Scouts Aire Valley Aize Valley D￿trict Scout Council Annual Genezal Meet￿8 2022 ## 1. **Welcome and introductin** ## 3. **Apologies** 4. **Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on 12[th] July 2021** _To receive the minutes from 2021_ 5. **The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2021** - _To receive and consider the report and accounts submitted by the District Executive for the year ended 31st March 2021_ 6. **The District Commissioner’s Nomination for District Chair** _To receive the District Commissioner’s nomination_ 7. **Election of Officers to the District Scout Council.** _To elect the Officers to the District Scout Council:_ 8. **Elected members of the Council to the District Executive.** _To announce the result of the ballot for the Elected Members to the District Executive_ 9. **District Commissioners Nominations for the District Executive.** _To receive the District Commissioners nominations_ ## 10. **Representatives to the West Yorkshire Scout Council.** _To announce the Aire Valley Representatives to the West Yorkshire County Scout Council_ 11. **District Commissioner** ## **12. County Representative** **13. District Chair** 2 ## **AIRE VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL** ## **Minutes of the Annual General Meeting** ## **Held on 12[th] July 2021 Online Zoom Meeting due to Covid-19 Restrictions** ## **1. Chairman’s Welcome** The meeting opened at 8pm and was chaired by the Chair – Linda Malloy, who welcomed all and thanked them for attending, with particular thanks to our County Representative – Phil Pearson & Youth Commissioner – Toby Hammond. Also signed in were Chris Watson (District Commissioner), Ed Wright (Deputy District Commissioner), Sharon Mason (District Treasurer), Julie Wright (DESC), Linda Malloy (District Chair), Ben Wilkinson (District Youth Commissioner), Niel Holmes, Wayne Oxley, Allan Horsley, Paul Jaggerand 21 members of the District Scout Council ## **2. Reflection** Linda Malloy gave a reading from Baden Powell ## **3. Apologies** Apologies were received from Ian Walmsley, Dee Capper and 5 members of the District Scout Council **4. Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on 13[th] July 2020** The Minutes of the 2020 AGM had been circulated and were accepted as a true record. **Proposed: Ed Wright Seconded: Chris Watson** ## **5. The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2020** Reports from the Treasurer, District Chair, District Commissioner, District Youth Commissioner, ADC Beavers, ADC Scouts, District Explorer Scout Commissioner, Local Training Manager, Badge Secretary, Appointment Committee and Camp Site Committee had been circulated along with the Financial Statement of Activities which had been approved by the Executive Committee at their July Meeting. The Treasurer added verbal comments to the accounts. No questions were put to the meeting. Also circulated were ‘How we Operate’ and The District Constitution ## **6. The District Commissioner’s Nomination for District Chair** The District Commissioner nominated Linda Malloy to the role of District Chair and Linda accepted this role 3 ## **7. Election of Officers to the District Scout Council** Secretary: **Julie Wright Proposed: Linda Malloy Seconded: Chris Watson** Treasurer: **Sharon Mason Proposed: Ed Wright Seconded: Linda Malloy** District Auditor: **David Taylor Proposed: Sharon Mason Seconded: Linda Malloy** All in favour of these nominations. Linda thanked Sharon for standing in as ‘Acting Secretary’ for the past 4 years ## **8. Elected Members of the Council of the District Executive** There were only three nominations and therefore no requirement for a ballot this year: **Members** **Allan Horsley Wayne Oxley Neil Holmes** All in favour of these nominations. Linda thanked all for their efforts during the previous year and for serve again **9. District Commissioner’s Nominations for the District Executive** The District Commissioner’s nominations are: **Paul Jagger** and **Ed Wright** ## **10. Representatives to the West Yorkshire Scout Council** The Aire Valley Representatives to West Yorkshire Scout Council are: Adult: **Julie Wright** Young Person: **Ben Wilkinson** Linda thanked Carolyn Booth for her many years of service within the District from Group to DC to Appointments Chair including WYCSC Rep. She has now resigned. Toby Hammond was also thanked for his service as the previous Young Person’s Rep. He has now moved on to County Youth Commissioner ## **11. District Commissioner** The District Commissioner added to her report by thanking everyone for all they have done in the past year, particularly mentioning, Dorothy West, Carolyn Booth and Julie Wright. She thanked Ed Wright for his support with Risk Assessments and the advise he had given to groups to assist in the return to Scouting. She has been out and about delivering the ‘Bring a Buddy’ Packs to Groups. News: West Yorkshire County will have 2 units attending the Jamboree – 72 young people, County selection for adults is being rolled out now with the young people in the Autumn. She ended by reminded everyone to keep safe and keep your priorities in the right order Family – paid employment – Scouting 4 ## **12. County Representative** Phil Pearson thanked us for the invite and echoed thanks for all the hard work over the last year, which has been odd, strange and stressful. He thanked everyone for rising to the challenge and for completing training to meet compliance and allow all groups to re-open. County will shortly be sending out information for those requiring First Aid updates. He recognised how