OpenCharities

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

2023-12-31-accounts

Tees Valle North Scout District Scout Council .-*Vr. Tees Valley

Annual Report and Accounts

2023

Tees Valley North District Scout Council

Trustees:

Ex Oficio:

District Chair Anthony Elliott Ex-officio all Sub Committees District Commissioner Paul Elliott District Secretary Helen Trelfall District Treasurer Helen Ryder District Explorer Scout Adviser Dave Yardley Elected Margaret Elliott Allan Neal David Carter Colm Simpson

Bankers

Yorkshire Bank PLC 46 High Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1SE

Investment Account The Scout Association Gilwell Park, London, E4 7QW Independent Examiner Colin Griffiths Stranton Business Centre,

Scout Association Registration 015610 Charity Registration Number 511937

Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31st December 2023

Structure, Governance and Management

The District'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

District 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 District is managed by the District Executive Committee, the members of which are the 'Charity Trustees' of the Scout District 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 District

Commissioner, District Explorer Scout Commissioner, nominated and elected members and meets 6 times a year. This District Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and it responsible for: -

The District 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 comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

The Purpose and Values of Scouting and the Scout Method.

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

As Scouts we are guided by the values of : Integrity - Respect - Care - Belief - Co-operation.

Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and: -

(4) Share in spiritual reflection

Achievements and Performance

District Commissioners Report

This was my 2[nd] year as District Commissioner and following on from the first we have continued to grow the district and give all our young people another fun packed exciting year of Scouting.

As we all know due to recent events that have been covered in the media over the last 12 months Scouting has had to take a long hard look at itself regarding its policies, training and being compliant with these as a movement.

Yes, this is meaning more work for us all as leaders (Volunteers) but its all for the greater good of the movement and ensures the safety and wellbeing of the young people is shown to be at the forefront of everything we do.

I know you are all thinking but I’ve always done that are you trying to say I’m doing stuff wrong for the last 20

odd years etc…

No That’s not what I’m saying I know you all do a great job, and the young people are always at the front of everything you do. It’s just that we must show the wider world which includes the parents that that’s what we are doing.

None of this is a blight on your work as leaders the endless emails you get from me regarding the dreaded Risk assessment and making sure you let me know when you’re going out of the hall it’s all to just make sure we are safe, secure and organised in everything we do.

I’d like to thank you all for your support and diligence in working within the climate we now find ourselves without all your hard work and effort TVN wouldn’t be the district it is today.

This is all to support you in your work to provide the exciting adventurous programmes our young people have come to know and love.

The district has always prided itself on the extensive range of activities its members have been able to take part in and 2023 was no different.

As a district we enjoyed our St Georges Dragonfest camp at Raven Gill with all, but one group represented. A fun packed weekend was had by all ending with a Promise service and flag parade. Even the sun came out for this bit….

There was our annual participation in the JOTA weekend the international Jamboree on the air for amateur Radio. The cub communicator badge sessions were a huge success as always. Thanks must go to Margaret and Allen Elliott for organising and running this event and a big thankyou to the members of the Hartlepool Amateur Radio Club for being the operators of our station for the whole weekend. Without their help and support the event is simply not possible.

The beavers had a trip to Preston Park and district Christmas soft play activity following on from these the leaders have been working together to organise future District Section activities.

The cub section once again produced several District section activities including the sandcastle competition, international activity badge night as well as a trip to Washington Wetlands centre. Along with the abovementioned cub communicator badge sessions at Jota.

The scout sections within the groups of TVN have continued to provide an extensive programme throughout the years of badges, activities camps and expeditions of many variations.

2023 also saw the members of the District’s Explorer units take part in a wide and varied programme with the District being represented on both the Cleveland unit attending the Haarlem Jamborette in Holland as well as having members take part in the World scout jamboree in South Korea (as seen on TV, the internet and many national newspapers….)

A great time was had by all with experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.

I had the privilege of being one of the Unit leaders from the Jamboree Unit Prime penguins and I can say every one of our young people coped amazingly with every situation and challenge the trip through at them. Skills for life for real most definitely.

Even if it was just how to use the Microwave and Washing machines in our Hotel Suites.

