Trustees Report & Accounts for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2024 89[th] Stoke-on-Trent & Newcastle Sea Scout Group
| President: | Malcolm Smith | |
|---|---|---|
| Trustees ex offcio: | David M. Smith | Group Scout Leader/Lead Volunteer |
| Trustees | Robbie Cormie | Interim Chairman from November 2024 |
| Benjamin Upson |
Treasurer | |
| Paul Billington | (Vice-Chairman) | |
| Nicola D. Kenney | ||
| Julie A. Hemmings | ||
| Alexander Martin | ||
| Adam Marshall | ||
| Frank Lewis | ||
| Georgia Bratt | ||
| Alfe Moxan | From AGM 2024 | |
| Ade Tarala | Co-opted From November 2024 | |
| Bankers: | Lloyds Bank plc | |
| Custodian Trustee: | Scout Association Trust Corporation (for both Rudyard and | |
| Hanford Sites) | ||
| Scout Association | ||
| Charity Registration No: | 306101 | |
| Charity Registration | ||
| No: | 524543 | |
| Principal Address: | 89thCity Sea Scout Group | |
| Diarmid Road | ||
| Hanford | ||
| Stoke-on-Trent | ||
| Staffs ST4 4QL | ||
| Contact: | David Smith | |
| 62 Keary Street | ||
| Stoke-upon-Trent | ||
| Staffs ST4 4AT |
Structure, Governance and Management
The Group's governing documents are those of the Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. The Group is a Trust established under its rules, which are common to all Scouts. The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 9 Trustees (including 1 Ex Officio Trustees, and 1 co-opted Trustees) and meets approx. every 2 months.
Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board.
This Group 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 gives young people skills for life.
Risk and Internal Control
The Group Trustee board has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed; these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:
Damage to the building, property and equipment. In the event of any of the foregoing, the Group would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the church, community centre and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocal arrangements may exist with these organisations. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The Group, through the Capitation Fees, contributes to the Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
SkillsforLife
Page | 2
Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The Group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Committee could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the Group on an on-going basis, either temporarily or permanently.
Reduction or loss of Leaders. The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Group. If there was a reduction in the number of Leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular Section or the Group as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario the complete closure of the Group may be necessary.
Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the Group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario the complete closure of the Group may be necessary.
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 selfrespect 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 co-operate 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.
Main Activities in Relation to These Objectives
The main activities carried out by the group are those expected of Sections in the Scout Association, namely training young people in skills and ways of conducting themselves to form mature and competent young people and ultimately well-rounded adults by various activities as are appropriate to the ages of the Sections. In the Beaver Section the activities are based on craft and play as well as outdoor activities at ‘Sleepovers’ and supervised water activities at our Rudyard training site. In the Cub Section activities include trips to local community sites such as Fire Stations, District camps activities with other Groups leading to improved tolerance and social skills. In the Scout Section these activities have included train trips, outdoor activities, camps at our Rudyard site and hikes and water expeditions.
SkillsforLife
Page | 3
Income is provided to support the above activities by Subscriptions (including Gift Aid) and Licensing of our facilities at our Hanford Headquarters and Rudyard Training Sites.
Investment in our Hanford and Rudyard Sites is reviewed and overseen by our Trustee Board with the primary aim to ensure the facilities meet our needs - enabling the delivery of the Scout Programme and additionally to continue to provide a revenue stream that further supports investment in the Scout Programme.
Public Benefit Statement
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.
Achievements and Performance
All of our sections have delivered a robust programme throughout 2024, ensuring all our young people have the opportunity to complete their core badges and undertake a number of camping experiences, our membership numbers remain strong, with a significant Increase In the scout age range 10-14 year olds, and adult volunteers. We have continued our Implementation of the associations Volunteer experience and new Digital tools.
All our sections were able to make use of the facilities at our Rudyard Training Site and Hanford Headquarters.
Investment continues to be made to improve the safety of our facilities at our Rudyard Training Site and Hanford Headquarters. We continue to regularly invest in the enhancement of both sites as supervised by our Trustee board.
Further details are provided in Annual Reports provided at the Annual General Meeting.
Financial Review
The increase in our core income streams - from Hanford HQ hiring, membership, social activities, grants and gift aid has resulted in an £8,800 increase in the income of the Group. Almost half of the increased income comes from the fees paid by hirers of the Hanford HQ. The Group will look to invest in the facilities and decor of the Hanford HQ to support the continued success of this income stream in 2025.
The adoption of the new expenses card system and policy has supported the section volunteers to not be ’out-of-pocket’ waiting for a claim to be paid, whilst allowing for control over the expenses. It is pleasing to report that this has lead to more being spent on the regular meeting activities of every section, as this supports the core charitable objective of the Group to provide activities for the young people.
We have paid for membership of the Nantwich Sailing Club [£393.75 - ‘Other Organisation Membership Feed’] as this gives the Group access to the sailing training resources of the club. Notable items in the income and expenses statement is listed under ‘Cubs - Events’ : these payments are for the PGL trip the section planned but undertook in 2025.
Our utility contract came to an end in 2024 and the new contract has reduced standing charges and unit costs for both gas and electric. This should bring to an end the last few years rising utility costs with careful control of the usage. However, our insurance costs continue to rise, and so this will be reviewed in 2025 along with the valuations of the Groups assets.
SkillsforLife
Page | 4
We remain committed to spending on safety and other improvements at both Rudyard Training site and Hanford HQ, with increased expenditure in this area in 2024 and will continue this in the coming year.
Reserves Policy
The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the Group for at least a year should income and fundraising activities fall short.
Our basic running costs are ~£15/£20K per annum. Given our current monetary assets, we are able to meet this objective of holding sufficient reserves to continue operations for at 12 months.
