**3 rd Hazel Grove Scout Group** _**.... Everyday adventure**_
## **ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS**
**For the Year ended 31[st] December 2023**
**3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2023**
## **1 Introduction**
This Annual Report is issued by the Trustees of 3rd Hazel Grove Scout Group in conformity with requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association, current edition, for the financial year ended 31st December 2023 and the Census Year ending 31st January 2024.
## **2 Reference and Administration Details**
3rd Hazel Grove Scout Group Open (Non-sponsored) Established August 1957
Scout Registration Number 33420 Registered Charity Number 520209
Email: mike.wells@ladybrookvalleyscouts.org.uk Website: www.3hg.org Address: Adj. No.2 Macclesfield Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, SK7 6BD
## **Trustees**
The Group is led by the Group Scout Leader and managed by the Trustee Board (the Trustees)
Ex Officio Members: Group Chairman Michael Wells Lead Volunteer Angela Massey Section Leaders Stuart Greenfield, Paul Dowson, Jonathan Mayo, Gill Barlow, Paul Barlow Group Secretary Sarah Mennie (resigned 26 April 2023) Group Treasurer Lee Allsopp Nominated Members Robin Sheehan, Steve Holt Elected Members David Phillips, Alan Marsh, Quentin Blagg, Nicola Hunt, Kath Shaw, Robin Kay - Co-opted Members
## **Advisers**
Independent Examiner: Richard M Lamb
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**3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2023**
## **3 Structure, Governance and Management**
## **Governing Document**
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.
## **Management**
The Group is managed by the Trustee Board, 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 Board consists of independent representatives, the Chair and Treasurer, together with the Lead Volunteer, individual section leaders’ and parents’ representation. It meets regularly.
The Trustee Board exists to support the Lead Volunteer in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for:
- The maintenance of Group property;
- The administration of Group finance;
- The insurance of persons, property and equipment;
- Assessment and mitigation of risk;
- Appointing any sub committees that may be required;
- Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.
## **Risk and Internal Control**
The 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 churches, community centres and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. 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 Association’s national accident insurance policy and also takes out additional accident insurance for supporters. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
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**3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2023**
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 Committee 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 as a 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.
Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 6 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.
The Group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include 2 signatories for all payments and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.
## **4 Objectives and Activities**
The objectives of a charity are set out in its governing document and therefore 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 individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.
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.
## **Public Benefit**
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.
## **5 Achievements and Performance**
## **Developments**
Overall it is a major achievement to sustain a Group of the size and complexity of 3rd Hazel Grove Scout Group (3HG). This is done entirely by voluntary effort and support. (Note: the Group is an Open Group and is therefore not sponsored by any organisation e.g. religious bodies, schools, industrial/commercial firms, community associations, etc.).
The core business of the Group is the promotion of the development of its young people through the Scout Association's Training Scheme.
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**3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2023**
## **Composition of Sections within the Group**
Numbers quoted are from 31[st] January 2024 Census and do not include Young Leader helpers from Scout and Explorer sections at Cub packs and Beaver Colonies. Numbers in brackets refer to 31[st] January 2023 (For information 5 Young Leaders help with the sections).
|**Section**||**Boys/Girls**|**Leaders**|**Helpers**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Carrwood|Monday Beavers|18/2 (18/1)|2 (2)|0 (0)|
|Princes Wood|Thursday Beavers|13/11 (14/8)|3 (5)|0 (0)|
|Shawnee|Monday Cubs|9/6 (9/1)|4 (4)|0 (0)|
|Seneca|Thursday Cubs|23/8 (26/7)|8 (8)|0 (0)|
|Troop|Friday Scout Troop|26/6 (24/7)|4 (4)|0 (0)|
**Others:** Lead Volunteer, Quartermaster and 2 Active Support Members
## **3rd Hazel Grove Group 2024 Census**
||**2024**|**2023**|**2022**|**2021**|**2020**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Number of boys/girls|89/33|91/24|91/18|82/17|109/16|
|Number of adult members|27/8|27/9|28/12|29/10|34/13|
|Total Group Membership|157|151|149|138|172|
|Exec (inc. in adult members)|8/2|6/2|7/2|8/2|9/2|
The Group is one of the largest in the Greater Manchester East Scout County. Numbers are recovering after the limitations placed on Scouting by the Covid pandemic.
