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2023-03-31-accounts

Sunderland District Scouts Annual Report 2022-23

We prepare young people with skills for life Page 1 of 15

From the District Chair…

Dear Colleagues

Overall, I am pleased to report steady progress in terms of consolidating our numbers of members, leaders and activities, since we pressed the restart button following the worst of the pandemic.

I wonder, if like me you get a sense of historic change in the air. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is our royal connections which remain stronger than ever. We can take pride in the fact that 500 Scouts (in army terms that is a battalion) from across the UK and the Commonwealth were helping on Coronation Day in London - including representation from Sunderland.

On the Bank Holiday Monday, Scouts led the Big Help Out which contributed to 6.5 million people volunteering across the UK and 10.4 million people saying that they’re more likely to volunteer after being inspired by the day. It has been reported that media interest in Scouts over the Coronation weekend secured 7,000 pieces of coverage and there was a huge 247% increase in visitors to the volunteering pages on the national website, as compared with the same time last year.

On the other hand and more recently there have been several adverse reports in the media about historic safeguarding cases in Scouts. We take these matters extremely seriously, and understand the concerns and questions that parents and carers may have. Nothing is more important to us in Scouting than keeping our young people safe. In addition to a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) every Scouts volunteer must undergo safeguarding training when they take up a role with Scouts, and must refresh their training every three years. Our robust safeguarding training and processes are regularly subject to external review. Most importantly, keep your yellow card close. The ‘Yellow Card’ is shared with parents, carers and young people, giving everyone the ability to challenge unwelcome behaviour. This approach to safeguarding aims to drive a culture where all concerns must be reported, no matter how small, enabling us to identify and address early warning signs. An updated version of the Yellow Card is due to go live shortly which includes learnings from some of the cases which have been reported.

Having recently completed the online modules in Safeguarding and Safety Training myself I was greatly impressed by the state-of-readiness our national organisation has reached in identifying and addressing potential safeguarding risks. I take great comfort in knowing that Scouting’s Policy Organisation and Rules (POR) and the associated operational guidance is available online for quick and easy reference and are there to help us all – in everything from how to chair a committee to coping with hot weather.

Returning to the theme of historic change I very much welcome the renewed focus on

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improving the volunteer experience in Scouts and the three imminent steps for effecting change to be rolled out:

• Executive Committees are becoming Trustee Boards to make their role as Scouts Trustees clearer and more focused.

Watch this space!

I want to close by thanking my colleagues on the District Executive Committee, who have been a pleasure to work with over the past twelve months, for their immense contributions in maintaining and improving Scouting in Sunderland. I must also single out Fiona Slater our Treasurer, who is moving to (or back to) pastures new, for her dedication, diligence and success in dealing with District’ financial matters in recent times.

Yours sincerely and with my best wishes

Keith Lowes - District Chair

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1 Reference and Administration Details

Charity Name: Sunderland District Scouts Charity Number: 520713 Scout registration 100001701 Principal Address: Kayll House, 9 Foyle Street, Sunderland SR1 1LB

1.1 Trustees

Keith Lowes , District Chair Emma Scott District Secretary Fiona Slater District Treasurer Carlton Gronow District Commissioner Ben Hudson District Explorer Scout Commissioner Aaron Horton District Scout Network Commissioner Phil Atkinson Elected Member John Cooper Elected Member Kris Woods Elected Member James Elliot Elected Member Lesley Robinson Nominated Member Steven Whatt Nominated Member Dave Russell Nominated Member

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2 Structure, Governance and Management

2.1 Governing Document

The District’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 (POR) of the Scout Association.

2.2 District Scout Council

The District Scout Council is the electoral body to which the District Executive Committee is accountable. Membership of the District Scout Council is open to:

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2.3 Constitution

The District is a trust established under the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.

It has a constitution agreed by the District Scout Council, but which is subservient to its governing documents.

2.4 Trustee Selection

The trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association and the District’s constitution.

2.5 District Executive Committee

The District is led by a District Commissioner and managed by a District Executive Committee. They are accountable to the District Scout Council for the satisfactory running of the District.

The Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment.

Members of the Executive Committee must act collectively as charity

Trustees of the Scout District, and in the best interests of its members to:

2.6 Risk and Internal Control

The District Executive Committee has identified the major risks to which they believe the District is exposed which are:

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2.6.1 Injury to Leaders, Helpers, Supporters or Members

The District supports compliance with the Safety Policy and ensures appropriate risk assessment; elimination, reduction and control measures are taken to reduce the likelihood of any injuries.

In addition, through membership fees, the District contributes to the Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy.

2.6.2 Damage to Buildings, Property or Equipment

The District would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations. The District has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.

2.6.3 Reduced Income from Subscriptions and Fund Raising

The District is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The District holds adequate reserves to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The committee could also raise the value of subscriptions to increase the District income either temporarily or permanently.

2.6.4 Reduction or Loss of Leaders

The District 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, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of activities or sections.

2.6.5 Reduction or Loss of Members

If there were a reduction in membership of a particular section or the District as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section.

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2.6.6 Material Mismanagement or Loss

The District has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include expenditure controls as detailed in the District delegated authority document and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

3 Objectives and Activities

The primary objective of the District is that of the Scout Association generally, namely:

‘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:

The Scout Method

Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:

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4 What we have been doing and continue to do

Directly supported Scouting Supporting front line programme and support by leading and developing the Explorer Scout and Scout Network (14-24) provision. Activities We encourage all sections to run adventurous activities for young people and adults and support the acquisition and renewal of activity permits, including Nights Away permits that allow our leaders to take young people on overnight camps and other residential activities. Growth & Development Growing by attracting new young people and adult volunteers to Scouting and supporting the development of Events District events are probably the most visible things that we do, bringing Groups and Units together to show everyone they’re part of something big. Facilities We own and manage a District headquarters at Kayll House, including the Scout Resource Centre, and Dene Lane - all resources which directly benefit Scouting in Sunderland. Group Support Scout Groups & Units are where the magic happens - we provide direct support to help them run their programmes and activities. Vetting and appointment of adults We have a functioning Appointments Advisory Committee that works to welcome and support new adult volunteers to Scouting and carries out all relevant DBS checks and other vetting procedures to ensure the safety of our young people.

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Links & Community Impact Maintaining links between our District and our neighbours, be they other Scouting Districts and Areas or external bodies, is essential. We encourage and support giving young people the opportunity to take part in high quality social action as part of the Scouting Movement. Training Working with County, who appoint local training advisors, we ensure all our adults have the skills and knowledge to deliver safe, quality, inclusive Scouting.

Youth Shaped

We’re committed to trying as hard as we can to get young people working in partnership with adults to run Scouting through youth engagement, the young leader scheme and youth led scouting.

Recognition

Ensuring that we shout about our successes and recognise those who help us achieve them! Whether the badges our young people earn, with trophies and certificates for competition winners, or awards and medals to recognise the good and long service of our adult volunteers

4.1 Public benefit statement

The District meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.

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5 Report of Receipts, Payments and Statement of Cash Balances

For the year from
Receipts and Payments		 For the year from 01 April 2022 To 31 March 2023
Receipts 2022/23
2021/22
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds
£
£
21,293.50
12,321.00
2,700.00
6,496.74
166.50
142.50
1,000.00
1,000.00
25,160.00
19,960.24
4,000.00
0.00
4,000.00
0.00
2,026.50
300.00
5,936.97
4,911.12
218.00
0.00
4,789.00
3,196.50
0.00
0.00
12,970.47
8,407.62
0.00
3.80
0.00
3.80

42,130.47
28,371.66
0.00
0.00

42,130.47
28,371.66		 2022/23
2021/22
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds
£
£
21,293.50
12,321.00
2,700.00
6,496.74
166.50
142.50
1,000.00
1,000.00
25,160.00
19,960.24
4,000.00
0.00
4,000.00
0.00
2,026.50
300.00
5,936.97
4,911.12
218.00
0.00
4,789.00
3,196.50
0.00
0.00
12,970.47
8,407.62
0.00
3.80
0.00
3.80

