Board of Trustees Annual report.
For the period: 1st of March 2024 to the 28th of February 2025.
Section A. Reference and administration details.
| Section A. Reference and administration details. | Section A. Reference and administration details. |
|---|---|
| Charity name: | 42nd Leicester (Glenfield) Scout Group. |
| Registered charity number: | 503428 |
| Charity’s Principal Address: | 42nd Scout Group Stamford St. Glenfield, Leicester. LE3 8DL |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity:
| Trustee Name. | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
|---|---|---|
| Barbara Karen Jeffrey | ||
| Christopher Wedd | Scout District Lead Volunteer |
|
| Leslie Anthony Withers | Chair | |
| Lee Anthony Stephens | 07/07/2025 | |
| Peter Leslie Fox | ||
| Joanne Elizabeth Rogerson | Treasurer | |
| Lynda Ann Withers | Cub Section Volunteer | |
| Helen Maher | Beaver Section Volunteer |
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information but encourage as best practise)
| practise) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type of advisor | Name | Address |
| Nil |
Page 1
Board of Trustees Annual report.
For the period: 1st of March 2024 to the 28th of February 2025.
Section B Structure, Governance and Management.
Description of the Charities Trust; Type of governing document .
The Group’s governing documents are those of the Scouts Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which gives authority to bylaws of the association and the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scouts Association.
The group has adopted the constitution of the Scout Association. Bt is briefed and approved at each Annual General Meeting
How the charity is constituted.
The group is a trust established under its rules, which are common to all Scouts.
Trustee selection method.
The trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scouts Association.
Additional governance issues.
The Group is managed by the Board of Trustees, the members of which are the ‘Charity’s Trustees’ of the Scout Group, which is an educational charity. As charity trustee's members are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to most, if not all charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as when appropriate.
Policies and procedures adopted for: a) The induction and training of trustees; b) Trustee consideration of major risk and the systems and procedures to manage them
The Board of Trustees consist of independent representatives which include the Chair and the Treasurer together with the Group Lead Volunteer (or the District Lead Volunteer if the Group Lead Volunteer role is vacant), Representatives from the scouting sections and parent’s representation. The Board of Trustees meets at least once every school term.
Members of the Board of Trustees complete mandatory training consisting of:
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Core information (Fundamentals of Scouting).
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Safety
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Safeguarding
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Trusteeship
5. GDPR
The Board of Trustees exists to support the Group Lead Volunteer in fulfilling the responsibilities of their role. The Board of Trustees has responsibility for:
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Selecting and appointing Trustees
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Maintenance of the group assets.
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Raising of funds and the administration of group finance.
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The insurance of persons., property and equipment.
Page 2
Board of Trustees Annual report.
For the period: 1st of March 2024 to the 28th of February 2025.
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Supporting the recruitment of adult volunteers.
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Appointing any subcommittees that may be required.
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Appointing group administrators and advisers other than those who are elected.
Risk and Internal Control.
The Board of Trustees has identified major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed. These have been assessed, reviewed and systems have now been established to mitigate them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:
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Damage to the headquarters building, other property and equipment. In the event that the Group’s assets are temporarily unavailable or unusable, the Group would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the Church, Community Centre and other scout groups.
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Injury to adult volunteers and young members. The Scout Group, through capitation fees, contribute to the Scout Association national accident Insurance policy. Risk assessments have been undertaken for users of the headquarters building and control measures are in place. Specific risk assessments are undertaken before all on and off-site activities.
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The Group primarily relies on income from subscriptions, third-party hall rentals and fund raising. Despite the current financial crisis, the Group has continued to maintain a healthy financial reserve which has provided a cushion against future hardships. In fact, the group has been able to create a Support Fund aimed at Parents/Guardians and Carers who have been struggling to pay for membership subscriptions and oneoff activities.
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A significant risk would be a shortage of adult volunteers. Without sufficient adult volunteers it would not be possible to safely continue its operations. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders in any section or in the Group as a whole, then there will Inevitably have to be a contraction and/or consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario this could mean the complete closure of the Group.