The Bullock Smithy Explorer Unit, operating under a 3HG Group partnership arrangement, is a separate District managed section and their figures are not included in 3rd Hazel Grove Group's census figures.
## **Section Activities**
The Group actively follows the Scout Association's progressive training scheme within each Section through weekly meetings, badge work, County and District activities, outdoor activities, week-long and weekend camps (indoor and outdoor).
Our nights away started in March 2023 with Snowshine where Cubs and Scouts descended on Hesley wood near Sheffield. It was a true Snowshine arriving Friday night in the snow and the following day was a beautiful sunny day with the snow quickly melting. This was quickly followed by a joint Colony Beaver sleepover, Shawnee night camping at the Hut, Summer Cub camp in Phasels Wood, Kings Langley and Scout Main Camp in Anglesey. Seneca travelled up to Hawkshead for a pack weekend. Camping in 2023 concluded with Winter Scout weekend in Pately Bridge in November.
Weekly meetings continue to build on badge work. We continued to attend district events such as the Panto and fun days for the Beavers and we thank Alison for organising these great events.
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**3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2023**
We are very fortunate to have many truly amazing young leaders from the Explorer unit. They are a vital part of the leadership team, supporting and running evenings on meeting nights and attending nights away.
## **Awards**
_Scouts:_ - achieved 7 (8) Gold Chief Scout Awards. _Beavers, Cubs & Scouts:_ - achieved 9 (1) Bronze, 16 (13) Silver Chief Scout awards and various and numerous core 97 (141), challenge 349 (274), activity 436 (333) and staged 250 (260) Scouting badges.
## **Vision 2018/2023**
Headquarters issued a Skills for Life mission statement in May 2018. This had four key areas for growth, inclusivity, youth shaped and community impact. The Vision for 2023 was to “prepare better futures, delivering skills for life in a changing world”. Following Covid19 this has been extended until 2025. Since 2018 more than 10,000 people have been consulted inside and outside of the movement. People said Scouts need to be more welcoming and make volunteering feel positive, so it’s not like more work. Our Adult learning needs to be engaging and create useful digital tools to help get things done.
The Scouts are in the process of improving the experience of volunteers in Scouting. This includes how new volunteers are welcomed, the learning opportunities offered to volunteers, and the provision of digital tools to make it easier to get things done in Scouting. The Scouts is transforming volunteering to make it easier, more enjoyable and rewarding. The changes are being rolled out in phases.
- _Growth:_ Census figures show that we have increased our youth membership slightly, especially girls. More adult leaders are needed in all sections. Waiting lists are well managed.
- _Inclusion/Diversity:_ Scouting’s Equal Opportunities policy supports the principle that no member should be discriminated against on the basis of class, gender, ethnic background, nationality, sexuality, mental or physical ability and political or religious belief. As an open Group our membership is not in any way restricted and we welcome all.
- _Youth Shaped:_ Young members have always been encouraged to get involved with the organisation of their section via ‘Log Chews’ (Beavers), pack and troop forums, patrol leaders’ councils etc. Their ideas are respected and where possible incorporated into the section programmes by the leaders.
- _Community Impact:_ Community involvement is a regular feature of the training offered by 3HG.
## **Faith Activities**
The Group is open to everyone; we do not identify exclusively with one faith. Scouting is open to people of all faiths and of none. As an inclusive and values-based movement, we support our members to engage with spirituality in an exciting and meaningful way. Celebrating and understanding differences, including differences in faiths and beliefs, is an important part of the educational and developmental side of Scouts. Belief and its exploration help Scouts to learn from other faiths and develop their personal beliefs and values. The
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**3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2023**
Group encourages Scouts to be open and willing to explore faiths, whether established or defined or not. The Group offers young people safe, exciting and open spaces to explore faiths and beliefs and engage in personal reflection, as they question and develop their opinions and understanding of the world around them by:
- Reflections at weekly meetings.
