2026-03-31-accounts - 1st Highworth Scout Group

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Trustees' Annual Report For the period

to end From (start date) 0 1 0 4 2 5 date 3 1 0 3 2 6 Section A Reference and administration details

Charity name

1st Highworth Scout Group

Other names the charity is known by

Registered charity number (if any)

HQ registration number

Charity’s principal address

3



36 Bydemill Gardens
Highworth
Swindon
Postcode	S	N	6	7	B	S

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

(These will be published in the annual report of the charity and the Charity Register if reporting for a Registered Charity with a charity regulator)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15	Trustee Name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year
	Mr P Kruse	Chair
	Mr A Martin	Secretary
	Mr T J Williams	Treasurer
	Mr D Roblin
	Mr K Skillett
	Mrs C L Pryce
	Mrs N Gregory
	Mrs L Dibble	Section Lead volunteer
	Mr G Rowlands	Section Lead volunteer
	Mrs J Dobson	Section Lead volunteer
	Mr T Kimmins	Section Lead volunteer
	Mrs F Gaskell

Names and addresses of advisers (optional information but encouraged as best practice) (These will be published in the annual report of the charity)

Type of advisor	Name	Address
Independent Examiner	Mr K R White	3 Saxon Mill Chisledon Swindon SN6 0NP

Section B Description of the charity’s trusts Type of governing document (e.g. trust deed, constitution) How the charity is constituted (e.g. trust, association, company) Trustee selection methods (e.g. appointed by, elected by)	Structure, governance and management
	The Group's governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

	The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.

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

Additional governance issues (optional information but encouraged as best practice)

You may choose to include additional
information, where relevant, about:
Policies and procedures adopted for:
a) the induction and training of
trustees; b) trustee' consideration of
major risks and the systems and
procedures to manage them

The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the
members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout
Group which is an educational charity. As charity
trustees they are responsible for complying with
legislation applicable to charities. This includes the
registration, keeping proper accounts and making
returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer,
Secretary and Group Lead Volunteer and all the others
named in the report and meets 8 or 9 times during the
year.
Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts
Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the
Board.
This Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the
charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and

mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high-quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for life.

Section B	Structure, governance and management (continued)
	Risk and Internal Control The Group Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group 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 building, property and equipment. The Group would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the church, community centre and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss. Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Board could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently. Reduction or loss of leaders. The group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the group as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group. Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group. The group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include 2

Section B

Structure, governance and management (continued)

Risk and Internal Control
The Group Trustee Board has identified the major risks
to which they believe the Group 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 building, property and equipment. The
Group would request the use of buildings, property and
equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the
church, community centre and other Scout Groups.
Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these
organisations. The Group has sufficient buildings and
contents insurance in place to mitigate against
permanent loss.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The
Group through the capitation fees contributes to the
Scout Associations national accident insurance policy.
Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is
primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and
fundraising. The group does hold a reserve to ensure the
continuity of activities should there be a major reduction
in income. The Board could raise the value of
subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an
ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently.
Reduction or loss of leaders. The group is totally reliant
upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of
the group. If there was a reduction in the number of
leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section
or the group as a whole then there would have to be a
contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the
worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group.
Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides
activities for all young people aged 6 to 18. If there was
a reduction in membership in a particular section or the
group as whole then there would have to be a
contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the
worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group.
The group has in place systems of internal controls that
are designed to provide reasonable assurance against
material mismanagement or loss, these include 2

signatories for all payments and a comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