difficult things have been with keeping abreast of the risk assessment process through the portal and informed that young people numbers have fallen across the County but now starting to rise again. We are now experiencing a leader issue so encouraging the use of the Buddy Badge to recruit new leaders as well as young people. County have set up a Growth Board, a Safety & Technology Board, a Top Awards Board, and a Programme Board, which includes a partnership with the University of Bradford STEM Centre to enable the Science Badge. More details are attached in the report from Ian Womersley (CC). Also we will be holding ‘WOW’ Days within Districts to help recruit and retain adults & young people. District will drive with support from County. He reported on the success of the Hedgehogs pilot which has now been launched as Squirrels with our own Dan Breeze taking on the County ACC role. The Jamboree will be held in South Korea – fantastic opportunities available for leaders. 8 adults are required, recruiting to the end of July. He encouraged us to spread the message and encourage adults and young people to get involved. 2022 sees the GS90 – 90[th] Anniversary of the Gang Show – it will take place in London and they are recruiting a cast, asking WYS on Show to recommend possible cast members. Toby Hammond (Youth Commissioner) added comments about the brand-new programme being launched in September with a national campaign. New badges, guides and ideas. Watch out for the emails. He welcomed the new ACC Scouts Graham Spar and reminded everyone of the Social being held on 9[th] September – BBQ and meet. Register on ‘Book when’ ## **13. District Chair** The Chair informed it was hoped to be able to meet in person this year and we had delayed as we waited for the Prime Minister to announcements. She thanked everyone for their input over this time and the challenges that have been faced. Credit to us all that we are still here. We have grabbed and worked through the challenges. We are a family of Scouting! St George’s Day next will happen – 5[th] Shipley are leading and hoped in the not too distant future we will be able to hold our own social event in person. 5 ## **14. Date of Next Meeting: Monday 14[5h] June 2022** The meeting closed at 8.45pm ## **Appendix** ## **Attendees:** Exec Committee: Chris Watson (District Commissioner), Ed Wright (Deputy District Commissioner), Sharon Mason (District Treasurer), Julie Wright (DESC), Linda Malloy (District Chair), Ben Wilkinson (District Youth Commissioner), Niel Holmes, Wayne Oxley, Allan Horsley, Paul Jagger County attendee: Phil Pearson, Toby Hammond District attendees: Andrew Bower, Peter West, Dorothy West, Ronwen Mitchell, Gwyneth Jackson, Amy Bower, Julie Antill, Birgit Carey, James Stannett, Karen ??, Richard & Sue Nichol, Jenny Cousens, Andrew Manley, Jonathan Booth, Les Benton, Charlie Wright, Robert Bumstead, Joost Smeele, David Sowden, Oliver Downing ## **Apologies:** Ian Wormersley (County Commissioner), Dee Capper, Derek Beebe, Ashley France, James Adams, Dave Lawson, Carolyn Booth 6 ## Aire Valley District Scout Council ## **Financial Activities Statements** **For the year ended 31st December 2021** 7 Aire Valle District Scout Council Flnanclal Actlvltles Ststements for the 31st December 2021 ear ended Pago". Tn•t•M' Annu•l R•port Ind•p•ndwrt Examln•rf• Report Statgmont of Fln•nclal Actlvltlo• Balanc• Shmt 10 Not•• to th• Aeeounts Appendix Detalled Statement of Flnanclal Actlvltl•• **Annual Report for the year** **from 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021** Section A Reference and admininstration details Charity Name Aire Valley District Scout Council Other names the charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) 5 2 4 8 0 8 HQ registration number 1 6 6 2 8 Charity's principal address c/o Sharon Mason (Treasurer) 18 Longhouse Lane, Denholme Bradford, West Yorkshire BD13 4NQ Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity |**Trustee Name**|**Office (if any)**|**Dates active if not for**
**wholeyear**| |---|---|---| |Mrs Christine Watson|District Commissioner|| |MrsLindaMalloy|Chair|| |Mrs Sharon Mason|Treasurer|| |Mr Allan Horsley||| |Mr Wayne Oxley||| |Ms JulieWright|DESC/Secretary|SecretaryfromJuly2021| |Mr Paul Jagger||| |Mr EdwardWright||| |Mr Niel Holmes||| |Mr Ben Wilkinson||| |||| Names and addresses of advisors (optional information but encouraged as best practice) |**Type of advisor **|**Name**|**Address**| |---|---|---| |External Examiner|DavidTaylor|Barton Cottage, Duke
Street, Burton in Lonsdale,
LA6 3LG| 9 ## **Annual Report for the year** ## **from 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021** |Section B
Description of the charity's trusts
Type of governing document
How the charity is constituted
Trustee selection methods
Additional governance issues (optional
information but encouraged as best
practice)|Structure, governance and management| |---|---| ||| ||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 of the Scout
Association| ||| ||The District is a trust established under its rules which are
commonto allScouts| ||| ||The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy,
OrganistationandRules of The ScoutAssociation| ||| ||The District is managed by the District Executive
Committee, the members of which are the 'Chariity
Trustees' of the District 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 Commissionas appropriate.| ||| ||The Committee consists of 3 independent representatives,
Chair, Secretary and Treasurer together with elected and
nominated members of the District who are re-elected on
