any dates for this coming year as we won't know until October at the earliest what we will need to provide which does not make planning easy.

We are working closely with Essex with regards to permit applications and assessors to the

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advantage of both counties as we have assessors for different activities. Looking forward we have a regional update workshop for assessors but numbers are limited and places need to be booked in advance through me.

I would like to thank all the learning team for their hard work this past year under difficult circumstances, your support has kept me going.

Jenny Roe

Volunteering Development Team - County Training Lead / MAPS

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

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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 .

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 1[st] December at Bramford scout HQ

Andy Black

CMAT Co-ordinator

Water Actvites Team

Historically county water activities have organised 2 activities jointly with the Guides, The Wet Weekend at Ramsholt on the River Deben and Thorpeness Meare Day. Unfortunately, the Wet weekend in 2024 had to be cancelled at the last minute because of very bad weather. The organiser took some time considering various nautical weather forecasts before it was called off; the actual weather on the Saturday completely justified the decision. Not only were the conditions on the water unsafe, the wind speeds across the campsite were equally unsuitable for camping. It is important that we offer adventurous activities but only in a safe environment. The Meare Day on the other hand was very successful with 140 scouts and guides having a great day. We are allowed use of the boats on the Meare on the last day of the season. Our thanks to the operators and to Jo Saggi and her team for organising the event.

We continue to operate on Oulton Broad on Friday evenings through our SWACOB set up. Lackford Lake also continues to operate on a regular basis, our thanks to Lawrence Chapman and Leigh Foster-Green who take the lead in the teams that operate these centres.

The Suffolk Groups that do water Activities as a major activity within their groups are still working well all be it a challenging activity. Power Boating is on the up, and recently I witnessed the return of two power boats that had take a team of explorer scouts away for the weekend.

In a County like Suffolk, we should be doing more water activities, at the moment we are looking on how to extend sailing opportunities. Those scouts that do water activities have a great time

David Clements.

County Lead Volunteer Water Activities

Bradfield Park Scout Campsite

Once again it has been a very busy year. It is very pleasing that so many groups are coming

21

[back year after year. Groups as far as Hertfordshire are rebooking as leaders like the ] combination of the activities and the parkland for traditional scouting The team of probationers under the watchful eye of Phil Holland have finished the extra parking by Lunney Lodge, have cleared most of the sheds and done many refurbishments.

Our Facebook page has been brought up to date and it is maintained by Joss Holland Chris Richardson our treasurer is looking after the bookings and I have taken over the hunt for instructors I have to say at this point many thanks to the leaders who have come along to take the sessions it is very much appreciated.We would ideally like volunteers to take over the bookings so if anyone is interested please do get in touch you will be joining a fabulous team. We are still looking for weekend wardens and offer free camping to you and providing all adults have a current DBS your family.

Not strictly in this year’s reporting however I have to mention that our dear Bill Evans died suddenly in May. He was a stalwart worker at Bradfield which he loved dearly - he will be greatly missed. I end with giving my heart felt thanks to the Bradfield team Phil Holland, Chris Richardson, Joss Holland, the two district lead volunteers Charmaine Southgate and Steve Williams, the Sudbury Chair Vince Quattrucci all of whose support has been exceptional. Gill Phillips our secretary who somehow manages to keep up with us and producers first class minutes. Thank you all for keeping Bradfield Park a fabulous campsite.

Jenny Mullan Bradfield Park Chair

County Trustee Board

At the 2024 AGM, Peter Jones was in the Chair. Following Peter’s resignation at the 2024 AGM after a long period in office, Rodney Turner took on the position of Chair. In Jan 2025 Rodney stepped down, having moved permanently to Stratford-upon-Avon. My tenure as County Chair began officially on 9 January 2025. I would like to pay tribute to both Peter Jones and Rodney Turner for the support and guidance they both gave Suffolk Scouts during their time in office as County Trustees.