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Reduction or loss of members. The group provides activities for young people aged 6 to 14½. If there was a Group reduction in membership in a particular section or the Group, there would need to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. Fortunately, the Group has a very long waiting list of young people who want to join, attracted by the positive feedback from other young people and their parents/ Guardians/Carers.
Risk from loss of income has been assessed and a reserve policy is in place to ensure sufficient revenue funding for at least one year.
Page 3
Board of Trustees Annual report.
For the period: 1st of March 2024 to the 28th of February 2025.
Section C Objectives and Activities.
Summary of the objective of the charity set out in its government document.
The Purpose, Values and Method of Scouting
Fundamentally Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them through to adulthood and to assist them to make a positive contribution to society. Scouts teaches young people to act with integrity and be honest, trustworthy and loyal, to have respect for themselves and for others and to support each other and take care of the world in which we live. All Scouts aspire to be tolerant and have respect for each other’s religious beliefs and values.
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're doing and have fun.
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Take part in activities indoor and outdoor.
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Learn and achieve 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 objectives .
The 42nd Leicester (Glenfield) Scout Group has two full Beaver Colonies (for children 6 to 8 years-old), two full Cub Packs (for children 8 to 10½ years-old and 2 full Scout Troops (for children 10½ to 14½ years-old). The Group also has a partnering agreement with a District Explorer Scout Unit (for children 14½ to 18 years-old). The group runs weekly meetings for each section during School Terms. Outdoor activities are organised throughout the school holidays. The group. participates in district and county camps and daytime trips and visits throughout the whole of the year.
Additional details of the objectives and activities (optional information but encouraged as best practise)
Scouting has been demonstrated to improve the life, skills and opportunities of its young members and its adult volunteers. This is reflected in its branding which states; ‘Skills for Life’ and Building Better Futures. This is the value the Group adds to our local community.
Public Benefit Statement .
The Group meets the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria under the both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship. Or community development criteria.
Page 4
Board of Trustees Annual report.
For the period: 1st of March 2024 to the 28th of February 2025.
Section D Achievements and Performance.
Summary of main achievements of the Charity during the year 2024 to 2025 .
Membership - Stalled Growth
The year was the first time in 10 years that our membership numbers did not grow, in fact we were down by 9 from the previous year. This indicated the fact that every section was at the maximum size that can safely and effectively managed by our volunteer teams. Nonetheless they continued to do exceptional work at both section level and behind the scenes.
At the end of the year our Group supported:
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42 Beavers in 2 Colonies
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56 Cubs in 2 Packs
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50 Scouts in 2 Troops
Key achievements and challenges
We continued to provide a full and challenging programme for all our members, as evidenced by 1577 badges being awarded across all sections. That included 23 Bronze, Silver and Gold awards – the top award in each section.
Thanks to our sound income stream we were able to continue supporting members who, because of financial difficulties, might otherwise miss out on scouting opportunities. We will continue to do this as long as we are able.
The Way We Work
In December 2024 the Scout Association launched a programme of changes to the way we work as adult volunteers. We no longer have roles called leaders, we have volunteers and lead volunteers – a change that is aimed at ensuring that everyone understands that we do what we do in our own time and for free - that change has not proved entirely popular.
Changes are designed to make the process of finding and integrating volunteers into the movement (known as the volunteer journey) simpler. The process is supported by a new online management system. That system has not been without its problems and our volunteers, particularly our lead volunteers, has found it very time-consuming
Financial Status
We benefit from income from three long-term renters. That income has, for some years, enabled us to maintain the building and to provide equipment. It ensures that funds raised from membership fees can be spent on providing resources and activities for each section. From January 2025 and in the future that income is reduced buy over 30% due to changed user patterns. That change has required us to focus on income generation alternatives and budget reviews; that work is ongoing but there are no immediate concerns.
Page 5
Board of Trustees Annual report.
For the period: 1st of March 2024 to the 28th of February 2025.
