Trustee’s Annual Report & Statement of Accounts
pg.1 Copyright 2023. Salisbury & South Wilts Disthct Scout Council. RIstered Charity in England, number 305937.
Trustee’s Annual Report & Statement of Accounts Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council
Covering the period 1[st] April 2022 to 31[st] March 2023
Table of contents
Section Title Page
Annual Trustee’s Report
| Table of contents | 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| A | Reference & administration details | 3 |
| B | Structure, governance and management | 4 |
| C | Objectives & activities | 6 |
| D | Achievements & performance | 7 |
| E | Financial review | 8 |
| F | Campsite Quest | 9 |
| G | Trustee declaration | 9 |
Recognition of Volunteers
Roll of honour – 2022/2023 10
Annual Statement of Accounts
| Statement of Accounts | |
|---|---|
| Statement of Accounts | 11 |
| Independent examiner's report on the accounts | 14 |
pg. 2
Copyright 2023. Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council. Registered Charity in England, number 305937.
Trustee’s Annual Report
Covering the period 1[st] April 2022 to 31[st] March 2023
Section A: Reference & administration details
District/Charity name:
Registration details:
Principal Address:
Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council Registered Charity Number: 305937 Scout Headquarters Registration Number: 10001350 Dennis Marsh House Westminster Road Salisbury SP2 7DG
Name of the charity trustees who have managed the charity (if no dates are shown then the trustee has served for the whole period this report covers):
Ex-officio Mr IS Porter District Commissioner Ex-officio Mr RN Demain-Griffiths District Chair Ex-officio Mr IW Davies District Treasurer Ex-officio Mr JN Wyeth District Explorer Scout Commissioner Elected member Mrs D Cook Elected member Mr MR Chalke Elected member Mr PJ Handford Elected member Mr D Bavister Nominated member Mr DL Waspe Nominated member Mr MA Hiley
The ownership of District Headquarters (and the land upon which the building stands) are vested in:
The Scout Association Trust Corporation c/o The Scout Association Gilwell Park London E4 7QW
The Trustees have appointed the following Independent Examiner, in accordance with Charity Commission regulations:
Clifford Fry & Co St Mary’s House Netherhampton Salisbury SP2 8PU
pg. 3
Copyright 2023. Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council. Registered Charity in England, number 305937.
Section B: Structure, governance and management
A description of the charity’s trusts.
Type of governing document:
The District'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.
How the charity is constituted:
The District is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts within the United Kingdom, as laid out within the chapter entitled “The Scout District” in the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
Trustee selection methods:
The Trustees are appointed or elected in accordance with the Constitution and Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
Additional governance information: a) the induction and training of trustees
The District is led by the District Commissioner, who is supported by the Chair of the Trustee Board (formerly known as the Executive Committee) the members of which are the Charity Trustees. 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.
Trustees complete an induction process including training within the first 5 months of their joining.
The Trustee Board exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment and is responsible for:
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The maintenance of District property;
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The raising of funds and the administration of District finances;
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The insurance of persons, property and equipment;
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District public occasions;
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Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support;
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Appointing any sub committees that may be required;
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Appointing Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.
b) trustee' consideration of major risks and the systems and procedures to manage them
Management of Risk
The Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the District 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 District would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such local churches, community centres and other Scout owned properties. The District has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
pg. 4
Copyright 2023. Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council. Registered Charity in England, number 305937.
- Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members: The District 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 District is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and two large fundraising events. The District does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Trustee Board can decide to increase the District Levy on Membership subscriptions, either temporariliy or permanently.
- Reduction or loss of leaders: The District is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the District. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the whole District, there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario, this could result in the complete closure of the District.
- Reduction or loss of members: The District provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the District 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 District may be required. The likelihood of this occurrence is low and is further mitigated by the fact that groups within the District have a waiting list and register of interest.
Financial Control
The District has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include having 2 signatories for all payments and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered. Payments for expenses and suchlike are approved by either the District Commissioner, nominated deputies, or the District Chair, before payment is made.
pg. 5
Copyright 2023. Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council. Registered Charity in England, number 305937.
Section C: Objectives & activities
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document
The Purpose of Scouts
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Scouts’ Values
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:
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enjoy what they are doing and have fun
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take part in activities indoors and outdoors
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learn by doing
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share in spiritual reflection
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take responsibility and make choices
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undertake new and challenging activities
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make and live by their Promise.
Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects
The District Scout Council has 17 groups within, all of which are drawn together as part of the Scouting family. All groups share the same purpose, aims, values and method. The District exists to manage and support these groups, and to ensure that high quality Scouting opportunities are available to all. Across these groups, each week, we provide young people the opportunity to enjoy fun and adventure, whilst developing those essential skills to succeed, now and in the future. We are proud to offer this. We are proud to life by our Scout values.
Public benefit statement
Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development.
pg. 6
Copyright 2023. Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council. Registered Charity in England, number 305937.
Section D: Achievements & performance
Summary of main achievements
Currently, there are 1414 members of Scouts across the District, comprising 1062 members aged 6-18 (288 beaver scouts, 337 cub scouts, 332 scouts and 105 explorer scouts) and 352 adult volunteers in both leadership and trustee roles. This is truly excellent, and sees membership numbers well above pre-COVID numbers, which means more young people than ever are accessing Scouts.
This year, the district has provided a wide range of events and activities to support and enhance the programmes at Group level – from practising outdoor skills, inter-pack football tournaments, cooking competion and team building. In addition, this past year has seen the Platinum Jubilee and the passing of our Monarch and Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and members of this district, like many other joined events in London and locally to mark both of these occasions.
In addition, our data shows that more top awards have been earned during this year, than any of the preceeding five years – whether it’s Chief Scout’s Bronze Awards in the Beaver Scout section, or expeditions and service projects in the Diamond and Platinum Awards, or Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. Achieving these awards, helps to prepare young people for life ahead of them , and it’s testament to the efforts and dedication of the volunteers around them that they achieve.
Across the District, the adult volunteers are the true backbone of Scouting – from leaders, training advisors and commissioners, through to trustees, supporters and parents – without whom Scouting wouldn’t happen as we know it. The Board of Trustees would like to place on record their gratitude for the service of all volunteers in Scouts.
pg. 7
Copyright 2023. Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council. Registered Charity in England, number 305937.
Section E: Financial review
Reserves policy
The Trustees’ have agreed a policy on reserves, whereby sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the District should income and fundraising activities fall short should be held. The Trustees consider that the district should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, approximately £15k.
The district held reserves (General Fund) of £25k against this at year end. This is in excess of the the agreed reserves for operating expenses and will be subject to annual review by the trustees. The decision to hold additional general funds was made by the trustees to due to:
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1) Current financial instability and cost of living pressures; and
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2) Recent building works at Dennis Marsh House (where costs of both labour and materials have fluctuated during the planning and procurement phases).
Financial performance
This financial year as seen expenditure in excess of income (-£14k) overall for the year. This is due to planned expenditure of restricted funds, namely Dennis Marsh House (District HQ) refurbishment works; and supporting International Scouting (25[th] World Scout Jamboree and Kandersteg 2022) via the PJ Southon Fund .
Major sources of income for the District continue to be the Campsite Quest, the Christmas post, the Scout & Guide Panto and donations related to the use of the District Minibus.
Sectional events operate on a cost neutral basis (or as close to neutral as possible) however, some events have delivered a favourable variance and these funds will be used to subsidise future events for the relevant section.
Investment policy and objectives
The Trustee’s have agreed that a low-risk strategy to the investment of funds is adopted. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks and building societies; albeit in a range of accounts from regular treasurer accounts to accounts requiring notice to withdraw funds. The Trustee Board regularly monitors the bank balances, the interest rates received, and the value/income received. ensure the district obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements.
pg. 8
Copyright 2023. Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council. Registered Charity in England, number 305937.
Section F: Campsite Quest
Fund raising for the proposed new District Camp Site has continued over the last year and the fund now stands at £128k. Funds have flowed in from a myriad of sources including Book Sales, Coin and Banknote Sales, Car Boot stalls, Salisbury Community Lottery, Badge Sewing, Curry and Quiz evening and a Race Night to name a few. We have also had some very generous donations and legacies from individuals and other organisations too numerous to list, for which we are very grateful.
We have not found a suitable piece of land yet, but we follow up every lead and we have quite a few Estate Agents keeping an eye out for us. The day will come when we will own our own camp site and all those Golden Tent Peg Holders can come and drive them into our ground.
Thank you for all the help and support you have given. If you are reading this and would like to find a way to help us raise further funds go to - https://sswscouts.org.uk/campsite quest/ or if you think you have got a fundraising idea that we perhaps haven’t tried yet, why not get in touch, and send us an email at campsitequest@sswscouts.org.uk.
