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2025-03-31-accounts

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SPEN VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUTS

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Charity Number: 524812

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CONTENTS

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1 TRUSTEES REPORT

The Trustees of the Spen Valley District Scouts (“the District”) present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

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

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

The Committee consists of the Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the District Commissioner.

The principal office holders are:

The District Trustee Board exists to support the District Lead Volunteer in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for:

The District Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the District is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them.

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The District is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the District and the Trustees wish to express their thanks and gratitude to all volunteers and supporters who have assisted in ensuring the efficient running of the District during the past twelve months.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

THE PURPOSE OF SCOUTING

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development,

empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

THE VALUES OF SCOUTING

As Scouts we are guided by these values:

Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal. Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others.

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

Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.

Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we 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:

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.

RESERVES POLICY

The District policy on reserves is to hold sufficient reserves to enable it to improve the development of scouting and the facilities within the District and broaden the range of scouting activities available within Spen Valley .

INVESTMENT POLICY

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.

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2 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

DISTRICT LEAD VOLUNTEER

The main achievements are highlighted out in the various reports set out below. These show the strength of Spen Valley and the dedication of all of the volunteers, in whatever role they do. I am extremely grateful for all the support you all provide to me and to Scouting in general.

One of the main events of the past twelve months has been the implementation of the transformation in how Scouting is organised. This is intended to bring the organisation up to date and ensure that we are fully compliant with the requirements of the Charities Act, as well as ensuring that we are all following the rules and regulations of the Scout Association. In addition, we have seen changes in respect of role titles. Whilst there have been a number of issues with the new system, I would like to thank you all for bearing with this and embracing the changes. As I have said on a number of occasions, please go positively with the new direction of travel and do not get to hung up on the IT glitches which happen along the way. Remember this is all being driven by the need for an ever-increasing regard to safety, safeguarding and the positive provision of Scouting not only to our young people, but also for all of our adult volunteers.

It is with sadness that I have to report that during the past year the 14[th] Spen Valley has closed, and its young people and leaders have been transferred and absorbed into the 3[rd] Spen valley. I am grateful for the support of the 3[rd] in welcoming them and ensuring scouting continues to be provided to these young people. I would also like to thank Neil and all of the team at the 14[th] Spen Valley for all they have done over the years for scouting in Whitechapel and indeed in Spen Valley in general.

Whilst we have lost the 14[th] , and the census shows a decline in numbers, the future is starting to look up and we are opening two new Squirrel Dreys at the 7[th] Spen Valley and at the 4[th] Spen Valley. Let’s all wish them well.

The development of Fanwoods continues. Much work has been undertaken during the year. The most significant development has been the installation of a much-needed new heating system which was precipitated when the old system failed its gas certification. This has cost a significant sum, but the Trustees see this as significant investment in the FHTC for the future.

The next project is the raise funds to replace the old toilets in the bunkrooms which had to closed and the room stripped out after a significant failure in the floor structure. This is a priority, but as in all things, funding is required.

In addition, we are looking at a new storage facility on the campsite to replace the existing warden’s garage, not only to house the equipment of a number of groups, but also as a home for some new pedal karts we are looking to acquire which are to be funded from a grant donation we have received from The Gomersal Centre Charity who wanted the funds to be

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spent on young people in the area and thought that as scouting and guiding exemplified this, we were the natural choice.

I would like to thank the FWAC, along with the support provided by the Service Team, for ensuring we offer such a highly valued camping facility which is enjoyed by many. Indeed, whilst as a District we need to help scouting in all groups, the excellent facility we have at Fanwoods is increasingly used by many scout groups as well as the guides for their weekly meetings especially through the spring and summer months.

Finally, this is of course your District, and I could not do anything without the support and assistance of the District Trustee Board as well as all leaders and adult volunteers and all those who volunteer so freely with their time to provide scouting within Spen Valley for others to enjoy, both now and in the future. In particular, I would like to thank Sarah for all her support without which being DLV would be so much more difficult (if not impossible).

So, to all of you I say, “Thank You!”, for your continued support, patience, resourcefulness, and dedication to scouting in Spen Valley.

David Sowden

District Lead Volunteer

DISTRICT CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Well, another year has passed as district chair, and I continue to enjoy the role.

It’s been our first year as a trustee board with the changes in POR still developing and settling in and things in Spen continue I feel to be working well.

We continue to work well in partnership with our guiding colleagues in the management of Fanwood and hope this will continue and go from strength to strength.

Field Day remains a huge success, and I look forward to this year’s event as I’m sure many of you do too. We have struggled of late with recruitment and have set up a recruitment team to help support this. It was sad to see the loss of the 14th Spen Valley recently, but other areas are doing well such as the expansion of the squirrel sections.