The district grew slightly last year following Census figures, but it also grew in sections too. We had the birth of our very first Squirrel Drey at 9[th] Hartlepool, so the districts age ranges grew too. So, we now range from 4 right up to a little bit more than 21 and a bit for some of us leaders.

Our age range is over 70yrs from youngest to most experienced.

I need to thank the Trustee board for giving up yet more ours to scouting on top of their other scouting roles. In particular Anthony, as Chair, yes, he’s my little brother but don’t worry he definitely keeps big Brother in check!!

Helen R our very hard-working Treasurer for keeping the sums correct and keeping us on the financial straight and narrow.

As well as Helen T. our secretary for the minutes of the meetings keeping us all on the record. Also, thanks go to Colin Griffiths our Financial scrutineer for keeping an expert eye on the end of year accounts.

Other thanks need to again go to all our Leaders within the district and the separate group trustees and helpers. Once again you have all given up countless hours to help run your various sections and groups to give your young people another amazing year.

As I have already said our young people have already enjoyed a wide and varied programme of activities, so, here’s to another year of even bigger and better things within TVN.

Thank you all

Paul Elliott

District Commissioner

Financial Review

I have spent more time this year updating processes and systems used so that Accounts can be clear and transparent to those that need to see the Districts position regularly. I believe in clarity and transparent accounting at all times. I still appreciate this is a drastic change from what people are used to but I continue to support our District in the move to a more modern approach, the scout shop work has begun but will take time.

To the financial reports for year ending 31 December 2023 ……

The District had a challenging year, seeing us end the year with a loss of £5,767.25 across the board. Most of this loss has come from legal fees, an increase the cost of Gas and Electric used and us using reserves to subsidise the annual camp.

Overall, with the expected losses put to a side, the District hasn’t had a bad year. This year has seen Hall usage remain high but we are planning to expand on this as part of the ongoing improvements.

Looking forward….

We are working towards our road map of planned expenses that should be carried out to ensure running costs and maintenance bills are kept low. Let us continue to be proactive, not reactive. The budget is a work in progress, reflecting the works that have been identified, accessed and agreed by the exec.

I again would also like to have a joined-up approach to fund raising to prevent duplication and so that all groups and the district can benefit from available pots of funding. As we are very focused on our young people it would be lovely to see more district events and have all groups expand and thrive.

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:-

Anthony Elliott Helen Ryder District Chair District Treasurer

Note

The District acts as an agent for both The Scout Association and Cleveland Scout Council for the HQ and County Levies that are collected from each Group and then forwarded to Cleveland Scout Council. These sums would, unless deducted from both Total Receipts and Total Payments, distort the value of both gross income and total expenditure of the District as defined by the Charity Commission and by which The Scout Association determines the level of audit.

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the

Tees Valley North District Scout Council

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

As the Charity Trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirements of Section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (The Act) does not apply.

It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of the procedures specified in the General Directions Given by the Charity Commissioner under Section 43 (7)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Examiner's Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the account presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do no provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiner's Statement

I confirm that no other material matters have come to my attention in connection with my examination that give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 41 of the Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of The Act have not been met; or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached, or which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the accounting rules of the District's constitution have not been met.

Signed C Griffiths Name Colin Griffiths Address Stranton Business centre Hartlepool

Profit and Loss Tees Valley North District Scout Council Forthe yearended 31 December2023 Turn¢wer 2532.OB 1•4.73 11366AI .U8.00 146AB 361)27Ag Cctrst of Sale5 Dirta Lwnxs 21.25 T(tsiCastof5th5 Gn)ss Prnfit 15.74U4 Adfflinistra¢ive Costs èank F•e5 4M1117 2J66.21 3J47J4 3J31.110 S.054. 331.OD .432.00 Opwing Prnfft 1&76Y25) 1S76T25} 1&7W25) •14rJ

Balance Sheet Tees Valley North District Scout Council As at 31 December 2023 )IDKX bltAs¥is Plant Mxhinery Cash¥ I￿￿k ¥MI ￿ h•ftd &llin8ttarn 1.6ll5.69 492.67 42,994.91 46J7&0J 25D. Net CurrentAssets IL&3bil1t￿) TcrtalAssets less Cwrent Liabilities •23SJg 33U9 ital and Reserve5 (57672¥ Ilvtsin•a LirNry 55.002.44 •33U9