Trustees' Annual Report
For the period
| Trustees' Annual Report For the period |
Trustees' Annual Report For the period |
Trustees' Annual Report For the period |
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| From (start date) 0 1 0 1 2 4 to end date 3 1 1 2 2 4 |
3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | ||
| Section A Reference and administration details |
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| Charity name Dorridge Scout Group Other names the charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) 5 0 3 5 2 5 HQ registration number 1 0 0 1 6 7 5 1 Charity’s principal address Dorridge Scout Hut Arden Drive Dorridge Postcode B 9 3 8 L P |
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| Dorridge Scout Hut | ||||||||
| Arden Drive | ||||||||
| Dorridge | ||||||||
| Postcode | B | 9 | 3 | 8 | L | P |
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)
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Dates acted if not for
Trustee Name Office (if any)
whole year
1 Derick Cottell Chair
2 Lawrence Fagg Treasurer To 11/04/2024
3 John Collins Treasurer From 12/04/2024
4 Jenny Buck Secretary
Group Lead Volunteer
5 Lesley Bilney
to 30/04/2024
Group Lead Volunteer
6 Sarah Long
from 01/05/2024
7 Lis Hedley
8 Simon Paulo
9 Vicky Mumford
10 Ellen Hickman
11 Lauren Vergo Assistant Treasurer From 23/05/2024
12
13
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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
1 LT700001 (14 September 2024)
Section B
Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Type of governing document The Group's governing documents are those of the The (e.g. trust deed, constitution) 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 (e.g. trust, association, company) The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. Trustee selection methods The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, (e.g. appointed by, elected by) Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
Additional governance issues (optional information but encouraged as best practice)
You may choose to include additional The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the information, where relevant, about: members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout a) Policies and procedures adopted for Group which is an educational charity. As charity trustees the induction and training of trustees; they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable b) Trustee' consideration of major risks to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper and the systems and procedures to accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as manage them. appropriate.
The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 8 Trustees (including 1 Ex Officio Trustee) and meets 4 times a 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.
2 LT700001 (14 September 2024)
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. 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 with only limited reliance on fundraising which is focused on specific projects or events. 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, 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 were 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 group would close completely.
Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 16. If there were 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 group would close completely.
The group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include 2 authorisations (signatories) for all payments.
3 LT700001 (14 September 2024)
| Section C Objectives and activities |
Section C Objectives and activities |
|---|---|
| Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document |
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. |
The Group runs Beaver, Cub and Scout units and has links with Attenborough Explorer Scouts in Knowle for members wishing to continue in Scouting. The units undertake a wide range of activities during weekly term-time meetings inside the hut, in the adjacent park and woods and at other locations. These include handicrafts, cooking, pioneering, games, wide games, treasure hunts, community projects,volunteering, orienteering, hikes, night exercises, first aid, camp skills, cooking, team challenges, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, dragon boating, climbing, skating, Summary of the main activities in relation bowling, laser-quest and dry slope skiing. We also run other to these objects activities including camps and expeditions outside the regular meetings.
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.
The Group is run entirely by volunteers who give many hours of their time to run the various units and plan the activities. We encourage inclusivity and have disabled facilities at our Scout Hut. We look favourably on any cases of financial hardship which might result in young people being unable to take part in all the activities of our units. Our members have been involved in the wider community, using their skill set and resources to help other charities and those in need e.g. homeless, blind and the elderly who live alone.
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.
4 LT700001 (14 September 2024)
Section D
Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of The Group’s numbers increased during the year as leaders the charity during the year and members were inspired by the enthusiasm of Sarah Long, the new Group Lead Volunteer, who took over from Lesley Bilney. Lesley had returned to the post on a short term basis when her successor left at short notice. At the end of the year there were 120 young members and 16 leaders spread across 6 units. The Big Help Out event allowed Scout Council members to take part in a thorough clean and tidy of the Scout Hut and led to the appointment of a regular cleaner. In addition to the usual camps and County events (Operation Chameleon, County Day, Night Hike and Sports Day) the Group took part in community events such as the St Georges Day parade, the Remembrance Day parade, a Christmas Carol service (with a collection of donations for the women’s refuge) and the Round Table Santa Run.
| Section E | Financial Review |
|---|---|
| Brief statement of the charity’s policy on | Reserves Policy |
| reserves | The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient reserves |
| to meet its fixed outgoings for a period should its regular | |
| Quantify and explain any designations | subs income cease due to circumstances beyond its control |
| (e.g. Covid). The Group Trustee Board considers that the | |
| group should hold a sum equivalent to 6 months fixed costs, | |
| circa £5K. | |
| This would allow time to fundraise, reduce costs, restore the | |
| subs income or in the worst case to combine or close the | |
| Group. | |
| Details of any funds materially in deficit | None |
| (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 main source of income is subscriptions, but we have undertaken some fundraising and made various successful grant applications. The Group has a relatively low income and has faced significant urgent capital expenditure. It has therefore historically adopted a risk averse strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds have been held in cash using a mainstream bank account. During the year the Group switched to a new on-line bank account. During 2024 the Group spent nearly £40K on replacing the existing flat roof on the Scout Hut, which had reached the end of its life and was leaking during heavy rain. This work included the installation of a modified drainage system to reduce the chance of future blockages. The work was funded by a Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) grant of £15K from the Council (SMBC), an Inclusive Communities Fund grant of £20K, and free-issue of flat roofing materials from the roofing company IKO under their ‘Fix that Hut’ scheme. The roof carries a 20 year guarantee. The Group has selected and used locally based contractors for all the work undertaken on the Scout Hut and has found them to be very willing to help the Group which they regard as a force for good in the local community. |
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5 LT700001 (14 September 2024)
ee Section F Other Optional Information
Plans for future periods (details of any significant activities planned to achieve them)
The Group has had a problem with graffiti on the Scout Hut and with young people climbing onto the roof. The very old CCTV system is no longer operational and the Group is hoping to install a new system to deter the individuals engaged in these activities.
