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1[st] Framwellgate Moor Scout Group

Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31 March 2024

Charity Number: 520693 (England & Wales)

	Page
Reference and Administrative Information	1
Structure, Governance, Management Objectives and Public Benefit	1-3
Risk Assessment, Financial Review and Trustees Responsibilities’	3-4
Achievements and Performance and Plans for the coming year	4-5
Declaration	6

1. Reference and Administrative Information

1.1 Status : The Group was established in the early 1950’s and was first registered with the Charities Commission on 3 April 1963 under the Charity Number 520693.
1.2 The Charity is part of the Scout Association, and the District Reference Number is 11665.
1.3 Principal Address : The Hut, 24 Newcastle Terrace, Durham DH1 5EG
1.4 Bankers:
1.4.1 Lloyds Bank, Durham Market Place, 19, Durham DH1 3NL

2. Structure, Governance and Management

2.1 1[st] Framwellgate Moor Scout Group is governed by the Policy, Organisation and Rules (P.O.R.) of the Scout Association, which provides the framework in which all U.K. Scouting operates. As a charity the Group is also governed by Charity Commission legislation.
2.2 Within the Group there are a number of adult leaders and supporters, who give their time and expertise voluntarily, without remuneration, to help the development of young people. The Group is led by the Group Scout Leader, whose role is to co-ordinate the Group’s activities and to ensure continuity and development.
2.3 All leaders and trustees are subject to satisfactory DBS checks and are required to undergo training that is appropriate for their role. This includes ongoing refresher courses in safety and safeguarding every 5 years and, for leaders, first-aid every 3 years.

Executive Committee : The Group’s Executive Committee consists of [9] members of which 4 who fulfil Principal Roles are also the formal trustees of the charity. The Executive Committee consists of the Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Group Scout Leader (GSL), the parent representative of each of the Group’s sections, the Leader of the Explorer Scout Unit that is linked with the Group, a Facilities lead and non-uniformed members who are appointed in accordance with the rules and guidance of the Scout Association. The Committee meets regularly to fulfil the duties listed below.

2.4 Members of the Executive Committee act collectively and some as charity trustees of the Scout Group, and in the best interests of its members to:
2.4.1 comply with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association;
2.4.2 comply with Charity legislation (including the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate);
2.4.3 protect and maintain the property and equipment owned by and/or used by the Group;
2.4.4 manage the Group’s finances;
2.4.5 arrange appropriate insurance for people, property and equipment;

2.4.6 provide sufficient resources for Scouting to operate and thrive. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting recruitment, other adult support, and fundraising activities;
2.4.7 promote and support the development of Scouting in the local area;
2.4.8 manage and implement the Safety Policy locally;
2.4.9 ensure that a positive image of Scouting exists in the local community;
2.4.10 appoint and manage the operation of any sub-committees, including appointing Chairpersons to lead the sub-committees;
2.4.11 appoint Group advisers, other than those who are elected;
2.4.12 ensure that Young People are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels within the Group.
2.5 The following list indicates the current Trustees and those who served during the year ending 31 March 2024.

2.5 The following list indicates the current Trustees and those who served during the year ending 31 March 2024.	2.5 The following list indicates the current Trustees and those who served during the year ending 31 March 2024.	2.5 The following list indicates the current Trustees and those who served during the year ending 31 March 2024.
Name Principal Role on the Committee Appointed Stood down
A Cawkwell Chair 5 Oct 2020 9thJuly2023
J Collins Chair 9thJuly 2023
S Judson Treasurer 5 Oct 2020 9thJuly 2023
J Williams Secretary 5 Oct 2020 9thJuly 2023
M Bryden GSL 21 Jan 2021 1stSeptember 2023
L Callaghan GSL 1stSeptember 2023
Xialou Liu Treasurer 23rdJan 2023 13thSeptember 2024
Andrew Page	Treasurer	13thSeptember 2024

2.6 Objectives : The objectives of the Group are as a unit of the Scout Association. The Aim of The Scout Association is:
2.6.1 “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.”
2.7 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.
2.8 As Scouts we are guided by these values:
2.8.1 Integrity: We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
2.8.2 Respect: We have self-respect and respect for others.
2.8.3 Care: We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
2.8.4 Belief: We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.

2.8.5 Co-operation: We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.
2.9 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.

