# **Skills for life, creating more great adventures…**
**West Yorkshire Scouts Annual Report 2022-23**
**West Yorkshire**
## **County President Report**
It has been another excellent year for West Yorkshire Scouts, and I have once again been extremely proud to serve as County President.
Scouting in West Yorkshire continues to go from strength to strength and plays a pivotal role in communities across our region. I applaud the commitment and dedication of the Scout leaders and volunteers who work so hard week in and week out to support our fantastic young people, and I am always inspired by the young people themselves who bring such energy and enthusiasm to the scouting movement.
Scouting offers such a wide range of opportunities for everyone involved to gain new skills, make friendships, and have a positive impact on our communities.
As the MP for Batley and Spen I was really pleased to attend the launch of ‘The Employability Badge’ report from Demos in Parliament earlier this year. The report explores how extracurricular activities can give young people the skills and experiences they need to enter the world of work and progress in their careers. It found that 74% of Scouts alumni felt optimistic about getting what they want out of their careers, compared with 47% of people who didn’t do extracurricular activities. Scouting really can change lives and have a huge impact on the future of our young people; it brings people together from a wide variety of backgrounds and offers opportunities to enjoy a huge range of activities. And let’s not forget one of the most important things - Scouting is FUN!
So, to everyone in the scouting family - keep up the brilliant work and here’s to another fantastic year of Scouting in West Yorkshire!
With very best wishes,
**Kim Leadbeater MBE MP**
## County Trustee Chair
It’s really important to THANK and recognize all leaders, young leaders, Youth Commissioners, adult volunteers, parent supporters, District and County teams from all our communities in providing a fantastic opportunity for our Young People to develop ‘Skills 4 Life’.
I’ve attended many events in the role as Chair and it is overwhelming to see the numbers of Young People increasing in our organization and contributing positively to the task in hand, so thank you to the volunteer leaders for your dedication and making things happen. Likewise, I’ve attended many District AGMs and seen the contributions made by our adult and young leader volunteers at the weekly meetings, going camping, supporting each other. You are such inspirational people and it does make one speechless at times.
The role of the County Trustee Board is to provide the necessary governance, risk and financial elements for our really brilliant organization. Like every Group and District we are going through the same transformation process as per HQ and The Scout Association requirements. I would like to thank the Trustees (formerly the County Executive team
members) for the positive manner in which they have embraced this change. We will still need to have a formal vote at the AGM to modify the Constitution, however, it has been discussed at the Trustee Board in depth. This is a transformation process so we all still need to kindly continue supporting the
necessary changes to bring us in line with many other charities in the UK.
The West Yorkshire Scouts Trustee Board, also supports our County Commissioner or County Lead Volunteer, Ian, in delivering the Skills 4 Life opportunities to our Young People. I’m pleased to report that the Young People are still very much ‘front and centre’ in all our discussions and the challenge in our conversations for our Squirrel, Beaver, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer and Network sections. We are most definitely Youth Shaped, we respect everyone’s opinions, everyone has an opportunity to comment and importantly we make decisions.
Personally, I would like to thank all the County Trustee Board members for all their support and guidance as there is an incredible depth of knowledge and great experience amongst this truly dedicated team. For those standing down at the AGM this time, simply thank you.
There have been some fantastic events put on by West Yorkshire Scouts and so thank you to everyone who has contributed to make these events a real success. We can and should ALL be justly proud of our charity and the contributions we all make.
Carey Dowson County Chair West Yorkshire Scouts
## County Commissioner Report
Scouting provides amazing opportunities for young people and volunteers alike to develop Skills for Life, improving life chances, well-being and local communities. It’s fantastic to see that your commitment and dedication to Scouting has once again increased West Yorkshire Scouts membership numbers in the 2023 census, ensuring we are providing Skills for Life to over 7500 young people. That’s a 6% increase in young people membership and in addition to that we’ve also seen a 4% increase in the number of volunteers, both above national averages – Thankyou and well done.
I’ve included all the Growth data in this review for your information, which also compares census information from January 2020 (pre pandemic) to January 2023. A big shout out to Keighley and Bradford South who are both at higher young people numbers than where they were in 2020. We also saw a high level of increases in volunteer numbers across every district with our total volunteer numbers going up by nearly 400 members as adults start to recognise that Scouting is Good For You.
