OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

← Greater Manchester West County Scout Council

2025-03-31-accounts

Annual Report 2025

County Chair’s Welcome

Welcome to my first Annual Report as your County Chair. I am privileged to be supported by so members of the County who, as volunteers in Scouts, are proud to help young people step up, speak up, dream big and gain the skills they need for life.

Thanks to you, young people find their place in the world, learn to believe in themselves, and make a difference to their communities and society. No matter which team you are in, your time and skills help young people gain skills for life.

By working together, and living our values of integrity, respect, care, belief and cooperation, our aim is to have a positive, safe, and rewarding experience as volunteers. That means that as volunteers we should all think carefully about the impact of our words and actions and behave as role models for our young people.

The Trustee Board is a team of volunteers who work together, as charity trustees, to make sure Scouts is run safely and legally. All Trustees are equally responsible and work together.

Thank you to all our volunteers in the County who have continued to deliver Scouting to young people over the past year.

My thanks to Jacob, Sue Ralph, and all members of the Trustee Board for the contribution and support you give me, the County Team, and to everybody in the County who freely give their time for the benefit of young people. I could not do my role without that contribution and support.

Finally, let us not forget those who after many years of service to Scouting in Greater Manchester West, have sadly ‘Gone Home.’

Graham Barrick

County Chair

County Silver Wolf Holders

Mrs Jacqui Aspinall MBE Mr Kenneth Ince MBE Mr Stanley Atkins Mrs Sheila Ince MBE Mr Graham Barrick Mr Roger Kettle Mr John Bilsborough Mr Chris Knowles Mr Norman Brown BEM Mr Keith Lang Mr Keith Chadbourne Mr David Maltby Mr Robert Cole Mr Peter Marsh Mr David Copeland Mr Martin Maynard Mrs Pamela Copeland Mr Brian Mouat Mrs Sylvia Cornish Mr Harry Peet Mrs Vera Crossley Mr Steve Ralph MBE JP Mr Gerard Davies Mrs Adela Ramsbottom Mr Hugh Davies Mr Phil Rigby Mrs Iris Emery Mrs Ann Salt MBE Mr Allan Foster Mr George Sharp Mr Jim Field Mr Geoff Sides Mrs Christine Gleaves Mrs Joan Smith Mr Kevin Green Mrs Judith Summersgill Mr Peter Hart MBE Mr Alex Waddington Mr Bob Haynes Mr Paul Wilkinson Mr Alan Hayton Mr Haydn Worrall Mrs Joan Hayton

County Team

At 31st March 2025

County President

Mrs Diane Hawkins JP LLB His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester

Vice Presidents

Mr Geoff Sides Mrs Vera Crossley Colonel Sir John Timmins KCVO, OBE, TD Sir Warren Smith KCVO, KStJ, JP

Regional Lead Volunteer

County Lead Volunteer

County Youth Lead

County Chair

County Treasurer

Mr Brendan Booth

Mr Jacob Bond

Miss Ellena Wood Mr Graham Barrick Mr Roger Kettle

County Leadership Team

County Lead Volunteer County Youth Lead Programme Team Leader (Delivery) Programme Team Leader (Adventure) Volunteering Development Team Leader Support Team Leader (Development) Support Team Leader (Operations)

Safer Scouting Advisers

Youth Team Members

Mr Jacob Bond Miss Ellena Wood Mr Tom Dutton Mr Chris Starkie Mrs Gemma Higson Vacant Mr Greg Archer

Mr Scott Lawson (Safety)

Miss Liv Duncan Mr Joe Westhead Miss Issy Brett

Programme Delivery Team

Team Leader Team Member - Squirrels Team Member - Beavers Team Member - Cubs Team Member - Scouts Team Member - Explorers Team Member – Network

Mr Tom Dutton Vacant Mrs Emma Spragg Miss Siobhan Mullen Vacant Mr James Turner Miss Jess Hill

Top Awards Sub-Team Sub-Team Leader Sub-Team Member

Goodwood Sub-Team Sub-Team Leader Sub-Team Member

Programme Adventure Team Team Leader

Mr Steve Ralph, MBE JP (KSA Lead) Mrs Debbie Pullen (Duke of Edinburgh)

Mr Nick Anderson Mr Michael Reid

Mr Chris Starkie

Activities Sub-Team

Sub-Team Leader (MAPS) Archery Assessor Water Activities Assessor Hillwalking Assessors

Mr Chris Starkie Mr Dave Finch Mr Michael McCarthy Mr Steve Ralph MBE JP Mr David Smith

International Sub-Team

Sub-Team Leader (VA Recommender) Visits Abroad Approver (Lead Volunteer)

Nights Away Sub-Team Sub Team Leader Nights Away Assessor – Greenfield Nights Away Assessor – Greenfield Nights Away Assessor – LW Expedition

Mr Jeff Picton Mr Jacob Bond

Vacant Mr Keith Morris Mr Steve Ralph MBE JP Mr Jeff Picton

Volunteering Development Team

Team Leader

Awards Sub-Team Sub-Team Leader

Learning Sub-Team Sub-Team Leader Learning Trainers and Assessors

First Response Trainers

Mrs Gemma Higson

Mrs Jacqui Aspinall MBE

Mrs Gemma Higson Mr Greg Archer Mr Jacob Bond Mrs Gemma Higson Mr Jeff Picton Mrs Jane Riley Mr Chris Starkie Mr JP Yates

Mr Chris Hayes Mrs Gemma Higson Mrs Lindsay Johnston Mrs Jane Riley

Welcome Sub-Team

Sub Team Members

Mr Andy Atherall Mr Lewis Foster Mr Pete Marsh Mrs Penny Rothwell Mason

Development Support Team

Team Leader

Communications Sub-Team Sub-Team Leader Sub-Team Members

Vacant

Mrs Hayley Mullen Mr Lewis Foster Mrs Michele Millington

Inclusion Sub-Team

Sub-Team Leader

Local Growth Officers (shared with GMN/GME)

Mr Tony Staunton-Unsworth

Ms Adele Lynch Ms Beth Powney

Operations Support Team

Team Leader

Bispham Hall Scout Estate Sub-Team Sub-Team Leaders

Dunham Park Scout Camp Sub-Team Sub-Team Leader

Hollinwood Scout Camp Sub-Team Sub-Team Leaders

Mr Greg Archer

Mr Chris Hayes Mr Martin Shaw

Mr David Hughes

Mr Ste Butterworth Mr Mike Dunn

District Lead Volunteers

Altrincham Ellesmere Lilford Lowry Sale Stretford Urmston Wigan

Mr Kenneth Williams Mr Jacob Bond Mrs Jane Riley Mr Ryan Swailes Mr Andy Atherall Mr Matt Osborne Mr Bob Wilson Mr Jeff Picton

2024 AGM Minutes

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Greater Manchester West County Scout Council held 7.30 pm on Wednesday 18[th] September 2024 at Stretford Public Hall, Chester Road, Stretford

