2024-03-31-accounts

City of Newcastle Annual Report 2024

Introduction from the Trustees

To all Newcastle Scouts and Friends of Scouting

The Trustee Board is pleased to present the results and report for 2023-2024.

For Scouts and their parents, the adults in uniform are the visible face of Scouting. However at all levels within the District there is much expertise and support behind the scenes. At District level, the Trustee Board and its Sub-Committees provide support to the work done by the Lead Volunteer and her team. The Trustee Board would like to thank all members of the Property and Finance Subcommittee, the Appointments Advisory Sub-Committee, the Gang Show Sub-Committee and the Explorer Sub-committee. The first deal with the finances of the District and the administration of the properties owned and leased by the District. We hope to shortly have a new property to store Gang Show Equipment and plans are progressing to renovate/rebuild House on the Hill. The second SubCommittee has the important role of ensuring that all adults wanting to be involved in leading and supervising the members of the Scout Movement are able to do so. The Gang Show Sub-Committee steers the organization of the annual Gang Show. It was tremendous success again this year despite the ongoing storage problems. Many thanks to all involved in it. The Explorer Sub-committee oversees the running of Explorers in the district.

After the constraints caused by Covid, events are now back to normal but the world has changed and zoom meetings are now a common occurrence. Kath Tyson is the only Lead Volunteer in the District and is coping amazingly well. We are very grateful to her for tremendous commitment.

Kathryn Toner, our Development Officer, concluded her position at the end of April 2024. We are very grateful to the work she did on behalf of the district helping to recruit new leaders and to develop new sections such as in the West of the City. The Trustee Board is now looking at new ways to help and develop all sections in the District.

No organization runs on physical effort alone! It needs money to help run activities and to help with such things as transport costs and equipment. In Andrew Bassett we have the services of an excellent Treasurer with vast experience and it is his efforts that enable us to present a solid financial position. Many thanks to him, Adam Kirk (his assistant) and staff in the County Office.

I would like to thank all members of the Trustee Board for their support and assistance. In particular I would like to thank Andrew Bassett, Bob Tyson (District Secretary) and Kath Tyson for their help and advice. This year we have lost several people who worked tirelessly for the District. They all will be missed.

Finally we wish to thank all the Volunteers, Young Leaders, Leaders, GSLs, Group Committee members and the District Team for all your past and continuing service and efforts. Your work enables Scouting to benefit many young people of Newcastle and provide a focus in many communities in the City.

Peter Avery

Chair,

City of Newcastle District Scout Trustee Board

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District Lead Volunteer

The annual report is the opportunity to look back over the year and I am delighted to say that again there has been a slight increase in the number of young people who are able to engage in the activities organised by teams of committed volunteer leaders within the sections across the District.

I was delighted to hear that Carol Preston, the Group Lead Volunteer of the 82[nd] Newcastle was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Kings` Birthday Honours List, in recognition of her voluntary work in Scouts. Congratulations Carol, you are a great example for us all to follow.

Bear Grylls had an evening with a live audience at The City Hall, and one of our young people, Martha Terente, represented the City of Newcastle Scouts by speaking with Bear on stage about her Scouting journey.

Young people have had their achievements acknowledged, and our congratulations go to them all and thank you to all those who led the young people. Chief Scouts Acorn, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond Awards also The QueensScout or the Kings Scout Awards (depending on when it was Awarded). Lots of proud parents and leaders saw their young people presented at County presentations.

Adults have also been recognised for their service, 35 adults have been awarded length of service awards, going from 5 years to 50 years (Angela Ryan and Peter Jacques have completed 50 years service. Congratulations to everyone concerned.

Ken Reay was awarded The Commissioners Commendation for Good Service, for his commitment to Gang Show for many, many years.

22 adults have worked for and been awarded the Adult Leader Training Award (The Wood Badge).

I would like to thank the members of the District Trustee Board especially Peter (Chair), Andrew (Treasurer) and Bob (Secretary) with members of the various sub committees for all their support. I would like also to thank our County Lead Volunteer (Peter Thorp) and Deputy County Lead Volunteer (Paul Willis for their support.