We also saw a continued increase in our Explorer numbers to over 850 which is higher than our 2020 numbers. This is an absolute credit to our Explorer units and the focus on adventurous activities,
DofE and Top awards. Allowing young people to expand their adventurous experiences as well as gain valuable qualifications which are recognised by universities and the workplace.
We’ve had a second year of growing Squirrels and the number of Squirrel members increasing from 69 in 2022 to 323 in 2023. The number of Squirrel sections opening all the time is amazing and a credit to your enthusiasm and confidence in embracing early years. An amazing fact is that 80% of our Squirrel leaders are brand new to Scouting so please if you’re worried about where the leaders will come from to start a Squirrel section then don’t be, put it out there in the community and you will hopefully see volunteers coming forward to join your scouting family and allow you to open a Squirrel section and offer even more young people Skills For Life.
Highest ever female numbers - we have just recorded the highest number of female young people and the highest number of female volunteers in Scouting ever recorded in
## West Yorkshire.
We talked about very large waiting lists last year and this year we have seen no let-up and the demand to join the scouting adventure continues to show exceptional growth. To tackle these waiting lists, we’ve seen some very successful volunteer fairs. In Heavy Woollen they had over 40 adults attend a volunteer event at the Al Hikmah centre resulting in some 28 new volunteers signing up to support current sections and the formation of new scouting sections. Huddersfield Southwest held an event at Crosland Moor Scout Group to seek new volunteers to open weekend sections at the group. This was to allow over 200 young people on a waiting list with New Horizons in Huddersfield North to join scouts. Again, an extremely successful event with over 20 adults showing positive interest in volunteering and setting up new sections. A big thank you to the groups involved and regional team who proactively supported both these events.
Since appointing Zaheer Khalil and Naveed Idrees as joint DC’s for Halifax we have seen some tremendous growth projects in Halifax district. The ‘scouting buzz’ being created in the Halifax area is amazing and furthering demand from both young people and adults alike. So much so that they are in the process of forming two new groups and potentially a third by the end of the year.
The search for volunteers continues to be a real focus of the Growth Board under the leadership of our DCC Growth, Elaine Clough. As mentioned previously our volunteer numbers are just increasing all the
time with Bradford North having a 14% increase in volunteers which is superb. Elaine has also been supporting groups and districts develop bespoke marketing material for groups struggling for volunteers.
We have commenced the ‘Bradford Project’ which is a pan Bradford initiative to ensure scouting is available and accessible to underrepresented communities. The proactive development of Scouting for underrepresented communities in Kirklees and Calderdale has been ongoing for over 12 years with 19 Scouting sections meeting over the weekend to allow young people and adults of Muslim faith to enjoy the scouting adventure and gain those valuable skills for life. To date we’ve used three models:
1. Satellite sections which fall within an existing Scout group but meet at alternative locations
2. Weekend sections formed as part of an existing Scout group
3. Brand new Scout groups.
There are plans well underway to further reach into more IMD 1-3 communities in these areas as well as expanding current provision to make space for the 1200 plus young people on waiting lists across our inclusive Muslim sections.
Across our Bradford districts we have 22 Scout groups in IMD1-3 areas, however we have a considerable void of scouting for diverse communities. Communities of particularly Muslim faith are considerably high in Bradford, hence adjusting Scouting to be more accessible to all will be a key focus of the Bradford project. We’ve appointed Stephen Rawlinson as ACC Inclusion working closely
with Elaine and the Muslim Scout Fellowship, to take this project forward.
We have formed a very strong relationship with Bradford University and their outreach team is making fantastic progress in identifying and encouraging communities to consider Scouting. From their work we already have potential volunteers identified to develop three new provisions in Bradford South and Bradford North. Their Student Union is also advertising and encouraging the involvement of students as volunteers across the Bradford area.
In 2025 Bradford will be the city of Culture and early discussions with the council have proven very encouraging for development of scouting across underrepresented communities in Bradford and potential funding towards the project. Ahead of Bradford becoming the City of Culture in 2025, West Yorkshire Scouts wants to act now to ensure Scouting involves everyone irrespective of gender, ability, background, or religion. The Programme this last year has been superb whether delivered locally, by districts or the county. You will read later all about the great programme that has happened over the last 12
months and is planned for 2024 from our DCC Programme - Phil Pearson. Can I just take the opportunity to shout out to the great work of our ACC team, and our walking, climbing, water activities and pioneering teams for their work to provide activities for our young people as well as train volunteers in delivering adventurous activities.