Prior to the end of 2024, the County Board of Trustees met monthly; this year meetings will move to take place quarterly as follows:

Thursday 6 March Thursday 5 June Thursday 4 September

Our final meeting of the year will take place on Thursday 4 December

Board meetings follow a routine/established agenda which enables members of the Board to monitor their responsibilities regularly. The agenda is as follows:

22

This pattern of meetings and agenda items enables the County Board of Trustees to execute its duties of good governance by focussing on oversight and strategy rather than operational issues, which are the responsibility of the CLV, Gary Burden and his team, and to meet its obligations as laid out in Chapter 5 of the Scouts’ POR (Local governance and finance of Groups, Districts, Counties).

The change from County Executive Committee to County Board of Trustees has not been entirely smooth but there is now a very clear understanding of what the Board is there to do i.e. its purpose is governance not operational matters.

In alignment with all the above, the County has now adopted the model constitution laid out in Chapter 5 of the Scouts’ POR.

During the course of the year, the County Board of Trustees has produced 3 new policy documents to help/assist with the governance of Suffolk Scouts.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the support of all members of the County Board of Trustees for their commitment to Suffolk Scouts and the excellent administrative support we all receive on a routine basis from our County Administrator, Carl Gloess

Howard Blackett County Chair

COUNTY LEAD VOLUNTEER’S REPORT

This report covers the period from April 2024 to the end of March 2025. I took on the role of County Lead Volunteer in December 2024, succeeding Howard Blackett who served with great dedication until that time. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Rodney Turner, who stepped down as Chairperson of the County Trustee Board in December 2024, his valuable service and was succeeded by Howard. My sincere thanks go to both Rodney for his leadership and ongoing contributions, and Howard for his time as County Commissioner and continued commitment as a Trustee providing invaluable guidance and support.

Over this reporting period, Suffolk has embraced important changes in how we volunteer. Our role structure has been re-designed to better support volunteers at all levels, ensuring clarity of responsibilities while fostering greater collaboration across teams. Alongside this structural change, a new membership system and linked but separate learning platform have been introduced. These digital tools along with programme plans and other digital tools are

23

intended to help us modernise while maintaining our core values. Importantly we recognise that this transition has been challenging for most and I’d like to thank all volunteers for their patience and persistence whilst HQ resolved problems. We are now in a position where user confidence is growing and generally we are finding that these online resources do support effective volunteer management and efficient programme delivery.

Strengthening our Leadership & Governance; Adult volunteers remain at the heart of everything we do. The leadership team including County Trustees has regularly met under experienced chairmanship ensuring robust governance supporting growth ambitions.

Volunteer Growth, Recognition and Adult Awards ; Our volunteer recruitment campaigns are ongoing to sustain capacity for expanding membership. We also celebrated the achievements of our adult volunteers during this period. Several members received national awards for their dedication and service to Scouting, including the Silver Wolf, Award for Merit and the Bar to the Award for Merit. These recognitions highlight the commitment and hard work of our volunteers who make Scouting possible in Suffolk.

Youth Membership Growth and Recovery Post-Pandemic ; Suffolk Scouts has demonstrated strong resilience following pandemic disruptions. Our membership numbers have rebounded well during this reporting year—with over 5,000 young people actively engaged in Scouting activities county-wide—aligning with our strategic goal to rebuild pre-pandemic levels.

Programme Quality Initiatives; Our strategic plan emphasizes delivering inspiring programmes led by amazing volunteers who nurture inclusivity throughout all sections. Our CMAT and Water Activities Team, who’s report feature later continue to promote inclusive and exciting activities.

Youth Member Top Awards: In the period Suffolk Scouts saw 2 members achieve their King Scout Award, congratulations to both of them and the wide network of volunteers that enabled their personal success. Data from census gives that the number of Chief Scout Awards achieved in sections is similar to previous years. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is enabled by the Scout Programme and Method and well supported in districts. The emerging growth of this award in Suffolk, will likely realise an increase of youth members achieving the King Scout Award.

Community Impact ; Members, Sections and Groups have benefits greatly from financial support through grants which enable continued development projects enhancing facilities available locally. The impact we have had as a community within Suffolk extends beyond the development of youth members. Their actions have and continue to make positive impacts to society and the environment. I am very proud to have read the many stories in the press and heard accounts from our members of the good work they have done, be that helping on litter picks or raising funds for others in the community.