We continue to be in a relatively good financial position though with the development and implementation of our 5-year plans more funds and grants will be needed to achieve what we hope for. There are funds needed for example for replacement toilets/showers and a new garage facility that will be needed on site.

I’d like to pay special thanks to our District Lead Volunteer David Sowden and the Fanwoods service team for all the work that has been done and the many hours of voluntary work they put in. Without them and others scouting in Spen would not be the same.

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Finally, a huge thank you also should also go to all of our Leaders, committees volunteers and children who have maintained a Scouting presence in all our Groups to keep the scouting spirit alive and thriving.

David Kelly

District Chair

DISTRICT TREASURER’S REPORT

Over the last 12 months to March 2025, Spen Valley as a District has continued to maintain a strong financial position, even though our expenditure in the year exceeded our income.

The expenditure above income has been due to the new heating system we have had installed into the FHTC including the bunk rooms. These funds had been raised in previous years, so overall we are not operating at a loss. We have also had to refurbish the kitchen ceiling to the house, following a water leak, which has been funded via an insurance claim.

To maintain the Fanwood site and facilities we continue to carry out minor up-grades and repairs, including: maintenance the fire alarm system, major works to take down a number of trees which were becoming dangerous, improvements to boundary fences, to mention just some of the works carried out by both the service team and external contractors.

Going forward into this year, we are currently looking to replace the toilets in the FHTC bunk rooms, which are currently out of action, and the potential development / re-build of the garage adjacent to the house to provide improved on-site storage. Both will be significant investments for the campsite, and the commencement of the works will be subject to funding.

With regards to the bookings of the facilities at Fanwood, these remain positive with Scouting and Guiding, along with external organisations and school groups using the site and activities. The overall running costs for the site are monitored and the fees and charges reviewed on a yearly basis. Once again, we have had to increase our fees for the hire of the site and facilities, due to the increase in all costs, including utility prices, insurances, and ongoing maintenance etc. For 2024 / 2025 the average weekly running costs for the site was circa £800, not including the major improvements and developments.

Looking ahead, the Trustee Board have agreed to invest in some new Spen Valley branded gazebos and marketing banners in support of the drive for new leaders, which will be available to all groups to use.

Going forward, we can start next year with a healthy balance to continue to develop Scouting in the District and continue to maintain and improve the campsite and its facilities, and the Trustee Board will continue to look for grants to aid in the development of the site for the future.

Richard Terry

District Treasurer

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PROGRAMME DELIVERY TEAM

DISTRICT SQUIRRELS REPORT

The past year has brought both challenges and exciting developments for the Squirrel section across Spen Valley.

Sadly, we saw the closure of the 5th SV Squirrels due to sustainability issues, and the 11th SV faced a significant setback with the loss of their leadership team. These were tough moments, especially for the young people involved.

However, despite these difficulties, the Squirrel section has continued to thrive. Eight Squirrels across the District proudly achieved their Chief Scout's Acorn Award, a real testament to their enthusiasm and the dedication of their leaders.

A positive milestone has been the opening of a new Drey at 7th SV, which has not only increased our capacity but brought fresh energy into the district. Additionally, the 11th SV is showing signs of recovery, with numbers and adult support now growing steadily again. Squirrels have been well represented at District events, including Remembrance Day and St George’s Day, proudly taking their place alongside the other sections and showing just how much they belong in the wider Scouting family.

Now that we have more than one active Drey, we're looking forward to organising dedicated District events for Squirrels in the coming year, giving our youngest members even more opportunities to build friendships and create memories together.

A massive thank you goes to all our incredible leaders who make the Squirrel programme possible each week. And finally, a very warm welcome to all new leaders who’ve joined us your energy and commitment are helping us build a bright future for Squirrels in Spen Valley.

Michael Holroyd

Squirrel Team Lead Spen Valley

DISTRICT BEAVER REPORT

I am pleased to report that the Beaver section across the district has had another busy and rewarding year. Despite some challenges with numbers in a few groups – both in terms of young people and adult volunteers – the overall picture remains positive, with strong engagement and a wide variety of activities taking place.

Over the past 12 months, our Beaver colonies have continued to provide high-quality programmes, helping young people work towards a range of Challenge and Activity Badges. Many groups have also taken part in sleepovers and camps, with Fanwood proving a popular choice. Both the indoor facilities and outdoor spaces have been well used, allowing Beavers to enjoy all that Scouting has to offer in a safe and exciting environment.

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District Beaver Leader meetings have been held throughout the year, giving leaders a chance to share ideas and updates. It has been encouraging to hear about the creative and engaging programmes being delivered week in, week out.

In December, we held a well-attended District Christmas Party, with over 30 Beavers from across the district taking part. Activities included a reindeer-themed popcorn craft, team games, and a giant pass-the-parcel – all thoroughly enjoyed by those taking part.