Finally I would like to say to all the adult Scouting family, either uniformed or not, within the City, you are doing a special job, helping our young people to reach their full potential, something that can never be measured. Thank you all so much being a generous volunteer.

Kath Tyson

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Scout Network

Network in the city continues to grow and thrive with a fantastic bunch of young adults who are leading the way, both within the county and nationally too, having been involved in many county level projects and the national review.

Following an action packed summer last year, which saw members go as staff to the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea; several do their Explorer Belt in Italy and some go as crew to support the Explorers Activity Camp at Dilston, we started back in September with a bang and for the last 12 months we have met on the first Wednesday of each month for an all members activity. These have included activities such as cooking, firelighting, pioneering, theatre trips and archery.

In October we invited members of other Scout Networks to take part in a game of Hunted; where teams tried to get from point to point without getting caught by the ‘Hunters’. Organised by CNN, there were teams entered from as far away as Sunderland and the University SSAGO also put in a team, so it was nice to make connections with others of the same age around the area. A big thank you to all the volunteers who came as Hunters to make the game such a success.

In December we visited Edinburgh for a Christmas trip, visiting the Camera Obscura, the Christmas Market, the pantomime and enjoying a meal out. It was an exhausting day and the weather was pretty grim, but we managed to make the most of the trip, and even won the Santa Selfie Challenge against the Explorers.

In addition to these Unit events we have also helped to support Newcastle Gang Show, es aN el where we had some members in the cast, some back stage and some front of house; taken part in Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions; volunteered as staff at Red Rose id International Camp (where the hours were very long and the pay non-existent) and; volunteered time at Great Tower Scout Activity Centre. I have to say that the reports I have had back from team leaders at all the events CNN have helped at, or taken part in have been truly amazing - everyone comments on their hard work and commitment to giving their absolute best to Scouting.

I also must mention that 9 members of the unit went on the County International Trip to Kandersteg, Berlin and Amsterdam over the summer, and despite many transport issues and lost bags, were fantastic representatives for the District, taking part in some fantastic activities. Mountains were climbed, valleys were zip wired across, bridges were jumped off and chocolate was eaten. I was also very pleased to see that one member led a song at the International Campfire, which is quite an event at Kandersteg.

You can see photos from all of these activities and events on our Facebook Page: City of Newcastle Network.

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I’m also very pleased that we have had a whole host of top awards completed throughout the last 12 months, which just shows the commitment of our members to getting the most out of Scouting and grabbing every opportunity that they can. Congratulations go to the following:

SILVER DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD Adam Lee Euan Bell	CHIEF SCOUT’S DIAMOND AWARD Joseph Ingram Anthony Wood Euan Bell Adam Lee	GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD Rio Groves Patrick Hurrell
SCOUTS OF THE WORLD AWARD Rio Groves	EXPLORER BELT Jake Stephenson Natasha Dereham Euan Bell	KINGS SCOUT AWARD James Lamb Rio Groves Samuel Blake Scarlett Wallis

It was lovely to see 5 members and ex-members of the unit in the King’s Scout Parade at Windsor for St George’s Day and one also visited Holyrood House for the annual Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award garden party. We are hoping for even more next year as several members are just on the verge of finishing many top awards….good luck to them all.

Finally this year marks the 21st birthday of CNN…and they have truly been 21 glorious years with nearly 40 Queen’s/King’s Scout Awards, too many Duke of Edinburgh Awards to actually count, thousands of nights away; nearly 20 countries visited and members who have gone on to great things, both in and out of

Scouting…from teaching, to leadership, to big business, to making medical advances, to becoming amazing parents with a whole host of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers in the next generation and so much more. Good friends have been made, friendships for life and there are regular get togethers of various groups of these friends. Some even come back and help with activities such as DofE or international camps. Watch out for a reunion and celebration around Christmas.

If you would like to join in with our future activities and events you can email [e-mail] or get in touch via our facebook page.

Vix Wallis

District Scout Network Commissioner

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Scout Active Support Unit (Scout Tribe)

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It's been a busy year for members of ScoutTribe who continue to support Scouting in both City of Newcastle District and beyond.