Present

Mrs Diane Hawkins JP LLB His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, County President Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Amy Whyte Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Debbie Parkinson Miss Sue Leonard, County Chair Mr Jacob Bond, Acting County Lead Volunteer, Ellesmere District Lead Volunteer Mr Roger Kettle, County Treasurer Mrs Jean Archer, County Secretary Mr James Turner, County Youth Lead, Programme Team Member Explorers Mr Greg Archer, County Support Team Leader Operations, County Appointments Secretary Mr Ryan Swailes, County Trustee Board member, Lowry District Lead Volunteer Mrs Gemma Higson, Development Team Leader Mr Steve Ralph MBE JP, KS Coordinator, Lilford District Lead Volunteer, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Matt Osborne, Stretford District Lead Volunteer Mr David Maltby, Stretford District Chair, Silver Wolf Holder Miss Eve Gerrard, Stretford District Youth Lead Mr Brian Thorpe, Stretford District Treasurer Mrs Pat Whaites, Stretford District Secretary Mr Jeff Picton, International Sub-Team Leader, Wigan District Lead Volunteer Mrs Ann Salt, CSAS member, Silver Wolf Holder Mrs Jacqui Aspinall MBE, County Assistant Appointment Secretary, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Geoff Sides, County Vice President, Silver Wolf Holder Mrs Adela Ramsbottom, Silver Wolf Holder Mrs Pamela Copeland, Lilford District Admin Support, Silver Wolf Holder Mr David Copeland, County Trustee Board member, Lilford District Chair, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Alex Waddington, Silver Wolf Holder Mrs Iris Emery, County Trustee Board member, Altrincham District Secretary, Silver Wolf Holder Mrs Jane Ford, County Scout Council member Altrincham District Mr David Hughes, Campsite Manager Dunham Park Scout Camp Mr Tom Dutton, County Team Leader Programme Mrs Joan Smith, Wigan District Treasurer Mr Andy Connellan, County Nights Away Adviser Mr Ste Butterworth, Campsite Manager Hollinwood Scout Camp Mrs Joan Hayton, CSAS member, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Alan Hayton, Asst. Camp Warden, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Andrew Scialpi-Sullivan, Award Holder Ellesmere District Mr Andy Atherall, Sale District Lead Volunteer Mr Chris Varley, F.C.A. Cedar Solutions (Management) Ltd - Account Examiners Mr Dave Marsden, CSAS member Mr Ged Davies, Wigan District Chair, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Lewis Foster, County Trustee Board member, CSAS member Mr Phil Rigby, CSAS member

Mr Simon Gould, Altrincham District Chair Mr Richard Gould, Altrincham District Mr Mike Dunn, Campsite Manager Hollinwood Scout Camp Mr Ken Williams, Altrincham District Lead Volunteer Miss Isabel Brett, Urmston District Youth Lead Mrs Sophie Rothwell Mason, CSC member Lilford District Mrs Christine Gleaves, Silver Wolf Holder Mrs Deborah Forrest, Award Holder Ellesmere District Mr Darren Melling, Ellesmere District Treasurer Mr Mike Harding, Sale District Treasurer, CSC member Miss Ellena Wood, County Youth Lead Miss Jessica Hill, Programme Team Member Network Mr Ian Merrick, Campsite Chair Dunham Park Scout Camp

Mr Emmett Peacock, Ellesmere District Youth Lead

Mrs Sue Ralph, County Administrator (Minutes) plus 26 other scouters and friends signed the attendance register.

Apologies -

Sir Warren Smith KCVO, KStJ, JP County Vice President Ceremonial Mayor of Salford Councillor Tanya Burch Mrs Vera Crossley, County Vice President, Silver Wolf Holder

Mr Graham Barrick, County Appointments Chair, District Chair Urmston, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Bob Cole, Silver Wolf Holder

Mr John Paul Yates, County Trainer Mrs Catherine Bower, Girlguiding Manchester Mr Phil Horton, Greater Manchester East Scouts Mr Bob Wilson, Urmston District Lead Volunteer Mrs Sylvia Cornish, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Chris Starkie, Programme Team Leader Adventure, County Nights Away Adviser Mrs Judith Summersgill, Campsite Secretary Dunham Park Scout Camp, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Tony Staunton-Unsworth, Inclusion Sub-Team Leader Mrs Debbie Pullen, County DofE Adviser Mr Haydn Worrall, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Tony Pickering, Award Holder Urmston District Mr Hugh Davies, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Keith Lang, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Bob Haynes, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Andrew Egerton, CSAS member Mr Paul Wilson, Lowry District Chair Mr Keith Morris, County Nights Away Adviser Mr Andrew McDonnell, Campsite Treasurer Dunham Park Scout Camp Mr Ian McGeough, Sale District Chair Mr Allan Hardy, Award Holder, CSAS member Mr John Bilsborough, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Norman Brown, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Steve Moss, CSC member Ellesmere District Mr Stephen Morrell, County Training Adviser Mr Martin Maynard, Silver Wolf Holder

Mr Peter Hart, Silver Wolf Holder

Mrs Barbara Spear, Award Holder Urmston District

Mr Joe Westhead, Deputy County Youth Lead, CSAS member

Mrs Lizz Farr, County Lead Volunteer GMN

Mr Simon Field, Urmston District

Mr George Sharp, Silver Wolf Holder

Mr Mike Reid, Stretford District

Mr David Finch, Programme Team Member Cub Scouts Miss Karen Salisbury, Ellesmere District

Health and Safety, Domestic Notice - Matt Osborne, Stretford District Lead Volunteer.

Opening Thought by Millie Ainsworth, Shackleton ESU member

1/24 Introduction and Welcome

Having started her own Scouting journey, helping with the cub section at 4[th] Hale, Altrincham, as part of her Queen’s Guide service, she had never looked back and could not recommend Scouting and Guiding highly enough. Young people gain so much from being involved, including skills, self-reliance, and responsibility. It also stands young people in good stead as they go through life, and employers look favourably on those who have achieved their King’s Scout Award, or other top awards, realising their skill set and recognising what an asset they will be to their respective business or company.

In conclusion Mrs Hawkins congratulated and thanked all the volunteers, helping generations of young people to benefit so much from what Scouting has to offer, and she looked forward to her continued association with GMW Scouts.

2/24: Apologies for Absence

The County Chair noted that there were 39 apologies received (as listed).

3/24: Governance Topics

a) Approval of the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held Tuesday 27[th] September 2023

The County Chair proposed that the minutes, as previously circulated and reviewed by the County Trustee Board on Monday 20[th] November 2023, are taken as read and for the County Scout Council to agree they are a true record of that meeting.

Seconded by David Copeland.

Show of hands - Approved.

a) To re-adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules.

The County Chair proposed that we continue with the recommendation to adopt the model Constitution from Chapter 5 of POR as approved at the Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 27[th] June 2023.

Seconded by Greg Archer.

Show of hands – Approved.

b) To note the County’s Financial Year

Members of the County Scout Council were asked to note that our Charity’s financial year runs from 1[st] April to 31[st] March.

c) To approve appointed members who may be admitted to the membership

of the County Scout Council.

No requests have been received to admit additional supporters or community members to the Trustee Board.

d) To agree the number of people that may be elected to the Trustee Board

The County Chair proposed that we continue with the recommendation agreed by the County Scout Council at the AGM held on Wed 27[th] September 2023, that 6 people can be elected to the Trustee Board.

Seconded by Jane Ford.

Show of hands – Approved.

e) Agree Quorums for meetings of the County Scout Council, including Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. The County Scout Council agreed at the AGM held on Wed 27[th ] September 2023 that the Quorum for the County Scout Council

meetings, including the AGM and EGM’s to be 30 members.

The County Chair proposed to continue with that recommendation.

Seconded by Ste Butterworth.

Show of hands – Approved.

4/24: Review of the previous year

Congratulations were given to Sam Foster for being awarded the King’s Coronation Medal for his support at the Coronation of King Charles III in May 2023.