HQ Building
The Scout Association demands strict property management requirements. We are in a fairly strong position and we have a small team who carry out monthly health and safety checks and we employ contractors for any specialist repairs, and we now have a volunteer who can advise on statutory requirements and can appoint suitable contractors.
During 2025 we plan to install solar PV panels and a battery system and to install new heating in the main hall. That will reduce our energy costs and reduce heater noise so that volunteers can run meetings and keep warm at the same time.
Page 6
Board of Trustees Annual report.
For the period: 1st of March 2024 to the 28th of February 2025.
Section E Financial Review
Reserves policy.
The Group's policy on reserve is based on risk assessments and designed to quantify sufficient funds to continue the charitable activities of the Group should any income or fundraising activities fall short, or if there is a reduction of use of the Group’s HQ building. The process for establishing a minimum reserves target has been reviewed and recently agreed. By the Board of Trustees, a copy of the Reserves Policy is provided as an attachment.
Details of any fund material in deficit (circumstances plus steps to eliminate)
None
Further Financial Review details (optional information)
The Group does not have sufficient unallocated funds to place in longer term investments. The Group has therefore adopted a risk averse strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash only using mainstream banks or building societies. Income received by the Group is used to maintain and insure the HQ building and contents, to provide camping and other activity equipment and to provide consumable items including award badges, craft material and equipment for its weekly programme for members. Funds have been accumulated to enable us to future-proof the energy costs of the building whilst making it a more comfortable environment. The Group will seek financial grants to support that objective.
Page 7
Scouts Board of Trustees Annual report. For the period: 1st of March 2024 to the 28th of February 2025. 42nd Leicester IGlenfieldl Sectlon F Other optional information. Plans for future perlods. (detalls of any signlficant actlvlties planned to achieve them). Programmes for all Scouting Sections in 2025-2026 will continue to provide opportunities for several camps. day visits and incoming specialist subject presenters. Succession planning has enabled 2 older volunteers to hand-over operational roles to new, younger volunteers. Those older volunteers continue to work with the Group as Trustees, We will continue to engage in our duty to implement safeguarding programmes and to monitor its progress on the effectiveness throughout all layers of the Group. Section G Declaratlon Slgned on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Signature Full Name Leslie Anthony Withers Joanne Ellzabeth Rogerson Positlon Chalr Treasurer Dato 11-10-2c)2g Page 8
42nd Leicester (Glenfield) Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account IstlAaTch 2024 281h Feb 2025 Receipts and payments 202& Tolal fuftd• Tolal fund4 RKeipt8 Inm• &930 27.418 51 17fvSS 17A55 Legacles GiftA ¢I]erMirL7rne Sub total 27A69 Grnnts 207 207 22,424 326 1&283 22.7SO Bank intewt Pmperty Rent inccqne &735 21.735 21.73$ 71161 T2,181
42nd Leicester (Glenfield) Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account To 281h Feb 2025 Receipts and payments 202312¢ Tolal fundB Tolal funds 319 4319 6.683 .730 205 Adu£t¥UPkX)rtwMJ tr8¥ HQ Runnir& General Expen*s 216 1182 1fL IA73 14352 8ank Charw & fee8 Safety Inspeth$ HQ C8pital ProJeds Sub trtsl Fundraisifig •xpons85 Otherfur¥Jraising ¢xtsts Sub total 582 56m 76,014 76,014 56 76,014 4852 Cash funds lagtyearend 48331 52183
42nd Leicester (Glenfield) Scout Group Receipts and PaYts Account To statement of assets and liabilities at the end of.the year 2025 2023124 Totsl fund8 Total fund• Cash funds 48,331 Tax dw.rn Inveslnwnt assets Quoted inyeslm Sub total Badge stty 950 275 Motorvehides Scx)utiro equiwyrt fiJrrubnè Othar 34622 Sub tolal LiabFliti88 SbptiK t>tpaYj 7.714 T.7r4 823 7.T14
42nd Leicester (Glenfield) Scout Group Bank deposit account To 281h Feb 2026 Notes Tho above receipts and paymonts a¢countand stalement 90 by the Trustees thatapprov8d th• aecounts) and $ignod on tholr bohalf ty L/) Ch•lr 6) Treasurer
Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of 42nd Leicester (Glenfield) Scout Group I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 42. Leicester (Glenfield) Scout Group for the year ended 28th February, 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the 42nd Leicester (Glenfield) Scout Group you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 I'the Act"). nd I report in respect of my examination of the 42 Leicester {Glenfieldl Scout Group 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){bl of the Act. Independent examinerf5 Statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. l. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the 42nd Leicester (Glenfieldl Scout Group as required by section 130 if the Act; or 2. The accounts do not accord with those records I have no concerns and have come across no other matter 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 reach d Signed: Name: Kevan Charles Voce Retired member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales Address: 105 Station Road, Glenfield, Leicester. LE3 8GS Date:12th May, 2025
Scouts Financial Reserves Policy Reviewed.. March 2025 42nd Leicester (Glenfield) Next review date: March 2026 Purpose This policy sets out the considerations and controls for holding financial reserves in the 42nd Leicester {Glenfield) Scout Group (the Group). It is designed to ensure that the Group has financial resilience to continue to operate in the event of potential losses of income and it takes into consideration current and foreseeable extraordinary costs. The aim is to ensure that the Group is able to continue to fulfil its main purpose, that of providing Scouting activities to young people in the area and to meet its management obligations as defined by The Scout Association in the UK. Background The Group is a registered charity, it owns and maintains a significant headquarters building. Current membership fees are set at a level that is generally considered as high as practicable for a scout group but membership income covers around 75% of total running costs for the Group. The balance of required income is generated from commercial letting of the headquarters building under rolling contracts. The regulations covering the letting of Scout Association properties set a limit of 12 months per agreement longer term contracts require approval from the Association's board of trustees. Should any major capital projects such as HQ repairs or refurbishments be planned. then the Group depends on grants and donations for funding. Risks of unforeseen expenditure Whilst in the last 10 years. extensive refurbishments and repairs to the headquarters building have already been completed, it is always possible that unexpected major repairs could be required Additionally. increased commercial use of the building has increased the number and frequency of repairs required, it is necessary to address such repair needs promptly in order to safeguard both users and rentals income. Replacement of non-fixed assets and equipment are planned on annual budgets. Risks to Revenue Income Our current insurers will cover all loss of revenue from third party hirers should the HQ building become unusable. Other risks as a result of lower membership are considered to be manageable without reseNes. Policy Given the considerations defined above, and in-line with guidelines recommended by the Charities Commission. the Group's Board of Trustees has agreed a policy that is designed 42nd Leicester {Glenfield) Scout Groupcharity No. 503428 Page I
Scouts Financial Reserves Policy Reviewed: March 2025 42nd Leicester {Glenfieldl Next review date: March 2026 Provide emergency short-term funds to complete any unforeseen repairs to the HQ building, thus securing rental income. Secure alternative meeting accommodation for all scouting sections for a period of 12 months House and preseNe the Group s non-fixed assets Provide uninterrupted scouting activities to all sections should we lose the most significant third-party hirer. Sufficient time will be needed to establish an alternative source of revenue. The reserves amount is therefore calculated to provide- Risk from Loss of HQ. possibly by fire. Costs for renting altemative premises during loss of use of HQ building (12 months) 17500 Vehicle Repair Contingency £1.300 Hold for running at a deficit £5.000 Macro-economic risk £4.536 Premises Maintenance Contingency £io.000 Total £38.336 Reserves designed to enable major building projects will be additional to those above. Review This policy will be reviewed: In the event of any significant issue or need that requires funding. In March of each year upon completion and acceptance by the Board of Trustees of the Group s financial plan. This poli will be reviewed annually.. Agreed by the Board ees Signed: Group Chair Date.. Signed: Group Scout Leader Date: 42nd Leicester (Glenfield) Scout Groupcharity No. 503428 Page 2