We have been key supporters in the delivery of Duke of Edinburgh awards this year for the district, enabling completion of awards in the summer of 2023 and 2024. We have had new members come and try out Duke of Edinburgh support, as well as the District Explorer provision. We have a willing team of assessors and supervisors who could help out if anyone is in need of support for such events.

This year the unit has also continued to provide skills and support to Dilston campsite, which is a well-used resource by the district. Two of our members also led the Front of House Team at Newcastle Gang Show, and really helped to make the show the success it was.

There have been many International trips both abroad and in the UK in which the SASU unit have supported to enable our district's young people to attend, this includes an the County’s KISCaway trip to Switzerland and supporting Red Rose International Camp in West Lancashire, by providing staffing for the commercial team and staff catering.

We are also grateful for those ScoutTribe members who work behind the scenes providing ‘In Touch’ support for trips and camps and helping to prepare equipment and paperwork so these can happen. Without the support of SASU members many of these projects could not go ahead.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our members for all of their hard work and welcome our new members. We continue to support the district and look forward to new adventures. If anyone would like to join this informal support team, then please do ot hesitate to get in touch, the support of our members helps Units and Groups right across the district. Similarly, if you would like help from ScoutTribe, do let us know; many members can’t commit to every week, but are happy to help out occasionally for one off events, or behind the scenes.

Colette Anson (ScoutTribe Manager)

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Scout Active Support Unit (Red Scarf)

Our SASU continues to support Gang Show where possible with particular thanks to John and Ken Reay who assisted immensely with the movement of costumes to and from the storage to rehearsals and also acted as stewards each week. Ken Lindman is also very active backstage and plays a key role. Claire Gauld is on the cast as well as note taker for the Gang Show Trustees. Geoff Coulson remains on the Gang Show Trustees as Deputy Chair. Katy McClen continues to work wonders as Wardrobe Manager and Dave McClen is Vice President.

The Look Wide Walk continues and last September we were pleased to welcome 34 Brazilians who had a tour of the UK arranged to visit notable Scouting sites. There were some language difficulties but we had arranged to translate the key points of the history of the walk and also used their interpreter to answer lots of questions. They presented us with neckers from Brazil and name tapes. They later contacted us to congratulate us for a fantastic day which was the highlight of their UK tour. Other walks have taken.

We have now welcomed two new members to our small team of guides; Mike Hawkins (Group Lead Volunteer of 2[nd] Wideopen) and Tony Stephenson (Group Lead Volunteer of 1[st] Lemington). Both know the walk and have been supplied with the script and the Risk Assessment. We are planning to launch a Facebook page with links to the history of the walk as well as the ability to book a guide. We are awaiting confirmation from the author of the Walk article to be able to use this....we have spoken to Colin Walker and don’t foresee any problems to use his text.

As mentioned in our report last year, The Scout Association has made some changes and the SASU title will cease to exist. We are fortunate that we are all volunteer helpers with Gang Show and all our members will become members of Gang Show Support Team (this also includes crew, wardrobe, front of house etc). This Team will fall under the remit of the District Support Manager.

With regard to the Look Wide Walk Team members, they will be a sub team under the remit of the Programme Delivery Team. I’m sure all will become clear in the coming months and we will continue to utilise our dedicated team of “SASU” members fully.

It is sad to report that our ex member Don McEwan has “gone home”. Representatives of our Unit and Gang Show did attend his funeral.

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Explorer Scouts

It’s been another busy and action packed year for Newcastle Explorers…

We kick started the year with Explorers out kayaking and paddleboarding at Cullercoats Bay, followed by a quiz night, bonfire social and the usual Christmas festivities. The start of January saw Explorers take part in a Winter Walk (and a hot chocolate from the café along the way!) as well as a District social evening – organised by the Explorers themselves. We returned to the bowling alley for our annual bowling event and filled a whole 12 lanes from all the Units and was joined by our District Lead Volunteer who enjoyed seeing and chatting with everyone.

A working party helped at Hawkhirst with various DIY and maintenance projects ahead of the new camping season. We joined our friends in Castle Morpeth for the annual Monopoly Run event, this time in Durham, as well as taking part in paintballing for the first time in years. We had some fantastic Explorers feature in the Gang Show as well as some of our adult volunteers supporting behind the scenes.

