3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group ~~——~~ .... Everyday adventure_
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
For the Year ended 31[st] December 2024
3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2024
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 2024 and the census year ended 31st January 2025.
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 Lead Volunteer and managed by the Trustee Board (the Trustees)
Ex Officio Members: Group Chairman Michael Wells Lead Volunteer Angela Massey 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 2024
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:
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The maintenance of Group property;
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The administration of Group finance;
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The insurance of persons, property and equipment;
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Assessment and mitigation of risk;
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Appointing any sub committees that may be required;
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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 2024
• 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 2024
Composition of Sections within the Group
Numbers quoted are from the 31[st] January 2025 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 2024 (For information 5 Young Leaders help with the sections).
| Section | Boys/Girls | Boys/Girls | Leaders | Leaders | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 |
|||
| Carrwood | Monday Beavers | 14/3 | (18/2) | 5 | (2) |
|
| Princes Wood | Thursday Beavers | 13/9 | (13/11) | 3 | (3) |
|
| Shawnee | Monday Cubs | 12/2 | (9/6) | 4 | (4) |
|
| Seneca | Thursday Cubs | 18/13 | (23/8) | 7 | (8) |
|
| Troop | Friday Scout Troop | 27/11 | (26/6) | 4 | (4) |
|
| rd Hazel Grove Group | 2025 Census | |||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||
| Number of boys/girls | 84/38 | 89/33 | 91/24 | 91/18 | 82/17 | |
| Number of adult members 26/10 |
27/8 | 27/9 | 28/12 | 29/10 | ||
| Total Group Membership 158 |
157 | 151 | 149 | 138 | ||
| Exec (inc. in adult | 8/2 |
8/2 | 6/2 | 7/2 | 8/2 | |
| members) |
3rd Hazel Grove Group 2025 Census
The Group is one of the largest in the Greater Manchester East Scout County.
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).
We continue to offer a well-balanced, youth-led programme of activities across age 6 to age 14 range, with emphasis on individual development measured against the Chief Scout’s Award programme. Beavers, Cub and Scout Sections all managed to camp on at least one occasion but usually more during the year and there have also been various outdoor activities including Climbing, Water sports and, of course, Archery and Tomahawk sessions. We are continuing to work towards gaining more Nights away permit holders, with support from the existing permit holders.
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.
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3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2024
Awards
Scouts: - achieved 3 (7) Gold Chief Scout Awards. Beavers, Cubs & Scouts: - achieved 8 (9) Bronze, 13 (16) Silver Chief Scout awards and various and numerous core 147 (97). challenge 233 (349), activity 226 (436) and staged badges 197 (250).
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 have changed 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 that aim to make it easier to get things done in Scouting. The Scouts has transformed volunteering with the aim to make it easier, more enjoyable and rewarding.
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Growth: Census figures show that we have stayed relatively steady with our youth membership, with growth in female membership offset by a reduction in males. More adult leaders are needed in all sections. Waiting lists are well managed.
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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.
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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.
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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 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:
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3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2024
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Reflections at weekly meetings.
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Visits to a Buddhist temple, a Baptist Church, a Mosque, and other places of Faith.
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Scouts' Own (informal, non-structured services) at camps.
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Attendance at the District's annual St. George's Day parade and service.
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Representation at the local Remembrance Day Service.
Community Activities
We are fully involved in supporting the following:
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District & County Camps and events.
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November 5th Bonfire Night - the Group uses properly certified operators for our
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community fireworks display.
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Bullock Smithy Hike. This is a national event organised mainly by past and present
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3HG supporters and members.
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St. Ann’s Hospice.
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Hazel Grove Carnival.
Fund Raising Activities
The Group's regular fund raising events and activities are:
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Bullock Smithy Hike (a national long distance walking event registered with the LDWA)
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Bonfire night
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HQ party hires
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Gift Aid
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Community Father Christmas float
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Daffodil 10k and Stockport 10 running events
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
Most leaders already hold their advanced training award (the Wood Badge). During the year Stuart Greenfield and Paul Dowson completed their Wood Badge training.
All leaders are up to date with Safeguarding and Safety courses which must be renewed every 3 years before role renewals. All sections are attended by leaders with first aid certification which must be renewed every 3 years.
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3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2024
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, 2 x shooting, 2 x Katta Tomahawk throwing. More authorisations are always desirable for our active Group.
Awards
15 Years Service – Gill Barlow 15 Years Service – Paul Barlow
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. Plans are currently in place for the renewal of the old hall roof.
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 £40,000 in normal circumstances (2023: £48,000).
The Group made a surplus on normal activities of £19,213 in the year (2023: surplus £7,023 before major asset purchases). The Group held reserves of £145,180 (2023: £125,967) at the year-end. This is above the level required for operating expenses but it includes, less known liabilities, provisions now totalling around £105,000 for future major purchases and building improvements.