an annual basis. The Committee was scheduled to meet
monthly during 2021. It was necessary to cancel the
meetings for January and April. Meetings continued to be
held mainly via Zoom but we did meet in person in
November as restrictions permitted. From September it
was decided to hold meetings bi-monthly. There was no
meeting held in August and the Annual General Meeting
washeld priorto the Julymeeting.| ||| ||This Executive Committee exists to support the District in
meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is
responsiblefor:| ||Themaintenance of District property;| ||The raising of funds and the administration of District
finances;| ||The insurance of persons, property and equipment;| 10 District public occasions; Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; - Appointing any sub committees that may be required; |Section B
Risk and Internal Control contd|Structure, governance and management| |---|---| ||| ||Reduced income from fundraising. The District is
primarily reliant upon income from group membership
fees and fundraising. The District does hold a reserve
to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a
major reduction in income. The Committee could raise
the level of membership fees to increase the income to
the District on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or
permanently if necessary.| ||| ||Reduction or loss of leaders. The District is totally
reliant upon volunteers to run and administer its
activities. If there was a reduction in the number of
leaders or administrators to an unacceptable level,
activities would need to be reconsidered.| ||| ||Reduction or loss of members. The District provides
support to all groups within the District. If there was a
reduction in membership the District would help to
support activites aimed at increasing the membership. If
this is not successful in a worst case scenario it may be
necessary to close a section of a group or whole group.
This decision would be taken in liaison with the Group
Executive Committee.| ||| ||The District has in place systems of internal control 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.| 11 |||The difficulties experienced during 2020 & 2021 have| |---|---|---| |||been constantly monitored by the Executive Committee| |||and national guidelines adhered to. A system was put in| |||place to ensure risk assessments were completed to| |||monitor all returns to Scouting from local and national| |||lockdown periods.| |Section C||Objectives and activities| |Summary of the objectives 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.| |||| |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 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.| 12 |Risk and Internal Control|- undertake new and challenging activities.
- make and live by their Promise.
Appointing District Administrators and Advisors other than
thosewho are elected.|- undertake new and challenging activities.| |---|---|---| |||- make and live by their Promise.| |||| ||The District Executive Committee 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:|| |||| ||Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The
District through the membership fees contributes to the
Scout Association's national accident insurance policy.
Risk Assessments are undertakenbefore allactivities.|| Section C Objectives and activities Summary of the main activities in relation to these objectives To promote and support Scouting provided by the groups within the Aire Valley District. This includes the instruction of young people aged 4 -25 years of age in the principles of discipline, loyalty and good citizenship. 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. 13 Achievements and performance ## Section D Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year ||During 2021 the District's activities continued to be
curtailed due to the CV-19 pandemic. Local and
national lockdowns prevented the Baht 'at Walk being
held for the second year running and this affected
income. It also meant usual activities such as St
George's Day and the Bronze & Silver Awards
Ceremony could not go ahead for a second year. The
Campsite had sporadic operation in line with the
government guidelines and was heavily reliant on school
and other external group usage. Their generated
income was in line with 2020 but still massively reduced
when compared to that generated by the usual level of
bookings. They were again in receipt of support grants
from Bradford Council and local council rates continued
to be waived in line with government regulations, which
helped to off-set these losses. They took advantage of
the situation and were able to move some improvements
projects on.
Beavers distributed Easter Packs whilst regulations
stopped them meeting but were able to hold their Fun
Day and Christingle Service, which was a very welcome
return to 'normality'.| |---|---| ||| |Section E|Financial Review| |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 continued to hold reserves of approximately
£75,000 against this at year end. This includes
restricted funds from a bequest in 2017 and other grants.
The bequest spend has been further delayed during
2021 due to the pandemic and planning application
decisions. Plans are afoot for this spend to be used in
2022 towards replacing windows in the Activity Centre.
The remaining funds are slightly above the amount
requiredfora year's operating costs| 14 |Details of any funds materially in
deficit (circumstances plus steps to
eliminate)
The charity's principal sources of
funds (including any fundraising)|We have written off out of date badges held in stock.