We took 75 Explorers along to West Hall Scout Campsite for the annual District Summer Camp, where they took part in climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, laser quest and an escape room – as well as the usual campfire, games and a spot of cricket with our County Lead Volunteer.

Units have been busy earning top awards – with many earning their Duke of Edinburgh and Chief Scout Awards – and were presented with awards at the County Top Awards Ceremony.

Over 100 of our Explorers choose to volunteer as Young Leaders and support the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts sections. We welcomed 50 along to our annual residential training and skills weekend – with many more attending the ad-hoc evening and weekend sessions provided.

Explorer Scouting in the city continues to thrive thanks to our brilliant young people, their parents and carers and our amazing leaders and volunteers that support them – whether that’s running a regular Unit programme or assisting behind the scenes throughout the year.

Dan

District Explorer Scout Commissioner

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Gang Show

We were pleased to perform the 2024 show at the People Theatre, with increased cast numbers from the previous show.

We had 84 cast members aged 9 upwards, and a further 21 ‘mini gang’ aged 6-8 who performed on the Saturday matinee alongside our main cast. The show's production was led by Stu Bennett, who was supported by his production team, and the vast army of support from those in our backstage teams which included wardrobe, stage scenery and props, makeup, stewards, dressing room support, and the show's trustee board.

We are still struggling for a solution to the wardrobe storage area, and I would like to pay tribute to the small team that ensured the cast had the correct costumes for each number as they worked tirelessly to dress the show in less than adequate wardrobe space.

For a second year in a row, the front-of-house team was made up of members of the Fenham and Newcastle Explorers and from Network who were ambassadors to Scouting within Newcastle.

Over the four months, the cast and crew created new friendships, learned new skills, and became proud members of the Newcastle Gang Show.

Planning has already started for the 2025 Gang Show which is due to be staged at the Peoples Theatre from 22[nd] – 26[th] April.

The show’s success is a mammoth team effort, and I would like to thank all the adult support that came together and made the show happen.

Paul Coulson

Chair – Newcastle Gang Show

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District Youth Commissioner

Over the last few months I have been working with the explorers youth council and helping them reach their you shape award. As of today almost all members have met the requirements for the award. Five members of the youth council were awarded the you shape award on the 22nd of August.

In the coming months I plan to visit more groups so that they can make a start on their youshape award.

James Hill

Appointments Advisory Committee

Once again, the AAC has had a productive year. Meetings and ‘conversations’ with over sixty volunteers have taken place both in person and via zoom, a combination which seems to be popular with all concerned. It has been encouraging that volunteers are stepping up to work in all groups from Squirrels to Explorers. It has been super to meet each person and find out about their desire to support and be positive role models for our young people. It has also been heartening to learn about individual’s Scouting journeys and how the movement has positively impacted their lives. A clear thread has emerged, that our Scouting values always remain with us and that many of our volunteers stem from the seeds that were planted when they were much younger. This may be straight after Explorers/Network activities, but also quite often when adults have their own families & they wish their own children to begin their Scouting journey.

Whatever their background, it is always a privilege for the AAC to share in their enthusiasm and passion for Scouting.

I would like to thank the members of the AAC who willingly give their time, to Kath Tyson for her words of wisdom and Pamela Iley for providing excellent admin support.

Lorraine Metcalf

AAC Chair

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Treasurer’s Report

CITY OF NEWCASTLE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

The year was a ‘reasonably normal’ one i.e. returning to the pre-Covid pattern whilst our main source of external income (the property rents for Osborne Road) did come in with 12 instalments over the year reducing the debt from the covid era to £37,100 at the year end (2023: £49,740). District wide activities for the sections up to and including Scouts were paused for the year but those for Explorers were expanded.

Our gross unrestricted receipts for the year totalled £144,084 (2023: £97,790) with major increases in: net subscriptions (£6,982); gift aid (£1,283); fundraising activities (£3,847 – mainly through Gang Show); property rents (£4,679); explorer activities (£14,261); Gang Show (£14,604); repaid loans (£4.545 but offset by increased payments of £4,077) and the transfer of £1,459 from the ceased Hazlerigg Group.

