2025-03-31-accounts

Trustees Annual Report Sunderland Scouts 2024-2025

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A message from our Chair…

It was my great pleasure and honour to be present, in February this year, at the unveiling of the Blue Plaque commemorating, effectively, the launch of the Scouting movement to the world. As you may know, it was 117 years ago, on February 22, 1908, that Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of our movement, conducted the world’s firstever Scout inspection in Sunderland, on Garrison Field behind what is now the Fire Station entertainments complex. Formed by Col. Ernest Vaux of the famous brewing family and Baden-Powell’s friend from the Boer War, the Troop would go on to be known as Vaux’s Own – Sunderland No. 1 and is also believed to be the first official Scout troop in the world.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear, Lucy Winskell OBE, and Ben Hodgkiss, UK Contingent Leader for the Scouts, carried out the unveiling of the plaque. It was a prestigious, profile-raising event for Scouting in Sunderland, attended by the great and the good from the District and further afield. I was struck, from chatting with various attendees, by how much Scouting and the contribution we make to the well-being of Sunderland is appreciated across the wider community. There were so many people who, even if no longer active in Scouting, had a story to tell of when they or their children were Scouts. Once a Scout, always a Scout?

Overall, the event was a great success and my gratitude is extended to those who helped make it happen – particularly two of our extraordinary volunteers, Lesley and Andrew Robinson, who did much of the “heavy lifting”. Their efforts remind me how essential volunteers are to every single success story within Scouting. Week in, week out, our volunteers across Sunderland give their time, energy, and creativity to inspire young people with skills for life. Whether leading weekly section nights, organising adventurous activities, or supporting behind the scenes, their contribution embodies our values of care, respect, integrity, belief, and cooperation. Quite simply, without them, none of this would be possible.

Sunderland’s historic role in the origins and development of Scouting is one of the almost “quirky facts” which give the city its unique character. There are many “did you knows” of this kind that I come across from time to time. My favourites include the laying of the foundation stone of Sunderland Museum in 1877, which was attended by American President Ulysses S. Grant, victorious general of the Civil War.

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Another is that Sir William Herschel, distinguished composer and renowned astronomer, lived in Sunniside in the 18th century – just around the corner from what is now Kayll House. These connections remind us that Sunderland has long been a place of innovation, culture, and influence. Scouting is proud to be part of that tradition, helping young people take their place in history by developing character, citizenship, and leadership.

When I reflect on the Blue Plaque event, I am struck not only by the significance of Sunderland’s role in the Scouting story, but also by how that story continues to be written today. From those first parades on Garrison Field, to the hundreds of young people who now wear the Scout scarf across our District, we are united by a common purpose: preparing young people with skills for life. This is not simply about teaching outdoor skills or teamwork, though those remain at the heart of what we do. It is also about resilience, empathy, problem-solving, and confidence – qualities that help young people succeed in school, in work, and in life. In a world that is constantly changing, these skills are more relevant than ever.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our volunteers. Scouting in Sunderland is powered by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Leaders who give up their evenings to run a programme. Trustees who ensure the safe and sustainable running of our Groups. Parents who lend a hand on camp. Skills instructors, administrators, fundraisers, and mentors who quietly keep everything moving. Each contribution, no matter how small, has a ripple effect on the lives of young people. Collectively, they create opportunities that young people may not otherwise have access to – from camping under the stars for the first time, to representing the UK at an international jamboree.

As we look forward to a new Scouting year, I would like to express my appreciation for the current Trustees Board, who over the past 12 months have really gelled together to form a highly effective team, working in the service of the District. Not all issues facing us have been finally resolved, but great progress has been made. Their work embodies the very best of our values: showing integrity in decision-making, belief in the potential of our young people, respect for the views of all stakeholders, and care in safeguarding the future of Scouting in Sunderland.