District Highlights ; The following summary reflects my thoughts of each district, informed by my personal experiences visiting sections, group and district events and how their collective efforts have contributed to fulfilling both national Skills for Life objectives as well as tailored county goals outlined in our Strategic Plan (2022-25).

24

Suffolk Scouts remains focused on delivering inspiring programmes led by amazing volunteers who nurture inclusivity and diversity throughout all sections. I have visited sections, groups, and districts during my tenure, read countless press articles, social media posts and nominations for awards. I am immensely proud of all that has and continues to be delivered by our community without doubt our collective efforts continue to deliver positive outcomes for children and young people in Suffolk.

I thank all adult volunteers whose dedication makes these successes possible, each of whom should be very proud of their contribution. Our new way of working, membership system and emerging strategic national plan will I’m sure bring challenges, but as we strive to overcome these together we move towards an even stronger future for Scouting in Suffolk.

Gary Burden County Lead Volunteer

25

Good Service Awards for Reporting Year Apr-24 to Mar-25

Award Recipient District Award
Chief Scouts Commendation Chief Scouts CommendationJamie Mortimer Stowmarket 01/2024
Sl" Sl" Hannah Wallace Stowmarket 01/2024
oa, 3
heel
é
OREED OR ORONO RNAS SAME AREY		 3 Richard Stacy
Bobbie Thompson		 Stowmarket
Stowmarket		 01/2024
01/2024
Abi Britten Sudbury 04/2024
Award for Merit Mark Pernot Stowmarket 01/2024
Martin Foreman Stowmarket 01/2024
Joanne O'Brien Stowmarket 01/2024
Kari Fountain Stowmarket 01/2024
Simon Oakley Stowmarket 01/2024
Susan Black Waveney Valley 01/2024
Ruth Salmon Stowmarket 04/2024
Mary Snow Waveney Valley 10/2024
Silver Acorn Julian Dean Stowmarket 02/2024

Chief Scouts Commendation Jamie Mortimer

Award for Merit

Silver Acorn

Silver Wolf

Graham Parker Wolsey 05/2024
Max Raffe Orwell 02/2025

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

Awards in 1st Quarter 2024 were not available for the last Annual report so are included here for completeness.

26

MEMBERSHIP CENSUS REPORT SUMMARY - JANUARY 2025

MEMBERSHIP CENSUS REPORT SUMMARY - JANUARY 2025
Male
Female
Self
Identfy
Prefer
not to say		 Total
2024
YOUTH MEMBERSHIP
Squirrel Scouts
160
75
-
-
Beaver Scouts
1,081
302
-
6
Cub Scouts
1,368
441
2
3
Scouts
1,295
571
2
6
Explorer Scouts (including
Young Leaders)
410
189
1
-
Network Members
8
1
-
-		 235
1,389
1,814
1,874
600
9		 179
1,423
1,949
1,914
592
6
TOTAL YOUTH MEMBERSHIP
4,322
1,579
5
15		 5,921 6,063
ADULT ROLES
Leadership
606
603
1
4
Management
49
31
-
-
Support
158
105
Governance
215
221
-
-		 1,214
80
263
436		 1,208
78
340
444
TOTAL ADULT ROLES
1,028
960
1
4		 1,993 2,070
ORGANISATIONAL VIEW OF ADULT ROLES
Group
890
881
1
4
District
101
68
-
County
37
11
-		 1,776
169
48		 1,807
107
43
TOTAL ADULT ROLES - ORG
VIEW
1,028
960
1
4		 1,993 1,957
TOTALS
TOTAL YOUTH MEMBERSHIP
4,322
1,579
5
15
TOTAL ADULT MEMBERSHIP
1,028
960
1
4		 5,921
1,993		 6,063
2,070
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP
5,350
2,539
6
19		 7,914 8,133
WAITING LISTS
Squirrels
305
109
-
6
Beavers
232
80
-
13
Cubs
199
66
-
4
Scouts
106
52
1
7		 420
325
269
166		 336
372
194
149
TOTAL YOUTH MEMBER WAIT-
ING LISTS
842
307
1
30		 1,180 1,051

