Trustees' Annual Report
For the period
| From (start date) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Reference and administration details | ||||||||||||
| Charity name Other names the charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) HQ registration number Charity’s principal address |
1st Holmes Chapel Scout HCSG 5 0 6 0 9 3 |
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| Holmes Chapel Scout Building | |||||||||||||
| Parkway | |||||||||||||
| Holmes Chapel, Cheshire | |||||||||||||
| Postcode | C | W | 4 | 7 | B | A |
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)
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 |
Trustee Name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kate Brock | Secretary | 01/04/23-30/07/23 | |
| Katherine Horne | Secretary | 04/07/23-31/03/24 | |
| Rebecca Mallon | Treasurer | 01/04/23-01/11/23 | |
| Rebecca Hughes | Treasurer | 01/11/23-31/03/24 | |
| Alan MacDonald | Trustee | ||
| Anne Bishop | Chair | ||
| Joanne Gregory | Trustee / GSL | ||
| Julie Wall | Trustee | 01/04/23-30/07/23 | |
| Neil Bishop | Trustee |
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 (3rd December 2018)
| Section B | Structure, governance and management |
|---|---|
| Description of the charity’s trusts Additional governance issues (optional information but encouraged as best practice) How the charity is constituted The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. (e.g. trust, association, company) Trustee selection methods The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. (e.g. appointed by, elected by) Type of governing document The Group' governing documents are those of the 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. (e.g. trust deed, constitution) |
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| The Group' governing documents are those of the 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. |
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| The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. |
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| The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. |
| You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about: Policies and procedures adopted for: a) the induction and training of trustees; b) trustee' consideration of major risks and the systems and procedures to manage them |
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 Leaders, individual section leaders (if opted to take on the responsibility) and parent’s representation and meets every month. Members of the Executive Committee complete_'Essential_ _Information for Executive Committee'_training within the first 5 months of joining the committee. 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. |
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2 LT700001 (3rd December 2018)
| Section B | Structure, governance and management (continued) |
|---|---|
| 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. The Group 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. 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 or building hire. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from hiring the building, subscriptions and fundraising. The group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Committee could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, 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 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 4 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. Risk and Internal Controls The group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include 2 signatories for all payments and a comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered. |
3 LT700001 (3rd December 2018)
| Section C | Objectives and activities |
|---|---|
| Public benefit statement Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects |
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 |
| They learn by: Take part in activities indoors and outdoors Learn by doing and enjoy what they are doing Take responsibility and make choices Undertake new and challenging activities Make and live by their Promise Share in spiritual reflection |
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| 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. |
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| Section D | Achievements and performance |
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year |
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| Back to full scouting with activities within HQ and externally. Camps and events run for all sections, including overnights. |
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| Section E | Financial Review |
4 LT700001 (3rd December 2018)
Brief statement of the chariws policy on reserves Reserves Policy Ine rOup"S F)oiIGy on reserves Is 10 nola Su1cleI resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short, with a further provision for maintenance on the building. The Group Executive Committee considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 6 months running costs, circa £10.000. It is the continuing aim of the group to maintain sufficient funds in readily available accounts to meet short to medium term operational costs, including a reasonable provision for any possible major repairs needed to the HQ building as it becA)mes older and more mainlenance is required. Longer temi projecls are planned to improve facilites and specific fund raising activities are undertaken where necessary to meet the costs of these wth some grants available. Details of any fijnds materially in deficit (circumstances plus steps to eliminate) None - healthy reserves held Further financial review details (optional infomiation) You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about.. the charity's principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)., Investment Policy The Group has adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. Al funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies. Section F Other Optional Information Plans for future periods {details of any significant activities planned to achieve them) Other information is given on the attached reports from the Chairperson and Group Scout Leader (GSL) Section G Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees. report above Signed on behalf of the charitys twstees Signature{s) Full name(s) Rebecca Hughes Position {eg Secretary, Chair) Treasurer Date 5 LT700001 (3rd December 2018)
1[st] Holmes Chapel Scout Group
Group Scout Council
Annual General Meeting – Minutes 24/09/24
1.Welcome and introductions
Group Scout Leader Jo Gregory opened the AGM by welcoming parents, scout leaders and our scouts, cubs, beavers and squirrels. A special warm welcome was extended to our guests for the evening – Canon Rob McLaren.
2. Apologies and absence:
Apologies were received from Minister Anna Carrington, Mrs Fiona Gresty, Headteacher, Holmes Chapel Primary School and Mrs Helen Ross, Hermitage Primary School, Suzie Gregory, Anne Bishop and Neil Bishop.
