2021-12-31-accounts

Pen-y-ffordd Scout Group

Year-end accounts 31 December 2021

Registered Number: 517642

PEN-Y-FFORDD SCOUT GROUP

TRUSTEES REPORT

31 December 2021

The Executive Committee present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021. They confirm that the financial statements comply with current statutory requirements and with those of the charity’s constitution.

Structure and governance

The charity was established under a constitution adopted in 1986, when it registered as a charity. The organisation is registered and governed by the UK Scout Association.

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 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:

• enjoy what they are doing and have fun

• take part in activities indoors and outdoors

• learn by doing

• Share in spiritual reflection

• take responsibility and make choices

• undertake new and challenging activities

• make and live by their Promise.

Our Scout Group – Andrea Dixon Group Scout Leader

Pen-y-ffordd Scout Group consists of a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack and a Scout Group, in addition the group host Blaze Explorer Scout unit on behalf of Flintshire District Scouts through a partnership agreement. The Group provides activities for children aged 6 to 18 in accordance with the aims and objectives of the Scout movement.

An action for 2022 is to submit an expression of interest to The Scout Association with a view to establishing a Squirrel Drey, Squirrels are the newest Section to the Scouting family.

As GSL I am proud of the strong leadership teams we have in each section and admire their creativity in providing exciting and challenging programmes week in week out initially within a pandemic where the boundaries are constantly changing.

An action for next year is to see if we can strengthen the Cub Leadership team with additional volunteers.

PEN-Y-FFORDD SCOUT GROUP TRUSTEES REPORT

31 December 2021

A significant requirement has been brought into the Scout Policy Organisation and Rules, this is that every activity must be risk assessed and recorded. This presents an initial challenge in getting risk assessment in place for the most common activities, everything we do will come under this requirement from flag break in the hut to hiking up Everest.

Covid risk assessments were continually reviewed, and programmes adapted to meet the requirements depending on if we were in RED, AMBER or GREEN. Section programmes were initially run-on zoom, then primarily run outside utilising various outdoor spaces around the Scout Hut and at the district campsite Gladstone which was funded by group throughout this period.

Despite the disruptions Covid brought us, the group-maintained youth membership numbers throughout the year and continue to have a healthy waiting list, unfortunately we cannot offer all young people a place.

The Scout Group continues to be valued and respected by youth members, supporters and the wider village community.

Beaver section assistant Gary Robinson was awarded the ‘Meritous Conduct’ Award an official Scout Association award for his contribution to Scouting.

Beaver Report – Nic Robinson Beaver Leader

Beavers embraced online sessions with some interesting visitors and activities over Zoom, where the Beavers fully committed to the online experience and gained more that 200 badges this year, including 7 Chief Scout Bronze Awards.

Activities included:

• Little Zoo to You - met some very interesting creatures

• Cooking - Tortilla Pasties and Armpit Fudge

• Beavers took a virtual tour of a Fire Station

• First Aid - Practising CPR on teddies and learning the recover position with willing volunteers at home!

• Beavers made Bird Feeders for their gardens and learnt how to tie 3 knots

• Kahoot Quizzes

• • Camp at Home with a virtual campfire and a bedtime story with Keeo "Friends of the Forest"

After the Easter break, we returned to face-to-face activities outside at the Scout Hut, in the Community Garden and at our local campsite Gladstone, we planted up the garden, ran a campfire singalong, scavenger hunts, held a back to basics scouting sleepover at Gladstone learning how to light a fire, build a den, archery, crossbows, orienteering and staying away from home for a night.

Beavers had visits from Wales Air Ambulance charity learning about the important work of the Air Ambulance, had a special visitor who re-enacted the time of solider during the 1st World War to mark remembrance Sunday and took part in Parliament Week talking to our local MP and Community Councillor about issues that affect us in our community.

Beavers finished 2021 with a visit to our local pottery cafe to make Christmas Decorations and completed a Christmas Scavenger Hunt around the village.

PEN-Y-FFORDD SCOUT GROUP

TRUSTEES REPORT

31 December 2021

Cubs Report – Hannah Morris Cub Leader

Below are the Cub highlights from the year:

• Overall Cubs have enjoyed being back in person with Cubs and moving from digital provision

• • Highlight for the Cub leaders has been being able to see them growing in confidence both individually and as Cub pack working together. They have worked hard to perfect their skills and becoming more independent in using them

• Cubs have enjoyed visit to Xplore! in Wrexham, District campfire, hiking, outdoor sessions at Gladstone centre perfecting their fire lighting and camp skills, geocaching, Canoeing sessions

• They have worked through their international badge, scientist, astronomer, personal safety, local history, hobbies, community impact, paddle sports, fitness, alongside their skills badges.

