2021-12-31-accounts - 3rd Ashton-Upon-Mersey Scout Group

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Trustees' Annual Report for the period

Period start date Period end date From 01 01 2021 To 31 12 2021

Section A Reference and administration details

Charity name 3RD ASHTON-UPON-MERSEY SCOUT GROUP

Other names charity is known by 3[rd] Ashton Scout Group (old name) Registered charity number (if any) 520155 Charity's principal address Brayton Avenue

Sale Cheshire

Postcode M33 5HF

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for wholeyear	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee(if any)
Simon Murray	Chair		Group Scout Leader
Alasdair Ferro	Secretary		Scout Group at the AGM
Andrea Morgan	Treasurer		Scout Group at the AGM
Harry Peet	Group Scout Leader		Scout Association POR
Sarah Goodstadt	Section Leader		Scout Association POR
Robert Blairs	Section Leader		Scout Association POR
Amanda Westhead	Section Leader		Scout Association POR
Sally Yarwood	Section Leader		Scout Association POR
Nicholas Edmondson	Parent & Parent Committee		Group exec.
Stuart Thompson	Section Leader		Group exec.
Adam Roberts	Parent Committee Member		Group exec.
Fay Brocklebank	Parent Committee Chair	18/09 - 31/12 2021	Group Exec

Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)

Name Dates acted if not for whole year

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of adviser Name Address

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

TAR

2020

Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

The Group's governing documents are those of the Scout Association.

Type of governing document

(eg. trust deed, constitution) 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 the Scout Association rules which are How the charity is constituted common to all Scouts. (eg. trust, association, company) The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Trustee selection methods Rules of The Scout Association. (eg. appointed by, elected by) Trustees are appointed or reappointed annually at the Annual General Meeting.

(eg. trust, association, company)

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
the charity‟s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
relationship with any related parties;
trustees‟ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.

All our members, trustees, leaders, helpers and assistants give their time on a voluntary basis and received no remuneration or other benefits.

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 Group Executive Committee consists of 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary, together with the Group Scout Leader, individual section leaders, representation of supporters and parents, and meets every 2 months.

The 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.

Risk and Internal Control

The Group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include appropriate financial controls and comprehensive insurance to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

TAR

2020

Section C Objectives and activities

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

The aim of the Scout Association is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as Summary of the objects of the individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and charity set out in its international communities. governing document The method of achieving the aim of the association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership. In planning our activities for the year, we keep in mind the Charity Commission‟s guidance on public benefit at our trustees‟ meetings.

Summary of the main The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the activities undertaken for the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community public benefit in relation to development headings. these objects (include within this section the statutory The focus of our activities is based on the Scout Associations planned programme declaration that trustees have and award schemes, reinforced with related fun activities and camping / outdoor had regard to the guidance experiences. This benefits young people by developing their self-confidence and issued by the Charity social skills alongside practical and life skills. Commission on public In line with the Scout Association guidelines, we welcome all young people benefit) regardless of personal background, faith, gender, personal circumstances or disability. This philosophy of openness to all, enriches our young people aged 6 to 18 and our volunteers, through the sharing of skills, aptitudes and life experiences.

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

All of the income from subscriptions, donations and fund raising is spent for the benefit of the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. This includes maintaining the Scout Hut, necessary to provide a safe venue for regular meetings of all sections of the Group.

Parents and leaders have helped directly with building maintenance to keep costs down and, where specialist skills have been needed, have raised the funds to carry out essential work improving facilities and cost efficiency. Ongoing improvements are planned and financed in the same way. The funds provided by claiming Gift Aid help enormously, this has allowed the group to finance and or subsidise activities for the young members. Where some families have struggled financially the group waives or discounts subscription and camp fees depending on the need.

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:

Total group membership dropped from 80% of pre-pandemic numbers at the start of the year to around 50% by end April. Many parents had continued to pay subscriptions for a whole year despite being reminded four times this was not required or expected. This helped enormously with group finances. Immediately meetings could resume membership increased dramatically.

policy on grantmaking;
policy programme related investment;
The group relies entirely on volunteers. Leaders, skills instructors, helpers,
 contribution made by assistants, parents and trustees, all willingly give many hours of their time for free. volunteers. Only through their tireless enthusiasm is the group able to achieve so much.

The partnership with the Explorer unit continues to work well. The Scout group allows the Explorer unit to use its facilities and equipment for their meetings, activities and camps. In the same way the Group allows Girlguiding, Sale Scout and Guide Band, and Sale Gang Show to use the premises and equipment owned by the Group. Additionally the group allows the hut to be used for Young Leader and Adult training courses.

TAR

2020

Section D Achievements and performance

Reports for 2021

Summary of the main Achievements of the charity during the year

Difficult start to the year. Membership at end of 2020 was surprisingly still very high. By April it had dropped to somewhere nearer 50% of pre-pandemic numbers. Not until May was it possible to meet face to face once again, although with many restrictions in place. Membership immediately went back up once meetings were able to resume. Lifting of more restrictions in September allowed meetings indoors and the sections started to get back to their usual programme of events and meetings. Getting outdoors with friends and having fun had been missing for so long and that became the main focus of all activities for the year. All sections took part in as many trips and outdoor activities as they could fit in to meetings. Fundraising by the parents committee, and the grants the exec managed to secure, meant all the activities could be provided from group funds. This was helped by the parents that generously continued to pay subs when finances must have been stretched.

Beavers.