Stock levels are being closely monitored to ensure stock
levels are kept to the minimum requirements| |---|---| ||| ||The District's principal source of funds is the District
Membership Contribution collected annually from groups
within our District. Fundraising is brought in by the
holding of our annual Baht 'At Walk and occasional
events organised during the year. During 2021, due to
the CV-19 Pandemic the Baht 'At Walk was not planned
to take place and therefore no funds budgeted from this
event. It is hoped to hold this again in 2023. Due to
the limited expenditure during 2020 it was agreed to
waiver the Membership Contributions collected form that
year and support the groups by waiving and 2021 District
Membership Contribution| |Section E|Financial Review| |---|---| |How expenditure has supported the
key objectives of the charity
Investment policy and objectives|| ||The District Executive monitors expenditure throughout
the year to ensure this is in line with the key objectives of
the District and Scout Association and this resulted in the
carrying over of the 2020 Membership Contributions for
use in 2021 and waiving this cost to groups in 2021| ||| ||The District does not have sufficient funds to invest in
longer term investments. The District has therefore
adopted a risk averse strategy to the investment of its
funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream
banks or building societies.| ||| |Section F|Other Optional Information| |Plans for future periods (details of
any significant activities planned to
achieve them)|| ||The campsites plans for large scale improvements is still
ongoing and progress affected by the local and national
lockdowns experienced during 2020 & 2021. Plans
were resubmitted during 2021 and discussions began
with the family of the bequestee to utilise these funds.| 15 Fund raising continued to be curtailed during 2021. The affect of the loss of these funds to the District and groups within was considered and it was agreed to waive the District Membership for 2021 to support this loss of funding. Due to the lockdowns and activity restrictions it expenditure continued to be low during 2021 and offset this decision . The District Executive monitors this situation on a bi-monthly basis and will continue to support and provide opportunities for Groups to increase their income as local and national restrictions allow. Headquarters released plans for a Jamboree to be held in 2023. Our District was successful on having 6 young people and 2 leaders gaining places on this trip to South Korea. Since selection 1 leader has withdrawn. No costs were incurred during 2021. We will support fundraising for this trip and have included contributions for each in our budget for 2022 16 rnrn•tttsdth¢ ch*tr•A¢* hb* n¢4 t••n ty Nlrn• Mr Dth*J7 17 Cmr#1*n￿ IwthfB•Ekn 1445)Pl •lth• Adl. w41 N• D•è4J 7 Aire Valle District Scout Council Ststsment of Financial Activitsu: from 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 Tflal Totsl 2021 T¢tsl 2021 T1￿ X+20 Ir￿￿• l Exprth Vcljnw Inc 21X) 21,570 21.570 12,IXKI 4,337 24.855 25.K6 25,K 19.082 Olhbr Itx 1.051 24.855 19, 21.413 27211 18.947 21,443 23.503 27,211 18,947 1412 1403 13.Th11 11,3061 135 31.834 115.348 147.184 1e,D)J 163.184 1￿,049 118.7f 149.587 12,291 161.879 163,184 9•wJ10 19 Aire Valle District Scout Council Balance Shoet a8 at 31•t December 2021 20 2020 Land Bu6drys 3.630 74,250 77,880 3.630 76,553 80.183 Cuff•nt A81•ts 1,766 8,164 2,371 8)￿r￿•S at Bank. COIF Depo81 A¢c¢>Jnts Bank Current Accounts Cath kn h•nd 10,294 65,887 10293 64,716 Currnnt LhknliU•• Cr•Ji (20n Nel currnnt 018ets 84,001 83,fJJ2 161,879 163,184 FUNDS UnTesttht•d *K(xno Fund•: General PuFposes Fund 31,834 Des4nated Furttts.. 118,760 115,348 RMtrlcl•d kncom• Funds: 12,291 16.(KKI 161,879 163,183 Aire Valle District Scout Council Notss to the Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2021 Accounting Pollel•8 1. G•n•ral D•prKl•llon i¥ w0vid￿ on tt* t￿111*1￿ & Td*t Bk*k ¢y¢ tr* u*fvl lrfe of these tA￿ld1￿J* Stock B* we val￿1 01 Ilw (xxt (* rni re8lisabl• val￿. 2. Flx•d Frwhold Land 2021 Totsl 2020 Total Oulldln AI1kn2021 A&Jiticms Adjustment to Al 31 D& 2019 115,184 118,794 118,794 115.164 118,794 118.794 At l Jan 2021 crwge y Al 31 Dec 2021 38,611 2.303 40.914 38,611 2.303 40.914 2,302 38.611 Net book valu• At 31 Dec 2021 74,29) 80,183 At 1 Jan 2021 78.553 3. Fund4alslng Appeals OrB*nl*•rf• 2021 Net Alre Valle Dlstrfct Scout Councll Nots4 to th• Accounts for th• Yth•r to 31•t 2021 io 2.02Q 4. $t¢xk* 2201 435 1.766 2.431 2.371 2N21 1020 6.184 6,184 5.763 2.021 1020 39,415 Lbyls 8ank Pk LtyJ$ TSB 25.886 24,254 2.X11 1.512 84,716 65,887 7. U•Wllll••: •n¢xffts du• kn l•M than on• y•ar 2.021 2P20 207 225 207 225 22 Aire Valle District Scout Council 184 D•talhd Statsmont ol Flnancl•l Actlvlth• fwom 01 J•nu•ry 2021 to 31 D•¢•mbfyr 2021 Fund• Tot•1 2021 Total 2020 C•mp•lt• Incom• & Exp•ndllur• Incom• Grant• Dlslrfct Membernhlp Diilrict E￿nIS ond WPPOrt Dislrid EWor¢rJ PA District B•ov•rB District Cub¥ District *out EN*nl* Bahi'at Walk COIF Depodl Int•r• DOna￿On$ Camp*te hlre chwg Gr8M ￿ed￿l Badge ul•i Sconce Adwbe• Necker• 21,320 21,320 12, 1,624 20 339 2SO 260 27 3.312 10 3,312 10 893 120 75 643 40 120 852 1.051 24.8 19, othor In¢om• Total In¢om• 1,051 24.855 25,9 19,081 Dlrg¢t Ch•rtl•blg Exp•ndbknM: Ele¢lricity Gai Adv•rl*ngthb S Local Authonty ra In5ufBnce Sconc• 8•Me•i Repairnllmprov•ments Cloanlng Mat•rial$ EquIpn￿l 2.478 2,476 189 110 8,043 1,284 3.369 87 853 42 42 8,086 1,284 3,369 67 663 5.842 1.255 187 13S 23 383 383 199 1,144 168 830 Fl TV LK•nce Field MaiM•nw¢o Unc I*MrlS*Il Ttee Sur*y FK*ld Projecl- Decklng Printing. Staliornry and F•J L•Mdern EYWI￿r￿MI Tralnlng Oi¥lrtct Events and gKouOr¥J