The Under-Represented Communities (UCF) Fund supported GMW Scouts to work with two Local Growth Officers, employed to support volunteers in growing Scouting in areas of deprivation. The County Trustee Board contributed funding towards the project, and Jacob thanked them for their support in ensuring inclusive growth across the County.

Lots of County events, something for every section, had taken place over the reporting year, and Jacob thanked all those involved in the planning and running of these events.

There had been an increase in ‘good service awards’ presented to volunteers. The local awards advisory groups were thanked for taking time to recognise the achievements of good and exceptional levels of service from our volunteers. Special thanks to Jacqui Aspinall for all her hard work, both at County and District level.

Revised training was on offer including, more skill-based courses, more opportunities for first aid and a reduction in mandatory training noncompliance, to below 2 percent. Thanks were given to Gemma Higson, Local Training Managers, District Lead Volunteers, and everyone else involved in training.

Jacob pointed out that a huge amount of dedication and hard work goes into running the campsites, and as can be seen in the campsite reports they have been faced with many challenges along the way. Jacob thanked all the campsite service teams who do an amazing job.

Speaking of the future - a new membership system, refreshed learning, a new welcome and a simpler more team-based approach to volunteering

to help recruit and retain more volunteers. Jacob encouraged all scout groups to think about introducing Squirrel Drey’s which had proved a brilliant tool for volunteer growth across all sections in a group.

The new County Leadership Team, supported by our new County Chair and Trustee Board will begin to shape what Scouting in GMW will look like in the future taking on board the changes to volunteer experience and the new National strategy being launched early in 2025.

Jacob felt there was a bright future ahead, and it was exciting to be part of an organisation, a movement which contributes so greatly to the lives of young people across Salford, Trafford, and Wigan. He gave huge thanks to everyone on behalf of himself and the County Leadership Team.

The County Chair thanked Jacob for his review.

The Annual Report included two pages of the accounts, relevant to the meeting, and the full accounts, consisting of 48 pages had been circulated, and would also be available on-line. Roger thanked Chris Varley for his help in completing the accounts.

The International account shown as ‘restricted funds’ is only a holding/handling account for those going on expeditions. At present the account is inactive.

Roger gave thanks to the District and Campsite Treasurers for the work they do.

5/24: Appointments

a) Appointment of the County Chair, following recommendations from the open selection process initiated by the Trustee Board

Jacob explained the open selection process, agreed by the Trustee Board, and the recommendation to the County Scout Council is that Graham Barrick should be appointed as County Chair.

Show of hands – Approved.

b) To appoint the County Treasurer, following recommendations from the open selection process initiated by the Trustee Board

The County Chair stated that the recommendation to the County Scout Council is that Roger Kettle should be appointed as County Treasurer.

Show of hands – Approved.

c) Appointment of members to the County Trustee Board following recommendations from the open selection process initiated by the Trustee Board

The County Chair stated that the recommendation to the County Scout Council is that the following people should be appointed, for a three-year period, as members of the County Trustee Board; these are in addition to those appointed in 2023.

David Copeland Iris Emery Richard Gould

Show of hands - Approved.

Thanks were given to the trustees for their hard work during the year, and to Jean and James for their time on the Trustee Board.

d) Appoint County President and Vice Presidents

The County Chair announced that His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mrs Diane Hawkins, has been proposed to continue

as County President, and Sir Warren Smith, Col Sir John Timmins, Mrs Vera Crossley, and Mr Geoff Sides to continue as Vice Presidents.

Show of hands – Approved.

e) To appoint the Independent Examiner/Auditor

The County Treasurer proposed that Chris Varley from Cedar Solutions continue as Account Examiner.

Seconded by Gemma Higson.

The County Chair noted that Chris Varley has been proposed and seconded and is qualified for the role.

Show of hands – Approved.

f) To elect representatives of the County Scout Council to represent the County on the Council of The Scout Association

The County Chair outlined that the nominated member serves for three years, unless another is nominated in the member’s place, and the 18-24 representative serves for three years, unless another representative is nominated in their place, or until the date of the annual census following the representative’s 25[th] birthday and the nominations were Steve Ralph, and, for the 18-24 member, Jess Hill.

Seconded by Andy Connellan

Show of hands – Approved.

This concluded the formal business.

6/24: Member Recognition

Jacob had pleasure in presenting the following: -

Wood Badge – Matt Osborne Wood Badge – Ryan Swailes Service Award 5 years – Tom Dutton Service Award 25 years – Ste Butterworth Service Award 30 years – Greg Archer Service Award 50 years – Roger Kettle

The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, County President Mrs Diane Hawkins, was asked to step forward to present the following: -

Chief Scout’s Meritorious Conduct Award – Freddy Higson (Youth Member)

King’s Scout Award - Jessica Hill

Jacob then presented Jean Archer with flowers in appreciation of her time as County Secretary and Trustee Board member.

James Turner was thanked and presented with gift for his time as County Youth Lead and Trustee Board member.

Susan Leonard was presented with flowers in appreciation of her time as County Chair.

This was followed by a presentation on the ‘Roverway’ Moot Norway 2024.

Jacob thanked the Roverway Patrol for their presentation and everyone for attending, reiterating thanks to Stretford District.

Trustees Annual Report

for the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025

Greater Manchester West County Scout Council

Charity Name: Greater Manchester West County Scout Council Registered Charity No: 508002 The Scouts HQ Registration No: 00168 Charity’s Principal Address: County Office, Unit 5 Kelmercourt House 102 Sale Lane, Tyldesley Manchester, M29 8PZ

Names of the Charity Trustees’ who manage the Charity

Trustee Name Office Dates acted if not for wholeyear
Andrew Farrell County Lead Volunteer
ex-officio		 To 15.6.24
Jacob Bond County Lead Volunteer
ex-officio		 Appointed Trustee then Ex-officio from
15.6.24
Sue Leonard County Chair ex-officio To 18.9.24
Graham Barrick County Chair Appointed Trustee then appointed Chair
from 18.9.24
Roger Kettle County Treasurer Ex-officio then appointed Treasurer
18.9.24
James Turner County Youth Lead
Volunteer ex-officio		 To 18.9.24
Ellena Wood County Youth Lead
Volunteer ex-officio		 From 18.9.24
Ryan Swailes Appointed
Lewis Foster Appointed
Iris Emery Appointed
David Copeland Appointed
Richard Gould Appointed From 18.9.24
Jean Archer Appointed To 18.9.24
Bankers
CAF to: 26.6.2024		 CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill, West Malling
Kent ME19 4JQ		 Lloyds Bank PLC
PO Box 1000
BX1 1LT
Independent Examiner Chris Varley F.C.A.
Cedar Solutions
(Management) Ltd.
Prospect House
2 Sinderland Road
Altrincham
Cheshire WA14 5ET

Structure, Governance and Management

The County’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 County is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.

The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

The County is managed by the County Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout County 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 Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 8 Trustees (including 2 Ex Officio Trustees) and meets every 2 months. Members of the Trustee Board complete ‘Being a Scouts Trustee’ learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board.

This County Trustee Board exists to make sure the Charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, equipment is 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.

Members of the Trustee Board must act collectively as Charity Trustees of the Scout County and in the best interests of its members in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

The County Trustees have identified the major risks to which they believe the County 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: the County is primarily reliant upon income from the County Levy. The County does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. Otherwise, the Trustee Board would have to raise the value of the County Levy to increase the income to the County on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently.

Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The County through the membership fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.