On 7th March 2025, we hosted a District Beaver Challenge Evening, attended by Beavers from three different groups. The event included a range of bases, with activities such as team games, knot tying, shoelace tying, and bun decorating – all designed to develop practical skills while having fun.

St George’s Day was another highlight of the year. It was wonderful to see so many Beavers coming together with other sections across the district to renew their Promise and celebrate the values of Scouting.

Looking ahead, plans are already in place for another District Beaver Christmas Party later this year, as well as a return of the Challenge/Quiz Evening in March 2026. We also remain focused on supporting groups who are currently struggling, and continuing to provide a fun, inclusive and adventurous programme for all our Beaver Scouts.

Thank you to all our dedicated Beaver leaders and volunteers for their continued enthusiasm and commitment throughout the year.

Rebecca Holroyd

Beaver Team Lead Spen Valley

DISTRICT CUBS REPORT

It’s a short report this year. Due to circumstances.

A year of changes. New systems, new rules, new names.

Spen Valley Cub packs have lots of safe and exciting programmes.

Older Cub camp at Fan Wood was a little different. Due to awful weather forecast and number of leaders available, we moved everyone into the centre. All had a great weekend. A young leader came along and cooked Saturday tea. Thanks for all who helped out.

Lego completion was held again with 50 Cubs taking part.

Some packs have taken part in County events. Pedal car racing, challenge days, leadership day, badge days, sleepover at the deep.

I enjoy visiting packs, investing Cubs and presenting Silver Awards.

A big thank you to all leaders who support Spen Valley Cubs, with weekly meetings, occasional activities, camps.

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Also, for all the support I receive in my role.

Here is to another busy year.

Lesley Austin

Cub Team Lead Volunteer Spen Valley

SCOUT SECTION REPORT

I am pleased to report that the scout section in Spen Valley is still awash with a great variety of activities, events and camps. Scouts are formidably a challenging age with the transition to high school, alternative activities and the beginning stages of exam pressures, however Spen Valley still retains a healthy number of scouts over the seven groups remaining across the district. In the past year, our scout troops have decreased from eight to seven, with the merger of the 14th and 3rd Spen Valley to form the new Spen Valley West where scouts were the last section to transition with Beavers and Cubs amalgamating in the prior year.

When I reflect upon my role as Programme Team Member for Scouts (Formerly ADC Scouts), I think about what I gain from the role and have concluded that the exposure to witnessing the young people flourish and come together in both troops and across the district at events is fantastic.

Below is just a summary of the events that the Spen Valley District Scout section have completed in the year:

Later in the year we have the football competition planned for Sunday 29th June with a change to the format in comparison to prior years with more details to follow. Also, for September we are planning a Scouting challenge evening at Fan Woods.

I want to express my thanks to all the adult volunteers that manage scout troops, without you the scouting provision within the district wouldn’t be able to operate.

Josh Newlands

Scout Team Lead Volunteer Spen Valley

DISTRICT EXPLORERS REPORTS

Explorers (Dreadnought) Unit Meet in Gomersal Fridays 8.30-10.00

We have 10 explorers who regularly attend. We pride our unit on the fact that the explorers plan all of the programme themselves. This gives them the incentive to attend, even during exam season. We have 4 members who are well on their way with their King Scout Award. We have given out 3 platinum awards, 3 diamond awards, 2 YL awards, 3 D of E bronze, and 2 silver awards. We have joined in with a weekend in Kettlewell and other events at the 7th. As

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always, we are open to new members from anywhere in the district, so if anyone is 13.5 or 14, please let us know so we can make contact and see if Dreadnought is the unit for them. Leaders: Linda Holroyd / Phil Holroyd / Luke Brennand / Danny Kirkpatrick / Lee Tootill

Explorers (Phoenix) Unit Meet in Birkenshaw 1[st] and 3[rd] Tuesday of the month

We have Just hit 23 in explorers who come from a variety of Groups in Driglington, Gildersome, Bradford, as well as the local guide units and 5th, 11th and 14th SV. Such a high number will be a challenge when we move back indoors however, we do have 6 who are due to turn 18 at the end of the summer.

The programme throughout the year varies depending upon explorers' requests although favourites seem to be Goosechase challenge nights and anything to do with cooking. During exams we change meetings to Sundays to give the service team a hand and a break from revision. We took part in 1[st] SV Centenary Camp last September and have just had a joint walking weekend at Wharfeside House which also acted as a link event. We have had a number of young people achieve diamond and platinum awards and this year we have 2 members 1 Explorer and 1 leader about to do their final presentation for their Kings scout award.