Scouts Report – Chris Williams Scout Leader

Below are the Scout highlights from the year:

• Running Section membership steady on 24

• Successfully running sessions online in the first part of the year, followed by outdoor sessions for most of the remaining year, focusing on getting back into routine, patrols, uniform, patrol points

• Summer camp Kibblestone, given the green light for this camp at the very last minute, team worked hard to get everything in place and Risk Assessment approved at District level

• Scouts enjoyed a trip Laser combat in Llandegla

• I’m a scout get me out of here was run as 2 separate day events in order to comply with Covid restrictions, despite this Scouts thoroughly enjoyed this challenging event

• River Dee Canoe Cruse run jointly with Blaze and K2 explorer units this replaced River Severn annual canoe cruise which was cancelled due to restrictions

• Scout meeting concentrating on Scouting skills of navigation, knotting and first aid

Explorer Scouts

As a group we continue to host Blaze Explorers on behalf of Flintshire District however for all sense and purpose they are treated as an equal partner of Pen-y-ffordd Scout Group. A partnership agreement is in place and reviewed annually.

As Blaze continue to contribute financially to the group, we have ensured they have been financially supported during the period when they haven’t been able to make use of the scout hut, an example being meeting the cost of using Gladstone campsite for weekly meetings.

The group have young leaders supporting sections from Blaze Explorer unit.

Leader Training

As a leadership team and executive committee, we continue to fair well keeping up with training in comparison to other Groups in Flintshire District. Leaders are guided by Training Adviser/ Cub Leader Hannah Morris and Assistant Scout Leader Sue Randle. 1 Wood Badge has been completed this year and 1 leader remains in training.

PEN-Y-FFORDD SCOUT GROUP

TRUSTEES REPORT

31 December 2021

Most leader training has continued to be all online during the year, except for First Aid which has run face to face when Covid regulations has allowed.

Community Impact

It is not possible for us as a Scout Group, to take part in every Scout Association community initiative however we can have an impact on our local community by taking an active role as a Scouts Group.

Community involvement has been limited again this year, by Covid regulations, however, we were able to join the village parade for Remembrance Day and a few representatives of the group attended the service.

By December the Covid situation was greatly improved and the groups much-loved Santa Float was able to go-ahead in the usual manner with youth members and parents collecting with Santa under licences granted by Flintshire County council. The local community are very appreciative and supportive of the Santa float.

The group also took Santa Float to the village public house for their Christmas fair.

Health and Safety-Hut

The hut is maintained to an acceptable standard in line with Health and Safety requirements Jacksons undertook our annual fire extinguisher check in February 2021.

The Asbestos Risk assessment has been reviewed and an asbestos plan put in place as recommended by The Scout Association, this has been signed off by the executive committee.

Scout Hut Update – Richard Memmory, Chair

The beloved Scout Hut is reaching the end of its natural life with costs to replace aspects of the building being extremely costly and would not be a sound investment for the Scout Group to spend money on. Over the course of the last few years, somewhat impacted by Covid, we have been working with Flintshire Council and the newly formed Penyffordd Penymynydd Dobshill (PPD) Hwb to review our options for a longer-term location to be based out of. Out of several potential options (including the Scout Group take on full responsibility of the Scout Hut, Scout Group take on full responsibility of the Youth Club building or Flintshire Council look at an alternative site for the Group) the committee have decided that working with the PPD Hwb would be the best outcome for the Group.

Who are the PPD Hwb?

They are a community-based group, backed by the Community Council, who are working towards taking ownership of the Youth Club building, and surrounding land, to offer space to various groups and organisations to compliment the War Memorial Institute (which is already oversubscribed). We have been working with the Hwb to express our requirements and needs and are looking to work with them to build a new garage and storage area, have some secure dedicated space within the Youth Club building plus access to a brand new building which will become our new home.

PEN-Y-FFORDD SCOUT GROUP

TRUSTEES REPORT

31 December 2021

It’s early days, the Hwb are just about to take ownership of the Youth Club and their immediate focus will be setting up the existing building so it can be used for community activities. From a Scout Group perspective, we urgently need a new garage/storage area so will be working with the Hwb on how we can get this build started (our aim is for the Scout Group to raise funds for this) and then longer term, our new home.

We are looking forward to expanding on what we have today (dedicated and safe space for our Group) to provide more opportunities for Pen-y-ffordd Scout Group.

Welcome Pack

The welcome pack has been kept up to date with any necessary changes

Minibus/Trailer

The minibus has had regular servicing and mechanical work completed.

The group has been fortunate to be able to purchase a brand-new bespoke trailer. The previous trailer will now house the Santa Float on a permanent basis.

Principal Address:

Pen-y-ffordd Scout Group Hawarden Road Pen-y-ffordd Chester CH4 0JE

Executive Committee

The Group is managed by the Group Executive Committee, the members of 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 Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

The Committee aims to have 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the Group Scout Leader, individual section leaders and parent representation and meets as required. This has been reduced during the pandemic as much of the business is in relation to the Scout Hut which has barely been utilised!

An action for next year is to strengthen the executive committee.