Section G: Declaration
The Trustee Board of Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council declare that they have approved this Annual Trustee’s Report, and is signed to indicate approval, on behalf of the Trustees, on 10[th] June 2023:
Mr RN Demain-Griffiths Chair, Trustee Board
Mr IS Porter Trustee, District Commissioner
pg. 9
Copyright 2023. Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council. Registered Charity in England, number 305937.
Recognition of volunteers
Chief Scouts’ Commendation for Good Service is Awarded in respect of not less than 5 years good service, which stands out. It should be regarded as the Chief Scout's recognition of the very real contribution made to the Scouts by the individual concerned.
Adrian Baker Explorer Scout Leader, Alderbury Dan Bavister District Communications Manager Fiona Labdon Beaver Scout Leader, 10[th] Salisbury Lisa Kynaston Group Treasurer, 1[st] Downton Tom Robinson Scout Leader, Old Sarum
Award for Merit is awarded for outstanding service. It implies keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service over a sustained period, of at least 12 years duration.
Kevin Hill Scout Leader, 1[st] Downton
Chief Scouts’ Length of Service Awards are presented at key milestones, usually every five years. We’re recognising over 450 years of service, combined.
5 years 10 years 20 years Nicholas Baker Andrew Chisholm Cindy Demain-Griffiths Joseph Barrett-Mead Abigail Fry John Fry Jenna Bevis Martin Smith Ben Kinsey Simon Brierley Michael Thompson Ruth Challis Katy Ullyatt 25 years Rachel Clarke Mark A Warner Michael Hiley Jon Cox Terry Lodge John Duffy 15 years Vanessa Mather Jon Edwards Pete Anscomb Elaine Murrell David Gamble Philip Haskell Barbara White Tanya Gamble Christopher Labdon Sarah Hurst Peter Ullyatt Lisa Kynaston David Liversage Paddy McCormack Marcus Shanley
30 years Graham Murrell 40 years Andrew Kinsey
50 years Peter Fay David Miles
pg. 10
Copyright 2023. Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council. Registered Charity in England, number 305937.
Statement of Accounts
Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council
Receipts & Payments Account covering the year 1[st] April 2022 to 31[st] March 2023
pg. 11
Copyright 2023. Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council. Registered Charity in England, number 305937.
2022123 2021122 Unrestricted fimds Designated funds Restricted fdS Totalfijnds Total fvnds Payments Charitable Payments In5urarKt 3,669 3,019 Adult support and trainirKJ 431 205 RecruitmenVDevelopment 923 Digtrict Qvent- St Gege 1.365 District Events- Chnstmas Post 1.218 1.178 DistrirtEvents District D15trict Event5 Cubs 2,684 DistrKt Evetrt5- MineheadJaTnborte 704 1,075 AGM and trusteeewenses 364 494 Quiz Nuht Wortdjamboree 991 other costs 2.036 Othercosts- Purchases fmi S(out Shop 234 Jubilee Badges 1.350 Purchase ofNew Camp Site 11,200 btotal Designated Fu)ds PJ Southon Ioverseas Travel 4360 1.860 District Beavers 299 734 D15trictCubs 6R71 D15trict Scout5 1.562 41 IN23 1,655 New District Camp Srte 2,568 Scout ACte Support 29 Digtrict Scout Panto 1.691 1.907 WiltonlNew Camp Srte Ibwks etil 3.298 12.243 2nd Bulford 9.555 btotal 2&Ote Other ndS Dennis Marsh House IHQI 38.175 31389 18,802 District Scout Smp 22928 18.398 District Explorers 23A27 15.791 Subtotal 175 77744 i ora( tjross txpenaffure 57 Asset and investment purchases, ètc. Total pa1nents 48957 IW32 94263 Net of receipts/fpaymentsl Transfers between funds 25,000 31,518 25,000 228,467 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this yèar énd Copyright 2023. Salisbury & South Wilts Disthct Scout Council. RIstered Charity in England, number 305937. 4,000 211,089 2S054 pg. 12
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
The above receipts and payment account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the charity’s Trustees, on 10[th] June 2023 and are signed on their behalf by:
Mr RN Demain-Griffiths Chair, Trustee Board
Mr IW Davies Treasurer, Trustee Board
pg. 13
Copyright 2023. Salisbury & South Wilts District Scout Council. Registered Charity in England, number 305937.
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