Leaders: G Caine, V Caine, D Jubb

Explorers (Vanguard) Unit Meet at St Luke’s Church, Moorbottom 1[st] and 3[rd] Tuesday of the month

Vanguard have continued to have a busy year working through platinum and diamond awards. They have been active up at Fanwoods doing site service work. Numbers are steadily increasing, and we recently invested a number if new members. We have also had a joint weekend away at Kettlewell with the 11[th] scouts. The programme has been varied including cooking nights, international nights and games evening. We have also been shooting – thanks again to Don for running this.

Leaders: Sarah Sowden / David Sowden / Megan Kilburn: Vanguard

Spen Valley Explorer - Young Leaders Section - Meet 2nd Tuesday of the month at Birkenshaw

We currently have 8 young people who have been attending for training, regular meetings stopped in March as most of the current young leaders have completed their modules, and during the summer months the young leaders should be consolidating their learning and filling in their mission books with activities they carry out with their sections. Next face to face meeting will be in September when the Missions will be checked and we will do a module mop up of things misses.

As numbers are quite low and the current cohort should complete their award in September we anticipate IF there are any new young leaders, we will run a module A course then direct to the

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county youth team courses for the additional modules as it is much more fun to do a course with at least 10 other people for exchange of ideas.

Leaders V Caine, B Midgely, G Caine

Spen Valley D of E Explorer Section Meet 4[th] Tuesday of the month at Birkenshaw

9 youth members 1 Gold (adult leader) 5 silver 4 bronze. This year we have had the help of Paul Wilkinson and explorer leaders from across the county for the expedition section. We participated in WY County Bronze and Silver practice and qualifying expeditions in March and May. The young people now have their presentations to give and to finish collecting evidence for the other elements of the award.

During the last 12 months we have awarded 2 Gold and 2 silver and 4 bronze awards and hope to add a further 3 Silver and 4 bronze this summer.

The leader commitment to this section is extremely time consuming

Leader G Caine D Jubb (P Wilkinson for expeditions this year)

We have a very flexible team who try to make sure we cover each section each week

DISTRICT NETWORK REPORT

Unfortunately, we do not have a District Network and this section has ceased to operate. It is hoped that the section can be reformed as part of the development of the explorer section when sufficient numbers of young people reach the age of 18.

David Sowden

District Lead Volunteer

FWAC REPORT

The past year has seen continued use of Fanwood by many different groups of people as well as Scouting and Guiding sections. Whilst income may be down this year that reflects whether schools come for residential visits and also hire the facilities. With school budgets being squeezed we have seen lower bookings from this source. The centre continues to be booked out most weekends and are regularly received glowing feedback on the quality of the facilities we provide.

During the year we have installed a much-needed new heating system. As can be seen elsewhere in this report, this has been a significant investment in the future for the FHTC.

Our next projects are to refurbish the toilets in the bunkrooms and to replace the warden’s garage with a purpose-built storage facility.

Our residential facilities, site activities and woodland site are managed by volunteers, some regular, like our Service Team and Friends of Fanwood as well as occasional volunteers from

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corporate groups to those attending organised events. Our thanks go out to all those people, without whose volunteered time we would not have the fantastic facility that we currently have.

Our site Activities provide wonderful experience opportunities for young people, to facilitate this we have provided Activity Instructor Training to almost 400 leaders, providing them with five year permits, enabling them to instruct their own young people, we are experiencing multiple re booking of activities being led by these permitted instructors.

This year has seen the introduction of a booking secretary, this is working very well and our thanks go to Ellen Boon for making this a success and also Sarah Sowden for her time taking care of this role previously.

The future of Fanwood is giving us many challenges and very much relies on the continued voluntary contribution by many and I’m hoping we can welcome more volunteers to Fanwood in the coming year, in particular corporate group workdays and others joining our Service Team and Friends of Fanwood.

We are always keen to welcome new volunteers and corporate workdays. In addition, we are always on the lookout for any grant funding which may be on offer to help develop the site further.

My thanks therefore go to all who come and help support the running of the FHTC and the campsite.

David Sowden

FWAC

DISTRICT SERVICE TEAM

Another year has passed up at Fan Wood & in an ever-changing world you can still find a place of peace & beauty here in Spen Valley.

Sadly, several of our majestic trees have had to be felled due to them being diseased. The one by the shop & one by the campfire circle are obvious ones that have gone. Thankfully more have been planted than we have lost so future tree cover is secure.

Activities come & go on site but there's still plenty to do for all sections.

We got rid of the pallets from the wood pile & now keep it topped up with wood cut from our trees.

Most of the work carried out by the service team goes unnoticed, grass cutting, leaf clearing, painting, toilet repairs etc but faults are soon pointed out when they occur.

Flat roofs have needed cleaning and repaired notably the shooting range where it needed a full refurbishment after damage by squirrels caused water ingress & damage to the ceiling.

We would like to thank all groups & individuals who have helped out on one of our workdays over the year, many tasks have been completed that would be a challenge for our small team.