Net subscriptions accounted for around 5% of gross unrestricted receipts (2023:0%); Grants & donations 2% (2023: 2%); gift aid 1% (2023: 0%); rent and interest 51% (2023:70%) and receipts from charitable activities 38% (2023: 26%).

Our unrestricted payments totalled £149,056 (2023: £172,712) with the major savings/reduced payments in: district wide section activities (down c£15,500 but increased payments re explorers of £12,350); reductions in adult leader training (c£2,400) property costs (c£7,800); digital, media, PR etc (c£4,800); travel grants re international camps etc (c£8,000). These reductions were offset by increases in: gang show payments (c£3,550) administration (c£3,350); grants and support for groups (c£6,800). In percentage terms, 47% was expended on District and Section activities at District level (including leader training) against 36% in the previous year; 6% on property repairs (reduced from 10% as plans developed for changes at House on the Hill); 29% on the development officer (up from 24% but broadly the same amount); administration support paid to County comprised 4 payments (against 3 in the previous year) and totalled £10,880 (7.3% compared with £7,630 – 4.4% in 2023). Travel grants (for international events) cost £3,200 (2%) compared with £11,150 (6.2%) with a return to the more normal cycle of events after the catch-up year post covid.

Overall, we expended £4,950 (2023: £75,022) more than we received in the year on unrestricted funds – whilst restricted funds decreased by £10,259 with the release of the restricted legacy for the gang show against the expenditure in the year leaving £12,681 being a deposit held against maintenance and rent arrears at Osborne Road.

A major anticipated (still!) expenditure to be incurred in the next 12 months is for the development of House on the Hill where the cost is estimated in excess of £500,000. There may also be substantial maintenance costs at Silver Lonnen that could amount to around £30,000.

The statement of Assets and Liabilities provides details of investment assets and other assets held by the District (and liabilities).

I expected this to be my last report as Treasurer after 13 years for the combined district and I have thoroughly enjoyed the time on the executive (now Trustee Board but always Trustees!) in its role of supporting the DC/TeamDC (District Lead Volunteer(s)) in turn both providing scouting for explorers and network and supporting the groups in their role of providing scouting which now covers from 4 to 14. Unless there is a sudden volunteer between writing this and the AGM, it seems that you may be stuck with me for a further year. I am grateful to all who have assisted me over the years including all unit treasurers/record keepers, Adam Kirk who has brought order and efficiency to explorers, Anna Patecka-Gebka for her bookkeeping and Maureen Austin for her diligent work with badges for so many years.

Andrew Bassett District Treasurer

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CITY OF NEWCASTLE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Registered Charity No (England & Wales): 522413 Scout Registration No: 14626

Charity Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

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CITY OF NEWCASTLE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity name: City of Newcastle District Scout Council Other names by which known: Newcastle (City) Scouts Previous names: Newcastle Coordinating Committee Great North Scout District Newcastle East Scout District Charity registration number: 522413 (England & Wales) Scout Registration No: 14626 Operational address: c/o Scout House 39 Horsley Avenue Shiremoor NE27 0UG

Independent Examiner:

Ms Niki Leach

Trustees: The Trustees who served during the year were as follows:

Dr Peter Avery District Chair ex-officio Mrs Kath Tyson District Commissioner ex-officio Mr Daniel Mercer District Explorer Scout Commissioner ex-officio Mr Andrew Bassett FCA District Treasurer ex-officio Mr Robert (Bob) Tyson District Secretary ex-officio Ms Victoria (Vix) Wallis District Scout Network Leader ex-officio Mr James (Jim) McDonald elected Mr Jonathan Portlock elected to 20 September 2023 Mr Jonathan Portlock nominated from 20 September 2023 Mr Scott Ideson elected Mr Aidan Byrne elected Mrs Lorraine Metcalf nominated Mr Logan O’Hara District Youth Commissioner ex-officio to 20 September 2023 Mr Logan O’Hara elected from 20 September 2023 Mr Paul Coulson nominated Mr Benjamin Skaife elected from 20 September 2023 Mr James Hill District Youth Commissioner ex officio from 20 September 2023 Mrs Elinor Barwick nominated from 20 September 2023

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CITY OF NEWCASTLE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

Structure, Governance and Management

Organisation of the charity

The charity was registered on 3[rd] July 1964 and formally changed its name in October 2011.