Section C Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects	Objectives and activities The Purpose of Scouting Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. The Values of Scouting As Scouts we are guided by these values: Integrity -We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal. Respect -We have self-respect and respect for others. Care -We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Belief -We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes. Co-operation -We make a positive difference; we co- operate with others and make friends. The Scout Method Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and: - enjoy what they are doing and have fun - take part in activities indoors and outdoors - learn by doing - share in spiritual reflection - take responsibility and make choices - undertake new and challenging activities - make and live by their Promise. We continue to run 6 sections: 2 beaver colonies, 2 Cub Packs and 2 Scout Troops. The leader team remains strong with 27 members in the team. Total youth membership has stayed stable at around 128 at the end of the year. The Group would not be able to offer scouting to its members without the fantastic support of the leaders, volunteers, young leaders, parent helpers and trustees. The ongoing support from those that do contribute is exemplary, but we rely on a small number
	We continue to run 6 sections: 2 beaver colonies, 2 Cub Packs and 2 Scout Troops. The leader team remains strong with 27 members in the team. Total youth membership has stayed stable at around 128 at the end of the year. The Group would not be able to offer scouting to its members without the fantastic support of the leaders, volunteers, young leaders, parent helpers and trustees. The ongoing support from those that do contribute is exemplary, but we rely on a small number

Section C
Summary of the objects of the charity
set out in its governing document
Summary of the main activities in
relation to these objects

Objectives and activities
The Purpose of Scouting
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young
people in their personal development,
empowering them to make a positive contribution to
society.
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values:
Integrity -We act with integrity; we are honest,
trustworthy and loyal.
Respect -We have self-respect and respect for others.
Care -We support others and take care of the world in
which we live.
Belief -We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
Co-operation -We make a positive difference; we co-
operate with others and make friends.
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership
with adults, work together based on the
values of Scouting and:
- enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
- make and live by their Promise.
We continue to run 6 sections: 2 beaver colonies, 2 Cub
Packs and 2 Scout Troops. The leader team remains
strong with 27 members in the team. Total youth
membership has stayed stable at around 128 at the end
of the year. The Group would not be able to offer
scouting to its members without the fantastic support of
the leaders, volunteers, young leaders, parent helpers
and trustees. The ongoing support from those that do
contribute is exemplary, but we rely on a small number

We continue to run 6 sections: 2 beaver colonies, 2 Cub
Packs and 2 Scout Troops. The leader team remains
strong with 27 members in the team. Total youth
membership has stayed stable at around 128 at the end
of the year. The Group would not be able to offer
scouting to its members without the fantastic support of
the leaders, volunteers, young leaders, parent helpers
and trustees. The ongoing support from those that do
contribute is exemplary, but we rely on a small number

of people therefore we can always do with more help from parents to support scouting in Highworth.

We continue to manage our numbers to ensure there are spaces for those moving section. Following work on our waiting list we now have 54 from our catchment area, of which 25 are of the age to join now.

All Sections ran a full Programme of activities aimed at giving youngsters leadership skills, increased self reliance and the opportunity to gain skills that will be useful throughout their lives. In addition to the regular evening meetings, we ran a number of camps and day activities. We ran archery, kayaking, paddleboarding and rafting sessions and used external providers for climbing (indoor and on natural cliffs) caving and tomahawk throwing. We have increased the number of permit holders, particularly in paddleboarding.

The "uniformed" side of the group continues to be very well supported by the trustee Board who provide valuable guidance and expertise. As well as providing governance, the members of the trustee board also assist the group in other ways, by leading on Hall maintenance and fund raising.

Additional details of the objectives and activities (optional information but encouraged as best practice)

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about: • policy on grantmaking; • contribution made by volunteers; • policy on investments.

Public benefit statement	The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
	Achievements and performance
Section D
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves Quantify and explain any designations
	The Group has continued to provide a range of diverse and exciting events and meetings for beavers, cubs and scouts, This is at the heart of what we are here to do, in line with the Scout Association's mission to engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. The Group has continued its investment in the provision of equipment and training to continue to provide activities to the Sections, such as paddleboarding. In addition, the Group has invested in maintaining the high standard of the facilities we have, to ensure the safety of all participants in the Group. Also supporting the Sections by maintaining and investing in volunteer training, equipment and facilities next year, with funds earmarked for a replacement minibus. For the past year the Group has not had a Group Lead Volunteer(GLV); the District Lead Volunteer has been picking up some duties with all of the section leaders and support also stepping up. I would like to thank them all for the additional time they have invested above and beyond the significant commitment they already make to scouting. Despite engaging with County recruitment specialists we have still not been able to fill the GLV role. Alongside the safety and financial prudence, this remains a priority for the Trustee Board to ensure the long term viability of Highworth Scout Group.