The County 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 policy to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

The County Finances continue to be in a healthy position as detailed in the Annual Statement of Accounts compiled by our Treasurer Roger Kettle, and the County wishes to record its thanks for the work he has done.

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 cooperate 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:

Public Benefit Statement

The County meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.

Financial Review

The County accounts have been independently examined by Chris Varley.

The accounts are presented in a Receipts and Payments format recommended by the Charity Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP),’ which forms part of The Scout Association Policy, Organisation & Rules (POR).

The County's Income and Expenditure is very small and therefore does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The County has therefore adopted a low-risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or those who are registered with the FCA and covered by the FSCS.

The County Trustee Board regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the County obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an account that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn, before doing so the County Trustee Board considers the cash flow requirements.

The County’s policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the County Scout Council should income and fundraising activities fall short. The County Trustee Board considers the County should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £35,000. The County held reserves of approximately £70,000 against this at year end.

Only the 2 Campsites record their own financial accounts, and these are consolidated within the County Accounts.

Greater Manchester West Scout Council (Charity no. 508002) Receipts and Payments Account

For the year from

Year start date

Year start date Year end date 01/04/2024 To 31/03/2025

Receipts and payments

Receipts Unrestricted
funds
£
51,468
-
697
-
-
-
52,165
-
-
-
55,510
6,627
-
-
62,137
-
-
-
-
1,951
-
-
1,951
116,253		 Unrestricted
funds
£
51,468
-
697
-
-
-
52,165
-
-
-
55,510
6,627
-
-
62,137
-
-
-
-
1,951
-
-
1,951
116,253		 Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
£
£
-
-
-
-
7,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,118
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,118
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
280
-
-
-
-
-
-
280
-
16,398
-
2024/25		 Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
£
£
-
-
-
-
7,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,118
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,118
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
280
-
-
-
-
-
-
280
-
16,398
-
2024/25		 Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
£
£
-
-
-
-
7,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,118
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,118
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
280
-
-
-
-
-
-
280
-
16,398
-
2024/25		 Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
£
£
-
-
-
-
7,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,118
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,118
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
280
-
-
-
-
-
-
280
-
16,398
-
2024/25		 Total funds
£
51,468
-
7,697
-
-
-
59,165
-
-
-
64,628
6,627
-
-
71,255
-
-
-
-
2,231
-
-
-
2,231
132,651
-
132,651		 2023/24
Total funds
£
Donations, legacies and similar
income
Membership subscriptions 51,468 49,423
Less: Membership subscriptions paid
on(National/County/Area/District)		 - -
Donations 697 52,731
Legacies - -
Gift Aid - -
Other similar income - -
Sub total 52,165 102,154
Grants
Maintenenace grant - -
Other grants - -
Sub total - -
Fundraising events (gross)
Activities 55,510 100,608
Fundraising 6,627 4,200
Detail 3 - -
Other fundraising activities - -
Sub total 62,137 104,808
Scout hut income
Hire of building - -
Hire of equipment - -
Other Scout hut income - -
Sub total - -
Investment income
Bank interest 1,951 3,899
Building Society interest - -
The Scout Association Short Term
Investment Service		 - -
Other investment income
Sub total 1,951 3,899
Total Gross Income
Asset and investment sales, etc.
Total receipts
210,861
- - - - -
116,253 16,398 -
116,253 16,398 - 132,651 210,861

LT700003 October 2024)

1 of 3

Greater Manchester West Scout Council (Charity no. 508002) Receipts and Payments Account

Receipts and Payments Account Receipts and Payments Account Receipts and Payments Account Receipts and Payments Account
Year start date
Year end date
For the year
from		 01/04/2024 To 31/03/2025

Receipts and payments

Payments Unrestricted
funds
£
-
-
6,854
5,831
12,335
4,072
10,683
-
-
-
-
-
20,895
17,782
17,057
95,509
33,081
-
-
33,081
128,590		 Unrestricted
funds
£
-
-
6,854
5,831
12,335
4,072
10,683
-
-
-
-
-
20,895
17,782
17,057
95,509
33,081
-
-
33,081
128,590		 Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,179
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,179
-
5,179
-
2024/25		 Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,179
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,179
-
5,179
-
2024/25		 Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,179
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,179
-
5,179
-
2024/25		 Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,179
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,179
-
5,179
-
2024/25		 Total funds
£		 Total funds
£		 2023/24
Total funds
£
Charitable Payments
Youth programme and activities - - -
Adult support and training - - -
Rent 6,854 6,854 4,514
Water and Sewerage 5,831 5,831 8,501
Electricity and Gas 12,335 12,335 9,911
Insurance 4,072 4,072 5,373
Repairs and Renewals 10,683 10,683 25,807
Materials and equipment - - -
Printing and photocopying - - -
Contribution to camp costs - - -
Uniforms - - -
AGM and trustee expenses - - -
Running costs 20,895 20,895 44,315
Staff/Volunteers 17,782 17,782 17,988
Other 17,057 17,057 13,675
Sub total 95,509 95,509 130,084
Fundraising expenses
Activities 33,081 38,260 63,860
Detail 2 - - -
Detail 3 - - -
Other fundraising costs -
Sub total 33,081 38,260 63,860
Total Gross Expenditure
Asset and investment
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
Transfers between funds
Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
193,944
- - - - -
128,590
- 12,337
-
196,751
184,414		 5,179
11,219
-
30,479
41,698		 -
-
-
-
-
193,944
- 12,337 11,219 - - 1,118 16,917
- - - - -
196,751 30,479 - 227,230 210,312
184,414 41,698 - 226,112 227,229

LT700003 October 2024)

2 of 3

Greater Manchester West Scout Council (Charity no. 508002) Receipts and Payments Account

Year start date Year end date For the year 01/04/2024 To 31/03/2025 from

Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year 31st March 31st March 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total funds Total funds funds funds funds £ £ £ £ £ Cash funds Bank current account 81,366 41,698 - 123,064 105,355 Bank deposit account 100,925 - - 100,925 120,499 Building society account - The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service - Cash/Floats 2,123 - - 2,123 1,375 Total cash funds 184,414 41,698 - 226,112 227,229 (agree balances with receipts and payments a/c) ok ok ok ok 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 Badge stock - Shop stock - Other stock - Land and buildings - Motor vehicles - Scouting equipment, furniture etc - Other 1,022 - - 1,022 378 Sub total 1,022 - - 1,022 378 Liabilities Accounts not yet paid - 3,845 - - - 3,845 - 13,786 Expenses incurred but not invoiced - Subscriptions not yet paid - Loan - detail - Other liabilities - 3,520 - - - 3,520 - 5,266 Sub total - 7,365 - - - 7,365 - 19,052 ~~=f~~ Total net assets 178,071 41,698 - 219,769 208,555 The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on Xth August 2025 (the date of the Trustee Board meeting that approved the accounts) and signed on their behalf by

Signature Print Name Graham Barrick - Chair Roger Kettle - Treasurer

LT700003 October 2024)

3 of 3

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ Charity Name members of Greater Manchester West County Scouts Council

On accounts for the year 31 March 2025 Charity no 508002 ended (if any) Set out on pages 1 to 3 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: C K Varley Date: xx August 2025 ~~PO [|~~ Name: C K Varley ~~Pe~~ Relevant professional F.C.A. qualification(s) or body (if any):

Address: Cedar Solutions Management Limited Prospect House, 2 Sinderland Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 5ET

Section B Disclosure ~~ee~~ Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

1

October 2018

IER

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

2

October 2018

IER

Congratulations to our Award Holders!