- Visits to a Buddhist temple, a Baptist Church, a Mosque, and other places of Faith.
- Scouts' Own (informal, non-structured services) at camps.
- Attendance at the District's annual St. George's Day parade and service.
- Representation at the local Remembrance Day Service.
## **Community Activities**
We are fully involved in supporting the following:
- Joint camp with other Cub/Scout Groups.
- District & County Camps and events.
- November 5th Bonfire Night - the Group uses properly certified operators for our community fireworks display.
- Bullock Smithy Hike. This is a national event organised mainly by past and present 3HG supporters and members.
- St. Ann’s Hospice.
- Hazel Grove Carnival.
## **Fund Raising Activities**
The Group's regular fund raising events and activities are:
- Bullock Smithy Hike (a national long distance walking event registered with the LDWA)
- Bonfire night
- HQ party hires
- Gift Aid
Sustaining such a large unsponsored Group is a major task for the Trustees and Leaders who are grateful for help given by parent supporters enabling them to get on with their leadership responsibilities.
## **Leader Training**
Many leaders already hold their advanced training award (the Wood Badge). Some leaders have continued their training.
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**3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2023**
All leaders are up to date with Safeguarding and Safety courses which must be renewed every 3 years before role renewals. All sections have leaders with first aid certification which must be renewed every 3 years.
Leaders have 1 x Terrain 2 (T2) mountaineering certification for leading walks above 800 m, 1 x T1 award (up to 800m), 2 x archery, 1 x shooting, 2 x Katta Tomahawk throwing. More authorisations are always desirable for our active Group.
## **Awards**
Award for Merit – Helen Ryan 40 Years Service – Steven Holt 25 Years Service – Lee Allsopp 20 Years Service – Rick Massey
## **Equipment & Maintenance**
It is important to keep the HQ and equipment in good repair. Future investments required include replacing the old hall roof and old hall heating system, general HQ improvements and painting. The upgrading of the toilets and kitchen continues to be a major goal and it is intended to include facilities for improved accessibility. With improved facilities our HQ would be more appealing and provide a better service to the wider community. Options for investment are currently under development. This year’s major expense was a boiler replacement at £8,400.
## **6 Financial Review**
## **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 Trustee Board considers that the Group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months’ running costs; this year estimated to be £48,000 in normal circumstances (2022: £42,000).
The Group made a surplus on normal activities of £7,023 in the year. Expenditure of £8,400 on a replacement heating boiler resulted in a net deficit in the year of £1,377 (2022: surplus £16,120). The Group held reserves of £125,967 (2022: £127,344) at the year-end. This is above the level required for operating expenses but it includes, less known liabilities, provisions now totalling around £78,000 for future major purchases and building improvements.
## **Investment Policy**
The Group's income and expenditure is very small and, as a consequence, does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. Therefore the Group has adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies.
The Trustee Board regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the Group obtains maximum value and income from its banking
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**3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2023**
arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an account that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn, before doing so the Trustee Board considers the cash flow requirements.
## **Fund Raising**
The Group, being non-sponsored, is entirely dependent upon raising all its required funds. Raising funds to support the large membership and for the maintenance, renovation, refurbishment and replacement of buildings, vehicles and equipment is a major task. To maximise on Inland Revenue allowances all parents have been asked to pay subscription by Gift Aid. An increase in the number paying this way has been achieved and efforts will continue to make best use of our charitable status, ensuring advantage is taken of the more relaxed Inland Revenue rules for charitable giving. In addition to membership subscriptions there are several regular fund raising activities organised by supporter and leaders (See section 5). The table below identifies key fundraising activities in the year and demonstrates that surpluses in the year are not generated from Scouting activities.
|**Activity Surplus**|**2023**|**2022**|
|---|---|---|
||**£**|**£**|
|Community Bonfire Night|1,786|1,488|
|Gift Aid|2,925|2,822|
|Room Hire income|3,840|4,150|
|Bullock Smithy Hike|8,749|10,496|
|Santa Float|5,136|-|
## **7 Conclusion**
The trustees would like to thank all leaders and supporters for their enthusiasm and commitment. The older Scouts and Explorer Unit members also provide much appreciated help but there is always a need for more leaders in all sections. New leaders are always welcome and working with youth is very rewarding.