EX￿ore￿ Activi￿•$ Baht Al Walk Dl¥trict 8•awrn Dlstrtd c Dlstricl Scout Ebyn St Georges Day Colt of Sql4B 8adg ￿0￿ment# In BAdge Stocts 1,059 818 3.709 1,059 818 3.709 98 40 Joo 820 $64 831 631 170 435 631 170 435 W2 435 Sundr*• DI￿r￿1 N•ck•r• MPLC Ll¢•nw• for Dapr•d•tbTh 17 152 307 2.303 2,303 2,303 2.058 25.152 27,211 16,947 Oth•r Exp•ndbtuY• Fund r•i$lw c• M¥n•q•ment •nd •dminl*rnlkni Indewnd6nt Ey•min•r Tot•1 Exp•ndltw• 2.058 2,060 25.152 7.211 18,947 N•t In¢om• IExp•ndliurg1 foff th• y••r I12￿) pi {1.008) P971 11,3051 134 Tr•n•f¢r• b•trthn *¢counts Fund balarv• brought fow 35,e63 1.512 4.873 42.834 120,347 163.164 163,049 Fund ￿lan￿ e•th•d for4¥avd )4,657 1.512 5.073 41.825 120,049 161.879 163,184 24 ## **Reports** ## **District Chair** The year 2021 still continued to impact on us as a District with the continuation of the world pandemic, Covid 19. From spring most of the District Groups were finally back face to face scouting with the challenges of outdoor meetings, risk assessments and a collection of different challenges affecting nearly all Groups. The District Executive and sub committees mainly continued their work through the year via Zoom with just appointments and Sconce campsite running as sub committees. At the AGM we welcomed a new District Secretary, Julie Wright and new Appointment Chair, Julie Antil. Dorothy West finally was able to pass the Badge Secretary role over. The badge bank account was closed and the monies are now managed through the district account. A full stock count of badges was actioned and the District Executive approved the right off of all old stock, this is declared in the end of year accounts presented at the AGM. The Aire Valley District Explorer Scout unit which had closed also had the closing balance of monies transferred into the district account. The Executive produced a budget for the year, no District Levy was collected for the year due to monies not spent from the previous year due to the association being suspended. The Appointment sub committee mainly operated through Zoom and worked through the year catching up on interviews and reviews. Grants this year for the Beaver Scout section from the Fred Towler Trust and the District Campsite, Sconce, received 2 covid grants from Bradford Council. Sconce, the District campsite, slowly re-opened for use as per guidelines from the Association. The sub committee operated throughout ensuring the safety and general up keep of the site. A large shelter was donated to the site by the West Yorkshire County through the Mary Bushell legacy. On behalf of the District I would like to thank all trustees and members of the sub-committees for their continued hard work and dedication to the District. Linda Aire Valley District Chair 25 ## **District Commissioner** As mentioned elsewhere, 2021 saw us starting to re-emerge from the restrictions we had to work to last year due to Covid-19, tentatively at first, but gaining in confidence. We met outdoors, covered ourselves and everyone in hand sanitiser etc. it felt so good to be back face to face even if we were frozen at the time. The young people quickly returned, if fact the 2022 Census showed us to have some of the highest numbers, unfortunately not all the adults returned, so most of our groups are at capacity for the venues they use. The return from Covid-19 has left us with a few challenges, or should I say opportunities, several groups have faced issues with their premises and whilst we have found ways around them for the time being, we are making plans for the future, more to be reported next year. Uniforms and badges have been in short supply, they are no longer available for purchase in school uniform shops etc. As mentioned in the Badge Secretaries report, purchases made through the District keep the District Membership levy down, equally, uniforms purchased through the County shop keep the County levy down. September saw our Hedgehogs transform into Squirrels, they are a delight to work with, the waiting list to join them is massive, it even includes adults who would like to be leaders. Just need other groups to open Dreys. Thanks to Dan for all his help and support and welcome to Lisa Mountain who is taking on the role of ADC Squirrels. October saw the District selection for young people going to the next World Scout Jamboree in Korea, each selection activity was overseen by someone from outside the District and every single one of them commented on the high standard of the applicants. It such a shame that they couldn’t all have a place. Please could we all try to support the 5 young people in their fundraising efforts, they each have to raise a total of £3800, a mammoth task. The Appointments team have reorganised the way in which they work and having much success, thank you to them all. I would like to take this opportunity to single out the leaders of 3[rd] Bingley who do a great deal 26 of work at Reva enabling groups to take advantage of the facilities there. Thank you. Also, thanks to Linda and her family for forging links with the Northcliffe Golf Club which you will hear about next year, it has provided us with the opportunities to have meetings and events at the venue. At the last AGM Julie Wright took over the role of District Secretary and subsequently relinquished her role of DESC, thanks Julie for all you have done for Explorer Scouting over the last 10 years. Welcome to Allan Horsley who has taken on the role, many of you will already have met him within your Explorer units. In the absence of an ADC Cubs, Lesley Austin, who is ADC Cubs in Spen Valley, has offered to work alongside our Cub leaders for the next 12 months to empower them in organising events for the District. Thanks Lesley, your help