Many got involved in the tasks and activities remotely until June brought the excitement of finally being able to meet in person again. Social distancing meant we were still limited to only meeting outside due to the size of the scout hut. Fortunately the weather was good and we welcomed 15 new Beavers from the waiting list. Activities included visits to Dunham Park, Dino Golf, joining the whole group for two activity filled days at Dunham scout camp in September. We had a really good time trying out so many new activities and crafts. We had a visit from Louise and her exotic pets of all kinds for our Animal Friend badge. Meetings included inventing, investigating, making and painting. Joined the whole group who attended the District Remembrance day parade. We spent an evening shopping and learning about budgeting before donating our purchases to the local food bank. It was great to finally get back to having fun with friends.

Cubs (Sir Peter Scott Pack)

Year started with same restrictions as 2020, Returned to meeting again outdoors at the Hut in late May. So that the Cubs could catch up on activities and time with friends we continued meeting right through the summer and numbers recovered to near pre-COVID levels. After the summer restrictions were still in place for overnight camping. Instead of usual Group Camp we had the Activity days at Dunham, which was well attended. was followed up by a trip to Ice Hockey and also a Hike from Sale Water Park back to the hut, including a hot chocolate stop!

Cubs (Lord Mountbatten Pack)

After the bizarre year of 2020 and lockdown we were able to meet outside of the hut in late May. We organised an evening on the canal in canoes, scavenger hunts and wide games in Worthington Park. An evening pond dipping at Sale water Park, a litter pick in Sale town Centre and a trip to Dino Golf. After the summer holidays we were ready to get back to the hut with a “getting to know you” games night. Group organised a weekend of great activities in the sunshine. The following few weeks were taken up with fire lighting, making ghosts for the Halloween party and completing the air activities staged badge. December the pack concentrated on collecting items for different Xmas hampers for charity. Each six mad their own video asking for donations and we were inundated. Each hamper went to charity including the Salvation Army and Sale West Community. To end our year we had a fun trip out bowling.

Scouts (Peake & MacArthur Troops )

Within a few short weeks of being allowed to meet again we were back running at capacity. June and July saw a back to basics approach trying to refresh lots of the basic skills that had been forgotten such as pioneering, fire lighting, hiking plus a few fun activities which included canoeing, Total Ninja and a visit to a high ropes course which had to be abandoned due to a massive lightning storm.

Friends of 3rd Ashton (Parents Committee)

Support the Group with fund raising and as an extra pair of hands when needed. There are several established fund raisers in the calendar. Financially the spring bedding plant sale and the Halloween party are the most successful. In 2021 we supported with these events and also provided additional support for the group fun days which took the place of family camp. Our usual role as start line marshals at the Manchester Marathon and Half Marathon was declined in 2021 due to the perceived unacceptable risk to our members.

TAR

2020

Section E Financial review

The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the Brief statement of the charitable activities of the Scout Group should income and fundraising activities charity’s policy on reserves fall short, or major maintenance work on the premises is required.

The Group Executive Committee considers that the Group‟s funds should hold a sum equivalent to 3 months basic running costs (utilities and insurance etc), which is approximately £6,000. Additionally the Group strives to set aside sufficient funds over the year to pay the annual capitation fees paid to the Scout Association in March each year without undue difficulty, which was £6,159 this year.

In addition, during December each year, the Group Executive Committee set a budget for the following year. All major expenditure is highlighted and finances held in the bank account are ear marked to cover the costs in good time. Any other major expenditure arising during the year is agreed at the Group Executive Committee meetings.

Details of any funds materially in deficit

None

Further financial review details (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:

the charity‟s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.

The main source of funds allocated for running costs is the monthly subscriptions paid by the Group members and regular fundraising which is mainly organised by the Parents Committee.

The majority of income is used to fund the running costs of the Scout hut which is the regular weekly meeting place for all the group members, and the cost of programmes, related activities and camps. All of which serve to improve the development of our members.

Other major ongoing costs are the annual capitation paid to the Scout Association which provides support and insurance for all of the members.

The Group has additional insurance for non- members.

When necessary the Group waives or discounts subscription fees / camp fees for members whose families may otherwise struggle to meet the cost due to hardship.

In 2020, due to the pandemic, the Group allowed members to suspend monthly subscriptions to ensure those families who were impacted financially by government restrictions did not feel compelled to continue to pay each month. This suspension continued during the first half of 2021. The suspension was lifted in September 2021 when Scouting resumed in full. A second local government grant was secured to cover the loss of 2021 income for the Group.

We allow other local groups to use the facility on a regular weekly basis. The stated aim of all of these groups is to promote the development of young people. When possible, they make a donation to cover additional costs, wear and tear of equipment, insurance, gas, electricity and water costs. This donation was waived during both 2020 and 2021.

The Group does not have sufficient funds to make long term investments. It has therefore adopted a risk adverse strategy to the investment of its funds.

All funds are held in cash using only one mainstream UK bank.

TAR

2020

Section F Other optional information

Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Simon Murray Alasdair Ferro Position (eg Secretary, Chair, Secretary etc)[Chair ]

Date 15/09/2021

TAR

2020

2021 Full Year Summary Read from	2021 Full Year Summary Read from	2021 Full Year Summary Read from
Total	*Subs*
Income	Income	11,534.16 £
Income	Expenditure	16,670.53 -£
Income		5,136.37 -£
Income
Income
Income
Income
Income
Income

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ members of[3][rd][ Ashton-on-Mersey Scout Group ] On accounts for the year ended[31][st][ December 2021 ] Set out on pages 1-2

Charity no (if any)[520155 ]

(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/12/2021.

Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report 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 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 (other than that disclosed below *) in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.

Signed: Bev Sanders Date: 22/03/2022 Name: Bev Sanders Relevant professional MAAT - Member of Association of Accounting Technicians qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 14 Quarndon Heights Allestree, Derby DE22 2XN

October 2018

IER

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight 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 .

October 2018

IER