Scouts
237th Birmingham
1st Castle Bromwich
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts
2024-2025
Registered charity no 504710
Scout Association registration no 14234

Trustees, Annual Report
For the period I" April 2024 to 31st March 2025
Section A- Reference and administration details
Name of Charity 237th Birmingham Il" 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
Address for correspondence
Paul BrettelL
Group Lead Volunteer
237 Birmingham Scout Group
Five Gables
SchooL Lane
Hopwas
Tamworth
Staffordshire
B78 3AD
Email: inf
Website: w
Page 2 of 13
237th Birmingharn Ild CastiÈ Bromwichl Scout Group
Trustees. Annual Report & Accounts 2024-2025

Names of Trustees who managed the charity in 2024-25
Trustee Name
Office (rf any)
Dates acted if not for
whole year
Laura-marie MiLlward
PhiLip Barrie Jackson
lan Yeomans
Paul Anthony BrettelL
Lewis James MiLlward
Mark Bostock
Richard Hands
Justine Whittaker
Lizzie O'DonneLI
Katie Millward
Group Lead VoLunteer
Chair
Treasurer
Group Lead VoLunteer12}
Youth Trustee
CompLiance
Maintenance
Finance
Fundraising
Fundraising
April- September 2024
January- March 2025
PHge 3 of 13
237- Birmingham Ilst Castle Bromwich) Scout Group
Trustses. Annual Report & Accounts 2024-2025

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 aLI Scout Groups.
The Group Scout Council consists of aLI parents. leaders and others as defined in the Group's
constitution. It meets once a year at the Annual General Meeting {AGM). It has no Tnjstee
responsibiLities.
The Group's constitution is based on guidance from the Scout Association and is formaLly adopted
by the Group Scout Council atthe AGM.
The Group is managed by the Group's Trustee Board. 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 Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy. Organisation and Rules of The Scout
Association and Charity Commission Guidance. They are appointed by the Group Scout Council at
the Annual GeneraL Meeting {AGM}
The Trustee Board consists of one ex-officio member, namely the group Lead Volunteer plus seven
appointed trustees, with one vacancy. Up to September 2024. the Board met every month. except
August but since then it has changed to bi-monthly meetings.
Members of the Trustee Board complete 'Essential Information for Executive Committee, training
within the first 5 months of joining the Board. They aLso complete safety and safeguarding and
GDPR training.
This Trustee Board exists to supportthe Group Lead VoLunteer in meeting the responsibiLities of
the appointments and is responsibLe for:
The maintenance of Group property.,
The management of the Group's funds..
The insurance of persons, property and equipment.
Assisting in the recruitment of Leaders and other adult support
Appointing any sub teams that may be required.
Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors. other than those who are elected.
Risk and Internal Control
The Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed, these
have been reviewed and systems have been estsbLished to mitigate against them. The main areas
of concern that have been identified are:
Damage to the building? property and equipment We receive requests for the use of buiLdings,
property and equipmentfrom neighbouring organisations such as local churches, community
groups and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocaL arrangements exist with these organisations. We
maintain 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
Page 4 of 13
23￿ Birmingham Il* Castle Bromwichl Scout Group
Trustses. Annual Report & Accounts 2024-2025

before aLI artivities. All leaders. trustees and other aduLts are vetted through the DBS process and
are trained in safety and safeguarding in Line with the requirements of the Scout Association.
Reduced income from fundraising. 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
Trustee Board could. and occasionalLy do. also raise the value of subscriptions to increase our
income on an ongoing basis, eithertemporarily or permanently.
Reduction or Loss of leaders. We are totally reliant on 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, 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 aLI young peopLe aged 4 to 18. If
there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the group as whole 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 Ioss.
The group has in place svstems of internal controLs that are designed to provide reasonable
assurance against material mismanagement or Loss, these incLude two signatories for alL payments
and 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 5 of13
237- Birmingham Il# Castle Bromwi¢hl Scout Group
Trustses. AnnuHI Report & Accounts 2024-2025