3. Governance topics:
a) Approval of Minutes of the AGM held on 4[th] July 2023. Minutes from last year’s AGM were approved with no objections from the AGM attendees.
b) Adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR). Jo Gregory explained the Scout’s model constitution and proposed the adoption of the model constitution. The proposal received no objections, and the attendees were happy to accept the POR.
c) Confirm the Scout Group’s financial year. Jo Gregory confirmed the group's financial year runs from 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024.
d) Approve appointed and community members of the Group Scout Council. Jo confirmed that the Scout Group does not currently have any community members, just leaders of the groups and parents. Therefore, no community members to appoint.
e) Agree the number of members that may be appointed to the Trustee Board. The Scout Group currently have an adequate number of trustees and are not currently looking to
increase this number. There is however a vacancy for the position of Chair and any parents interested in the role should speak to a leader/trustee board for more information. Jo announced the retirement of Alan McDonald who announced that he is stepping down from his role after 16 years in the role. Special thanks to Alan!
f) Agree the quorum for the future meetings of the Group Scout Council – Proposal to set the quorum to 10 for future meetings. The AGM received no objections to this proposal.
4. Review of the previous year:
a) The Group Lead Volunteer’s review of Scouts in the Holmes Chapel Scout Group. Jo delivered the following update on the past year:
Time goes so fast when you're busy, and the whole Scout group has been so busy this year. The time has flown!
Scouting is about giving our young members skills for life, in a fun and engaging way. We are now in the privileged position of being able to start that journey at age 4, with our Squirrel Scouts.
All our sections have offered a wide variety of opportunities to our members over the last 12 months. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts have all offered multiple residential opportunities - from chill out times in our own hq, to Harry Potter experiences, participation in national air rifle shooting camps through to participation in the. Local District camp at Tattoo Park. At District camp everyone (even our Squirrels) got stuck into a wide range of adventurous activities, on land and water! Overnight activities are critical for allowing everyone to develop confidence and self-care skills and catapult Scouts through their award requirements!
Across the group, membership numbers have increased, from 108 last year, to 143 this year - but our waiting list still grows faster. We are also on the point of launching our second Squirrel Scout Drey in response to the favourable feedback.
We have also launched our ambitious project to celebrate the group's 100[th] anniversary in 2026. Our older members have been invited to visit the World Scout Centre at Kandersteg, Switzerland and will stop off at Disneyland Paris where we hope our younger members will join us!
All sections also give thought to our local communities with the expectation that we are all valuable local citizens. Thanks to local fire fighters, most sections have got to know about the fire service and fire safety (essential to an organisation so fixated on campfires!), but Beavers have raised money for the air ambulance but climbing the equivalent of helicopter hover distance on our climbing wall, all sections are seen poppy selling each year and we regularly make donations to local food banks.
None of this would be possible without our tremendous team of adult volunteers. Our core leadership team has expanded massively in this last 12months, but they are also supported
by our fantastic Scout Active Support Unit - a group of adults that help out on certain events and activities. Between our leaders and Scout Active Support members, we also have extra nights away permit holders, leaders with mountain biking permits, air rifle and archery permits and a good upcoming group of climbers! This all makes offering these activities easier.
Finally, we are thrilled to have had Awards for Merit presented this year to 3 of our adult leaders for their exceptional service. Anne and Neil Bishop have been involved in the group for several years in various roles but have been involved in Scouting in other areas over many years. Alan Jackson is currently one of our Scout Active Support Unit members and supports in climbing and air rifle training and activities. A massive congratulations to them, and a huge thank you to the whole team for your time and effort!
b) Receive and consider the Annual Report of the Group Trustee board, including the annual statement of the Accounts. The treasurer provided a summary of the annual statement of the accounts. Increased income for this year, however this was offset by an increased spend on building maintenance and security. The AGM attendees received and considered the annual report with no objections being made.
5. Making appointments:
No appointments to be made this AGM, treasurer is still in post at the time of the AGM however proposal to identify an alternative scrutineer/auditor to support the Treasurer to audit the annual statement of accounts.
5. Presentations:
A slide show was played to the AGM attendees to demonstrate the various activities the 1[st] Holmes Chapel Scout Group had been involved with including a celebration of those who had received awards over the last year.
6. Close + Thank you:
Jo Gregory closed the AGM with a final thank you to all those that have helped to make the last year such a success. Attendees were invited to join the group for drinks and sausages.
AGM Accounts Summary 2023/24
| 23/24 | 22/23 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income | |||
| Other Income | 16,480 | 13,881 | 2,599 |
| Subscription Income | 15,560 | 7,500 | 8,060 |
| Donations/Grants | 1,129 | 1,848 | -719 |
| Fundraising from Events | 2,835 | 2,499 | 336 |
| HMRC-Giftaid | 1,868 | 1,635 | 233 |
| Bank Interest Received | 1,148 | -250 | 1,398 |
| Total Net Income | 39,020 | 27,113 | |
| Expenses | |||
| Badge Shop/Uniform exps | 1,852 | 1,695 | 157 |
| Capitation due to the District | 7,794 | 5,668 | 2,126 |
| Group activities & Events | 3,365 | 1,018 | 2,347 |
| Bank Charges | 104 | 99 | 5 |
| GoCardless & SumUpCharges | 894 | 661 | 233 |
| HQ & Equipment | 22,417 | 15,935 | 6,482 |
| Capital purchases | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Net Expenses | 36,426 | 25,076 | |
| NETINCOME/EXPENDITURE(£) | 2,594 | 2,037 | |
| Reserves | |||
| Current account | 9,867 | ||
| Money Master account | 67,768 | ||
| Reserves Total | 77,635 |
Presented herewith are the accounts of 1[st] Holmes Chapel Scouts.
