## OUR PURPOSE AND METHOD 

The  objectives   of  the  group  are  as  a  unit  of  the Scout Association and Guide Association. 

1st Dipton Scout & Guide Group exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. 

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

- Ÿ enjoy what they are doing and have fun; 

- Ÿ take part in activities indoors and outdoors; 

- Ÿ learn by doing; 

- Ÿ share in spiritual reflection; 

- Ÿ take responsibility and make choices; 

- Ÿ undertake new and challenging activities; and 

## TRUSTEES 2023 

## **Names of the Trustees who manage the Charity** 

Ivan Jewell Chair Rachel Oliver Treasurer Keith Slater Group Scout Leader Brenda Bell Beaver Scout Leader Mark Draper Scout Leader Richard Jefferson Cub Scout Leader Gemma Ferguson Guide Leader Lynn Littler Trustee Andrew Park Trustee 

The Group's governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. 

The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. 



## PERFORMANCE 

## What we have achieved over the past year 

## **It has been another amazing year, with such a wide range of activities across all of the sections.** 

The second Cub Pack has taken some of the load off our waiting list, and both Packs are now flourishing. 

Total numbers remained stable at 90 members, double what we had just three years ago. We spent 337 nights away from home, and gained 454 badges! 

Our success is due to the amazing Team of 

Volunteers. Not just the leaders who run the sections, but also our trustees who ensure we have the resources we need to keep going. 

Finding volunteers, particularly for the lead volunteer and trustee roles, remains a challenge. We are in urgent need of a new Lead Volunteer for Beaver Scouts, as Brenda, who has done the role for over 30 years, is stepping down in 2024. 

## Priorities for the next 12 months 

**Increase the number of adult leaders** . We aim to have a minimum of three adult volunteers for each section. All sections require more adults to achieve this. 

Recruit a new Lead Volunteer for Beaver Scouts, so the section can continue to flourish. 

## **Improve Black Bull House** 

Commence refurbishment work to key areas of our HQ, Black Bull House. 

## : a 

## **Continue to Develop Programme of all Sections** 

## — 

Review programmes and support leaders to deliver varied, fun and youth led programmes which leads to greater participation and more Chief Scout Awards and Guides Gold Awards being gained, with at least 25% of those Moving On gaining the top Awards. 

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## SCOUT & GUIDE AWARDS 

Congratulations to the following Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Guides who have achieved their section’s highest award over the last year: 

Chief Scout Bronze Award 

Joshua Peel Edward Beckett Niamh Carlyon 

## Chief Scout Silver Award 

Masie Heslop Isaac Walker Alia Terretta Nathan McNulty Jay Pearson Joshua Colledge Elise Johnston 

Chief Scout Silver Award 

Noah Tallentire Dylan Graham Luke Littler 



## FINANCIAL REVIEW Receipts and Payments 

## **Statement of independent examiner: Mrs Lisa Jayne McDonald** 

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 

1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements 

- Ÿ to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act ;and 

- Ÿ to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or 

2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

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**Statement of Assets and Liabilities** Unrestricted funds **at 31st December 2023** 

**The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 8th May 2024 and signed on their behalf by** 

Ivan Jewell 

Rachel Oliver 

Chair 

Treasurer 

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## FINANCIAL REVIEW 

## Financial Statement 

The group remains in a very healthy position financially. 

We saw an increase in expenditure on youth activities as well as uniform, which includes an increase in badges. This demonstrates an increase in the number of activities the youth members are taking part in. 

It is also worth noting the difference between income for activities (£8,802) and expenditure (£17,826). Part of the 

reason for this is the Scout Canal Holiday in April, where a half the income came in the previous year. The other reason is that we continue to obtain grants with which to subsidise our activities and reduce the financial burden on families. 

There will be challenges ahead, but the Group remains in a very healthy position to support the sections in delivering fun and adventure packed activities over the coming year. 

## Reserves Policy 

The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group  should  income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months building running costs. 

The Trustee Board has agreed to increase the reserve fund to £7,000 as an amount sufficient to cover annual running costs, due to increasing utility costs. 

ciriguicing **1st Dipton** 

© Copyright 2024 1st Dipton Scout & Guide Group Registered Charity Number 512890