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Robert Jackson

District Campsite Lead Volunteer

SPEN VALLEY SCOUT & GUIDE BAND REPORT

The band has once again been busy around the Valley and beyond, taking part in:

The band secured a grant from Tesco's which has been used to buy some new uniforms.

The band practises on a Thursday night and more members are always needed. If you would like the band to run a music night for you then please get in touch, we can come to your section meeting or you can bring your group to a practise.

Carl & Joanna Nelson

Bandmasters

NIGHTS AWAY REPORT

Currently, we have 39 leaders who hold a night’s away permit, covering one or more of the different categories i.e. Indoor, Campsite, Greenfield & Lightweight expedition. During 2024/25, 7 permits were renewed, 6 new ones were issued.

There is a permit holder of at least one category in every group, along with 5 district appointment holders. Remember, N/A permits are not section specific.

I would encourage leaders to contact me at any time for a chat about the process, and if you have very little night’s away experience, attend as many as you can, keep a record of your involvement, noting your role, such as first aider, cook etc. Pick the brains of the ‘old hands’ and do not be afraid to ask.

Check out the nights away ‘applicants guide’ at scouts.org

To apply for a permit or renew an existing one, use the following process.

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Please remember the N/A process is not intended to be an exam, we are here to offer practical help that, hopefully, will enable you to provide safe and enjoyable N/A experiences for our young people.

David Bentley

Night’s away adviser

PERCEPTION (MEDIA & IT) TEAM REPORT

Over the past year, the Perception (Media & IT) Team has continued to support and enhance how Spen Valley District Scouts communicates both internally and externally. We’ve maintained a steady presence on social media, regularly sharing updates from across the district, celebrating achievements, and highlighting events. This ongoing activity plays an important role in shaping how we’re perceived by the public and helps support recruitment and community engagement.

The district website has also been kept up to date, with improvements made to layout, content structure, and ease of use, particularly on mobile devices. It remains an important resource for volunteers and parents, offering news, event details, and access to key information.

A major development this year has been the migration of the District Team onto a central Microsoft 365 platform. This move has brought all senior volunteers onto a shared, secure system for email and storage, significantly improving communication, collaboration, and data security. Ongoing training and support have been provided throughout the transition to help everyone adjust and make the most of the new tools.

The team also provided extensive support during the transition from Compass to the new national membership system, which went live in November 2024. This was a major change for all volunteers, and we worked closely with the senior leadership team and others to offer guidance, resources, and troubleshooting throughout the process. This support has continued into 2025 as we all adapt to the new system and its ongoing developments.

We’ve also worked alongside the new Recruitment Team, offering help with social media promotion and developing new branding and leaflet designs.

Looking ahead, we aim to strengthen our communications strategy further, continue supporting the rollout of national digital transformation projects, and provide training opportunities to help leaders and volunteers feel confident using digital tools in their roles.

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Thank you to everyone across the district who has supported the work of the team over the past year, and who continues to help promote a modern, connected, and welcoming image of Scouting in Spen Valley.

Michael Holroyd – District Perception Team Lead

CENSUS REPORT

Following a decrease last year of 4.6%, I am sorry to report a further even larger decrease in numbers on the 2025 census return. Sadly, a total reduction in numbers of 11.9%. This is represented by a decrease in our young people of 53 and we have 13 fewer adults than this time last year. A total of 66 people.

Squirrels were the largest loss at 26 down or 72.2%. Beavers down 2. Cubs were at 122 last year down to 95 a loss of 22.1%. Scouts were the only good news, but only up by one person from 120 to 121. Explorers lost 3 members. Perhaps the effects of the pandemic are still being felt as the problems caused at the time are now filtering through to the cub’s age group.

Unfortunately, with the new membership system, I am no longer the Appointments Secretary and the recipient of the many messages from Gilwell on any changes in new adult memberships or in memberships closing. So, it is not possible for me to keep track of individuals, or which roles are gaining or losing, so it is not possible for me report on the causes. The largest loss was in support roles. Leadership roles do appear to have remained the same. However, the loss of 13 adults in one year is a worrying trend.

As to the actual census. The biggest hurdle was the new membership system. It took a lot of time and understanding to begin with. It didn’t help that some areas of the system didn’t work as they should, but I must say that Gilwell were updating various parts of the access as we did the returns. County were particularly helpful in supplying what they could, giving feedback on a group by group basis.

As ever the most difficult part of the census for me and those completing the census is dual roles and understanding which is the lead role and which are the others. And believe me there are a lot of people with more than one role. This took the most time to resolve, and I must admit that I took an executive decision to overrule the Group Lead Volunteers to resolve it. A good move, because when I passed the final returns to County, it was accepted first time with no queries. So many thanks to GLVs for their patience and understanding. Amazing what you can do when you work together. Well done everyone.