Silver Wolf

Andy Connellan – Wigan & District Allan Foster - Wigan & District Harry Peet - Sale & District Paul Wilkinson - Greater Manchester West Philip Rigby – Ellesmere District Roger Kettle - Greater Manchester West

Bar to the Silver Acorn

Glenda Gould - Altrincham & District Greg Archer – Greater Manchester West Jon Davies – Greater Manchester West Simon Gould - Altrincham & District Susan Leonard - Ellesmere District

Silver Acorn

Andrew Atherall - Sale & District Anthony Roberts – Altrincham & District Anthony Sant - Sale & District Bob Wilson - Urmston & District Carol Gilbert - Sale & District Jackie Blades - Lowry District

Jamie Samson - Lowry District Jane Ford - Altrincham & District Kathryn Picton - Wigan & District Michael Harding - Sale & District Paul Maggs – Sale & District Robert Whiteley - Sale & District Sarah Goodstadt - Sale & District

Bar to the Award for Merit

Adam Richardson - Wigan & District Barry Kay - Wigan & District Brian Pastore - Altrincham & District Charlotte Palin - Wigan & District Clive Winby - Sale & District Dennis Yarwood - Sale & District Geoffrey Hill - Greater Manchester West Ian Culleton - Urmston & District Marie Hill - Greater Manchester West Rachel Lyttle - Sale & District Richard Doherty - Altrincham & District Richard Taylor - Sale & District Sally Yarwood - Sale & District

Award for Merit

Alasdair Ferro - Sale & District Andrea Morgan - Sale & District Chris Starkie - Wigan & District Clair Nugent - Lilford District Colin Lea - Sale & District Dave Kerrs - Urmston & District David Simpson - Lilford District Fiona Glover - Wigan & District Heather Richardson - Ellesmere District Ian McGeough - Sale & District

Jemma Williamson - Urmston & District Joanne Gray - Sale & District John Fern - Wigan & District Jordan James - Lowry District Mandy Westhead - Sale & District Margaret Pugh - Sale & District Mark Pope - Lowry District Martin Bull - Sale & District Martin Odenrode - Sale & District Nick Anderson - Stretford District Patrick Gallois - Sale & District Penny Rothwell Mason - Lilford District Peter Sterlini - Stretford District

Phillip Cleary – Greater Manchester West Ros Bryan - Sale & District Ryan Swailes – Lowry District Sean Warman - Sale & District Simon Lowe - Lilford District

Sophie Rothwell Mason - Lilford District Wes Buckley – Lowry District

King’s Scout Award

Isabel Brett (Urmston District) Lauren Aldred (Lowry District)

County Lead Volunteer

This is my first annual report as County Lead Volunteer, taking over the role first in an interim capacity in June 2024. It has been a busy year, with changes to the way we do things across the movement and a focus on ensuring safer scouting underpins everything we do.

In April 2024, the changes to Trustee Boards were implemented and the County Trustees were wellprepared and equipped for making these changes. It didn’t just involve changes to role titles, but ensuring we are aligned to the core purpose of governance. The changes didn’t just affect the County Trustee Board, but also governance of our campsites. This change continues to be a focus across districts and groups to ensure everyone is following the correct format aided by the range of templates provided by The Scouts.

My first task was to grow and strengthen the County Team and we have made some great appointments. I’m looking forward to working with these Team Members and their Team Leaders to develop and work towards our priorities. We are still looking for people to support with communications and media, and to lead the Squirrel and Scout sections.

In Summer 2024, behind the scenes, the County Team and District Lead Volunteers undertook a piece of ‘rapid assurance’ work, to provide assurance to The Scouts that in Greater Manchester West we continue to deliver a programme with safety at the core of everything we do. This included ensuring all our ‘advisers’ had up to date reviews and training, reviewing nights away notifications and risk assessments, and making sure our first aid training was validated which created some additional tasks for those who’d completed their training externally. I want to thank everyone involved in this process; a lot of information was requested. Assurance around safer scouting will continue, not quite at the pace of the ‘rapid assurance’, as we support our campsites and continue to develop our adventurous activities provision in the County. You will see from the reports from our campsites; this has also been a huge task for them over the past year in addition to running and maintaining their facilities too.

Later in the year, we started the process of changing the way we volunteer with Scouts with the implementation of the new teams-based approach and role titles. In the main, most groups and districts have embedded the new teams and are continuing to work together to complete the tasks which are required for each of those teams. Additional to the changes to the way we work, the new membership system was rolled out in December 2024 which wasn’t without its challenges! For those who’ve been around long enough to remember, despite the teething problems and the technical glitches this roll out was much more successful than Compass, the membership systems predecessor. Part of the roll out was the new suite of online learning modules which needed to be completed, these are significantly improved in giving volunteers the knowledge they require to undertake their roles, and particularly for the safety and safeguarding learning it gives more practical examples to support volunteers with their understanding. One exciting feature is the new recruitment tool to advertise and manage volunteer opportunities, I would encourage all groups to look at this feature. The new system has lots of features and is already starting to demonstrate how ‘scout admin’ can be made easier by using the new digital tools.

In March 2025, the County Team met for the first ‘County Team Day’ in a considerable number of years. This was an opportunity for everyone to meet and catch up and discuss their ideas and plan for the next chapter for our County in their new teams. There were lots of ideas generated and a number of priorities

established for each team. I’ll look forward to sharing some of the progress made in the annual report next year.

Throughout the year there have been a number of programme events including the popular Cub Mudder, BST Adventure for Cubs, Scouts and Explorers and Shooting Competition. The role of the County Programme Team has changed with aligning to the new teams-based approach which focuses them more on supporting volunteers to deliver programme. We will be sharing our calendar soon for the upcoming year which will include a mixture of programme support opportunities and top awards focused events. We have also seen young people and volunteers attend Roverway in Summer 2024 which took place in Norway as part of the UK Contingent, and groups take part in other international activities too.

In January 2025, the annual Scout Census showed our County to grow by 1.9 percent in young people and 10.3 percent in adult volunteers. Our growth rate was 3.7 percent overall between 2024 and 2025, which in comparison to the national picture was positive and gave us a leading role in growth for the North West region. District and groups have worked with our Local Growth Officers to open new sections and groups in areas of deprivation, and this work will continue through the next year. Squirrels has shown to have a significant impact across the whole group and not limited to that section, most importantly it’s seen an increase in adult volunteers across groups too.

We have continued to recognise the amazing dedication of our volunteers with good service awards throughout the year, you will see from the awards section of this report we have achieved high numbers of volunteers who provide extraordinary service achieve their Silver Wolf and Bar to the Silver Acorn in recognition. I would like to thank Jacqui Aspinall, our Awards Sub-Team Leader for her hard work in writing citations and supporting others with award nominations.

Throughout the year, I’ve had the pleasure of not only presenting a number of good service awards but also King’s Scout Awards, Chief Scout Awards and Duke of Edinburgh Awards to young people across the County. It’s amazing to see such a great programme being delivered, week in, week out to young people across Salford, Trafford and Wigan which enables them to achieve these awards.

I would like to thank the County Leadership Team for their continued support over the past year, during my ‘acting’ period when we worked together through the challenges of ‘rapid assurance’. Each member of the wider County Team, whether their involvement being with programme or behind the scenes, running a campsite or being a trustee contributes valuably to delivering skills for life and supporting volunteers across the County.