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Changes will come along in the next months and years, as they always do. We will face new challenges, but I am confident that Sunderland District Scouts will continue to rise to them. We can draw strength from our history – from Baden-Powell’s first parade here in 1908 – and from our present-day community of volunteers and young people. Together, we will keep creating moments of adventure, friendship, and growth. Together, we will keep making a difference. And together, we will keep equipping young people with skills for life.

Thank you all for the part you play in our ongoing story. Whether you are leading, supporting, encouraging, or simply sharing your pride in being part of Scouting, you are shaping lives and building a better world.

Mr. Keith Lowes

Volunteer Chair of Trustees Sunderland Scouts

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A Reference and Administration Details

Charity Name: Sunderland District Scout Council Also known as: Sunderland Scouts / Sunderland District Scouts Charity Number : 520713 Scout HQ Registration Number: 100001701 Principal Address of the Charity: Kayll House, 9 Foyle Street, Sunderland SR1 1LB Period this report covers: 1[st ] April 2024 to 31[st ] March 2025

Board of Trustees

Those volunteers appointed by the District Scout Council to be responsible for the sound day-to-day governance of the charity on their behalf.

Name	Role
Keith Lowes,	District Chair
Emma Scott	District Secretary* (1stApril 2024 to 23rdSeptember 2024)
Steven Whatt	District Treasurer
Carlton Gronow	Lead Volunteer (Ex Officio Trustee)
Ian Simpson	Youth Lead (Ex Officio Trustee)
Aaron Horton	Trustee
James Elliot	Trustee
John Cooper	Trustee
Lesley Robinson	Trustee
Phil Atkinson	Trustee
Dave Russell	Trustee
Andrew Donaldson	Trustee (1st April 2024 to 23rd September 2024)
Cameron Hirst	Trustee (1st April 2024 to 23rd September 2024)
Kris Woods	Trustee (1st April 2024 to 23rd September 2024)

* - Please note that the role of District Secretary continues to support the board and has attendance at meetings, but from 23[rd] September 2024 is not a trustee by right of appointment.

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B Structure, Governance and Management

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.

Constitution

The District is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.

Trustee Selection

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

The District Scout Council

The District Scout Council is the electoral body which appoints the District Trustee Board to manage the day to day matters of the charity.

The ex officio members of the District Scout Council are members by virtue of their role in The Scouts:

• a. All adult members with a District role

(as per The Scouts Policy, Organisation & Rules Teams Table)

• b. All Group Lead Volunteer members of each Group Leadership Team from the District

• c. All Group Leadership Team Members of each Group in the District

• d. All Group Section Team Members of each Group in the District

• e. All Group Trustee Board Chairs from the District

• f. All Group Trustee Board Treasurers from the District

• g. All Explorers (including Young Leaders) in the District

• h. All members of the Scout Network in the District

• i. All parents of all Explorers (including Young Leaders) in the District

• j. The County Lead Volunteer (Durham Scouts)

• k. The County Chair (Durham Scouts)

For the year 2024-25 the District did not have any appointed or community members of the District Scout Council.

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The District Trustee Board

The District is managed by the District Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout District which is an educational charity. As charity trustees, they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.

The Trustee Board meets every 2 months. Members of the Trustee Board complete ‘Being a Scouts Trustee’ learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board as well as mandatory training for Safety, Safeguarding, Creating Inclusion, ‘Who we are and what we do’ and GDPR if not completed previously and within 3 years since last completing.

This Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high-quality and safe programmes that give young people skills for life.

Risk and Internal Control

The Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the District 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 District would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as a church, community centre, Scout Groups or other Scout Districts. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. The District has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.

• Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members.

The District, through the capitation fees, contributes to The Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.

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• Reduced income from fundraising.

The District is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The District does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Board could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the District on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently.

• Reduction or loss of leaders.

The District is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the District. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the District as a whole, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a Group or Unit. In the worst-case scenario, the complete closure of the District.

• Reduction or loss of members.

The District provides activities for all young people aged 4 to 25. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular Group or Unit or the District as a whole, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a Group or Unit. In the worst-case scenario, the complete closure of the District.