As a County I continue to be impressed by the outstanding commitment of our leaders to helping young people achieve their Top Awards with 852 Chief Scout Award (347 Bronze, 315 Silver and 195 Gold), 176 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (107 Bronze, 48 Silver and 21 Gold), 14 Queen Scout Award and 1 King Scout Award. If you need any guidance on Top Awards, please speak to DCC Matt Turner.
Thank you to District Commissioners, the County team, every leader, trustee and members for all your support, drive and commitment over the last 12 months to make West Yorkshire Scouts so successful.
Ian Womersley County Commissioner
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Membership comparison 2022
Young People
% Difference
District 2020 2023 YP from 2020 7137
Keighley 631 706 112%
Total Adults
Aire Valley 676 610 90%
2331
Brighouse 405 364 90%
Combined total
Bradford South 670 683 102%
9488
Heavy Woollen 653 530 84%
Huddersfield North 657 598 90%
Pennine Calder 628 562 92% 2023
Spen Valley 470 433 92%
Young People
Wharfedale 955 914 96%
7527
Bradford North 459 365 80%
Total Adults
Halifax 397 347 90%
2442
Holme Valley 389 350 90%
Huddersfield SE 483 405 85% Combined total
Huddersfield SW 689 665 98% 9969
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Combined Youth Section Membership**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Explorers Explorers Squirrels 1%
10.6% Beavers 11.1%
27%
Beavers
26.1%
Scouts Scouts
29.7% 29.9%
2020 2022
Cubs Cubs
32.7% 31.9%
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **The Purpose of Scouting.**
The purpose of Scouting is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.
## **The Scout Method.**
ThScout Method provides an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law, which is guided by adult leadership. In practice the method is best seen when young people, in partnership with adults are enjoying what they are doing; learning by doing; participating in varied and progressive activities; making choices for themselves; taking responsibilities for their own actions; working in groups; taking increasing responsibility for others; taking part in activities outdoors; sharing in prayer and worship; making and living out their promise.
West Yorkshire Scouts Trustees have a duty to report on the charity’s public benefit in the annual report. We have assessed our aims, objectives and activities and believe we have met the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria for both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development.
## **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 byelaws of the Association, which are approved by Her Majesty’s Privy Council.
The byelaws, 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.
West Yorkshire 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.
## **HOW WE OPERATE**
## **Trustee Committee…**
The County is managed by the County Trustee Board, the members of which are the Charity Trustees of the County 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 County Trustees exists to support the County Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of the appointment and is responsible for: • Promoting the development of Scouting in the County. • Ensuring cooperation between Districts, Groups and other organisations.
- Raising of funds and administration of the County’s finance and property.
- The appointments process within the County.
- Appointing any subcommittee that may be required.
- Ensuring sound administration within the County.
The Executive Committee comprises up to 18 members:
- 6 Ex-officio Members (including the officers).
- 4 elected members (including 1 elected youth member) elected annually by the County Scout Council at its AGM.
- 4 appointed members (annually appointed at the AGM).
- up to 4 Co-opted members (annually appointed by the Trustee).
The committee meets at least four times each year. An induction process is provided for all new Trustees. Further learning and development opportunities are available.
## **POR...**
The Association has a comprehensive set of policies and rules applicable to the Movement, which are routinely monitored and reviewed by the Association. We are committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone in Scouting, whether they are young people or adult volunteers. To help us achieve this, we work to a number of key policies, through which we can make sure that Scouting continues to develop in a way that is safe, accessible and free from discrimination. Our key policies include:
- Anti-bullying policy.
- Child protection policy.
- Development policy.
- Equal opportunities policy.
- Religious policy.
against material mismanagement or loss. These include 2 signatures for all payments and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.
## **Volunteers...**
During the year over 3000 adults volunteered their time, energy, skills, and commitment to Scouting at Group, District, or County level. Their roles ranged from regularly leading section meetings and organising camps, to helping with administration, training future leaders, and attending meetings at every level. Without this contribution of our volunteers, Scouting in West Yorkshire would be unable to offer a wide range of challenging and inspiring activities that help make Scouting the largest co-educational youth movement in the UK today.
