Stockton, Thornaby & District Scout Council Registered charity no. 524704 Accounts for period 1[st] Jan – 31[st] Dec 2024
Accounts for period 1[st] Jan – 31[st] Dec 2024 Reference and Administrative Details
Scout Association Registration No: 15607
Charity Registration No: 524704
Contact Details: Mr S Jones
26 Briardene Court Stockton-On-Tees TS19 8UX
Trustees:
| Trustees: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Office (if any) | Dates Served |
| Alan Atkinson | 1stJan 2024 - 31stDec 2024 | |
| Niall Bean | 26thApril 2024 – 31stDec 2024 | |
| Adam Bell | 1stJan 2024 – 31stDec 2024 | |
| Pauline Hyam | 1stJan 2024 - 31stDec 2024 | |
| Shaun Jones | District Lead Volunteer | 1stJan 2024 - 31stDec 2024 |
| Lucy McGuire | 1stJan 2024 – 26thApril 2024 | |
| Antony Moody | 1stJan 2024 - 31stDec 2024 | |
| Margaret North | 1stJan 2024 - 31stDec 2024 | |
| Neil Scott | District Chair | 1stJan 2024 - 31stDec 2024 |
| Nicholas White | 1stJan 2024 - 31stDec 2024 |
Bankers:[Barclays Bank PLC ] Cambridge & Counties Bank 19-23 Wellington Square Charnwood Court Stockton-on-Tees 5b New Walk TS18 1NA Leicester LE1 6TE
[Virgin Money ] 46 High Street Stockton on Tees TS18 1SB
Independent Jane Ascroft Chartered Accountant Examiner: Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XT
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Trustees Annual Report
Structure and Governance
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take responsibility and make choices
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undertake new and challenging activities
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make and live by their Promise.
Type of governing document:
The District's governing documents are those of the 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. How the charity is constituted: The District is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. Trustee selection methods (e.g. appointed by, elected by): The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
Objectives & Activities
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document:
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.
Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects:
The District has continued to focus on providing exciting opportunities for young people of all backgrounds helping them to challenge themselves, learn new things, grow in confidence and develop skills for life. Following the COVID19 pandemic the District has focused on returning to our range of pre-pandemic activities and increasing the number of young people able to access these.
Top awards, such as the Chief Scouts awards, Duke of Edinburgh awards and Queen’s Scout award demonstrate that our young people have taken part in all manner of activities that might be new to them, worked together to achieve and explored faith, respect and the world we live in.
Strong attendance at our District led activities and our growth in membership show that our activity offering continues to engage and inspire our young people.
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.
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.
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:
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enjoy what they are doing and have fun
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take part in activities indoors and outdoors
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learn by doing
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share in spiritual reflection
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Achievements and Performance
2024 has been another great year for Scouting in Stockton, Thornaby & District.
Whilst membership numbers in the January 2025 census show a small reduction in youth members during 2024, in-year tracking has shown most groups to be stable. Adult volunteer numbers have grown during the year and remain higher than pre-pandemic.
Our young people continue to take part in all manner of activities including a wide range of camps and trips. Our District events programme continues to offer large group opportunities including the annual Cub quiz, a Beaver fun day and Christmas trip. Our two Squirrel drey’s also came together for their first night away. This year we also held an It’s a Knockout event for all of our young people and whilst not as well attended as we’d anticipated, this was an event enjoyed by all that took part.
Our young leaders continue to excel, proving to be valuable members of their leadership teams. They grow in confidence and ability all of the time and can be found in a wide range of sections across the District.
Our communications team have again been busy this year, providing their services to all manner of events across the country. Their work for organisations outside of Scouting is constantly challenging public perceptions of Scouting and raising awareness of our District. The income received from these events allow the team to provide services to Scouting and continues to be a great asset to the District. In addition, this year the team has worked more closely with our Explorer Scout provision to deliver these events providing opportunities for our young people to develop transferable skills in a variety of areas.
Our District campsite and shop have both continued to be consistent, valuable assets to all members of our District.