is much appreciated. My heartfelt thanks go to all the District team and Exec for the work they have done over the last 12 months, we couldn’t manage without you. Plus, thanks to all the leaders throughout the District for everything that you do for our young people. Chris Watson District Commissioner 27 ## **ADC Beavers** At the start of 2021 we were still subject to covid restrictions and a number of the usual District Beaver events couldn’t be run. It was good to catch up on Zoom to hear how other colonies were getting on and planning for a face to face return. After the success of the ‘Christingle kits’, District Beavers sent out ‘Easter packets’ ( trail cards, chocolate eggs and a card to colour for your neighbour) to all participating groups. October was the fun day at Sconce – another great day for the beavers to try out new skills and share experiences. Thanks to everyone who mucked in. Your support is appreciated as always. Gwyneth Jackson ADC Beavers 28 ## **ADC Scouts** 2021 continued along the same lines as 2020 with no District events taking place. A booking at Reva was led by the 3[rd] Bingley Sea Scouts with Cubs and Scouts from the 3[rd] Shipley able to attend. My thanks to both groups for making this happen. The camp planned for September had to be cancelled again due to further Covid restrictions and was rearranged for early May 2022 and was well attended – report on that next year. It is good to see many groups are catching up on missed camps from 2020 and 2021 with a full programme of events planned for this year. We are planning our next District Scout camp (theme to be developed) for the weekend of September 22[nd] to 24[th] 2023. Hopefully groups should be able to incorporate it into their programme and help to make it an event to remember. Ideas welcome and to be discussed at the next all leaders meeting. **Paul Jagger ADC Scouts** 29 ## **District Explorer Scout Commissioner** 2021 was a better year for Aire Valley Explorer Scouts We started to get back into the great outdoors (after 2 years of Covid) Our numbers within the district were around 70 young people over 5 District Units, being able to get back out with Scouting friends and doing activities they enjoyed. Activities over the year have included: Navigation, Hikes, Badge Work, Survival Skills, Cooking, 1[st] Aid, Sailing, Water sports, and lots more. Some of the units attended ‘Go Ape’ in Leeds, all had a great day out ‘swinging from the trees’. Camping was able to take place in 2021, including group camps, joint camps, and individual unit camps. D of E restarted in 2021 with lots of expedition planning, menu planning, and campsite organisation. During the year we have had around 20 young people involved and working towards their bronze and silver awards. 2021 included the Jamboree selection weekends for Korea 2023. Selection was very well attended and the candidate skills and approach was very high quality making it difficult to choose I would like to thank all Explorers within the District for all their time and hard work at work weekends and other evenings at Sconce Campsite. Without them some of the work would not have been completed. Thank you to all my Explorer Leaders, Assistant leaders, Skills instructors, District Exec for all your help and commitment over the last year. Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to Julie for all her hard work over the last 10 years as DESC, hard footsteps to follow. Yours in Scouting Allan Horsley DESC 30 ## **Badge Secretary’s Report 2020** Dorothy West finally handed the District Badge Secretary over, having been delayed due to covid. Many thanks from all of us for all the years of service. A full stock take of all the badges was actioned and the District Executive approved the right off of all old and discontinued badges. Any one wishing to purchase these now will only cost 25p each. The right off figure is declared in the end of year District Financial Accounts. The District Badge bank account was closed and monies transferred into the District Account in line with the District Executive direction. At the point of transfer £2000 was transferred into the general District funds leaving a working capital of £700. Badge orders can now be paid for by cash, cheque or bank transfer. Post covid all badge orders from Scout Shops are now done online. Just a reminder to all – every purchase made through the district the profit goes into our District Bank Account, if you order from anywhere else they get the profit! 31 ## **Sub-Committee Reports** ## **Appointment Committee Report** Over the last year, the Appointments Committee has met regularly on a monthly basis. This has allowed us to keep outstanding appointments progressing and the number of pre provisional positions to approve, reducing. Thank you to Ed and Claire Wright for their continuos support for appointments over this year. The committee has grown from three to six members, which has allowed for more flexibility to support our work in progressing new appointments and changes to role across the district.Thank you to Julie Wright, Luke Horsely and David Sowden for volunteering to support appointments for the District at our last District Leaders meeting in March this year. References were a key challenge to the progress of appointments to approval historically. Following the introduction of a new process and form, outside of Compass, earlier this year, we have seen a much better response rate to requests from referees. Thanks to Ed for building this new tool for the team to use. At this point in the year, we currently have only five appointments outstanding across District that require Appointments Committee approval. Of those, the members we need to meet with