I said last year that it would be my last census. Hopefully this one will be.

Tony Bannister

Census Sec.

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TRAINING

Through the transition in late 2024, the training has also been updated to reflect the growing changes in scouting. This now comes with different timelines for volunteers to complete training modules, with the majority of these now able to be completed independently online. The woodbadge has now become voluntary capped at volunteers earning a maximum of 2, with these being sectional and managers and supporters. However, we would encourage Group Lead Volunteers and Team Leaders to encourage their teams to complete the additional learning and validation for both personal development and to aid their sections. I have highlighted below the summary of the updated training changes:

Training must be completed within 30 days – All volunteers

Training must be completed within 6 months – All volunteers

Training must be completed within 6 months – Role Dependent

In additional to the above training, First Response training must be completed by some roles within 12 months of starting. In the past year, the district has obtained a new first response trainer and we are currently working with the volunteer to facilitate a number of first response courses for our new and existing volunteers.

At the point of the transition, the safety training was also refreshed and updated. This safety training was rolled out and all volunteers must complete the new safety training by the 14th July 2025. At the time of writing the report, we still have 58 volunteers with the new safety training not yet completed.

I want to thank all volunteers for their time and patience during this process of the transition to the new training and online platform. I do appreciate that there have been teething issues, but as a whole the learning is more intuitive and can be more readily accessed.

Josh Newlands

Local Training Manager

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WELCOME TEAM REPORT

The welcome committee is made up of a number of volunteers from different groups, roles and sections around the district. I reported last year that we were an early adopter for the transition from the old “appointments process” to the new warmer welcome conversation. As part of the transition, the welcome conversation now involves and independent welcome volunteers conducting the welcome conversation at a time and location suitable for the volunteer, which is usually the section meeting night. We also now have to involve the Group Lead Volunteer in conversations or appropriate delegate. I am happy to report that before the transition all of our Group Lead Volunteers completed the welcome training to become accredited to attend all future conversations. Going forward, welcome conversations should ideally be completed within 30 days of recruiting a new volunteer. Throughout the year, our welcome committee volunteers have been working hard through the transition to ensure this target is met.

As with all sections, we are actively on the lookout for additional welcome committee volunteers. If anyone has any interest, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Josh Newlands

Welcome Team Lead Volunteer

GRANTS TEAM REPORT

We already have such a fantastic campsite, however, this needs maintaining and there are always new and exciting ways we can find to make our outdoor space inviting and adventurous for our young people.

Over the last year there has been many ongoing projects and also the identification of new projects across the District.

To ensure we can continue to offer high quality activities, we need to obtain funding. Applying for grants can be a time consuming and often long-winded process. They are not always successful. We are always in search of new opportunities to secure funding and also ideas of projects we would like to see at our campsite.

This year we received a grant of £2,000 from Centrica towards the new heating system in the FHTC.

In previous years, we received £1,500 from Tesco blue tokens towards the construction of the Adventure Trail. This is now a well-used and enjoyed activity. This year we have received £1,000 from Tesco blue tokens for new Explorer expedition kit. This will go towards new Duke of Edinburgh equipment. We also received £1,125 from the Tesco’s blue tokens for the Spen Valley Scout and Guide Band.

We have also received a grant of £4,569 from The Gomersal Centre Charity which has been earmarked for pedal karts at Fanwoods. A new storage barn facility to house pedal karts is our

Spen Valley District Scouts

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next major project. We will be applying to the Sir George Martin Trust and also to Kirklees to see if they can help with this.

As you will be aware, the toilets in the FHTC bunkrooms have had to be closed and their refurbishment is also being planned. Again, this will require grant funding support.

Please also watch out for a link to “Easy Fundraising” this is a simple, free way to make money for our charity via people doing their everyday shopping online. Essentially, a cashback scheme where we can benefit from a small percentage of your online purchases.

You may also see at future events we will be bringing a card machine! This will be preprogrammed with cash values e.g. £5, £10, £20 for donations from the public. This will also tie in with recruitment events, where we can showcase everything Spen Valley Scouting has to offer and boost our bank account to keep the adventures going!

As always, if anyone feels they could help with any aspect of this please do get in touch.

Thank you.

Beth Midgley.

RECRUITMENT TEAM REPORT

Welcome scouting friends to the first ever annual report for our very new Spen Valley Growth & Recruitment team.

The journey only started in March when county invited the district to a meeting at Fanwoods to talk about and give us ideas about how to recruit adult volunteers and bolster our group sections with young people and Dave wanted to replicate what county has by setting up a team within Spen Valley and with some gentle persuasion the team of six was brought about.

We have already had a meeting and have set ourselves some challenging targets. We have started a social media campaign getting our message out there on over 50 community and scouting sites both locally and nationally and we are already getting lots of positive vibes and responses from individuals including our very own MP.