27

SUFFOLK COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL - STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Notes
Unrestricted
INCOME
Donatons and similar income
1,196
Income from Charitable Actvites:
Membership Subscriptons
2
48,456
Income from Actvites
3
119,786
Grants
3
670
Bank Interest
3,049
-----------
Total Incoming Resources
173,157
-----------
EXPENDITURE
Scoutng Actvites
4
128,288
-----------
Total Resources Expended
128,288
-----------
Net Income before Transfers
44,869
Transfers
-
-----------
Net Income and net movement in funds
for the year
44,869
Reconciliaton of Funds
8 & 9
Total Funds brought forward
297,288
------------
Total Funds carried forward
£342,157
=========		 Restricted
-
-
-
-
---------
0
-----------
18,219
-----------
18,219
-----------
(18,219)
-
-----------
(18,219)
33,276
------------
£15,057
=========		 2025 Total
1,196

48,456

119,786

670

3,049

-----------

173,157

-----------

146,507

-----------

146,507

-----------

26,650

-

-----------

26,650

330,564

------------
£357,214
=========		 2024 Total
-
43,632
65,470
1,000
2,890
-----------
112,992
-----------
148,229
-----------
148,229
-----------
(35,237)
-
-----------
(35,237)
365,801
------------
£330,564
=========

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

28

SUFFOLK COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL - BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 March 2025

As at 31 March 2025
Note 2025 2024
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets 6 110,023 132,501
----------- -----------
Current Assets
Debtors 2,577 1110
Prepayments 10,921 1,869
Bank and Deposit Balances 313,571 418,993
Cash Held 753 -
----------- -----------
327,822 421,972
Current liabilities
Creditors falling due within 1 year 7 80,631 223,909
----------- -----------
Net current assets 247,191 198,063
----------- -----------
Total assets less current liabilities 357,214 330,564
Creditors: falling due in more than 1 year 11 - 0
----------- -----------
Net assets £357,214 £330,564
======== ========
The funds of the charity:
Restricted funds 8 15,057 33,276
Unrestricted funds
Designated 9 105,506 78,303
General 9 236,651 218,985
----------- -----------
£357,214 £330,564
======== ========

Approved by the trustees on 15 September 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Howard Blackett, County Chair Jon Emin, County Treasurer

The notes on pages 30 to 37 form part of these accounts

29

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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 2025/26

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.

30

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 2025 2024
Total Membership Fees Collected 278,622 239,976
Natonal Membership Fees (227,138) (193,617)
District Refunds (3,029) (2,727)
--------- ---------
£48,456 £43,632
====== ======

31

3. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Income from actvites
Actvites
World Jamboree
Bradfeld Campsite
Other Grants
World Jamboree
Climbing Team
4. DIRECT CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Actvites
World Jamboree
Training
East of England Region
Campsites - Bradfeld
- Bradfeld Depreciaton
Support costs - County Team
Governance costs		 2025
Unrestricted
£75,930
£43,856
-----------
£119,786
-----------
-
£670
---------
£670
---------
£71,330
-
£3,432
£266
£27,538
£11,428
£10,959
£3,335
-----------
£128,288
========		 2025
Restricted
2025
Total
2024
Total
-
£75,930
£14,660
-
-
£14,207
-
£43,856
£36,603
----------
----------
----------
-
£119,786
£65,470
----------
----------
----------
-
-
£1,000
£670
-
---------
---------
---------
-
£670
£1,000
---------
---------
---------
£716
£72,046
£27,205
-
-
£34,133
-
£3,432
£1,245
£1,330
£1,596
£654
-
£27,538
£42,501
£16,173
£27,601
£24,762
£10,959
£12,749
-
£3,335
£4,980
-----------
-----------
-----------
£18,219
£146,507
£148,229
======== ========
========

The County Team includes the cost of one part-time employee £8295 (2024 - £6,690, one part-time employee).