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Financial Review
Reserves policy:
The trustees have identified the need for the District to hold reserves for a variety of purposes and have reviewed this in light of the changing financial climate and continue to reflect on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purposes and amount of amount of reserves held is outlined below:
| Title | Amount (£) |
Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months District runningcosts | 5,500 | Maintained indefinitely to act as a buffer in time of financial difficulty. |
| 12 months Pybus runningcosts | 14,500 | |
| 12 months Communications Team runningcosts |
5,500 | |
| Emergency fund | 9,000 | A flexible “rainy day” fund available to be used for a variety of purposes to support the continuity of Scouting. |
| Group Hardship fund | 15,000 | To support any group/unit within the District that falls into financial difficultyto ensure continuityofprovision. |
| New provision | 4,000 | Costs associated with starting and developing new Scouting provision including: • Taster events • Start-up costs • Training |
| Events | 5,000 | Subsidising large scale District events and avoiding chargingtheyoung people attendingthe full amount. |
| Equipment | 6,500 | Renewal of District equipment and resources (aside from those at Pybus)as and when required. |
| Pybus expansion | 63,000 | Expansion and improvement of Pybus Scout Campsite. This could include: • Major building projects • New facilities • New equipment |
| Pybus maintenance and development |
26,000 | The ongoing maintenance and development of Pybus Scout Campsite. This could include: • Repair/renewal of plant, machinery and equipment • Larger scale maintenance work falling outside of the scope of the annual budget |
| Fergus McLellen Memorial | 2,500 | These funds were donated to 1stHartburn Sea Scouts from the estate of Fergus McLellan and with the intent that they were spent in his memory therefore are kept in reserve until such time as the trustees determine an appropriate use. |
| Residual funds from 1stHartburn Sea Scouts |
23,712 | Retained to cover the as yet unknown costs associated with winding up the operations of 1stHartburn Sea Scouts before the trustees develop a longer term aim for these funds. |
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The total level of allocated reserves therefore equals £180,212 . The actual level of reserves held at 31[st] December 2023 equals £180,281 .
Whilst the designated funds are not counted within the District’s total reserves, the trustees acknowledge, on the advice of the communications team, that the van and equipment they use has a limited useful life and as such funds should be set aside regularly towards the eventual renewal/replacement of these items. An amount of £12,067 is currently allocated within the District’s designated funds for this purpose.
This policy will be reviewed at least annually however it may also be reviewed at other times should a new risk, need or opportunity be identified by the District Executive Committee.
Investment policy:
During 2022 the trustees reviewed the District’s funds and determined that current funds were insufficient for longer term investments. The trustees adopted a risk adverse strategy whereby funds are invested in a mixture of short term cash bonds (1-2 years) and instant access savings accounts using mainstream, financial services compensation scheme registered, banks or building societies in order to get as best return as possible. The returns shown during 2024 continue to demonstrate that this has been a worthwhile endeavour and the income from interest is now much greater than in previous years. This allows us to minimise the overall amount per person that we need to collect by way of the District levy each year and continue to offer the camp site facilities to our District Groups/Units at a preferential rate.
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
N Scott S Jones Neil Scott Shaun Jones District Chair District Commissioner
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Independent Examiner’s Report
I report on the accounts of the District for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes set out on pages 25-29 .
This report is made solely to the trustees in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees for my examination work.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The District’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities 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 procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under Section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act); and
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the District 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 statement below.
Independent Examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Name: Jane Ascroft
Qualification: Chartered Accountant
Address: Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XT Date: 8[th] March 2025
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Receipts and payments account summary