Last year’s income and expenditure statement has been restated to remove capitation fees from net income and include in expenditure in line with recommended practice.
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 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.
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3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2024
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 supporters 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 Community Bonfire Night Gift Aid Room Hire income Bullock Smithy Hike Santa Float Total |
2024 £ 3,582 4,428 3,310 8,810 3,335 23,465 |
2023 £ 1,786 2,925 3,840 8,749 5,136 |
|---|---|---|
| 22,436 |
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: | Michael Wells | Angela Massey |
|---|---|---|
| Name: | Michael Wells | Angela Massey |
| Position: | Chair | Lead Volunteer |
| Date: | 12th June 2025 |
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3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2024
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 31st December 2024 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the 3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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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: Richard Lamb
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: 12th June 2025
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3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2024
10 Statement of Income & Expenditure for the Year ended 31st December 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||
| Receipts | ||||
| Subscriptions | 17,697 | 18,241 | ||
| Activity Income | ||||
| Beavers | 1,185 | 70 | ||
| Cubs | 5,360 | 5,333 | ||
| Scouts | 6,497 | 7,745 | ||
| Room Hire | 3,310 | 3,840 | ||
| Bullock Smithy Hike | 12,809 | 11,503 | ||
| Bonfire Night | 5,182 | 3,480 | ||
| Santa Float | 4,976 | 5,527 | ||
| Total Activities | 39,319 | 37,498 | ||
| Other Income | ||||
| Donations | 2,125 | 945 | ||
| Gift Aid | 4,428 | 2,925 | ||
| Other | 1,427 | 1,108 | ||
| Interest Receipts | 1,920 | 704 | ||
| 9,900 | 5,682 | |||
| Total Receipts | 66,916 | 61,421 | ||
| Less Payments | ||||
| Capitation Fees | 6,645 | 5,922 | ||
| Transport | 634 | 1,908 | ||
| Premises Maintenance | 6,203 | 5,597 | ||
| Premises Utilities | 5,886 | 10,598 | ||
| OSM Fees | 915 | 754 | ||
| Insurances (Inc. Vehicle) | 3,285 | 3,031 | ||
| Equipment & Consumables | 2,329 | 1,098 | ||
| General Expenses | 25,897 | 28,908 | ||
| Beavers | 1,360 | 2,251 | ||
| Cubs | 6,416 | 5,870 | ||
| Scouts | 4,686 | 8,842 | ||
| Bonfire Night | 1,600 | 1,694 | ||
| Bullock Smithy | 3,999 | 2,754 | ||
| Santa Float | 1,641 | 391 | ||
| Training & Badges | 698 | 1,294 | ||
| Other | 1,406 | 2,394 | ||
| Activity Expenses | 21,806 | 25,490 | ||
| Total Expenditure | 47,703 | 54,398 | ||
| Net Receipts on Activities | 19,213 | 7,023 | ||
| Less Major Asset Purchases | - | (8,400) | ||
| Opening Balances | ||||
| Deposit Accounts | 97,691 | 21,987 | ||
| Current Accounts | 18,548 | 95,181 | ||
| Section Accounts | 4,488 | 9,415 | ||
| Cash | 5,240 | 761 | ||
| 125,967 | 127,344 | |||
| 145,180 | 125,967 | |||
| Closing Balances | ||||
| Deposit Accounts | 99,611 | 97,691 | ||
| Current Accounts | 40,482 | 18,548 | ||
| Section Accounts | 4,488 | 4,488 | ||
| Cash | 599 | 5,240 | ||
| 145,180 | 125,967 |
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3[rd] Hazel Grove Scout Group Annual Report & Accounts 2024
11 Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the Year ended 31st December 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Assets | ||
| Cash Funds | ||
| Deposit Accounts | 99,611 | 97,691 |
| Current Accounts | 44,970 | 23,036 |
| Cash | 599 | 5,240 |
| Total Cash Funds | 145,180 | 125,967 |
| Non Monetary Assets | ||
| Insurance Schedule: | ||
| Premises | 735,000 | 700,000 |
| Motor Vehicles (Inc. trailers) | 13,918 | 13,390 |
| Scouting Equipment | 48,678 | 42,297 |
| Total Non Monetary Assets | 797,596 | 755,687 |
| Total Assets | 942,776 | 881,654 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Receipts in advance | - | - |
| Amounts owed | - | 1,257 |
| Total Liabilities | - | 1,257 |
| Total Net Assets | 942,776 | 880,397 |
Income & Expenditure Account and Statement of Assets & Liabilities signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
Signature: Mike Wells Lee Allsopp Name: Michael Wells Lee Allsopp Position: Chair Treasurer Date: 12th June 2025
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