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.

The District 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.

The District covers the same boundaries as the Newcastle upon Tyne City Council.

The District comprises 20 Groups (2023:21) (separate charities delivering Scouting for Squirrel Scouts, Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts in local areas) for which the District Executive has an advisory and support role. The district delivers Scouting through 8 Explorer Scout Units including a Young Leader Unit (for 14 to 18 year olds), a District Scout Network (18-25 year olds) and 3 Scout Active Support Units (SASU).

The District is managed by the District Executive Committee renamed as the 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 Committee consists of 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the District Commissioner(s), District Explorer Scout Commissioner, District Youth Commissioner(s), District Scout Network Leader(s) and a maximum of 5 each of elected, nominated and co-opted representatives, and meets every 2 months.

The District Trustee Board exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of her appointment and is responsible for: promoting the development of Scouting in the District and arranging for harmonious co-operation with other organisations; the raising of funds and the administration of the District's finances and property, including Explorer Scout Units, District Scout Network and District Scout Active Support Units; appointing a District Appointments Advisory Committee, Chair and Secretary as per POR: The Appointment Process; appointing other sub-Committees and their chairs as the Committee may require; supervising the administration of Groups, particularly in relation to finance and the trusteeship of property; attending to District administration, particularly: matters relating to Leader, Manager and Supporter appointments; the appointment of Section Assistants and Skills Instructors, Administrators and Advisers; registrations, membership of the Movement, appointing a Badge Secretary for the District; the presentation of an Annual Report and annual statement of accounts to the Annual General Meeting of the District Scout Council.

Trustee changes

These are shown in the reference and administrative details of the charity. New Trustees are provided with full support and induction into their role as Executive members on appointment.

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CITY OF NEWCASTLE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

Risk Management

The District Executive has identified the major risks to which they believe the District is exposed; these have been reviewed periodically and systems have been established and continue to develop to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:

• Damage to buildings, property and equipment. The District would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from Scout Groups within the District. The District has sufficient buildings and equipment insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss ~~.~~

• Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The District through membership fees contributes to the Scout Association's national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. Casual helpers are insured directly by the District.

• Reduced income. Whilst the District currently has substantial funds arising from earlier property disposals and is not dependent on current incoming revenues, it also has substantial investment income arising from a property owned by the District. There are sufficient reserves to cover all current projected development

• The District 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.

• The District prepares an annual budget before the commencement of the year to ensure that there are sufficient funds to cover at least the following year’s expected requirements.

Our aims and objectives

The objectives of the District are as a unit of the Scout Association.

The purpose of Scouting is to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. Scouting uses a Method, which is 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.

Scouting is open to all young people between the ages of 4 and 25 years irrespective of class, ethnic origin, nationality (or statelessness) or race, gender, marital or sexual status, mental or physical ability, political or religious belief.

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CITY OF NEWCASTLE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

Ensuring that we achieve our aims

A programme of activities, run by District volunteers, that furthers our purpose and method and compliments those offered by Scout Groups is provided for members of the Association for each of the sections: Squirrels 4-6 years; Beavers 6-8 years; Cubs 8-10½ years; Scouts 10½-14 years; Explorers 14-18 years; and Network 18-25 years. These activities are open to all young members in the District via their Scout Groups/Explorer Units. Some activities are restricted by their nature, in which cases places are taken on a first come, first served basis or by selection. Any selection process adheres to the Scout Association’s diversity policy and will take into account any requirements of the activity. Activities are normally financed by a range of charges, together with fundraising for larger scale activities. Should a young person not be able to pay 100% of the activity costs this would not be a bar to participation. Detailed reports are in the Annual Report for the District.

Financial Review

The charity reports a deficit on total funds for the year of £15,209 decreasing the net cash funds held by the charity to £84,171. This was against a budgeted deficit of £122,851. Major areas of underspend, compared with the budgets were: support for the various district wide activities; underspend on property repairs etc (largely pending major development at House on the Hill); less funds expended on support and development of groups, sections etc throughout the district and less than budgeted for travel etc offset by increased costs in the area of digital, media and PR and initial costs of surveys, reports etc re putative purchases of properties in Blyth and Newcastle.