have all been seen and we simply are finalising references – on receipt of satisfactory references, we will be approving the appointments. The committee have also been supporting with mandatory training when meeting new volunteers and providing the links to the necessary learning on the Scout.org website – hopefully this has supported those volunteers and their groups in ensuring this aspect is also progressing. The committee will next be reviewing any outstanding pre provisional roles at our July meeting. Julie Antill Aire Valley Appointments Committee Chair & Secretary 32 ## **Camp Site Report for the year 2021** ## **General** The committee continued to meet regularly to manage bookings, finances and maintenance of the site. The camp site was closed for much of the year for bookings but was open for Aire Valley groups to use outdoors. There was a window of opportunity from June onwards when a number of groups were able to book the site although with restrictions. Covid risk assessments were in operation to ensure the site was used responsibly. Income - £3,404 compared to £3,081 in 2020 and £33,173 in 2019. Covid and CBMDC Grants amounted to £16,300. Expenditure – Just over £23,000 including £6000 in insurance, £4000 for gas and electricity. We also received a grant towards new windows of £5000 which should help reduce our heating needs. We have appointed a commercial grass cutter from April 2022 to keep the main fields in better condition and to allow volunteers to spend their time on other tasks. ## **Plans** A planning application was submitted at the end of the year for new stores, moving the gas tank and cladding the existing metal container. Approval was received in 2022 so at last some of the improvement works can be started during 2022.A further planning application to improve the existing toilet block is to be submitted soon. ## **Activities** Nothing to report in 2021 – most of the equipment for rope activities now needs to be replaced and authorisation to run the activities regained. Plans for a permanent tower for the Tyrolean Traverse and a climbing wall are being developed for next year. 33 ## **Maintenance** A new shelter has been donated by county following a bequest to the County. This and a new equipment store were commenced on the January working weekend. Thanks to all those who helped and worked so hard. ## **Future Actions** Working weekends: Provisional dates for your diaries. - 14[th] – 15[th] January 2023 _Mary Bushell shelter and base_ ## **Paul Jagger Camp Site Chairman** 34 ## **- Royal Charter...** The Scout Association exists by authority of a Royal Charter granted by King George V in 1912 and supplemented by further charters granted by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. These charters give authority to the bye-laws of the Association, which are approved by Her Majesty’s Privy Council. The bye-laws, in turn, authorise the making of rules for the regulation of the Association’s affairs. The rules are laid out in the Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scout Association. Aire Valley Scouts is an autonomous charity affiliated to The Scout Association, which together with other County, District and Group Charities form the Scout Movement in the United Kingdom. ## **- Executive Committee…** The District is managed by the District Executive Committee, the members of which are the Charity Trustees of the District Scout Council 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 District Executive exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of the appointment and is responsible for: Promoting the development of Scouting in the District; Ensuring cooperation between Groups and other organisations; Raising of funds and administration of the District’s finance and property; The appointments process within the District; Appointing any subcommittee that may be required; Ensuring sound administration within the District. The Executive Committee comprises up to 15 members: 6 Ex-officio Members (including the officers); - 3 elected members (including 1 elected youth member) elected annually by the District Scout Council at its AGM; - 3 nominated members (annually appointed at the AGM); - 3 Co-opted members (annually appointed by the Executive). The committee meets at monthly. An induction process is provided for all new Trustees. Further learning and development opportunities are available. 35 AIRE VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Charity Number. 524808 Preamble This constitution is based on the model constitution foi Scout Distrirts as published in POR. It may be changed by simple resolution at the Annual General Meeting of the District Scout Council or in responses to changes required by update5 to POR. All elected and constitutional bodies of The Scout Association at Headquarters, County. and Oistrict should have, a5 full voting rnembeis, at least two young people between the age of 18 and 25 years old. Thi5 policy as a matter of good practice. should also be applied to any ad hoc. short or long term working groups or comrnittee& a) The Distrirt SCO￿ COU￿11 The Di5trirt Scout Council is the elertoral body, which supports Scouting in the Di5trirt. It is the body to which the District Executive Committee Is accountable. Membership of the Di5trirt Scout Council is open to.. Commissioners., Di5trirt and Group Artive Support Managers Scouters., Admrnistrators., Section AssiStantS', Skills Instrurtors., Advi5ets', all Explorer Scouts., all member5 of the District Scout NetworK- A representative of the Troop Leadership Forum. selected from arnongst the mernbership of the Foium-, Representatives of each District Explorer Scout Unit, selected frorn amongst the rnembership