42,130.47
28,371.66
0.00
0.00

42,130.47
28,371.66
Donations, legacies and similar income
Membership Subscriptions 21,293.50
12,321.00
Donations 2,700.00
6,496.74
County rebate 166.50
142.50
Rent from Kayll House car park 1,000.00
1,000.00
Sub total 25,160.00
**19,960.24 **
Grants
Grants 4,000.00
0.00
Sub total 4,000.00
0.00
Fundraising (gross)
Camps, training courses, events 2,026.50
300.00
Shop 5,936.97
4,911.12
Network 218.00
0.00
Explorers 4,789.00
3,196.50
Other 0.00
0.00
Sub total 12,970.47
8,407.62
Investment Income
Bank Interest 0.00
3.80
Sub total 0.00 3.80
Total Gross Income
Asset and Investment sales, etc.
Total Receipts

42,130.47
28,371.66
0.00
0.00

42,130.47
28,371.66

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Receipts and Payments

Payments 2022/23
2021/22
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds
£
£		 2022/23
2021/22
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds
£
£

Membership fees paid to County		 17,654.00
15,651.00
Youth programme and activities 1,762.08
54.43
Explorers 4,316.20
2,834.34
Network 306.49
0.00
Adult support and training 0.00
300.00
Refunds/Rebates 130.50
113.00
Grant made 300.00
0.00
Rates (Kayll House) 227.84
232.61
Water and sewerage (Kayll House) 170.60
149.84
Electricity and gas (Kayll House) 2,225.84
3,731.18
Maintenance and cleaning (Kayll House) 0.00
0.00
Telephone, alarm and broadband (Kayll House) 94.56
797.88
Rent and rates (Dene Lane) 68.52
65.35
Water and sewerage (Dene Lane) 172.71
161.04
Insurance 1,130.88
1,006.12
AGM and trustee expenses 100.00
0.00
Shop purchases for resale 4,674.53
3,938.33
Legal etc. Fees 0.00
0.00
Bank charges 50.10
20.97
Audit fee 75.00
0.00
Miscellaneous 161.84
0.00
Sub total 33,621.69
29,056.09
Total Gross Expenditure
Asset and Investment purchases, etc.
Total payments
Surplus/(Deficit) generated in the year

33,621.69
29,056.09
0.00
0.00

33,621.69		 29,056.09
8,508.72
(684.43)

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Statement of cash balances at the end of the year

2022/23
2021/22
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds
£
£		 2022/23
2021/22
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds
£
£
Cash funds
Bank current account 80,492.93
74,663.22
Soldo account 992.76
820.97
Equals Money account 507.28
0.00
Cash Float 75.00
75.00
Total cash funds 82,067.97 75,559.19
Investment assets 0.00
0.00
Shop stock 5,922.32
5,873.56
Land and buildings
Kayll House 75,000.00
75,000.00
Trailer 500.00
500.00
Scouting equipment, furniture, etc 1,500.00
1,500.00
Total non-cash assets 82,922.32 82,873.56
Liabilities
Accounts not yet paid – Electricity bill 0.00
2,000.00
Expenses incurred but not invoiced 0.00
0.00
Subscriptions not yet paid 0.00
0.00
Loan - detail 0.00
0.00
Other liabilities 0.00
0.00
Total liabilities 0.00 0.00
Total net assets 164,990.29 158,432.75

The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 04/09/2023 and signed on their behalf by:

District Chair

_Keith Lowes______ Name

________ Signature

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7 Independent Examiner’s Report

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Sunderland District Scout Group

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) but that an independent examination is needed, in accordance with the financial rules of the charity.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts 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 next statement.

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:

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 accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Name: John Edwards

Relevant professional qualification or body:

Address: 2 Rose Cottages, Windlass Lane, Washington, Tyne and Wear NE37 1BD

Date: June 29th 2023

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8 Declaration

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

Signature: Date : 04/09/2023

Full Name: Keith Lowes

Position: District Chair

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