The cost of the County Team and governance includes £1,549 (2024 - £913) and restricted activities £716 (2024- £716) in respect of depreciation of equipment.

32

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 8,295
1,659
6,636		 Staf tme
Ofce rental and administra-
ton		 2,380
476
1,904		 Staf tme
County team expenses 870
-
870		 County team tme
Depreciaton 1,549
-
1,549		 County team tme
Independent examiners 1,200
1,200
-		 Actual
---------
---------
---------
£14,294
£3,335
£10,959
======
======
======
Previous 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 administra-
ton		 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
======
======
======

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 £8,144 (2024 - £6,690).

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.

£443 (2024- £379) was reimbursed to 3 trustees (2024 - 3) of the County Scout Council during the year.

33

6. FIXED ASSETS

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
444,952
3,828
-----------
448,780
-----------
319,419
24,672
-----------
344,091
-----------
£104,689
=======
£125,533
=======

Equipment
Total
123,606
568,558
1,295
5,123
---------
----------
124,901
573,681
---------
----------
116,638
436,057
2,929
27,601
---------
---------
119,567
463,658
---------
---------
£5,334
£110,023
=======
=======
£6,968
£132,501
=======
=======

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 £133,507 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 2025 2024
Income in Advance 79,431 216,224
Loan - 5,000
Accrued Expenses 1,200 2,685
----------- -----------
£80,631 £223,909
======= =======

34

8. RESTRICTED FUNDS Current year

8. RESTRICTED FUNDS
Current year
Bradfeld Campsite
Water actvites
Africa
East of England Region Fund

Previous year
Bradfeld Campsite
Water actvites
Africa
Events
East of England Region Fund
 Balance
1 April
2024
16,173
5,213
3,261
8,629
-----------
£33,276
=======
Balance
1 April
2023
35,935
5,929
3,261
-
9,163
-----------
£54,288
=======		 Income
-
-
-
-
---------
-
======
Income
-
-
-
1,000
-
---------
£1,000
======		 Expenditure
(16,173)
(716)
-
(1,330)
-----------
£(18,219)
=======
Expenditure
(24,762)
(716)
-
-
(654)
----------
£(26,132)
=======		 Transfers
-
-
-
-
--------
-
=====
Transfers
5,000
-
-
(1,000)
120
--------
£4,120
=====		 Balance
31 March		 Balance
2025
-
4,497
3,261
7,299
-----------
£15,057
=======
Balance
31 March		 2025
-
4,497
3,261
7,299
-----------
£15,057
=======
Balance		 2025
2024
16,173
5,213
3,261
-
8,629
-----------
£33,276
=======		 2024

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 Africa fund is represented by bank balances and is for the development and activities

35

9. GENERAL AND DESIGNATED FUNDS

Current Year

Balance
1 April
2024
Income
General
218,985
173,157
Bradfeld Campsite
57,507
-
Assistance with Campsites
3,650
-
World Jamboree
777
-
Cub Scout Event Fund
-
-
Fixed Assest Replacement Fund
-
-
Young Person Inclusion Fund
-
-
Hardship Fund
7,000
-
Explorer Belt Expediton
1,746
-
Richard Freeman Bequest
1,096
-
Water Actvites
6,527
-
-----------
-----------
£297,288 £173,157
======= =======
Previous 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
======= =======		 Expenditure
(128,288)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-----------
£(128,288)
=======
Expenditure
(87,964)
-
-
(34,133)
-
-
-
-
-----------
£(122,097)
=======		 Transfers
(27,203)
-
-
12,236
6,967
5,000
10,000
(7,000)
-
-
-
-------
-
======
Transfers
(5,120)
-
-
1,000
-
-
-
-
-------
£(4,120)
======		 Balance
31 March
2025
236,651
57,507
3,650
13,013
6,967
5,000
10,000
-
1,746
1,096
6,527
-----------
£342,157
=======
Balance
31 March
2024
218,985
57,507
3,650
777
7,000
1,746
1,096
6,527
-----------
£297,288
=======

36

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 support and transactions related to the county contingent to the World Jamboree.

The Hardship Fund was established to help scout groups experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID and has now been closed.