ol each Explorer Scout Unil., A representative of the District Scout Network, selerted fiorn amongst the membership of Distiitt Scoui Network Members and Associate Member5 of the Movement registered in the Scout District and including Members of District Scout Active Support Units.. all parents of Explorei Scouts., persons elected or reselected annually by the District Scout Council on the recornmendation ol the Di5tnrt Commis5ionei and the Distiict Executive Cornmittee., the County Cornmissioner and County Chair are ex-officio rnembers of the Distritt Scout Council. iii. Membe15hip of the District Scout Council cease5 upon.. the resignation ol the member., the dissolution of the Council., the termination ol mernbership by Headquarters following a recornmendation by the County Executive Comrnittee. iv. The District Scout Council must hold an Annual General Meeting within six months of the financial year end to.. receive and consider ihe Annual Report ol the District Executive Committee, including the annual statement of accounts., approve the District Commissioner's nornination of the District Chair and nominated members ol the Distrirt Executive Comrnittee,. elect a District Secretary unless the District Secretary is employed by the District Executive Committee.. elect a District Tiea5urei', el￿t certain members of the District Executive Comrnittee-, elect Group Scouters to rep￿Sent the Distnct on the County Scout Council,. 36 b. The District Exec￿1Ve Committee i. The Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner i n meeting the responsibilities of their appointment. ii. Members of the Executive Committee must act collectively as charity Trustees of the Scout District, and in the best interests of its tllembers to.. Comply with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association Protect a nd maintain any property and equipment owned by a nd/or used by the District Manage the District finances. Provide insurance for people, property and equipment. Provide sufficient resources for Scouting to opeTate. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting recruitment, other adult support, a nd fundraising activities. Promote and support the development of Scouti ng in the local area. Manage and implement the Safety Policy locally Ensure that a positive image of Scouting exists in the local community. Appoint set the terms of reference and manage the operation of any sub-committees, including appointing members to chaii and lead the sub-committees Ensure that You ng People are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels within the District The opening, closure and amalgamation of Groups, Explorer Scout U nits. Scout Network and Scout Active Support Units in the District as necessary. Appoint and manage the operation of an Appointments Advisory Committee, including appointing an Appointments Committee Chair to lead it. Supervising the administration of Groups, particularly in relation to finance a nd the trusteeship of property. iii. The Executive Cornmittee must also: Appoint Administrators, AdviseTS, and Co-opted membeTS of the Executive Committee Approve the Annual Report and Annual Accounts after their examination by an appropriate auditor, independent examiner Of SCTUtineer. Present the Annual Report and Annual Accounts to the Scout Council at the Annual General Meeting., file a copy with the Cou nty Executive Committee-, and if a registered charity, to submit them to the appropriate charity regulator. (See Rule 13.31 Maintain confidentiality with regard to appropriate Executive Committee busi ness. Where staff are employed, act as a responsible employer in accordance with Scouting's values and relevant legislation. Ensure line management responsibilities for employed staff are cleady established and communicated. 37 The Dlstrlrt Team Meetlng The District Team, comprising the Explorer Scout Commissioner, scout Nelwork Commissioner, all Deputy District Commissioners, Assistant District Commissioners, District Scouters, Local Training Manager and District Scout Active Support Managers, meet as required and not less than quarterly under the chaiimanship of the Di5tiict Commissionei. The purpose of the District Team Meeting is to.. Review the progress, standards and effectiveness of programmes of Groups, Explorer Scout Units and District Scout Network in the District., plan a programme of visits to Scout Groups, Explorer Scout Units and District Scout Network,. give support and encouragement to Leaders., plan the support of adults undertaking Adult Training., plan any Programme of District events deemed to be necessary to supplement Scouting in the Groups, Exploier Scout Units and Distiirt Scout Network., secure the support of Distrirt Scout Active Support Units in the work of the Distri keep the District Executive Committee advised of the financial requirements of the traini ng programme in the OistricL including Explorer Scout Units and District Scout Netwoil. Conduct of Meellngs In the Scout Dlstrkt In meeti ngs of the DistTlCt Scout Council and the District Executive Committee only the members specified may vote. Decisions ale made by a majority of votes of those present at the meeting. In the event of an eq ual number of votes being cast on either side in any issue the Chaii does not have a casti ng vote and the matter is taken not to have been carried. Quorum. The District Scout Council requires a quorum of 15 member5 and 2 officer& The District Executive requires quorum of at least 5 membeT5 and 2 officers. Sub-committees Tequire a quorum of 4 members or 50% of the membeTship, whichever is larger. Quora may be redefined by resolution of the Distrirt Scout Council. Approved by the County Executive- May 2019 38