I would like to particularly thank the County Chairs during the past year, Graham Barrick and Sue Leonard, for steering me in the right direction and providing me with invaluable support, guidance and advice.

My final heartfelt thank you is to all the amazing volunteers across Greater Manchester West, whether you deliver a programme to young people each week, volunteer behind the scenes in maintaining Scout buildings or our campsites, or act as a trustee – you are brilliant, and we couldn’t do this without you!

I’m looking forward to the adventures to come through 2025 and beyond!

Jacob Bond County Lead Volunteer

County Youth Lead

Another year of Scouting in Greater Manchester West concludes and as always it has been full of great achievements for both adults and youth. It is a pleasure to watch the young people dedicate themselves to Scouting and all the youth members of this County should be immensely proud of themselves.

I would like to congratulate all those young people who have achieved their Top Awards this year. Yet more proof of the dedication shown by both adults and young people. It has been great to see Top Awards achieved across all sections from the Squirrels right up to Explorers and Network members. Achieving these Top Awards within any of the sections is something to be extremely proud of and proves our young people to be outstanding role models, both within and outside of scouting. For any young person who is considering completing the Top Award in their section, I would encourage you to get stuck in and try your best. Please do not be put off because they seem daunting or because you are unsure of how it works. There are many people within the County Team who are there to help.

The Youth Team have been busy this year attending National and County wide events. Notably, the National Youth Forum in March provided an opportunity for members of the County Team and young people within the County to share their thoughts and experiences with the UK Youth Team to help develop the National Scouting Strategy, this followed from Summit 25 which was attended by the County Team.

The County and District Youth Teams continue to grow and develop. This year we have welcomed new members to both County and District Youth Teams including a new County Youth Lead. My first year as County Youth Lead has been full of exciting opportunities and I cannot wait to continue this work across the next 12 months. I look forward to getting to meet more of Greater Manchester West’s fantastic youth members and encouraging our young people to take charge of their own Scouting journey.

Ellena Wood County Youth Lead

Programme Delivery

This year, we were thrilled to bring back the Cubs Water Activities Day at Scotsman’s Flash in Wigan. Young participants had the chance to engage in paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, rafting, and more. A heartfelt thank you to Dave Finch, Scotsman’s Flash, and all the volunteers for organising such a fantastic event, allowing young people to explore a variety of water activities for the first time.

Our County Shooting Team made a remarkable impression at the National Shooting Competition in Wolverhampton, securing an impressive 3rd place. Huge congratulations and thanks to everyone who contributed to this achievement.

Cubs and Scouts from Ellesmere had a special moment in the spotlight with an appearance on CBBC’s Blue Peter , filmed at RHS Bridgewater!

The Goodwood Weekender returned, our annual camp for Explorers, with an action-packed day of activities for Scouts. Explorers participated in adventurous activities and team challenges on Saturday. A big thank you to the Goodwood Team for delivering another outstanding event, and to the team at Dunham Park Scout Camp for their continued efforts as hosts.

BST Adventure returned for another successful event at Rivington. Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers took on a hiking challenge across the Rivington Hills, earning points along the way. The challenge focused not only on completing the course but also on strategically earning points from optional checkpoints. Thank you to Neil Tucker and his team for organising yet another fantastic event that brought young people from across the County together.

Meanwhile, 22 Cubs from Lilford traded their beds for cardboard in the Cardboard City Sleepover, raising funds for local homelessness charities. They also contributed by running a local soup kitchen. It was great to see local members of parliament recognising and congratulating these incredible young people for their impactful work!

It has been fantastic to see the opening of more sections for Squirrels, Beavers, Scouts, and Network this year! A huge thank you goes out to our incredible volunteers who made this possible through their hard work and dedication.

As you’ll be aware, we have now transitioned to the updated Scouts team structure, which includes the creation of a brand-new Programme Delivery Team (which can be seen below). If you’re interested in learning more about any of the vacant roles within this team, please don’t hesitate to reach out for further information!

Our new team is excited to be developing innovative ways to support you as a volunteer in delivering a high-quality programme. These improvements will help ensure all young people have the opportunity to achieve their section’s Top Awards. We are looking forward to working with you and supporting your efforts in creating amazing programmes for our young people!

Squirrels – Vacant Beavers – Emma Spragg Cubs – Siobhan Mullen

Scouts – Vacant

Explorers – James Turner Network – Jess Hill Top Awards – Steve Ralph

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our Programme Team, County Team, and all our volunteers for delivering exceptional experiences to our young people. Our sections, groups, and districts thrive thanks to the dedication of our adult volunteers. On behalf of our Programme Delivery Team, a massive thank you for your invaluable contributions.

Tom Dutton

Programme Team Leader (Delivery)

Programme Adventure

“Progress is impossible without change.”

A new role for me and a new way of working for many of us. My new remit covers International, Adventurous Activities and Nights Away for Greater Manchester West.

This past year has been spent deep diving into our assessments and the ways that we work. Ensuring that our County is as compliant as possible in terms of enabling our adult volunteers to be able to take our young people away overnight and off on adventures away from their normal places to meet in the safest ways. Audits and reviews by HQ have given us the opportunity to re-evaluate how we run permit assessments, whether these are for a nights away permit or an adventurous activity. To be as transparent as possible is our aim in this, so that no matter who looks into our assessment processes and permit recommendations they will find that we are leading the way in being way above board. All areas under my remit will be coming under review and there will be some new training opportunities developed to bolster this.

Nights away have been a varied bag this year with anything and everything from nights slept in laavus at Bispham Hall Scout Estate raising money for homeless veterans, to winter camps at Waddecar, to the Red Rose Camp sharing the event with 3500 others. If I may offer a word of advice this next year, it is this. Push yourselves to try a different venue or event. The more you put into it, the more you and our young people will get out of it.

The number of new adventurous activity permits being sought by our adult volunteers dropped this last year. There could be a whole host of reasons for this. I’d like to see this improve next year. To help with activity permit assessments we have a highly competent, skilled, and able team of very knowledgeable assessors covering hill walking, archery, and watersports. To find out more information on permits for activities or nights away, you just need to take a look at the GMW website under the activities section. Here you will find a whole host of information and advice on how to request an assessment. Keep your eyes peeled this next year for permit training opportunities. We will be running some permit training sessions to give you an idea of what is expected from your assessment of the more popular activities.

Finally, from me, please use this next year to really push what you offer our young people. Give them memories that will last a lifetime; it’s easier than you think.

Chris Starkie Programme Team Leader (Adventure)

Volunteering Development

If you’d told me a year ago how many cups of tea, spreadsheet tabs, and celebratory emails this role would involve, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But what a joy it’s been to serve as the Volunteer Development Team Leader for Greater Manchester West. It’s been full of challenges (I’m looking at you, new membership system — though I have to admit, it really is much better), laughter, and most importantly, growth. The development of our volunteers across the County continues to be something special, and I’m genuinely excited to share just how far we’ve come over the past year.

One of the biggest focuses has been reshaping and enhancing the way we approach learning and training. In line with the Scouts UK refreshed training strategy, we’ve continued to embed the new Learning Tree model into how we support volunteers at every stage of their journey. Whether it’s “Growing Roots” for new volunteers or “Branching Out” for those wanting to deepen their skills, these tools are proving to be a real game changer. They make the process clearer, easier, more accessible and, dare I say it, actually enjoyable. Watching volunteers grow in confidence and capability through these resources has been nothing short of brilliant.