We, have as you have probably seen on Facebook, attended our first gala at the 11th which went really well with ten young people looking to join our local groups in various sections and also the possibility of an adult volunteer , we will be also attending the 7th Field Day and you will all hopefully see us at the District Field Day, come along and have a chat, we would love to see you, just look out for the purple gazebo.

We see our role as supporting the District in bringing more adult volunteers to scouting either for our groups or at District level either in front facing roles or working behind the scenes and inspiring young people to the adventures they can have in scouting.

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We will be building our relationship with County and utilising all the great merchandise they have to offer and working with Ian Womersley, our old County Lead Volunteer who has taken over the role of growth and recruitment lead for West Yorkshire.

We have lots of ideas for the next 12 months and if you would like any help with recruitment at group level, we will be happy to support you in any way we can.

Thank you the Spen Valley Growth & Recruitment Team

AWARDS TEAM REPORT

The awards team aims to ensure all volunteers have the opportunity to be considered for an award. We would like to encourage all group lead volunteers to put names forward to the committee for consideration of an award.

The awards granted in the past year are set out below.

Name Award
Victoria Caine Award Of Merit
Beth Midgley Chief Scouts' Commendation for Good Service
Hayley Robson Chief Scouts' Commendation for Good Service
Linda Holroyd Wood Badges
Joshua Newlands Wood Badges
Gemma Shearer Wood Badges
Mike Terry Wood Badges
Alexander Wignall* Wood Badges
Robert Head 5 Year Service
Clair Hemingway 5 Year Service
Iain Hirst 5 Year Service
Adam Lomas 10 Year Service
Miles Verity 10 Year Service
Peter Burton 15 Year Service
Stacey Clark 15 Year Service
James Clarke 15 Year Service
Karen Lomas 20 Year Service
Andrew Naylor 25 Year Service
Joanna Nelson 30 Year Service
Lynda Edmondson 40 Year Service
Neil Smith 40 Year Service
Gillian Caine 50 Year Service
David Bentley 60 Year Service

Sarah and Carl

Awards Committee Lead Volunteers

21 Commercial in Confidence 3 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

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Spen Valley District Scout Council

Report & Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025

TRUSTEES & MEMBERS

Ex-Officio Members

Chairman Secretary Treasurer District Lead Volunteer District Network Commissioner District Explorer Scout Commissioner

Name

David Kelly Sarah Sowden Richard Terry David Sowden Vacant Vacant

Nominated Trustees

Name

Trustee Mike Terry Trustee David Hirst (resigned 31 December 2024) Trustee Chris Rhodes Trustee Beth Midgley Elected Trustees Name Trustees Michael Holroyd Trustees Rebecca Holroyd Trustees Lesley Austin Trustees Josh Newlands Trustees Neil Smith BANKERS: Virgin Money, 12 Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, BD19 3RJ Scout Association Special Deposit

Group Registration Number with the Scout Association: 16621

Charity Registration Number: 524812

Contact Name & Address: c/o David Sowden 31 West End Drive Cleckheaton BD19 6JD

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Spen Valley District Scout Council Receipts and Payments Account Summary For the year ended 31st March 2025

For the year ended 31st March 2025
Total Receipts for the year
Total Payments for the year
Net Receipts (Payments) for the year
Cash, Bank and similar funds b/f
Cash, Bank and similar funds c/f
Change in Cash, Bank and similar funds
The above account and accompanying statement of assets and
liabilities were approved by the Trustees		 31.3.2025
31.3.2024
£
£
66,499.15
95,028.99
(86,648.85)
(85,191.45)
(20,149.70)
9,837.54
81,671.36
71,833.82
61,521.66
81,671.36
(20,149.70)
9,837.54

On 28 May 2025

And signed on their behalf by

David Sowden - District Commissioner

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Spen Valley District Scout Council Receipts for the year ended 31st March 2025

Spen Valley District Scout Council
Receipts for the year ended
31st March 2025
MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS
Less Paid
INVESTMENT INCOME RECEIVED
Scout Association Interest - District
GRANTS / DONATIONS / GIFT AID
Grants and donations
Gift aid (explorers)
ACTIVITIES
Grass sledging
FHTC – Fees
District Beavers
District Cubs
Explorers
Scout & Guide Band
Outdoor Activities
Camping Fees & Levy, Holmes Cabin etc
Other
OTHER INCOME
Income from the shop
General
SUNDRY RECEIPTS
Badges
TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR		 31.3.2025
31.3.2024
£
£
18,880.00
21,260.00
(19,270.00)
-
(390.00)
21,260.00
-
45.06
-
45.06
7,569.72
392.78
-
1,025.57
7,569.72
1,418.35
1,545.00
1,755.00
21,130.00
24,059.00
-
139.14
605.60
2,950.00
-
1,180.00
2,869.91
1,385.22
8,614.00
11,393.00
10,348.50
17,265.00
60.00
-
45,173.01
60,126.86
2,870.00
2,440.00
10,785.42
9,326.22
13,655.42
11,766.22
491.00
412.50
66,499.15
95,028.99