Prepared by treasurer Rebecca Hughes
1st Holmes Chapel Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account For the year from 1-Apr-23 To 31-Mar-24 Receipts and payments 2023124 2022123 Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds Receipts Donations, legacies and similar incorne Membership subscriptions 15.560 11,802 L8ss.'M8mbership subscriptions paid on INationaVCountylArealDisthctl (7.7941 IS,6681 Net metnbership sub5criptioNs retained 7,767 6,134 Donations 1.101 1,848 Legacies Gift Aid 1,868 1,635 Other 5irnilar Income Sub total 1on5 9.618 Grants Maintenenace grant Other grants Sub total Fundraising {grossl Group Fundraising 2.835 2.469 Contributs'ons io activities & camps 12.152 9,076 Kandersteg 2020 ITrip with other Scout Groups cdlecied the lundsl Other fundraising activits-es 11871 Sub total Investment income Bank interest 1,148 250 Building Society interest The Scout Asso¢iation Short Terni Inveslmenl Service Property Rent income 15.332 13,881 Other investment income Sub total 14131 Total Gmss Income 42302 3&107 Asset and investment sales. et¢. Total receipts 34107 1 LT70000211 sl January 20171
1st Holmes Chapel Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account For the year from 1-Apr-23 31-Mar-24 Receipts and payments 2023124 2022123 Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds PanentS Charitable Payments Youth programme and activities inc Camps 14828 9,013 Badges & Uniforms 1,963 1,5T7 Climbing Wall & Shooting range running Expenses 700 285 Minibus running expenses 2.365 1,200 HQ Expenses - Premise5 Light & Heat 6,959 6,551 Cleaning 3,866 3,566 Insurance 2.167 2,162 Water Rates 232 Telephonelbroadband 315 278 General rnaintenance Repairs & renewals- pmiseS 088 1,275 Repairs & renewals- equipment 735 193 HQ- Building works AGM and trustee expenses 80 Meeting and other operating expenses 285 260 Training costs 100 Bank charges- Go cardless 999 760 Sub total 27A54 Fundraising expenses Group Fundraising Detail 2 Detail 3 Other fundraising costs 667 Sub total Total Gmss Expenditure 2&121 Asset and investment purchases, etc. Movement In Debtors & Creditors 2,100 12.2881 17761 Total payments 3Q198 Net of receipts/(payments) Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end 4004 73.998 68,336 n.002 2 LT70000211 sl January 20171
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year 1-Apr-23 Unrestrlcted funds 31-Mar-24 Unrestrlcted funds Cash funds Bank current account 9.B67 7,119 Bank dep05(t account 67,768 66,620 Building society account The Scout Association Short Term Investmen¢ Servi CashlFloats 368 259 Total cash funds Other rnonetary assets Gift Aid Tax claim- 22123 1.700 1.867 Gift Aid Tax claim- prior years Debts due from the CountylArealDisbicVGroup Trade Debtors & Go Cardless monies 471 255 Sub total 111n 11122 Investment assets Inv8Stment property- detail Quoted investments other investtnenls- detail Sub total Non monetary assets for charitys own use Badge stock- nla Shop stock- nla Oth8r stock- nla Land and buil(Jings- acquired by donth.on (valuation for insurance) 425,764 425.764 Motor vehicle 1 se¢ond hand minibus & Van 18,100 18,100 Scouting equiprnent, furniture etc- value for insurance 40,818 40,818 Other WIFI system at HO & new front door Sub total 5.687 5,687 490.369 Liabilities Accounts not yet paid 3,598 1,094 Expenses incurred but not invoice(J Subscriptions not yet paid Kandersteg 2020- funds due to be paid out Sub total Contingent liabilities and future obligations The above receipts and payments accounl and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 24th September 2024 (the date of the Executive Committee meeting that approved the accounts) and signed on their behalf by nature Prinl Name Rebecca Hughes Treasurer 3 LT70000211 sl January 20171
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of 1" Holme8 Chapel Scout Group. (Charlty Number 506093) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 1" Holmes Chapel Scout Group forthe year ended 31" March 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charitytrustees of the 1" Holmes Chapel Scout Group you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the 1" Holmes Chapel Scout Group accounts carried out undeT section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out myexamination I have followed all the applicable Directions given bythe Charitycommission under section 145{5)(b) of theAct. Independent examiner's ststement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me causeto believethat in any material respect: 1. accountlng records were not kept in respect of the 1" Holmes Chapel Scout Group as required by section 130 of theAct: or 2. the accounts do not 8ccord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not complywith the applicable requirements concerningthe form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a'true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 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 orderto enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Name: Susan Rebecca Maiion ACMA Relevant professional quatification or membership of professional bodies (if any):Finance Director and member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Address.. 1 Long Croft Close, Holmes Chapel. CW4 7PU Date: 2610112025