## **8 Declaration**
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
Signature:
Name: **Michael Wells Angela Massey** Position: Chair Group Scout Leader Date: 31 May 2024
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**3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2023**
## **9 Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of 3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group (Charity No. 520209) for the year ended 31 December 2023 set out on pages 10 and 11 of this report.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of 3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group 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 3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group 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 examiner’s statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the 3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
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:**
**Name:** Richard M Lamb
**Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any):** Bank Manager **Address:** 138 St. John’s Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 7PS **Date:** 31 May 2024
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**3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2023**
## **10 Statement of Income & Expenditure for the Year ended 31st December 2023**
|**Receipts**
Subscriptions
18,241
Less Capitation
(5,922)
Net Subscriptions
12,319
**Activity Income**
Beavers
70
Cubs
5,333
Scouts
7,745
Room Hire
3,840
Bullock Smithy Hike
11,503
Bonfire Night
3,480
Santa Float
5,527
Family Camp
-
Total Activities
37,498
**Other Income**
Donations
945
Gift Aid
2,925
Other
1,108
Interest Receipts
704
**55,499**
**Less Payments**
Transport
1,908
Premises Maintenance
5,597
Premises Utilities
10,598
OSM Fees
754
Insurances (Inc. Vehicle)
3,031
Equipment & Consumables
1,098
**General Expenses**
22,986
Beavers
2,251
Cubs
5,870
Scouts
8,842
Bonfire Night
1,694
Bullock Smithy
2,754
Santa Float
391
Training & Badges
1,294
Family Camp
-
Other
2,394
**Activity Expenses**
25,490
**48,476**
**Net Receipts on Activities**
**Less Major Asset Purchases**
**Opening Balances**
Deposit Accounts
21,987
Current Accounts
95,181
Section Accounts
9,415
Cash
761
**Closing Balances**
Deposit Accounts
Current Accounts
Section Accounts
Cash|**2023**
**£**
**7,023**
**(8,400)**
**127,344**
**125,967**
97,691
18,548
4,488
5,240
**125,967**||**2022**
**£**
15,872
(5,100)|
|---|---|---|---|
||||10,772
124
4,334
7,642
4,150
13,371
3,175
-
2,625|
||||35,421
47
2,822
836
-|
||||**49,898**
703
2,905
3,248
494
2,692
1,373|
||||11,415
1,166
5,692
6,880
1,687
2,875
-
1,393
2,197
473|
||||22,363|
||||**33,778**|
||||**16,120**|
||||**-**
21,987
79,545
8,916
776|
||||**111,224**|
||||**127,344**|
||||21,987
95,181
9,415
761|
||||**127,344**|
|||||
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**3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2023**
## **11 Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the Year ended 31st December 2023**
|**Assets**
**Cash Funds**
Deposit Accounts
Current Accounts
Cash
**Total Cash Funds**
**Non Monetary Assets**
Insurance Schedule:
Premises
Motor Vehicles (Inc. trailers)
Scouting Equipment
**Total Non Monetary Assets**
**Total Assets**
**Liabilities**
Receipts in advance
Amounts owed
**Total Liabilities**
**Total Net Assets**|**2023**
**£**
97,691
23,036
5,240
**125,967**
700,000
13,390
42,297
**755,687**
**881,654**
-
1,257
**1,257**
**880,397**|**2022**
**£**
21,987
104,596
761
**127,344**
570,364
13,000
41,065
**624,429**
**751,773**
-
-
**-**
**751,773**|
|---|---|---|
||||
Income & Expenditure Account and Statement of Assets & Liabilities signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
Signature:
Name: **Michael Wells Lee Allsopp** Position: Chair Treasurer Date: 31 May 2024
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