Section E Financial Review Income for 2025/6 at £39,033 was up by £1,465 on the previous year and expenses at £33,070 were £4,194 lower than 2024/5. Expenditure was £4194 lower than 2024/25 reflecting the purchase of a new boiler and cost of boundary wall repairs incurred in the previous year. Reserves Policy The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs and emergency repairs of £10,000 in total around £20,000. The Group held Excess reserves of approximately £28,685 at year end. Some of these funds have already been earmarked for a replacement mini bus £13,000 training £700 and £2000 on filling entrance hall roof space.

Details of any funds materially in deficit (circumstances plus steps to eliminate)

Further financial review details (optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);

• how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity; • investment policy and objectives;

Investment Policy

The Group's Income and Expenditure is very small and as a consequence does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies.

The Group Trustee Board regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the group obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an account that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn, before doing so the Group Trustee Board considers the cash flow requirements.

Section F	Other Optional Information The Scout Association continues to implement its Transformation Programme to develop Scouting and make a greater connection with and between volunteers. There are still a number of issues with the new online system. Declaration s
Plans for future periods (details of any significant activities planned to achieve them)
Section G

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above on 22nd April 2026.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

1st Highworth Scout Group

Receipts and Payments Account

		Year start date	Year start date	Year end date
	For the year from	01-Apr-25	To	31-Mar-26
Receipts and payments
Receipts		2025/26 Unrestricted funds £		2024/25 Unrestricted funds £
Donations, legacies and similar income
Membership subscriptions		19,891.00		18,603.00
Less:Membership subscriptions paid on		7,232.00		6,519.00
~~(N ti~~ ~~l/C~~ ~~t /A~~ ~~/Di t i t)~~ Net membership subscriptions retained		12,659.00		12,084.00
Donations		4,181.00		3,540.00
Mini bus		2,679.00		2,746.00
Gift Aid		4,095.00		3,804.00
Other similar income		313.00		237.00
Sub total		23,927.00		22,411.00
Grants
Maintenance grant		0.00		0.00
Other grants from Swindon Borough Council
Sub total		0.00		0.00
Fund-raising (gross)
Scout post		2,699.00		2,258.00

Other		1,990.00		1,241.00
Activities/Events/Camps		8,838.00		11,267.00
International Activities
Group Closure
Sub total		13,527.00		14,766.00
Investment income
Bank interest		0.00		0.00
COIF
The Scout Association Short Term Investment		0.00		0.00
~~S~~ ~~i~~ Property Rent income		0.00		0.00
Other investment income		1,579.00		391.00
Sub total *Total Gross Income* Asset and investment sales, etc.		1,579.00		391.00
		39,033.00		37,568.00
		0.00		0.00
*Total receipts*
		39,033.00		37,568.00

1st Highworth Scout Group

Receipts and Payments Account

		Year start date	Year start date	Year end date
	For the year from	01-Apr-25	To	31-Mar-26

Receipts and payments
Payments		2025/26 Unrestricted funds £		2024/25 Unrestricted funds £
Charitable Payments
Water costs		350.00		235.00
Electricity & gas		1,549.00		1,551.00
Insurance		1,520.00		1,431.00
Mini bus		5,304.00		3,144.00
Repairs and Renewals		7,623.00		8,887.00
Materials and equipment		297.00		4,336.00
Internet costs		764.00		710.00
Uniforms/Training		950.00		617.00
AGM and trustee expenses
International Events
Group expenses		3,614.00		3,494.00
Other		314.00		166.00
Grants
Sub total		22,285.00		24,571.00
Fund-raising expenses
Christmas post		1,097.00		881.00
Activities/Camps		9,580.00		11,777.00
Other fund-raising costs		108.00		35.00
Sub total		10,785.00		12,693.00
*Total Gross Expenditure* Asset and investment purchases, etc. *Total payments* *Net of receipts/(payments)* Cash funds last year end *Cash funds this year end*
		33,070.00		37,264.00



