= **1st Dipton** er ## 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 2024 ## **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 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 a wide range of activities across all of the sections, and membership has remained steady.** We have had a few new parents volunteering with the Beaver Scout section, but still need a lead volunteer for the section. All sections have been very busy, with 380 nights away, a 12% increase, and 533 badges gained, a 17% increase on last year, including ten Chief Scout Awards and one Guide Gold Award. Thank you to the amazing Team of Volunteers who make these activities possible. Not just the leaders who run the sections, but also our trustees who ensure we have the resources we need to keep going. We had hoped to carry out work on our HQ in 2024, but so far have been unable to obtain the grants required. This work would be to the downstairs hall and toilets which are in need of refurbishment. ## Priorities for the next 12 months ## **Increase the number of adult volunteers** We aim to have a minimum of three adult volunteers for each section. Recruit a new Lead Volunteer for Beaver Scouts, so the section can continue to flourish. Recruit new trustees for the Trustee Board to support the group ## **Improve Black Bull House** Commence refurbishment work to key areas of our HQ, Black Bull House. ## **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. 3 ¥", *p ## 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** Thomas Broome Harry Irving Alice Walker ## **Chief Scout Silver Award** Alice Smith Anya Benfold Daniel Roberts Isaac Denny Harry Aspinall-Pilgrim Amber Harrison Lydia Cormack **Guide Gold Award** Nina Peart Receipts and Payments ## FINANCIAL REVIEW **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. 6 ## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities** **The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 7th May 2025 and signed on their behalf by** Cd Ivan Jewell Po Rachel Oliver Chair Treasurer 7 ## FINANCIAL REVIEW ## Financial Statement - Ÿ Income and Spending on activities shows - approximately 30% of activities costs covered by grants and fundraising, keeping costs lower for members. - Ÿ Expenditure on building running costs increased by around £1500, mainly due to utilities. - Ÿ Increase in spending on equipment, which was for new camping tents and mainly covered by grants - Ÿ £5,000 reserved for future work on the HQ - Ÿ Small decrease in cash funds at end of year, but we still need to claim Gift Aid, which will cover the difference. - Ÿ 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. Girlguiding **1st Dipton** © Copyright 2025 1st Dipton Scout & Guide Group Registered Charity Number 512890