• 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 a system of limited delegated authority for expenditure and 2 signatories for all payments and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

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C Objectives and Activities

The Purpose of Scouting

Scouting exists 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:

• Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.

• Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others.

• Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live.

• Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.

• Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we cooperate with others and make friends.

The Scout Method

Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults,

work together based on the values of Scouting and:

• Enjoy what they are doing and have fun

• Take part in activities indoors and outdoors

• Learn by doing

• Share in spiritual reflection

• Take responsibility and make choices

• Undertake new and challenging activities

• Make and live by their Promise.

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How the District seeks to achieve our objectives:

EXPLORERS network	Sectional Support Whilst the Scout programme from 4 to 14 is delivered in the Scout Groups we support. The District is responsible for directly operating our 14 to 24 provisions. Ensuring suitable leadership, resources and finances are in place to support young people achieve their Top Awards.
	Adventurous Activities We encourage all sections to run adventurous activities for young people and adults and support the acquisition and renewal of adventurous activity permits, including Nights Away permits that allow our leaders to take young people on overnight camps and other residential activities.
Volunteeroe, ‘ Scouts ar:	Growth & Transformation Liaising with the Regional Growth and Communities Team to identify local Growth and Development projects to grow Scouting. Whether opening new Groups, new Sections or Re- energising a Group which may have less numbers. We are also supporting groups to transition to new digital system, new way of team-based working, new roles and structures and introducing a new training scheme.
~~Po~~ NW SUNSET Sunderland Scout Po	Events We run a number of District Events through the year and support Groups in participating in County Events. The purposeof these is to supplement the Scout programme where scaleor access to certain activities may be limited, sometimes theseare competitive, and sometimes just for fun – but always allowing our young members the opportunity to understand that they are part of a worldwide family.
	Facilities & Resources Kayll House our District HQ & Scout Resource Centre ensuring our members have access to uniform and badges. An archive covering the events of Sunderland Scouts since 1908! A box trailer that Groups can use to transport their equipment. And lots of activity and camping equipment for Groups to use.

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Grants & Fundraising

We make a financial contributions to those who wish to apply for grant funding whether to access Scouting when N PE Saree affordability becomes a challenge, to support international experiences such as World Scout Jamborees and to support the costs of adult volunteers who wish to undertake adventurous 6 6, activity training with a National Governing Bodies. We gratefully receive grants from benefactors who support our work with young people, which often need to be administered carefully and reported back to the initial funder. District Support Scout Programme is delivered in Scout Halls as section meetings – as a District we strive to provide additional support to leaders whether that be human, financial or capital resource directly, indirectly or perhaps with the support of subject matter experts to provide advice or a more hands-on approach. We also provide technical tools to help with Youth Membership & Programme Administration (OSM) and Risk Assessment Management. ~~me~~ Welcoming and Supporting New Volunteers Whilst new volunteers are always welcome, it is important that we screen applicants to ensure their suitability to work with Ki young people. We have robust processes that we implement in Welcome the District in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy such as DBS checks, reference checks and welcome conversations. Links & Community Impact Maintaining links between our District and our neighbours, be they other Scouting Districts and Areas or external bodies, is On cs) essential. We encourage and support giving young people the opportunity to take part in high quality social action as part of ae the Scouting Movement. As well as representing The Scouts at local, national and international events ensuring that Young People are the good work we do are showcased and celebrated in the wider community.

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Volunteer Training

	Volunteer Training Ensuring all our adult volunteers, whatever their role are appropriately trained or re-trained in a timely manner. All adults are required to undertake mandatory training in Safety, Safeguarding, ‘Who We Are and What We Do’, Creating Inclusion and GDPR when starting months of their appointment. Additional modules for Trustees, Line Mangers and those with Programme Based roles are also mandatory. Additional and advanced training is available with a ‘Wood Badge’ being awarded to adults as a symbol of the competition of the advanced training.
Oe 3 & You ¥	Shape & oe <p e
Tf:	Recognition Valuing the contribution, commitment and achievements of our members is an essential. The badges and awards our young people earn, trophies and certificates forcompetition winners and presentation at our annual St. Georges Day event. We also present adult volunteers for long service at 5, 10, 15, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 & 70 years as well as good service awards and medals for outstanding contribution.

