TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
From 1[st] April 2023 To 31[st] March 2024 ~~Ld~~ Section A Reference and administration details
| Charity name | 1stAshton (Lord Gerard's Own) Scout Group |
|---|---|
| Other names the charity | 1stAshton Scout Group / 1stAshton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group |
| is known by | |
| Registered Charity | 517134 |
| Number | |
| Scout Association | 11562 |
| Group Registration | |
| Number | |
| Charity's principal | 1stAshton (Lord Gerard's Own) Scout Group |
| address | Scout Association, Ashton Scout Hut |
| Liverpool Road | |
| Ashton in Makerfield | |
| Wigan | |
| WN4 9LP | |
| Correspondence | Andrew Linster |
| address | 8 Ware Close |
| Ashton in Makerfield | |
| Wigan WN4 8XU |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole | |
|---|---|---|---|
| year | |||
| Barry Kay | Chairman & Trustee | ||
| Eileen Heyes | Group Lead Volunteer & Trustee | ||
| Andrew Linster | Treasurer & Trustee | ||
| Andrea Linster | Trustee | ||
| Kevin Smith | Trustee & Scout Leader | ||
| Steve Bell | Trustee and Cub Scout Leader | Appointed 01 February 2024 | |
| Other | |||
| Janet Derbyshire | Secretary to the Trustees | Appointed 01 February 2024 |
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email gsl@1st ashtonscouts.org.uk, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The King President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
Names and addresses of advisors ~~Lo~~ Type of advisor Name Address
There are currently no advisors to the Scout Group
~~Ld~~ Section B Structure, governance, and management Type of governing The Group's governing documents are those of the Scout Association. document They consist of a Royal Charter (4 January 1912), which in turn gives authority to the by-laws of the Association and the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. How the charity is 1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard's Own) Scout Group was established under a constituted Declaration of Trust dated 21 September 1949 and is a Charity in its own right on 31[st] January 1986. The Group is a trust established under its rules that are common to all Scout Groups/Districts. Trustee selection The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation method and Rules of the Scout Association. Additional The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of governance which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate. The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 3 Trustees. The Trustee Board meets every 1 to 2 months. Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board.
The Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is wellmanaged, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are 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.
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email gsl@1st ashtonscouts.org.uk, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The King President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
Risk and internal controls
The Group Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:
Damage to the building, property, and equipment. The Group would request the use of buildings, property, and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the church, community centre and other Scout Groups. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters, and members. The Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Board could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently.
Reduction or loss of leaders. The group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the group then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation, or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario, the complete closure of the Group.
Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 4 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation, or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario, the complete closure of the Group.
~~ee~~ Section C Objectives and activities
Summary of the The Purpose of Scouting objects of the charity Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their set out in its personal development, governing document 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.
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email gsl@1st ashtonscouts.org.uk, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The King President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others. Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs, and attitudes.
Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:
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enjoy what they are doing and have fun
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take part in activities indoors and outdoors
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learn by doing
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share in spiritual reflection
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take responsibility and make choices
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undertake new and challenging activities
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make and live by their Promise.
Public benefit statement
The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
~~ee~~ Section D Achievements and performance
Summary of the During the year: main achievements in the last year
This year has seen Steve Bell, Cub Scout Leader, join the Trustee board as a Trustee and Janet Derbyshire, Beaver Leader, join in the role of Secretary to the Trustees.
Financial position and Group premises
As well as the Ashton Summer and Christmas Fayre the Group also undertaken the first annual Beer Festival which was a big success.
Further plans will be discussed at future Executive Committee Meetings.
Overall, the Group is very good financial health.
Future Plans
The fundraising undertaken over the last 3 to 4 years now means we are in a position where we can move forward with the bouldering wall containers in the next year. This will be a valuable addition to the Scout Group.
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email gsl@1st ashtonscouts.org.uk, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The King President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
~~LT~~ Section E Financial Review
Accounting policy The accounts have been drawn up on the receipts and payments basis with a statement of the assets and liabilities and is consistent with the previous year.
The accounts are drawn up in accordance with the requirements of Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association and reflects the Charity Commission Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).
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 Executive Committee considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs. This sum is £10,000.
~~Ld~~ Section F Additional financial information
Insurance Public Liability Insurance is provided directly by the Scout Association, the current certificate is displayed on the notice board. Building & Contents Insurance is arranged through Unity Insurance Services Ltd via The Scout Association. The Group own a ride on lawnmower which is not currently used to cut the grass in front of the Scout Hut. If this was to change the Group would purchase an appropriate motor insurance cover to meet legal requirements. Banking Bank accounts in the name of the group are held with the NatWest Bank plc. We have a Current account and a Reserve account which is registered to receive interest paid gross and with a minimum of 2 signatures for any withdrawals. Individual sections have their own bank accounts, and are with NatWest and TSB.
The Group own a ride on lawnmower which is not currently used to cut the grass in front of the Scout Hut. If this was to change the Group would purchase an appropriate motor insurance cover to meet legal requirements.
We are pleased to report that the Group is in a sound financial position. Future capital expenditure is considered in our budget. The Trustees are provided with sound administration in respect of its obligations according to POR (Policy, Organisation and Rules), including insurance, fundraising, and maintenance of Group property.
Investment and The Trustees regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the financial policy interest rates received to ensure the group obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements.
The Group does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer term investments. The Group has therefore adopted a risk averse strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks / building societies.
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email gsl@1st ashtonscouts.org.uk, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The King President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
Section E Additional information
~~[oT~~ Section G Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees' report above
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Barry Kay (Chairman) GB. Key, .......................... Eileen Heyes (Group Lead Volunteer) (lem M Hoge .............. Andrew Linster (Treasurer) All ........... Date 28 September 2024...................
1[st] Ashton (Lord Gerard’s) Scout Group Registered Charity No. 517134, The Scout Centre, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan Email gsl@1st ashtonscouts.org.uk, Incorporated by Royal Charter No. 306101 Patron HM The King President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden Powell OM Working in partnership with Wigan Council – Building the future Together
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of 1st Ashton (Lord Gerard's Own) Scout Group On accounts for the year ended 31.03.2024 Charity no (if any) 517134 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust ) for the year ended 31 March 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act") I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 24.09.2024 Name: Michael Nelson Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): FCA- ICAEW: Membership Number 1307113 IER Oct 2018
Address: 5 The Glades, Clipsley Lane Haydock, St. Helens WA11 OST Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. I can confirm the books and records were found to be complete, comprehensive, accurate and give a true and fair view of the financial position of the organisation throughout the 23-24 accounting period. One income sample selected for testing could not be verified to the original bank statement, as the paper Gopies were not available at the time of testing and the online web app did not allow us to go back far 8nough to agree. However, the transaction was agreed to the Group Account electronic records and deemed to be a bona fide business transaction. A sm811 number of cash income receipts were also selected for testing. Although, due to the nature of the income, supporting documentation was not available, valid explanations were obtained and the transactions were agreed to the Group Account Spreadsheet. Therefore, we can confirm that these were bona fid8 business transactions, and no further action required. IER Oct 2018