Members of the Executive Committee should complete 'Essential Information for Executive Committee' training within the first 5 months of joining the committee, as well as Safety, Safeguarding and GDPR.

PEN-Y-FFORDD SCOUT GROUP

TRUSTEES REPORT

31 December 2021

This Group Executive Committee exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for: The maintenance of Group property.

The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance. The insurance of persons, property and equipment. Group public occasions. Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support. Appointing any sub committees that may be required. Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected

Executive committee activity continued to be limited to zoom meetings due to Covid 19, restrictions continually changing, meeting on Zoom has proved to be an effective way to hold executive committee meetings and has improved attendance. Communication is additionally enhanced using an executive committee face book messenger group

The Group is managed by the Executive Committee who are listed below:

Appointing any sub committees that may be required. Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected The Group is managed by the Executive Committee who are listed below:

Sharon Bakewell(Treasurer)	Stephen Love
Simon Briscoe	Richard Memmory (Chair)
Emma Clark(resigned 29 May2021)	Helen Mitchell(resigned 27 March 2021)
Sarah Crosby	Natalie Roberts(resigned 12 December 2021)
Joanne Davies(resigned 30 August 2021)	Nicola Robinson
Andrea Dixon(GroupScout Leader)	Chris Williams
Hannah Dooley-Morris
Rachel Kendrick(resigned 29 May2021)

Financial Review and Reserves

The results for the year show a net cash inflow of £5,491 compared to £6,556 in the previous financial year.

The Total Funds held by the Group on 31 December 2021 was £47,239 and this is split between Designated Funds held across the 3 sections of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts of £1,835, money for future camps - £7,178, Minibus and remedial work on the building of £23,500 which leaves £20,217 as free reserves. The Committee feel that the Charity needs to hold approximately 6 months expenditure as free reserves, which equates to approximately £12,000. We are currently over this limit due to Grant funding received in the year but not spent at year end. Plans have been put in place to spend this money on charitable activities in 2022.

PEN-Y-FFORDD SCOUT GROUP

TRUSTEES REPORT

31 December 2021

Grant Funding

Although fundraising was reduced again this year the Scout Group have been fortunate to be eligible for further Covid -19 business support grants from Flintshire County Council. This has again brought in significant funding far in excess of our usual fundraising efforts.

Some sections received a grant from the village Community Council.

The group successfully applied to the COOP community fund for funding to improve the village community garden, this project will run up until October 2022. No funds have been received yet.

Fundraising

The only fundraising event which took place this year was the group Santa float at the beginning of December referenced previously in the Community impact area of this report.

Subscriptions

The plan was to increase subs this year however due to the ongoing pandemic a decision has been made to postpone this to a future date.

The trustees’ report and accounts were approved by the trustees on 31 October 2022 and

Signed on their behalf by:

…………………………… Andrea Dixon Group Scout Leader

PEN-Y-FFORDD SCOUT GROUP RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Consolidated accounts including Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Sections

	Total	Total
	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
	2021	2020
	£	£
RECEIPTS
Subscriptions	8,535	9,577
Fundraising	4,740	4,949
Donations	-	1,460
Grants	10,600	14,240
Trips and Activities	5,781	5,771
Badges/Hoodies	650	131
Contributions from Blaze Explorers	1,582	580
Miscellaneous income	-	207
	31,888	36,915
PAYMENTS
Subs paid to Explorers	25	74
Scout Association Membership	3,327	4,070
Minibus Expenses	2,170	839
Insurance	1,213	1,427
Building maintenance	1,446	580
Utilities	601	577
Miscellaneous	405	475
Equipment	7,287	2,494
Fundraising expenses	616	394
Food and Provisions	-	120
Camps and Activities	8,207	18,518
Badges/Hoodies	1,100	791
	26,397	30,359
Net Cash Inflow	5,491	6,556
Funds at 1 January 2021	47,239	40,683
Funds at 31 December 2021	52,730	47,239

PEN-Y-FFORDD SCOUT GROUP

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

As at 31 December 2021

Funds Held Group Current Account Group Savings Account Group Petty cash Group Funds Sections Funds: Beavers Cubs Scouts Section Funds Total Funds Funds - Split Designated- Camps Designated- Section Designated- Building Designated- Minibus Unrestricted	2021 £ 13,839 29,500 378 43,717 628 521 7,864 9,013 52,730 7,178 1,835 5,000 18,500 20,217 __ 52,730 ____

Approved by the Executive Committee and signed on their behalf by:

Sharon Bakewell Treasurer 31 October 2022

PEN-Y-FFORDD SCOUT GROUP

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF PEN-Y-FFORDD SCOUT GROUP

I report on the financial statements of Pen-y-Ffordd Scout Group for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner

The charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this period under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• examine the financial statements under section 145 of the 2011 Act;

• to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and

• to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent 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 financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present ‘a true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

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:

• to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

• to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 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 financial statements to be reached.

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