		33,070.00		37,264.00

		5,963.00		304.00
		42,723.00		42,419.00
		48,686.00		42,723.00

1st Highworth Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account

		Year start date	Year start date	Year end date
	For the year from	01-Apr-25	To	31-Mar-26

Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
		2025/26 Unrestricted funds £ 15,458.00 33,228.00 0.00 48,686.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00		2024/25 Unrestricted funds £
Cash funds
Bank current account		15,458.00		11,075.00
Bank deposit account
United Trust 1 year bond		33,228.00		31,648.00
The Scout Association Short Term Investment		0.00		0.00
~~S~~ ~~i~~ Cash/Floats				0.00
Total cash funds		48,686.00		42,723.00
Other monetary assets
Tax claim		0.00		0.00
Debts due to the District		0.00		0.00
Insurance claim		0.00		0.00
Sub total		0.00		0.00
Investment assets
Other investments - detail		0.00		0.00
Sub total		0.00		0.00
Non monetary assets for charity's own use
Badge stock		0.00		0.00
Scout Shop stock		0.00		0.00
Scout post		0.00		0.00
Land and buildings		0.00		0.00
Scouting equipment, furniture etc		0.00		0.00
Sub total		0.00		0.00
Liabilities
Accounts not yet paid		0.00		0.00
Expenses incurred but not invoiced		0.00		0.00
Subscriptions not yet paid		0.00		0.00
Loan - detail		0.00		0.00
Sub total		0.00		0.00

Illdependellt report to ¢be trustees of I"Highworth Stollt Group I report on the accounts of 1st HiglTh¥orth Seout Group for the year ended 31st March 2026. tch are set out on pages 01 to 11. R¢stive r¢¥pollsibilltk4 of trnstees MIl¢r The trustees are responsible forthe PFeparat¢on ofthe acunts. The trustees considÈrthat an audit is not for this year under se(aion 144{2) ofthe Charibes Act 2011 (the 2011 Art) and that an H)deFend8nt examinalion is needed. Having satisfied MYSethat the charity i8 not subjectto audit undercompany law and is eligible for independent examination. it is my r[#)nSIbIltytO'. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act.. to follow the proce(lures laid dovm in the general Directions given by the Charrty ComThwsson under s8ction 145151{bl ofthe 2011 Art and to state Wheth particular matters have come to my attention. My examination was calried out in accordance wilh the general Dire¢ilons given by Ihe Charity Commission. An examinalron indudes a revtew of ttje accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of thè accounts wesented with those records. It also indudes cortshleration of any unusual items ordiscFosures in the accounts, and se8king explanations from you as trustees conceming any such matters. The Pro(reS undertaken do not Provide all Ihe evIdere that would be iequired in an audil and consequentty no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a Inje and fair vie and the report Is limited to those matters set in the statement below. Indepelld¢nt examlll¢V8 sttememt In connection with my examinalion, no matter has come to my attenon. (1) which gives m8 reasonabb (*use to believe that in any material respectthe requir8ments.' to keep accounting records in accordanca with section 386 of the Companle8 Act 20C6', and to prepare accounts whtch accord with the ae¢ounting Tecords, comply with the accounting requir8mewts of section a6 of the Companie5 Act 2(X)6 and with the methods and princ4ples of the Statement of Recommendèl Practice: A¢¢ounting and Reporting by Chaiilies ha nol been mot or (2) to which, in my opinion, attention shoukl be drawn in order to enaNe a proper understanding ofthe accounts to k reached. Narre.. Relevant professional qualffi¢ation or body.. fccA Address: SA61 I SL Ltx) Suilfvi ooNI £(¥ 0P Date..