We’ve had the largest ever attendance at our local learning weekends this year — yes, really! It turns out that giving volunteers the chance to gather in person, share ideas, and eat a frankly irresponsible number of biscuits while learning together is still a winning formula. The weekends have been refreshed (again!) with more interactive workshops, real life scenarios, and flexible options shaped around what our volunteers told us they wanted. You asked and we delivered. From Skills for Nights Away and Inclusion Awareness, to First Response, Safeguarding, Wood Badge and even Traditional Scouting Skills, we’ve packed the calendar full of meaningful, relevant learning and loved every minute of it.

Speaking of First Aid, we’ve seen exceptional progress in mandatory training compliance this year. First Response training continues to be a standout success, with countless volunteers getting stuck in, combining online prep within person practice. It’s a testament to the commitment of our volunteers, as well as the hard work and coordination of our district learning leads, the wider leadership team and, frankly, the whole County. Keeping young people safe is the heart of what we do, and I couldn’t be prouder of how we’ve stepped up here.

Another real high point for me has been supporting our County Lead Volunteer, Jacob, with this year’s County Development Days. These events are full of energy, purpose and connection. There’s something incredibly motivating about seeing people arrive with open minds and leave buzzing with new ideas to take back to their sections. It reminds me just how powerful our volunteer network is when we come together to reflect, learn and grow.

But development isn’t only about gaining new skills. It’s also about being recognised for the amazing work already being done. And that brings me to one of the most joyful parts of the year — awards. Thanks to the tireless work of the wonderful Jacqui Aspinall, we’ve seen a huge increase in award nominations across all levels. From Chief Scout’s Commendations to Good Service Awards, right up to the prestigious Silver Wolf, recognition is rising, and rightly so. Windsor has never looked so full of Greater Manchester West volunteers, and long may that continue.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, a fantastic 113 volunteers across our County received Good Service Awards. That’s 113 individuals who’ve gone the extra mile, stepped up when it mattered, and made an

extraordinary difference to the lives of young people. Jacqui has not only promoted the importance of these awards but made the whole process easier to navigate. She’s even created a step-by-step guide (which I’ve used myself!) to support volunteers in submitting nominations. The best part? Anyone can nominate someone. If a fellow volunteer, leader, or supporter has inspired you, take a moment to write a citation. You can find everything you need on the Scouts website or reach out to Jacqui for her brilliant guide. Recognition matters, and every ‘thank you’ counts.

As I round off this report, I just want to say what a genuine privilege it’s been to take on this role. Volunteering, like teaching, is often done quietly, behind the scenes, powered by passion and purpose. But behind every badge sewn, every tent pitched, and every safeguarding module completed, there’s a person making a real difference. I’ve loved connecting with more of you this year and working together to shape the kind of development support our volunteers actually want and need. Volunteer development is never finished. We’re always learning, always adapting, and always looking for ways to be better. So, thank you — for the emails, the ideas, the questions, the humour, and for being part of this amazing community. Here’s to another year of connection, celebration and growth. And maybe, just maybe, fewer spreadsheets.

Gemma Higson Volunteering Development Team Leader

Operations Support

It’s been another great year for Greater Manchester West, and it’s fantastic to see all we’ve achieved together! This year I stepped into my new role as Support Team Leader for Operations.

County Office

The hub of the County, where so much happens. Sue Ralph, I can honestly say we’d be lost without you. Your support across all aspects of the County is invaluable, and the fact that everything has run smoothly even while I’ve been finding my feet speaks volumes about your dedication. Nothing is ever too much trouble — thank you!

Campsites

The County has three sites: Bispham Hall Scout Estate, Dunham Park Scout Camp and Hollinwood Scout Camp. While Bispham Hall operates as a separate entity (with several Counties having a vested interest), its volunteers are managed by GMW and is very much part of the GMW family.

I believe we need a more joined-up approach between all three sites. My focus will be to bring the site teams together to share best practices and develop more efficient ways of working.

We also plan to carry out safety audits at the sites we manage, to identify where extra support may be needed.

Hollinwood, still in its early stages as a campsite, has been a particular focus, ensuring it has the processes and support it needs to thrive. We will also be doing more to communicate the exciting opportunities our campsites can offer.

A big thank you to all the management teams and volunteers at each site — keeping them operational is no small task, and you are all key to their success.

Communications

I briefly stepped into the Communications role, focusing on improving GMW’s external presence, including the website. To be honest, it was outside my comfort zone, not an area I’m overly familiar with, and I soon realised the County needed someone better suited to the role. Still, it highlighted just how important Communications now is to what we do.

Wider County Support

Another part of my role is supporting the CC/CLV, the wider Leadership Team, and the Trustee Board (formerly Executive Committee). They have continued to do fantastic work across the County. While there have been some changes (faster than expected!) we’ve adapted and carried on as we always do. Thank you to Andy, Jacob, Sue, Graham, and all their teams for their support over the past year.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to all the teams I’ve worked with this year for making my role that bit easier. I’m looking forward to the new challenges ahead and to keeping Greater Manchester West moving forward.

Greg Archer MBE Support Team Leader (Operations)

Top Awards

This reporting year, 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025, the DofE and KSA reports have been combined as part of our Top Award Sub-Team.

The following awards have been issued:-

9 Gold – Sale MacAlpine (3) Urmston 2[nd] Davyhulme (6)

14 Silver – Wigan 1[st] Ashton (3), Sale MacAlpine (9), Urmston 2[nd] Davyhulme (2)

28 Bronze – Stretford Longford (2), Stretford Shackleton (2), Sale MacAlpine (6), Urmston 2[nd] Davyhulme (2), Wigan 1[st] Ashton (7) and Ellesmere District (9).

Congratulations to all those who have successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Many thanks to Debbie Pullen, as Duke of Edinburgh Adviser, who continues to oversee the DofE Award Scheme in the County.

I am very pleased to announce that Isabel Brett, Urmston District, and Lauren Aldred, Lowry District, as well as previously completing their Gold DofE, have gone on to achieve the Top Award in Scouting, The King’s Scout Award. A huge BRAVO to them both! Quite an achievement.

As you will no doubt be aware, we are now working in teams, and the Top Awards are no exception. A team has been put together to drive forward Top Awards within the County; whether that be providing advice and support, or putting on resources and training events, a lot of the team members are previous Top Awards holders and bring with them a wide range of knowledge and experience. However, none of this works if leaders do not publicise the existence of the team to the young people. Our focus is to help as many of them gain the Top Awards, but we can only do this with help in spreading the word.

I would ask leaders, especially Explorer and Network section leaders, to encourage those members eligible to register for the Top Awards. We currently have four more aspirant King’s Scouts nearing completion of the Award and we are looking forward to when their logbooks are presented and ultimately signed off.

Congratulations again to all the young people who have worked so hard to achieve their Awards.

Steve Ralph MBE JP Top Awards Sub-Team Leader

Dunham Park Scout Camp

Every year Dunham Park continues to grow and develop. I am indebted to the teams of volunteers who, week after week, strive to improve and maintain the site.

The Tuesday crew welcomed added support form Jonathan Carter, John Marsden and Sam Summersgill. These volunteers, whether through working on site or places of employment, are continually developing new skills and techniques. This is a big help when making improvements or fixing problems on site as they arise.

We are fortunate that our financial affairs continue to be expertly managed by Andrew McDonnell. Like all organisations, in the last year we have faced increases in many of the essential services such as rent, waste disposal and power. On top of which, we have also absorbed the associated costs from the safer premises audit and the implementation of corrective works.

