Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts 2021 – 2022 Registered charity no 504710 Scout Association registration no 14234 **Trustees’ Annual Report For the period** 1[st] April 2021 to 31[st] March 2022 ## **Section A – Reference and administration details** **Name of Charity** 237[th] Birmingham (1[st] Castle Bromwich) Scout Group **Registered Charity No** 504710 **Scout Association registration No** 14234 **Charity’s principal address** Scout HQ Brownsover Close Castle Bromwich Birmingham B36 9EF **Email:** info@237scouts.org.uk **Website:** www.237scouts.org.uk ## **Names of Trustees who manage the charity** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Dates acted if
Trustee Name Office (if any) not for whole
year
David Harry
Room Chair
Ian Yeomans Treasurer
Amanda Jane
Cardall Secretary
Simon Cardall Group Scout Leader
Paul Anthony
Brettell AGSL
Hayley Mann AGSL
Amelia Victoria
Connolly
Jeffrey Cross
Elaine Patricia
Chaplain
Lindsey Jane
Harverson
Keith Charles
Stock
Richard Hands
Robert Cattell
Derek Barnett
Anthony Barnett
Mark Bostock
Rachel Austin
Kate Taylor
David James
Willetts
Gary Lee Millward
Adrian Miles
Samantha Miles Page 2 of 9
237 [th] Birm ingham (1 [st] Castle Bromwich) Scout Group
Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts 2021-2022
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**Section B – 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 Scout Groups. The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. The Group is managed by the Group Executive Committee, 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 Committee consists of 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the Group Scout Leader, Assistant Group Scout Leader (x2), one section leaders and parents’ representatives. It meets every month, except August. Members of the Executive Committee complete _'Essential Information for Executive Committee'_ training within the first 5 months of joining the committee. They also complete safety and safeguarding and GDPR training. This Group Executive Committee exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for: The maintenance of Group property; The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance; The insurance of persons, property and equipment; Group public occasions; Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; Appointing any sub committees that may be required; Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected. ## **Risk and Internal Control** The Group Executive Committee 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** . We 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. We have sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss. **Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members, and claims for negligence etc** . The Group is covered by the Scout Association's national insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. Page **3** of **9** 237[th] Birmingham (1[st] Castle Bromwich) Scout Group Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts 2021-2022 **Reduced income from fund raising.** We rely on income from subscriptions and fundraising. We hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Executive Committee could also raise the value of subscriptions to increase our income on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently. **Reduction or loss of leaders.** We are 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. ## **Reduction of financial loss.** The group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include two signatories for all payments and a comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered. Equals cards have been introduced so that electronic transfer of funds can be made to section leaders instead of handling cash Page **4** of **9** 237[th] Birmingham (1[st] Castle Bromwich) Scout Group Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts 2021-2022 ## **Section C – 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. ## **Our Scout Group** We have nine, age specific sections, which meet at separate times in the week. (2 Beaver Colonies, 3 Cub Packs, 3 Scout Troops and an Explorer Unit). Each section runs a balanced programme consisting of weekly meetings, with team building games and training, outside activities and visits. The sections also run camps and weekends away. These are complemented by activities and camps run at Group, District, County and national level. We meet at our own, brick built, headquarters in Brownsover Close, Castle Bromwich. ## **Policies on grant making and investments** In general we do not make grants. We will occasionally support individual members with grants for specific expeditions. Each application is considered individually by the Group Executive Committee. The Group does not make investments. ## **Staf** The Group is run by volunteers. There are no paid staff. ## **Public benefit statement** The Charity meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings Page **5** of **9** 237[th] Birmingham (1[st] Castle Bromwich) Scout Group Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts 2021-2022 ## **Section D – Achievements and Performance** On the 17th March 2020, Covid 19 forced the suspension of face to face scouting. This continued throughout the whole of 2020-2021 apart from a brief period in the summer. During that period our leaders provided an on-line programme of activities, supported by activities run by National HQ, County and District. This programme received wide support from the young people and their parents In the annual census, held in January 2021, we recorded a fall in the number of youth members of 24%. This was consistent with the national picture. As Covid restrictions were progressively lifted during 2021-22, we were able to restart our face-to-face meetings with a resumption of a fuller range of activities towards the end of the year. As a result, our numbers have rebounded to levels close to those before the pandemic. This chart shows the numbers recorded on the Scout Association annual census, which is done at the end of January each year. **----- Start of picture text -----**
237 Birmingham Scout Group
350
300
Adults
250
Explorers
200 Scouts
Cubs
150
Beavers
100
50
0
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
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During the coming year it is expected that headcount will recover to pre-Covid levels. The normal influx of new members has refilled the Beaver sections to capacity and new members are being taken into other sections, where possible, whilst ensuring there is capacity for those moving up due to their age. This year (2022) celebrates the 90[th] year since the group was founded. A number of events are planned to celebrate the occasion. Most notably is our alliance with Severn Trent, Earth Watch and the Commonwealth Games in being custodians of one of the 72 Tiny Forests planted to celebrate the Games coming to Birmingham. Over 130 members of the group turned out to plant 600 trees in the open space to the rear of the HQ. It will be interesting to see it grow and develop in coming years. Every section has now either run an overnight event, or camp in the last year, ensuring our young people get back to the things we enjoy the most. Despite the restrictions the sections have continued to provide amazing programmes that have achieved a wide range of badges and have been successful in completing many of the top Chief Scouts Awards! The Group continues to support many of the District and County events in all sections. Page **6** of **9** 237[th] Birmingham (1[st] Castle Bromwich) Scout Group Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts 2021-2022 ## **Section E – Financial review** ## **Reserves Policy** Our policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short. We also hold reserves to cover specific future expenditure and to allow for unexpected repairs to the building. We held unrestricted reserves of approximately £58,000 against this at year end. This increase was due to the unexpected Covid grants available from the local authority. ## **Funds in deficit** There are no funds materially in deficit. ## **Review of 2021-2022** The Group usually raises funds through quarterly subscriptions and a programme of fundraising events. The Group claims Gift Aid on subscriptions where possible. The Group will apply for charitable grants to support specific projects. During lockdown, the Group reduced the level of subscriptions and was unable to run many of the fundraising events. Income was supplemented by a series of Covid grants received from the local authority. The Group's funds are used to maintain the Group headquarters and to maintain and periodically replace the minibuses and equipment. The funds also cover the national membership fee. They are normally used to support camps and activities undertaken by the members. The funds were used to cover essential costs and to maintain the Group Headquarters. We were also able to progress with planned improvements to the HQ in readiness for the return to face to face scouting. ## **Section F – Other information** ## **Future Plans** We are in the process of registering and finding adult leaders to open at least one section for “Squirrels”. This additional national section will provide activities for four- to six-yearolds. When resources permit, the Group intends to open a third Beaver Colony. Page **7** of **9** 237[th] Birmingham (1[st] Castle Bromwich) Scout Group Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts 2021-2022 ## **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)||Simon Cardall|||||||David Room| |Position(eg: Secretary,Chair)||Group Scout
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