The charity does not seek to raise funds and does not charge a subscription to its members at District level. Individual members of District Explorer Scout Units pay subscriptions (as do members of the Groups within the District) to finance their sections’ activities. Subscriptions collected by the District are passed in full to Northumberland County Scouts

The invested funds – generated largely from property disposals in previous districts – are held pending developments within and for the District in particular with properties but provide some income in the meantime. The District Executive intends to apply substantial funds to property development and improvements within the District to improve facilities for the provision of Scouting.

The District makes grants, and provides other assistance to Groups and individuals in need, to assist in achieving the objects of, in particular, personal development.

Reserves Policy

The District has cash reserves but is aware of possible short-term needs arising from the developments referred to. The Treasurer has been delegated to place available cash funds on short/medium term deposits whilst ensuring sufficient liquid funds are maintained to meet the immediate needs of the District when interest rates make this beneficial although no funds are currently available for this purpose..

In addition, the District ‘inherited’ (from a previous District) invested funds totalling £255,000 with a market value at 31 March 2024 of £925,233 (2023: £815,938) which are invested to either protect the capital or provide some income for the future. The invested funds are managed by CCLA (Church, Charity and Local Authority) fund managers.

Future Plans

The budgets for the current (2024-25) year were approved in March showing a deficit of £375,555 including provisional sums for expenditure likely to be incurred in the following 12 months in respect of the development at House on the Hill. Invested funds will be drawn on to fund these outlays as required. The actual outcome will depend on the speed with which any development of House on the Hill is achieved and also whether our tenant is able to continue to reduce the arrears that accumulated during the pandemic lockdowns.

This Trustees’ Report has been approved by the Trustee Board and signed on its behalf by:

Andrew Graham Bassett (Treasurer)

Dr Peter John Avery (Chair) 17 July 2024

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Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of City of Newcastle District Scout Council

I report on the accounts of the Council (Charity Number 522413) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 1 to 3. (Pages 17 to 19 in the full report)

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Act and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,

• to follow the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Act, and

• to state whether particular matters have come to my attention

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 the 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 statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

• accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or

• the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Nicola Leach 33 Amberley Gardens Cochrane Park Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7JR

17 July 2024

16

CITY OF NEWCASTLE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Flnancial report for th• year to 31 March 2024 Receipts and payments 2023 Year {all sectlonsl Unrestricted Restrlcted Total Funds Recelpts Donation5.1ggacl•s and similar income Mernbership subscriptions Less paid to CoUnty￿SA Net membership s￿b￿Crip1￿)Tr5 72.737 165.4141 7.323 72,737 165,4141 66.450 166.1091 341 Donati￿$ Gift Aid Legacies 2.333 1.818 2.SOO 1.796 536 1.818 Sub total 11,474 13.974 2.673 Grants Newcasde City C￿nCil Other grants 000 4000 Sub total Fundraising (gross) Badge Sales & Commissions Ex￿Ore¥S SASU 505 505 fj65 402 402 144 215 1.023 Oth8rfundraisiryJ activities Sub total Investmènt Incom• Interest Rec8ivwJ Prop&ty Rent incom& Sub total 4,870 4871 5.487 67.679 73,166 5,487 67.679 74166 5,163 63,000 68.162 Receipts from Charltable Aetlvltles Ok5triGt Unrfomied= Explorers Network SASU Gang Show Squirre15 32,549 32,549 18.285 14,fj04 14604 Section A¢tivthe$.' Bwe Cubs Scouts 21rn¢xe secuons together 1,725 3,120 600 284 255 L8ad8r Training ladutsl Leader Training (Ils) Loans rep8id St Georg8's Day & C8rc4 Ser¢s Sundry Foré Camp Si18 255 5.294 750 1,5$9 101 Sub total 51595 24SB1 Total Gmss Income 144.106 2.500 146,606 101,410 Asset and Investment sales. etc. Total receipts 144,106 2.S(K+ 146.606 101,440 Page l of3