3. Risk Assessment, Financial Review and Trustees Responsibilities’

3.1 Financial Review : Further information is given in the annual accounts, but a summary of receipts and payments for the year ending 31 March 2024 is:

Restricted Unrestricted Total 2022/23 Total 2021/22	Restricted Unrestricted Total 2022/23 Total 2021/22	Restricted Unrestricted Total 2022/23 Total 2021/22	Restricted Unrestricted Total 2022/23 Total 2021/22	Restricted Unrestricted Total 2022/23 Total 2021/22
£ £ £ £
Receipts - 73,521 62,808 30,675
Payments - (77,083) (73,758) (38,196)
Net Position	16133	(3,562)	(10,950)	(7,521)

3.2 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 of running costs. The trustees consider that the Group should hold a sum equivalent to 6 months of running costs in the General Fund to cover imminent payments and urgent building repairs should they arise. At 31 March 2024 the un-restricted balance stood at £72,428 which satisfies this policy
3.3 Investment policy : The Group adopts a low-risk strategy to investment, keeping funds in mainstream banks. However, all of its funds currently sit within Lloyds to allow for expediency of releasing funds should any building work go ahead.
3.4 Signatories to bank accounts : Payments or withdrawals from the Group’s bank accounts require authorisation by one of the following people:

3.4.1 Treasurer, Chairman and Group Scout Leader.

3.5 Independent examiner of accounts: It is intended that an independent scrutineer will be appointed to review these accounts and those prepared on an annual basis moving forwards. A professional, independent bookkeeping firm is employed to oversee financial transactions and produce annual accounts.
3.6 Risk Assessment : The Executive Committee 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:
3.6.1 Damage to the building, property and equipment: The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss, and in the event of temporary loss would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the church, community centre and other Scout Groups, as a short-term solution.

3.6.2 Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members: The Group through the membership fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy, and also has additional cover in place. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
3.6.3 Reduction or loss of volunteers: The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the District. If there were a reduction in the number of volunteers to an unacceptable level in a particular area, discipline or as a whole, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation of activities or closure of parts of the operations.

4. Achievements and Performance and Plans for the coming year

Achievements: Over the past year all sections within 1[st] Framwellgate Moor have gone from strength to strength – numbers remain high in each section, with a good amount on the waiting list.

4.1 As with previous years, we remained committed to helping and supporting the new Sacriston Group to become firmly established in the area.
4.2 We continue to struggle to find more willing adult volunteers to help support the group and the young people within our sections. Thankfully with a new reinvigorated Executive, we are able to take on the governance challenges.

We have held some highly successful key events in the year:

Beavers: Beaver Day Out, Climb When Ready and Beaver District Sleepover

Cubs: Cub Day Out (All Cub Packs). Pete Swinney Competition (All Cub packs), Cooper's Cup (All Cub packs) and Moor House Camp (Tue & Fri Cubs)

4.3 Scouts: County Rally 2023 (Wed Scouts in partnership with The First Glasgow and 2nd Penrith), Confido 2023 (All Scout Troops), Sub Zero 2023 (Wed Scouts in partnership with 1st Norbreck, Blackpool), Great Tower Summer Adventure Camp (Wed Scouts), Climb When Ready (All Scout Troops), Vaux Ambulance Shield (Fri Scouts), Dryburn Camping Competition (Fri Scouts).
4.4 Our key focus is to ensure that the events are value for money and that every young person gets the opportunity to participate in some way. The Group run a hardship fund which is open to all members and details can be found on our website.

Thank you to everyone who has made the last 12 months a success.

Plans for the Coming Year: We are in the final stages of planning our Group Camp for May 2024 at Hawkhirst.

4.5 Work is still ongoing supporting Sacriston with the growing of their own group, looking towards starting a Scout section to complement the Beavers and Cubs sections already established.

5. Declaration

5.1 The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustee’s report above.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees:

… ……………………………..

J Collins (Chair)

1st Framwellgate Moor Scout Group Annual Accounts 2024

1st Framwellgate Moor Scout Group Receipts and Payments Accounts For the year ended 31 March 2024

Receipts and Payments Accounts

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Receipts	£
Membership subscriptions	34,243
Activities income	7,049
Camp income	31,151
Training income	770
Donations	5
Hire of assets	279
Other income	24
Total Receipts	73,521

Payments	£
Badges and uniform	4,258
Capitation fee	14,355
Camps expenses	21,600
Activities expenses	22,880
Session expenses	2,763
Sacriston expenses	1,288
Leader training & safeguarding	1,484
Insurance	2,393
Equipment	866
Repairs & maintenance	321
Utilities	3,637
Travel & transport	1,224
IT, telephone & internet	480
Printing, stationery & postage	29
Professional & accountancy fees	2,684
General expenses	1,277
Motor vehicle expenses	980
Total Payments	77,083

Excess (Deficit) of Receipts over Payments: (£3,563)

Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31 March 2024
Assets	£
Cash at bank - Main account	86,363
Cash at bank - Trips account	2,101
Cash at bank - Income account	96

Total Cash at bank	88,561
Liabilities	£
Creditors (current liabilities)	(17)
Net Assets	83,577

These accounts have been prepared on the Receipts and Payments basis as permitted for charities with income under £250,000.

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ Charity Name members of 1st Framwellgate Moor Scout Group On accounts for the year 31 March 2024 Charity no 520693 ended (if any) Set out on pages 1 - 4 (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 March 2024 Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report 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 (other than that disclosed below *) 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.

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

Signed: Name: Andrew Thomas Relevant professional AAT qualification(s) or body (if any):

Date: 29 Aug 2025

Address: The Hub, New Century House, Crowther Road,Washington, NE38 0AQ

Oct 2018

IER

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 .

Oct 2018

IER

2024-03-31-accounts