| Total Receipts Total Payments Receipts less payments Balances brought forward at 01/01/24 Balances carried forward at 31/12/24 |
TOTAL 2024 £ 71,274 (47,143) 24,131 230,694 254,825 |
TOTAL 2023 £ 85,425 (59,436) |
|---|---|---|
| 25,989 204,705 |
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| 230,694 |
These accounts were approved by the trustees on 18[th] March 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
N Scott
S Jones
Neil Scott District Chair
Shaun Jones District Commissioner
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Receipts summary
| Membership subscriptions Less: Membership subscriptions paid on Investment income Bank interest received Activities Pybus campsite Shop Communications team 1stHartburn Sea Scouts Pirates ESU Aliens ESU Vikings ESU Events Other income 1stHartburn Sea Scouts Insurance claim for marquee Other receipts TOTAL RECEIPTS |
General funds £ 33,107 (28,350) 4,757 3,465 3,465 13,320 4,847 - - - - - - 18,167 1,210 11,896 - 13,106 39,495 |
Designated funds £ - - - - - - - 17,519 - 114 4,993 6,153 3,000 31,779 - - - - 31,779 |
TOTAL 2024 £ 33,107 (28,350) 4,757 3,465 3,465 13,320 4,847 17,519 - 114 4,993 6,153 3,000 49,946 1,210 11,896 - 13,106 71,274 |
TOTAL 2023 £ 29,324 (24,764) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,560 | ||||
| 2,288 | ||||
| 2,288 | ||||
| 14,758 6,878 13,202 201 1,623 3,318 2,779 3,224 |
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| 45,983 | ||||
| 28,995 - 3,599 |
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| 32,594 | ||||
| 85,425 |
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Payments summary
| Payments summary | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities Pybus Campsite Pybus Campsite – Ride on mower Shop Sectional allowances Communications team Pirates ESU Aliens ESU Vikings ESU Events 1stHartburn Sea Scouts Payments re. member of 1stHartburn Other activity costs Overheads Printing, postage, stationery & telephone Insurance Garage rent Professional fees Travel Reserve expenditure Room hire Online Scout Manager Other costs TOTAL PAYMENTS |
General funds £ 9,871 - 3,771 - - - - - - 3,132 - - 16,774 20 307 641 300 59 2,400 195 626 53 4,601 21,375 |
Designated funds £ - - - - 8,809 142 5,368 5,162 5,943 344 - - 25,768 - - - - - - - - - - 25,768 |
TOTAL 2024 £ 9,871 - 3,771 - 8,809 142 5,368 5,162 5,943 3,476 - - 42,542 20 307 641 300 59 2,400 195 626 53 4,601 47,143 |
TOTAL 2023 £ 11,342 10,724 6,781 1,281 9,018 2,134 4,655 2,680 1,926 3,826 1,555 - |
| 55,922 | ||||
| 266 244 - 384 436 1,177 345 583 79 |
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| 3,514 | ||||
| 59,436 |
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Statement of assets and liabilities
| Statement of assets and liabilities | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank and cash funds District current account Pybus current account Shop current account Virgin Money savings account Cambridge & Counties 2 year bond (2022) Cambridge & Counties 2 year bond (2023) Cambridge & Counties 2 year bond (2024) Communications team current account Communications team savings account Virgin Money current account Pirates ESU current account Vikings ESU current account Aliens ESU current account 1stHartburn Sea Scouts current account 1stHartburn Sea Scouts savings account Events current account Other monetary assets Cash (Vikings ESU) Cash (Pirates ESU) Debts due to the communications team Invoice outstanding Communications team Pybus campsite Assets retained for the charities own use Land & Buildings: Campsite1 1stHartburn Sea Scouts hut & boatshed2 Contents of buildings3 Grass cutter Water filtration system3 Metal container3 Shop stock Radio, PA and Lighting equipment3 Marquee5 Van & trailers4 Containers3 |
General funds £ 47,445 18,202 3,312 28,455 - 30,635 29,332 - - - - - - - - - 157,381 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Designated funds £ - - - - - - - 44,665 12,067 - 3,010 3,187 3,926 217 25,995 4,313 97,380 54 10 1,017 1,081 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
TOTAL 2024 £ 47,445 18,202 3,312 28,455 - 30,635 29,332 44,665 12,067 - 3,010 3,187 3,926 217 25,995 4,313 254,761 54 10 1,017 1,081 - - - 795,606 - 56,119 11,500 6,222 4,318 5,000 54,062 - 12,510 6,121 951,458 |
TOTAL 2023 £ 35,770 14,753 3,435 28,334 28,333 29,117 - 35,955 11,889 - 3,038 1,804 4,383 561 25,609 7,257 |
| 230,238 | ||||
| 446 10 - |
||||
| 456 | ||||
| 1,595 560 |
||||
| 2,155 | ||||
| 778,584 294,783 49,088 11,500 6,222 4,184 5,000 51,720 12,650 12,350 5,816 |
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| 1,231,897 |
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Liabilities
The District has no liabilities.
1 Warren Cottage (£697,582) / Teesdale Building (£98,024). The figures shown are reinstatement / insured values and not market values as per our Insurance Policy at renewal on 17[th] February.
2 The lease for the 1st Hartburn site was transferred/re-assigned to Stockton Men’s Shed during 2024.
3 Insured value
4 Van shown at market value and trailers shown at insured value
5 Marquee was written off and an insurance claim received during 2024
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Q Stockton, Thornaby & Distrirt Scouts 2025