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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D Membership & Growth

The graphs and tables show a summary of the current membership of Sunderland Scouts.

Youth Membership2025 Total BeaversCT 8

Please Note: While there is a slight decrease from 2024 to 2025, we believe this reflects changes to our volunteer structure and role recording, not a drop in adult volunteer numbers.

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The table below is a summary of our National Scout Census return as of 31st January 2025 vs 31st January 2024

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Financial Review Sunderland District Scout Council Recei ts and Pa ments Account For the year fn)m 01 April 2024 To 31 March 2025 Receipts and Payments 2024125 Unr••trld•d funds 2023124 Unrg•trlet•d fund• Ro¢91 Don￿0￿, kgacl•• and •lmllar Incom• Membershlp Subscript￿8 Donation8 28.080 25,742.00 3.¢XIO.C 182.0) County robate Rent from Kayll HOU￿ car park Trailor In¢omo 633.C(I 1000. 1,CW)O. 40.00 Sub total 29753.00 29,924.00 Grnnt• GTan18 4850.C(I 1.022.C 1,022.00 Sub total 4850.00 Fundrnl•lng {gro••l Camps. trainlng fournes. events Shop Nelwodt 2152.66 1.723.O) 6,526.28 161.30 8543.99 Explorers Other 7004.92 4,811.60 Sub total 17807.67 13,222.18 Investmgnt Incom• Bank Inièrest 787.C6 749.26 Sub total 787. 749.26 Total Gross Incom 53.197.6 44.917.44 A8S•t and Inv•stm•nl sak•, . Total Rocelpt• 83.197.6 44.917.44 Chority number." 520713 Page 15of19

Sunderland District Scout Councll Recei ts and Pa ments Account For the year from 01 Apnl 2024 31 March 2025 Receipts and Payments 2024125 Unrnstricted funds 2023124 Unrnstricted funds ents Membership fèès paid to County Ywlh Fyojramme and activitses ExpIc￿S Nglwork 23.504.00 21.$22.00 1.981.29 1.930.64 6.459.92 15.00, 5.455.39 397.8 Aduh support and training RefundslRebat86 1.803.78, 633 502.56 256 Grants Mado 720 Rates {Kayll House) Walèr and sewerage (Kayll Housol Electricity and g35 (Ka￿1 House) Maintenance and deanirKJ (Kayll H￿88} Telephon8. alami and broadband {Kayll Hous81 Insurance (Kyall House Rent and rates (Done Lar￿) Water and seweragè ID8ne Lano) Maintenance (Dene Lane) In5uran¢e (Dene Lane) Trai18r Repair AGM and trustee expenses Shop purchase5 lor resale Legal etG. Fee5 Bank charges Audit Fees 128.24 120.15 509.28 285.55 1,817.58, 271x1.00, 1,736.30 923.68 1,231.49 48.08 49.47 269.46 241.01 I9,4￿.5 254.00 165.46 1th) 6,125.04 7,118.79 299.24 166.53 Subscriptions Miscellaneous 1.627.00, 1054.23 3,779.74 8ub lotsl 69,816.2 45,612.03 Total Gros• Expondliur 69.816.2 45.612.03 As•et and Inve•tmènl purchas••, •tc. Tolal payrn•nt 69.816. 45,612.03 Surpluil(Deficlt) generated In tho year (16,618.631 1694.59) Chorlty number.. 520713 Page 16of19