## **Our vision for 2025**
By 2025 we will have prepared more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing leaders delivering an inspiring programme.
We will be growing more inclusive, shaped by young people, and making a bigger impact in our communities.
## **Our goals**
Our plan is to build on the success of the previous plan: to continue to grow, become more inclusive, to be shaped by young people and to make a bigger impact in our communities.
Our progress in 2022/2023 is detailed in the forthcoming pages along with our future plans for the strategy.
- Safety policy.
## **Risk and Internal Control…**
The County has in place systems of internal control that are designed to provide reasonable insurance
## Programme
The programme team has been working hard to offer a wide range of activities throughout the year and we thank everyone who has come along and taken part in the things which we have offered. During the year, the ACC Cub Scout role was passed over from Wendy Gill to Tina Knight.
Wendy has held the ACC Cubs Scout role since 2010 and we all thank her for her wonderful commitment to the section. Wendy will continue with the programme team, supporting all sections at events in the future. In the meantime, we wish Tina well in her new role.
## **Support for young people to progress in their award work**
|**This year**|**Next year**|
|---|---|
|We have continued to promote the Youth Shaped award
badge – our Leadership Day attracted 46 Scouts in December.
Badge Days have been held for Beavers and Cubs with the
support of the Jamboree teams. Over 370 young people
gained awards.|We will continue to offer badge days
and we will be launching a fresh project
‘PROTECT THE PLANET’ to offer ideas
for sections to make an environmental
impact in their local community.|
## **Building on our partnership with Bradford University**
|**This year**|**Next year**|
|---|---|
|Our partnership with Bradford University
has really taken off this year with 4
Faculty taster events being run offering
bespoke badges to Scouts – Over 250
young people have attended these events.
The University also hosted a spectacular
International Day for our Cub Scout
section involving students from their
multi-cultural population.|We will be offering the faculty
taster days again, publicising the
opportunities to a wider area of our
county to encourage more groups to
get involved. The University will be
hosting us for our Top Awards evening
in October.|
## **Offer a highlight event for one section**
|**This year**|**Next year**|
|---|---|
|Each year we plan to organise a major event for a specifc
section. Following our successful Scout event in 2022, this
year we held the Cosmic Cub Camp in June. Blessed with a
fantastic weekend of sun and warmth, over 400 Cub Scouts
toured the cosmos as they worked their way round a wide
range of activities at Bradley Wood.|We will be focusing on offering a
summer event for Beaver Scouts. A
Scout camping challenge is also on the
drawing board for next summer.|
**Provide high quality events to give new experiences for young people.**
## **This year**
Our first county activity specifically for the new Squirrels section was held in May when over 80 young people enjoyed a trip to Ponderosa. 220 Beaver enjoyed the Beaverbusters activity day in October whilst 160 Explorers attended their Party event in February. 190 Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs toured Bradley Wood in the dark during the ‘Light Up the Night’ event in December.
WYS ON SHOW returned to the Victoria Theatre in March with over 90 people making up the cast and a further 80 making up the support crew. The chosen charity this time was the Yorkshire Wildlife Foundation.
## **Next year**
‘Our team will plan the calendar for next year in September. Preparations are already under way for a Beaver winter day at Black Hills in November. We aim to improve the communication about what events are taking place, how to book onto them and where they are being held through WYSMAIL and a regular calendar email to all section leaders.
## **Supporting adventurous activity**
## **This year**
We saw the return of the popular “Fellandale” event in September to kick off a year where the adventurous activity teams have been working hard to offer great opportunities. The water team have provided pool Sessions for kayak training and a magnificent Water Day at Pugneys Water Park when 260 young people enjoyed a variety of activities.
## **Next year**
We will continue to offer opportunities for young people to take part in adventurous activities and offer training opportunities for leaders to gain permits so that they can offer the OUT in SCOUTING.
The popular Pedal Go Kart racing day in May attracted 170 cubs and Scouts to the John Smith Stadium and 40 Explorer Scouts completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in June.
“Race across the North” finally took place in July following two previous efforts frustrated by Covid restrictions and Railway strikes. 30 Explorer Scouts made their way from Bradley Woods to Bibby’s Farm near Chorley and then back to Blackhills – all under their own planning and organisation. This is an event we hope to run again in the future.