Section C - Objectives and activities
The Purpose of Scouting
Our purpose is 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 ourfaiths, 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
- tske 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 age specific sections. which meet at separate times in the week.11 Squirrel Drey, 2
Beaver Colonies. 3 Cub Packs and 3 Scout Troops). The Squirrel Drey is a reasonably new section
for 4-6 year oLds which opened in October 2022. In addition. there are two Explorer Units catering
for 14-18 year oLds, which meet at our headquarters and work closely with the Group.
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, DistricL 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 specrfic expeditions. Each application is considered individually by the Trustee Board.
The Group does not make investments.
Stsff
The Group is run by voLunteers. There are no paid stsff.
Public benefft ststement
The Trustees confirm that 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.
Page 6 of 13
237° BiTmiThgham Ilrt Castle Brornwichl Scout Group
Trustees, Annual Report & Accounts 2024-2025

Section D - Achievements and Performance
WhiLst we remain the Largest group within the Spitfire District and are proud to have this status,
our overaLI numbers have reduced, which for some sections can be accounted for through
movements of our people across the sections.
The below chart shows the numbers recorded on the Scout Association annual census, which is
compLeted at the end of January each year and refLerts the chaLLenges we face as our adult
voLunteer numbers have dropped. This appears to be a generaL trend amongst voluntary
organisation5 at this time.
We have also seen a drop in numbers for the SquirreL and Cub sertion, which can be accounted for
due to the constraints placed upon us in respect of the ratio of AduLt Volunteers to young peopLe.
The good news is that we have approximately 24 on the waiting list for SquirreLs and the Cubs stiLL
have an average of more than 20 per section.
Although Explorers are officiaLly part of District Scouting, in line with previous years. our numbers
continue include Explorer Scouts114-18yr olds) and their leaders which meet at the Group HQ.
350 r""""""
237 Blrmlngh•m Scout Group
explorerJ
Iso
Beavers
•5qulir•15
io)
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
20
2019
2020
2021
2021
2023
2024
2025
We have continued to make improvements to our Headquarters during the year. mainly through the
efforts of our volunteers and fantastic maintenance support team. Upgrades have been made to the
toilet facilities; minor groundworks and a falLen tree removed in the rear garden area. new camping
equipment purchased, with oLder equipment donated to Less fortunate groups within our District
We also do our bestto support the community in CastLe Bromwich. ALL our sections have carried out
Litter picks and once again attended the Parish Remembrance Parade.
Page 7 tsf 13
23P Bsrrningham I1￿ Casde Bromwich) Stout Group
Trustees. Annual Report & Accounts 2024-2025

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 atLow for unexperted repairs to the building.
We held unrestricted reserves of approximateLy £82.314 against this at year end.
Funds in deficit
There are no funds materially in deficit.
Review of 2024-2025
The Group raises funds through quarterLy subscriptions and a programme of fundraising events. The
Group claims Gift Aid on subscriptions and donations where possibLe. The Group will apply for
charitabLe grants to support specific projects.
The Group had receipts of £49,662 net of Scout Association membership fee (Capitation).
The Group had expenditure of £42.464 leaving a surplus in the year of £7.198. There are no
outstsnding liabiLities.
The Group's funds are used to maintain the Group headquarters and to maintsin and periodicaLIy
repLace the minibuses and equipment. The funds are also used to support camps and activities
undertaken by the members and to cover the nationaL membership fee.
The accounts and the Examiner's statement are appended to this reporL
Section F - Other information
Future Plans
When leader resources permit we WILL Look to open a second Squirrel Drey. We look to continue
growing the group across all sections with both the recruitment of the Young PeopLe and Adult
Volunteers.
We have started to restructure our leadership teams in line with guidance *rom the Scout
Association and whilst this remains a challenge. we are making good progress that enables us to
provide fantsstic scouting to the young people within the group.
Page 8 of 13
237th Bim)inghÈm I1￿ Castle Brornwèchl Scout Group
Trustees, Annu8l Report & Accounts 2024-2025

Section G - DecLaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report
above
Signed on behaLf of the charity's trustees
Signature{sl
FULI namelsl
Laura-marie MiLlward
PhiLip Barrie Jackson
Group Lead
Volunteer
Position
Chair
Date
Page 9 of 13
237th Birmingham Il# Castle 8rornwithl Scout Group
Trusiee5' Annual Report & Accounts 2024.2025