Sunderland District Scout Council Receipts and Payments Account For the year from 01 April 2024 To 31 March 2025 Statement of cash balances at the end of the year 202412S Unrnstrlct•d fund• 2023124 Unrnslrlctod fund• Cuh fund• Bank current ac￿Unt 6,298.47 57,536.32 5.119.73 75,749.26 234.98 Bank Deposit A¢￿)Unt Soldo account Equals Money acwunt Cash Float 194.41 75.00 75.00 Total caih funds 65.754.7 81.373.38 Investment assets Shop stock L•nd and bulldlng• Kayll Hou Der Lgne 7,397.31 7,868.37 150,O¢J).OD 12,000 5LK).OQ 75.0th).00 Trailer 5CQ.IX) scc4J￿rVj equipment, fijmrture. etc 1.500.00 1.51)J.C(I Total non<ash 171.397.31 84.868.37 Uabllltl Accounts not yet paid 129.26 Expenses incurred not invoiced Group Actmty Debt Shop Debtors 13.00 86.40 930.60 Loan - detail Other liabilities Totsl Ilabllltlos 215. T)tal nol a•••t• 236,367.7 167,185.35 The above recelpts and payments account and slatement of assets and Ilabllltles were approv•d by the Trustees on 3010612025 and slgned on thelr behalf by: Slgn•turn Nam• Troasuror Slgnature Nam? Charity number.. 520713 Chalr Page 17of19

Sundertand Dlstrlrt Scoirt Assoclatlon hNlependert Exarnlnerfs Report Indewndent eXan￿ne￿$ report to the trustees of Sundertand Iwstrkt Scout Group I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 March 2025. Respectfve Mpon￿bIlIt￿s OA trustees and examlfter The charlt¢s trustees are responslble for the preparatlon of the accounts. The charltys trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under sectlon 144(2l of the Charltles Act 2011 lthe 2011 Art) but that an independent examinati•)n is needed, In accordance wlth the flnanclal rules of the charlty. It Is My responslbllity to., examlne the accounts under sertlon 145 of the 2011 Act to follow the procedure5 lald down In the 8eneral Lllrectlon$ 8lven by the cornmlsslon under sectlon 145151(b) of the 2011 Art; and • to state whether partlcular matters have CL>rne to my attentlon. Bosls ollndependent examlnerfs report My examlnatlon wa5 carrled out In accordance wlth the Seneral Dlrectlons 8iven by the Charlty Commlsslon. An examinatlon Includes a review of the accountln8 records kept by ihe chartty and comparlson of the accounts presented wlth those records. It also Includes consideratlon ol any unusual Items or dlsdosures In ihe accounts, and seekln8 explanatlons Irom you as trustees concernlng any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provlde all the evldence that would b¢ requlred In an audlt and consequentty no opinlon is 8fven as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair Vie￿ and the report is limited to thwe rnatter5 set out in the next statement. Independent exomlnerfs stotement In connectlon wlth my exarnlnatlon, no matter has come to my attentlon: (l) whlch 8lves me reasonable cause to belleve that In any materlal respect the requlrements: to keep accountln8 records In accordance wlth section 130 ot the 2011 Act and • to prepare accounts which accord with the accountin8 records and comply wlth the accountin8 requlrements of the 2011 Art have not been met or 12) to whlch, In my oplnlon, attentlon should be drawn In order to en•ble a proper understandln8 of the accounts to be reached. John Edwards 2 Rose Cotta8es Wlndlass Lane Washin8ton Tyne and Wear NE37 IBD June 26th 2025 Page 18of19

Reserves Policy

The District’s policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the District should income and fundraising activities fall short. The District Trustee Board considers that the District should hold a sum equivalent to 6 months of running costs, circa £4000

Investment Policy

The District 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. The District has therefore adopted a low-risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies or The Scout Association's Short-Term Investment Service.

The District 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 District Trustee Board considers the cash flow requirements.

F Declaration

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

Signature:

Full Name: Keith Lowes

Position: Volunteer Chair of Trustees - Sunderland Scouts Date: 16/08/2025

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