The Group is also hoping to re-energise the Scout units which suffered a significant reduction in numbers (Scouts and leaders) post Covid. It is also looking for ways to integrate more closely with the local community.
ee Section G Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) | |
|---|---|
| Full name(s) | Derick Cottell Jenny Buck |
| Position (eg Secretary, Chair) | Chair Secretary |
| Date | 0 4 0 7 2 5 [LTtTtTtT) |
6 LT700001 (14 September 2024)
Dorridge Scout Group Receipts and payments account
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Year start date Year end date
For the year
01/01/2024 To 31/12/2024
from
Receipts and payments
2024 2023
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£ £
Receipts
Donations, legacies and similar income
Membership subscriptions 13,798 11,812
Less: Membership subscriptions paid on (National/County/Area/District) - 4,851 - 3,978
Donations 270 280
Badges Uniform etc - 62
Gift Aid 3,760 -
Other similar income - -
Sub total 12,977 8,176
Grants
Darwin Explorer Scout Contribution - 6,000
Other grants 20,000 15,000
Insurance claim - 7,500
Sub total 20,000 28,500
Fundraising events (gross)
Camps & Events 9,547 8,978
Troop Nights - 264
Fund Raising Events 546 337
Other fundraising activities - -
Sub total 10,093 9,580
Scout hut income
Hire of building - -
Hire of equipment - -
Other Scout hut income - -
Sub total - -
Investment income
Bank interest - -
Building Society interest - -
The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service - -
Other investment income - -
Sub total - -
Total Gross Income 43,070 46,256
Asset and investment sales, etc. - -
Total receipts 43,070 46,256
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Dorridge Scout Group Receipts and payments account
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Year start date Year end date
For the year
01/01/2024 To 31/12/2024
from
Receipts and payments
2024 2023
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£ £
Payments
Charitable Payments
Youth programme and activities 9,560 5,028
Adult support and training - -
Methodist Room Hire 1,060
Utilities (Elec / water / BB) 2,995 4,005
Grass Cutting and Cleaning 802 709
Insurance 1,762 1,722
Repairs and Renewals 37,621 52,329
Go Cardless, Accountancy 1,430 319
Badges and Uniforms 998 562
Contribution to camp costs - -
Activity Equipment 129 254
Bank Charges 77 78
Other costs detail 1 - -
Other costs detail 2 - -
Other costs detail 3 - -
Sub total 56,434 65,007
Fundraising expenses
Detail 1 - -
Detail 2 - -
Detail 3 - -
Other fundraising costs - -
Sub total - -
Total Gross Expenditure 56,434 65,007
Asset and investment purchases, etc. - -
Total payments 56,434 65,007
Net of receipts/(payments) - 13,363 - 18,750
Cash funds last year end 32,253 51,003
Cash funds this year end 18,890 32,253
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Dorridge Scout Group Receipts and payments account
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|---|---|---|
|Year start date|Year end date|
|For the year|
|01/01/2024|To|31/12/2024|
|from|
|Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year|
|2024|2023|
|Unrestricted funds|Unrestricted funds|
|£|£|
|Cash funds|
|Bank current account|19,830|32,253|
|Bank deposit account|-|-|
|Building society account|-|-|
|The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service|-|-|
|Cash/Floats|-|-|
|Total cash funds|19,830|32,253|
|(agree balances with receipts and payments account)|agreement error|ok|
|Other monetary assets|
|Tax claim|-|-|
|Debts due from the County/Area/District/Group|-|-|
|Insurance claim|-|-|
|Sub total|-|-|
|Investment assets|
|Investment property - detail|-|-|
|Quoted investments|-|-|
|Other investments - detail|-|-|
|Sub total|-|-|
|Non monetary assets for charity's own use|
|Badge stock|-|-|
|Shop stock|-|-|
|Other stock|-|-|
|Land and buildings|-|-|
|Motor vehicles|-|-|
|Scouting equipment, furniture etc|-|-|
|Other|-|-|
|Sub total|-|-|
|Liabilities|
|Accounts not yet paid|-|-|
|Expenses incurred but not invoiced (Methodist Hire from|
|- 940|-|
|Prior Years)|
|Subscriptions not yet paid|-|-|
|Loan - detail|-|-|
|Other liabilities|-|-|
|Sub total|- 940|-|
|Total net assets|18,890|32,253|
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The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 07/07/2025 (the date of the Trustee Board meeting that approved the accounts) and signed on their behalf by
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|---|---|
|Signature|Print Name|
|Derick Cottell Chair|
|John Collins Treasurer|
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LT700006- Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees (January 20241 England & Wales Template I: Unqualified report for a non-company charity preparing receipts and payments accounts with a gross income of £250,000 or less in the relevant f inancial year Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Dorridge Scout Group I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Dorridge Scout Group for the year ended 31 December 2024 Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Dorridge Scout Groupl you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'the Art'l. I report in respect of my examination of the Dorridge ScoLIt 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 14515llbl of the Act. Independent examiner's 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.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Dorridge Scout Group as required by section 130 of the Act. or the accounts do not accord with those records. 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. Signed: Name: HeLen Griffin Relevant professionaL qualification or membership of professionaL bodies lif any).. ACA - ICAEW Address: lay- 6LdtdDFo£i) 74ySWLJ£ 6-£L q J£ Date.. 7° JULY 2025