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Spen Valley District Scout Council Payments for the year ended 31st March 2025

Spen Valley District Scout Council
Payments for the year ended
31st March 2025
PREMISES
Insurance
General Maintenance & Refurbishment (FHTC)
FHTC Rates, Heat, Light, Maintenance etc
Heating system and House Kitchen Repairs
ACTIVITIES
District Beavers
Cub Section
Explorers
Grass Sledges
Outdoor Activities
Scout & Guide Band
Field Day
Jamboree
OTHER EXPENSES
Booking secretary
General Expenses - District
FHTC - General Expenses
Shop purchases and donations made from shop profits
Bank Fees
SUNDRY PAYMENTS
New Adventure Trail
Badges
TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR		 31.3.2025
31.3.2024
£
£
8,706.34
4,068.97
9,505.64
16,271.43
10,728.64
13,652.15
36,775.21
-
65,715.83
33,992.55
13.70
-
669.55
3,374.35
543.80
2,082.61
772.50
937.50
133.90
625.14
2,874.66
1,920.81
2,086.72
2,120.13
-
2,750.00
7,094.83
**13,810.54 **
2,508.75
-
2,927.43
11,653.35
5,383.05
8,494.96
2,520.46
1,296.05
128.50
118.40
13,468.19
21,562.76
-
15,825.00
-
-
-
15,825.00
86,648.85
85,191.45

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Spen Valley District Scout Council
Statement of Assets & Liabilities
at 31st March 2025
FIXED ASSETS
Freehold land and buildings
Note 1
MONETARY ASSETS
Bank Current Account
Note 2
Bank Current Account - Explorer Scout Section
Bank Accounts - Scout & Guide Band
Bank Current Account - Fan Wood Activity Centre
Cash in hand – Shop
Note 2
Cash in hand – Explorers
Cash in Hand – District
Note 2
PayPal account
Total Monetary Assets
NON-MONETARY ASSETS
Stock at Shop (Fan Wood)
Stock of Badges / Neckers / Progress Books
Scouting Equipment
Uniforms & Instruments
LIABILITIES – membership due to County
TOTAL ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES		 31.3.2025
31.3.2024
£
£
Nil
Nil
41,235.31
65,551.96
3,391.42
1,995.22
1,093.32
1,098.07
15,496.62
12,765.75
50.84
50.84
222.34
177.71
30.32
30.32
1.49
1.49
61,521.66
81,671.36
2,519.80
2,867.96
920.00
920.00
11,000.00
11,000.00
20,000.00
20,000.00
34,439.80
34,787.96
(18,385.50)
(19,270.00)
77,575.96
97,189.32

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Spen Valley District Scout Council Statement of Assets & Liabilities at 31st March 2025

Note 1 – freehold land and buildings

31.3.2025 31.3.2024
£ £
Nil Nil

Spen Valley District Scout Council is the legal owner of the land and buildings at Fanwoods, Ferrand Lane, Gomersal. The land was acquired on 1 March 1937. The Frank Harris Training Centre and the house were built in 1971 and officially opened on 1971 and officially opened on 15 July 1972. The title deeds are held for Spen Valley District Scout Council by The Scout Association Trust Company as custodian trustee for the Spen Valley District Scout Council. These assets have historically been carried in the annual financial statements at an historic cost of £nil.

These assets are considered to be inalienable assets and held in order that the Spen Valley District Scout Council can deliver on its charitable objectives.

Note 2 - Includes items as follows:

Jamboree Fund
Development Fund
District Funds
District Grants
District Squirrels
District Beavers
District Cubs
Network
Leader Training Fund
Recruitment Fund
District Camp
Future activity project
Shop
Shop cash
Re-start post Covid 19/Big Camp		 2,000.00
4,252.07
10,589.64
19,961.49
16,813.58
25,555.27
-
725.00
500.00
500.00
178.39
192.09
578.27
642.22
120.20
120.20
1,880.00
5,122.42
2,000.00
2,000.00
-
1,560.52
4,569.72
1,197.11
4,071.08
142.65
297.50
838.72
879.92
41,408.28
65,879.78

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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the Spen Valley District Scout Council

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 22 to 26.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

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 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:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the 2011 Act, have not been met; or

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding

of the accounts to be reached.

Name: David Alan Taylor Qualification: Association of Accounting Technicians Address: 3 Craven Close Gomersal Cleckheaton, BD19 4QZ

Signed:

Date: 21 May 2025

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