CITY OF NEWCASTLE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Financlal report for the year to 31 March 2024 2023 Unrestricted Restrlcted Totsl Funds Year (all se¢tionsl Pavments Charltable Payments Insuran￿8 District Unrfomied.. S2 25,836 Ex￿O￿r$ Expbwrs Equipl 38.889 38.889 Section Activities." 8eavers Cubs Scouts 328 30 2.928 12.739 17.785 200 10 3071 3.870 17,350 42.473 915 7.687 10,378 1.035 21more sections togeth8r 1,207 15,697 131 1,207 28.457 Gang Show Nelwork SASU Leader Training laduhsl L8ad8r Training IMS) Property Costs Growth & Devebpment Offic*r GDO expenditure budget PrinL p051age & ststionery Digithl, & Media Iweb PR rtc.) Tr8v81 Exp8n5es St Georye's Day & C8r(4 Seivi AGM and tnJste8 8XP8nses Donations & Gifts Other Grants Travel etc. Grants Loans Advanced Sundry 11760 1,043 3,199 9,549 43,151 3,199 43,151 11,033 5,511 11,033 5,511 1.004 200 3.846 957 250 10.621 11.150 1.384 5.081 177,212 5,461 5.461 Sub total Fundraislng expenses Badges 8adg8 rebat8S Explor8rs Other Districl sections 146,929 12,760 159,689 817 13 425 15 573 15 573 2.126 2,126 1.255 Total Gmss Expenditure 149,055 12.760 I61￿15 178A67 Net of recelpts/(payments) Transfers between funds Invested Cash funds last year end Cash funds this period end 14,9491 110,2601 115,2091.: 177.0271 76,439 71.490 22,941 12.6B1 176,406 99.380 84,171 Notes 1. Donations and grants from individuals and charitable trusts indude (sums in excess of £4991.. W A Handley CT-, Freemasons of Nothumbertand,. Hedley Denton Charitable Trust; Dynorod North East 2. Restricted funds include £12,26312021 £12,263) in respect of renumainlenance deposit in respect of osborne Road l$ase. The remaining restricted funds relate to the Newcastle Gang Show. 3. No Trustees rec@ive any remuneratson. 4 Trustees received expenses in connection with their Scouting roles amounting lo £2071202&3.' £1,388) Pa9e2of3

CITY OF NEWCASTLE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year 31 March 2024 Restricted funds 3110312023 Total funds Unrestricted funds Total funds Cash funds Bank current accounts Bank Deposits CashlFlo8ts Total cash funds Other monetsry assets Rent & Badge Debtors Debtors foi District actiwte5, etc Loans to Groups.. Overpaid trainin9 Total other mongtary as$ets Investment assets Investment property- detsil Osborne Road (insured value) Quotèd inY•stments: COIF Investment Accumulal'on Units COIF Global Equity Accumul8tion Units COIF Ethical Inveslrn8nt Inctsme Units Other investments- detail Total invfrstmgnt assets 3,404,991 Non monetary assets for charity's own use Badge stock Land and buildings.. Silver Lonnen (insured value) Scouling equipment, fumiture etc. Other 71,076 12.681 83,757 98,449 414 71.490 414 84,171 931 99,380 12,681 37.100 37,100 49,747 167 634 800 800 37,900 37,900 50,548 2,479.758 2.479.7S8 2,287.600 569,159 124.868 231,206 569,159 124.868 231,206 $06,777 113,548 195,612 3,404,991 3,103,538 460 460 253 254.893 23,006 254,893 23.006 234,709 22,132 Total non monetary assets Liabilities Accounts not yet paid Expenses incurred but not invoiced subscripb.ons due 9 April Loan- datail 0tt)8r liabilities- accrued costs Total liabilities 278,359 278,359 257.094 2,901 2.901 2.847 69,270 69,270 65,414 410 72.581 410 72.581 51 68,312 Notes Continqent liabilttios and future obliqations The District has a 99 year lease on the premises at House on the Hill from 5 Auqust 2021 with an option to terminate on 5 Auqust 2031. Th8re is therfore a continqent liability of £9.744 The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 17 July 2024 and signed on their behalf by Peter Avery Andrew Bassett Chair Tr8asurer Page3of3