During the year the following amounts have been transferred to new designated funds £6,967 to support county Cub Scout events, £10,000 to a Young Persons Inclusion Fund to assist with attendance at major events and £5,000 to a Fixed Asset Replacement Fund. All the designated funds are represented by bank balances except the Bradfield Campsite Fund

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
9,646
-
5,411
-
-----------
£15,057
-----------		 Designated
Funds
57,507
-
47,999
-
----------
£105,506
----------		 Unrestricted
Funds

42,870

13,498

260,914

(80,631)

-----------

£236,651

-----------		 Total
110,023
13,498
314,324
(80,631)
-----------
£357,214
-----------






11. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

At the year end, the County Scout Council had authorised expenditure of £Nil (2024- £NIL).

12. CREDITORS FALLING DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR

The loan was 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. The loan was fully repaid in the year.

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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 2025 set out on pages 28 to 37.

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.

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.

anee

…………………………….

I C BROOKMAN, FCA, DChA

Pakenham Accounting & Consultancy Chartered Accountants BURY ST EDMUNDS

5th September 2025

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Sufolk Scouts — Useful Informaton

County Website : www.suffolkscouts.org.uk

Contact e-mail : contact@suffolkscouts.org.uk or 01473 711678

Joining In / Find Your Local Group

Information where scout groups in Suffolk are is available via the HQ website and entering your postcode. A message may be sent to a chosen group by selecting it.

Facebook :

Suffolk Scouts (public) - www.facebook.com/suffolkscouts

The following groups are ‘private’ and require scout membership and approval to join. Members post questions and updates about events from around the county and wider if of interest.

Suffolk Scouts Programme —www.facebook.com/groups/suffolkscouts

Suffolk Scouts Support Centre —www.facebook.com/groups/suffolkscoutssupport

Learning Booking System

Learning courses are published to the on-line booking system via the Learning page—link in the website main menu items.

Duke of Edinburgh Scheme / Top Award

The county operates a scheme for all levels of the DofE. Check the website link under Programme for sign-up details and contacts. Gold level is an element to achieve the prestigious Kings Scout award and attracts a special neckerchief which is presented to the recipient.

Microsoft 365 App, Teams and ‘Scouting e-mail’

Suffolk County, along with Wolsey & Stowmarket Districts and some local Scout groups offer the Office application suite free of charge to enable groups to set up teams for interacting and saving documents such as Risk Assessments in a central place accessible to all with accounts. It is recommended that ‘scouting emails’ are kept separate from personal or work accounts for safety & safeguarding good practice. They can be requested via an email to support@suffolkscouts.org.uk or your M365 administrator.

Inclusion Fund

The county has an ‘Inclusion Fund’ that can provide limited financial support for members to attend scouting activities and events in the UK and abroad. The policy of how this operates is published on the website under About/Local Policies/Grants. Many of the Districts also operate similar schemes and should be approached in the first instance for help.

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Sufolk Scouts: Upcoming Events

For all events, please keep an eye on the website and Facebook for notices

Water Sports :

3-5 July 2026 Wet Weekend

26 Sep 2026 Thorpeness Meare Day

County Mountain Activities Team

Oct 10-12 - Hill Walking and Climbing

Nov 29-30 - Adventurous Activity First Aid Course

=== 2026 ===

Feb TBA - Training Weekend (for permit assessment in March / Skills update)

Mar 13-15 Assessment Weekend

Apr 17-19 Walking/Climbing event at Hebden Hey

Registration by OSM/email to cmatevents@suffolkscouts.org.uk

Suffolk Punch 2026 - 20th-25th August 2026

Registration now open—see website News for links

World Scout Jamboree will be held from 30 July to 8 August 2027 in Gdansk, Poland

Application deadline 10th Oct 2025—see website for details.

Selection Day for Suffolk Contingent 26th Oct 2025, Hallowtree.

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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.

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Scouts Suffolk Suffolk Scouts County Office Hallovrtree Scout Activty Centre Alnestx)ume Pn"ory Nacton Ipswch Suffi)Ik Ipio ojp 01473 711678