During 2024, we aimed to make better use of the cash assets in the of the Group by opening an instant access, 32-day and 95-day notice accounts with Lloyds Bank to increase interest earned, balanced with the need to have access to funds for cashflow. As interest rates are expected to reduce in 2025, these accounts will be reviewed to keep the funds earning interest but balances with the access needed to support day-to-day expenditure.
Signed:
Date:
Role: Group Lead Volunteer
Date:
Role:
SkillsforLife
Page | 5
89[th] Stoke-on-Trent & Newcastle Sea Scout Group Accounts 2024 Income & Expenditure Statement
| Income | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Interest | 415.57 | 0.00 |
| Boat Launch Fees (RLL) | 60.00 | 20.00 |
| Donation | 160.40 | 25.02 |
| Events | 214.00 | 245.00 |
| Events - Beavers | 624.70 | 0.00 |
| Events - Cubs | 1,772.30 | 0.00 |
| Events - Explorers | 0.00 | 10.51 |
| Gift Aid | 1,722.88 | 1,396.37 |
| Grants | 1,955.08 | 1,500.00 |
| Hanford HQ - Fees | 14,571.00 | 10,806.14 |
| Membership Fees | 9,701.13 | 7,944.91 |
| Less Mem Fees Paid to District | (3,200.00) | (2,464.00) |
| Other Income | 1,239.37 | 369.65 |
| Rudyard Site - Fees | 4,436.00 | 5,770.00 |
| Social Activities - Fees | 743.85 | 318.00 |
| Uniform and Grp Clothing | 398.00 | 72.00 |
| ---------- | ---------- | |
| Total Income | 34,814.28 | 26,013.60 |
| Expenditure | 2024 | 2023 |
| Activity Equipment | 164.57 | 5,862.30 |
| Badges | 534.40 | 534.79 |
| Boating Equipment | 67.07 | 189.33 |
| Camping Equipment | 61.32 | 230.00 |
| Communication and Technology | 143.97 | 307.16 |
| Events | 1,372.61 | 300.00 |
| Events - Beavers | 78.86 | 47.92 |
| Event -Cubs | 1,409.37 | 0.00 |
SkillsforLife
Page | 6
| Events - Explorers | 0.00 | 7.33 |
|---|---|---|
| Events - Scouts | 236.38 | 0.00 |
| Hanford HQ - Maintenance | 4,510.98 | 1,133.56 |
| Hanford HQ - Other Expenses | 169.45 | 6,922.91 |
| Hanford HQ - Safety | 3,183.95 | 84.98 |
| Hanford HQ - Utilities | 4,446.58 | 3,105.97 |
| Insurance | 288.71 | 3,334.88 |
| Meetings - Beavers | 199.02 | 259.29 |
| Meetings - Cubs | 1,014.65 | 22.31 |
| Meetings - Explorers | 442.23 | 729.62 |
| Meetings - Scouts | 976.02 | 490.04 |
| Membership Costs | 23.98 | 343.26 |
| Other Organisation Membership Fees | 393.75 | 0.00 |
| Other Expenses | 23.98 | 15.86 |
| Rudyard Site - Maintenance | 1,390.34 | 23,515.99 |
| Rudyard Site - Other Expenses | 0.00 | 30.00 |
| Rudyard Site - Safety | 1,513.52 | 604.85 |
| Rudyard Site - Utilities | 1,088.93 | 1,634.79 |
| Training | 165.39 | 180.00 |
| Uniform and Group Clothing | 360.60 | 0.00 |
| ---------- | ---------- | |
| Total Expenditure | 24,236.65 | 49,887.14 |
| Surplus(Defcit) | 10,577.63 | (23,873.54) |
| Summary of Assets: | ||
| Monetary Assets | 2024 | 2023 |
| Opening New Group Account | 50,250.99 | 74,12.53 |
| Closing New Group Account | 60,828.62 | 50,250.99 |
| ---------- | ---------- | |
| Surplus/(Defcit) | 10,577.63 | (23,873.54) |
SkillsforLife
Page | 7
Account Balances at Year End
| Account Balances at Year End | ||
|---|---|---|
| Current Account | 15,836.41 | 49,610.45 |
| Charge Card | 576.64 | 640.54 |
| Instant Access Savings Account | 19,243.87 | 0.00 |
| 32-day Notice Account | 15,073.01 | 0.00 |
| 95-day Notice Account | 10,098.69 | 0.00 |
| Property Assets (insurance Values) | ||
| Rudyard Buildings | 205,233.00 | 166,351.00 |
| Hanford Buildings | 497,054.00 | 102,650.00 |
| Boats | 29,000.00 | 23,000.00 |
| Furniture & Scouting Kit (both sites) | 35,144.00 | 29,900.00 |
| ---------- | ---------- | |
| Total Property Assets | 766,431.00 | 321,901.00 |
SkillsforLife
Page | 8
Scrutineer's Report to the Trustees of 89 Stoke-on-Trent & Newcastle Sea Scout Group I report on the accounts of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2024 Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Scrutineer As the Group's trustees you are responsibLe for the preparation of the accounts., you con5idei that neither the audit nor independent examination requirements of the Charities Art 2011 apply. It is my responsibility without carrying out an audit or independent examination to scrutinise the accounts and to report to you. Basis of Scrutineer's Ststement In accordance with the directions given in the Group's constitution. I have scrutinised the records and the accounts set out on pages I to 7 Scrutineer's Statement In my opinion the accounts are in accordance with the records produced to me and compLy wwth the constitution. Name: MarkTaraLa Address: Heath Lodge CoLchester Main Road Alresford C07 8DB Date.. 27 Ortober 2025