The safer premises audit arrived at the start of the year. This resulted in much work and many early mornings at Dunham greeting contractors. The work completed includes the asbestos and legionella inspections, the annual gas check and the service of the play equipment. The fire alarm system in both buildings has been updated to meet current standards. The Wi-Fi system was updated as part of a government rollout for Full Fibre for rural areas. This was delivered to Harrop Lodge.

We continue to look out for options that will enable the refurbishment of the toilet block. Finding a builder who will commit and quote an honest price for the work has proved impossible. Once again, we have had to look for options following a quote for a modular building coming in at £500,000. Some works have been completed. The dated combi boiler has been removed, the mains water replaced, and the associated plumbing has also been updated.

We are no longer required to hold an AGM for the Campsite, as this is covered by GMW County Scout Council at their AGM. I hosted our first review meeting in October 2024.

Last year there were 7692 visitors to the Campsite. There had been a small decline of visitors over the year. Cancellations of bookings in both buildings and large camps are becoming a concern.

Campsites, whether group, district county or national, are an important part of the Scouting experience. Without a clear plan for usage, leadership or plans for site development, the risk of closure to campsites increases.

The Friends of Dunham Park Scout Camp continue to fundraise, so that, we can hopefully continue the development of the Scout Camp.

David Hughes Campsite Operations Sub-Team Leader

Hollinwood Scout Camp

Each year brings unique challenges to the team at Hollinwood, and this year was no exception. Demands in how we work have been the most challenging aspect since opening, which is saying something when you consider the unbelievable effort that has gone into creating a campsite from scratch.

The highlight from the year, has most definitely been welcoming more young people than ever to Hollinwood. In particular Lowry and Ellesmere districts have used the site for some big events and just as importantly, evening activities. We also welcomed back other local uniformed groups for some wonderful weekends in the sunshine in summer 2024.

In November 2024 thanks to the incredible work from our team, we put on our most successful bonfire event ever. The event was highly commended by lots of smiling families as they left site. We learn things each time we put events on like this and have some ideas of how to make things even better next time.

Just in time for the event was the opening of our brand-new toilet block. Anyone who used our lovely Port-a-Loo will know how much this building was needed. It has been transformative, and we know that everyone is looking forward to using our beautiful site for activities throughout next year (camping season always starts on April 1st for us).

The site only flourishes through the hard work, knowledge and dedication of our team. Without them Hollinwood would not have got off the ground. Most of all, the team at Hollinwood know that operating a campsite requires a delicate balance in understanding different priorities. To keep the site open, well maintained, solvent, compliant, usable (and much much more) is not a job for the faint-hearted, and our team now have many years of experience in doing this; and we thank the incredible Hollinwood crew as always for working so hard behind the scenes.

We are making headway into securing more grants and donations for the site. We're working with energy providers to unpick a thorny electrical issue! We are looking to promote the site more widely and our social media remains engaging and our team always friendly and welcoming. There are plans in place to develop other parts of site while ensuring that Hollinwood is a place where you can run simple but fun and rewarding Scout programmes in an awesome and accessible space.

In late January we lost our dear friend Phil Rowe. Phil was such a valued member of our team and a close friend, and we are still coming to terms with losing him so tragically. For many years he dedicated his time to Middlewood and Hollinwood, and to Scouting more widely. In time we aim to honour Phil’s memory at Hollinwood, possibly through an annual camp for those that knew him.

Our challenge now is to look forward and play to our strengths: our dedicated volunteers and the wonderful space we have built, and at the same time know that we need to grow our team and keep working towards our common goal; to provide a "safe, beautiful, and welcoming place for young people to learn skills for life". We know that you are starting to cherish Hollinwood as much as we always have, and we look forward to continuing to welcome you to YOUR site.

Ste Butterworth and Mike Dunn Campsite Operations Sub-Team Leader

Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.

Signatures

Full Name

Graham Barrick Jacob Bond ~~PT~~

Position

County Chair County Lead Volunteer ~~Pf~~

Date

3 0 0 6 2 5 ~~(ttttf~~

Census of County Membership in Gt. Manchester West For the year ending January 2025

For the year ending January 2025
Male Female Self-identify Prefer not to say Total
Youth membership
Squirrels 150 79 0 0 229
Beavers 989 276 0 40 1305
Cubs 1136 335 1 26 1498
Scouts 891 357 1 7 1256
Explorers 332 161 2 1 496
Network 41 24 0 0 65
Total Youth Membership 3539 1232 4 74 4849
Adult roles
Leadership 420 446 2 17 885
Management 49 21 0 0 70
Support 63 46 0 0 109
Governance 140 119 0 0 259
Group 617 607 2 17 1243
District 41 21 0 0 62
County 14 4 0 0 18
Total Adult Membership 672 632 2 17 1323
Totals
Total Youth Membership 3539 1232 4 74 4849
Total Adult Membership 672 632 2 17 1323
Total Membership 4211 1864 6 91 6172
Male Female Self-identify Prefer not to say Total
Total to pay 4784
Waiting lists
Squirrels 84 24 0 113 221
Beavers 224 54 0 170 448
Cubs 118 29 0 105 252
Scouts 84 24 0 113 221
Total waiting lists 664 193 0 483 1340
Young Leaders
Squirrels 4 12 0 0 16
Beavers 52 24 0 0 76
Cubs 37 33 0 1 71
Scouts 33 12 0 0 45
Total Young Leaders 126 81 0 1 208
Sections
Squirrel dreys 19
Beaver colonies 80
Cub packs 82
Scout troops 72
Explorer units 37
Local network 9
Young Leader units 9
Organisation
Sections 299
Groups 77

Male Female Self-identify Prefer not to say Total Districts 8 Counties 1

----- Start of picture text -----
pe 5S 8 oa CI) Sel ae. I geen hoa
~ Kp Pe »
: if} i ; fl Be Aree’ Tn Se ee, g 2 eg Ant eS | oe ie ay ; a
chee B \ee } iia eee ma ; | | Ey TH
adiees 5o 0 a ~ 4 aaa ; Ae '
ie Ese sare ig ro gy e mee
aMe it —— | ‘ " L>tfr S taslaclas Prme ois TW) tS \ eGo4 ef a _ A 4]
a ar SS 2 OT le =
= — = 0 = £oFF aw
' q SS S ‘ = Foe (3 f FF, Pons
i a. ff
& —i en a} [ | j | is wey Naa ye P_g
: ee Hs i * gw © & Oy oe a 9S O35 at00 5g: og Faun A Dag ay a OF yf y’ ee
‘ hee Y : jPr ; I, ee. i oy oN SN Bia er ies i¥ bevy @ Eee : oo @ J a a) — 1 ee ee
, genreed- wa Cro PY Se eR en as
ry ; “a ig oe anne oo Saale ayeee ee5 ——
eo Set M e re See a | kn ——
4
) e44 ; wea Baer’ = G mm (\ wes (Y { ol ry oe 'Y hi
, WM ol). ps Nay Je Quen ae Ges tan , a We ae 7 at &
Sf] = &§ | er AS -= aT a ~~ it 1 OR win.
»
ge | f ° | < mat J | aa & » | Qi —
—D j \ j ; Siena Ss : : = 4
oy7 aN| N\ «<a—— oe$7 iq |= yPoort, Nin:eer Sater:Rr . +o ~ i sig= "|
s Fae’ ‘a. 1 ik
Reto 7 TERS | By ay A ee y xa
----- End of picture text -----