Charity Name
237 Castle Bromwich Scout Group
Receipts and payments accounts
No (if any)
Period start
date
0110412024
Period end
date
311312025
For the period from
To
Section A Receipts and
payments
Restricted
funds
Totsl
funds
Unrestricted funds
Last year
to the nearest £
to the
nearest £
to the
nearest £
to the
nearest £
Receipts
Membership Subscriptions
less Capitations paid on
Net Subscriptions
GiftAid
29312.50
29.313
11.832
17.481
6,580
2,140
268
29109
11832.00
11178
17480.50
17931
6580.49
6816
Donations
2139.93
4641
Other Income
267.85
170
Funds Match
120.26
120
Fund Raising
Covid Grants
4517.66
4,518
6325
0.00
Jamboree
0.00
Explorers Camp
Solar
0.00
-127
2371.01
2,371
2489
BuiLding
CampslActivities
Sub total
0.00
14683.24
14,683
48.161
12789
51034
48160.94
Bank Interest
1501.07
1,501
521
Total receipts
49,662.01
49.662
51556
Payments
CampslAcLivities
Training
Utilities
20325.94
20.326
310
16753
310.00
5093.59
5.094
1.262
5,104
4.999
1.618
3.041
712
5588
Van Costs
1261.80
3304
Insurances
5103.50
5612
Repairs & Maintenance
Uniforms & Badges
Equipment
Misc
4999.19
6668
1617.81
2486
3040.72
3462
711.72
532
Overseas Trip
BuiLding
0.00
Total payments
42464.27
42.464
44406
Page 10 of 13
237th Birmingham Il•t Castle Brotnwichl Scout Group
Trustees, Annual Report & Accounts 2024-2025

Net of ￿ceIpts/(payMentsj
Transfers between funds
7197.74
7,198
7150
Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
75117
7,135
82.252
82314.24
7,135
89.449
Section B Statement of assets
nd Liabilities at the end of
he period
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted Totsl
funds
Funds
Categories
Detsils
to nearest to
nearest £
Cash funds
Bank Current
Account
Bank Deposit
Account
32 Day Notice
Account
Fixed Notice Account
15598.20
7,135
22,733
23804.77
23.805
20777.14
20,777
20690.41
20.690
1,444
EquaLs Cardlcash
Total cash/Equals
funds
1443.72
82314.24
7.135
89,449
(agree balances with
receipts and
payments accountlsll OK
OK
Current value
Current
value
Details
Other monetsry assets
Details
Investment assets
Current value
Current
value
Total
Details
Land & Buildings
Motor VehicLes
Assets retained for the
charity's own use
152,480
20.000
10.500
35,000
7.000
224,980
152.480
20,000
10,500
35,000
7.000
224.980
TraiLer/SoLar PaneLs
Scouting Equipment
Furniture & Fittings
TotsL
Total Assets
307,294
7.135
314,429
Pa9e 11 of13
237" Birmingham Il* Castle Bromwich) sC￿rt Group
TTUStees' Annual Report & Att¢)unts 2024-2025

Amount
due
When
due
Details
Liabilities
Signed by one or two trustees
on behalf of all the trustees
Date of
approval
Signature
Print Name
-4ScLr
Page 12of 13
237￿ Birfningham Il# Ca5tLe 8rornwi¢hl Scout Group
Trustees. Annual Report & Accounts 2024-2025

M. LAWRENCE & CO.
ICAEW
CHARTERED
ACCOUNTANTS
CHARTERED ACCOLl￿T￿lT5
? I I Stlltion R()ad
.%icLhlc)rd
Birniingh&m B.118RB
Telephone ()] tyl 784 fj 121
Em*il'. admin@mlaw'rcnLe.nrg.uk
237 CASTLE BROMWICH SCOUTC.RnlJP
CASTLE BROMWICH BIRMINGHAM
I have exumin¢d ihv Account8. Siatem¢nls and Tn&oi¢c% .%ubmitr¢d io m¢. und hav¢
tound somc min(IT diff¢r¢ncc%. but th¢y are No insigtiifiLuni thai IhLy do nL)t rL'quire
any adjusimLnlN i() IhL ￿¢OunLx of th¢ 2.37 C'.&%ilc Bn)n)wich ScDul Cyruup for thc
pcri(xJ 01104124 LO 31103Q5.
Signed ...
Fl Lgwrcnce A.C.A.
Dale .
A. Lawr•rKo LIB Dlp IP H. Lawr•n¢• ACA
Cty.a..loiod Accoknnlanl
S. Icjwrence ACCA
Page 13 of 13
23P Bimiingham Il* Castte Bromwich) Scotst Gioup
Trustees. AnnuaLReport &Accounts 2024-2025