## **Supporting skill development for leaders**
## **This year**
We have been offering skills sessions, 1 per month since April and we intend to continue with these into next year. These are opportunities for leaders to come and pick up some ideas for section meeting and improve their basic Scouting skills.
## **Next year**
‘Grim Up North’ will be returning in October with an emphasis on offering leaders’ opportunities to pick up new ideas and socialise with friends. Come along for the day or camp overnight if you want. We will be launching the Protect the Planet initiative, offering a ‘Have-A-Go Hall’ and giving opportunities to try out the newest Bradley Wood activities.
## Growth
There has been an incredible amount of work going on across the whole County in terms of recruitment of Young People and Volunteers, this is reflected in the growth we have seen across the whole County over the years since the pandemic.
Squirrels have been a huge success across West Yorkshire, with the desire of districts to launch new sections and with the help and support of Dan Breeze our lead volunteer for Squirrels the demand is outweighing supply at the moment. Along with Squirrels we have seen the recruitment of new volunteers to run these sections, hopefully they will enjoy Scouting as much as we do and stay with us as their young people progress.
It goes without saying the successes we see in the growth across the full range of sections in the County is down to you ! Your enthusiasm, your determination and passion for Scouting. We certainly couldn’t do this without you. So thank you, thank you, thank you for everything
that you do !
You are all amazing !
## **Individual District and Group support**
2022 and 2023 has been very much a period of time where we have offered ‘on the ground’ support to individual groups or sections who are struggling with volunteer or young people numbers. This has involved 1-1 support, sharing successes and ideas, and providing marketing materials to assist getting key messages out into communities.
## **Marketing material**
To help in our engagement we have now got a wide range of material to help promote the Scouts, this is available free for anyone to use, please just link into Growth@ wyscouts.org.uk. Additionally we have invested in a couple of branded gazebos to give us visibility at many events, again these are free to hire, contact stores@wyscouts.org.uk .
## **Shop display**
We have tried new initiatives such as taking possession of an empty shop in Halifax and putting on a superb window display advertising the Scouts.
## **Partnerships**
Continuing with our partnership with Bradford University and building a new relationship with the Bradford Bulls we have found that contacts in communities are key to our success as we share resources and target a
## Transformation
wider range of different audiences. At the University itself we are looking to set up at SSAGO and are looking at our Youth Commissioners to help make this a success.Action Bradford Project.
## **Protect the Planet**
Under the Growth heading we have also tried to focus on reviewing how we operate, we have an obligation and a strong desire to ensure we are playing our part in protecting our planet, as a County we have cut down on our use of single use plastics, we still have a long way to go but the journey has begun, we encourage everyone else to do the same where possible.
Over the last eight months we have had a student from Bradford University working with us, Zuzanna has completed her master’s dissertation looking at our County site at Bradley Wood, investigating how the site is used, the energy we use and how we can get better in the future. We are aspiring for a much greener future.
The report we hope will provide credibility as we look for more funding opportunities.
Towards the end of 2023 and into 2024, Scouts nationally will undergo a series of changes which are primarily aimed at improving the journey for volunteers.
West Yorkshire Scouts has been selected as an early adopter, meaning that these changes will take place locally in November 2023, a few months ahead of the rest of the UK.
The changes include introduction of:
- welcome conversation
- digital tools
- volunteer database
- recruitment platform
- learning platform
Transformation has featured quite substantially these last 12 months with transition to Welcome Teams, Team structures, and the Trustee changes.
Following soon will be a new Volunteer database and new developments in Volunteer learning. The aim of these changes is to make the process for joining Scouting less intimidating and complicated, and more welcoming. Also, to embrace modern approaches to learning, encourage flexible volunteering and to fall in line with the Charities Commission.
All the Transformation changes that are coming in are designed and developed to attract more volunteers into Scouting to allow us to provide yet more young people with Skills for Life. All exciting changes which we will take the county through under the guidance of the Transformation Board led by DCC Operations - Gaz Pierce.
## Youth Shaped Scouting
Over this year youth shaped scouting in West Yorkshire has been ever growing and in 2023 the County. The District Youth Commissioners have been on hand to support with youth shaped Scouting, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for everything they have done throughout this year to support them. We have seen lots of new appointments this year of District Youth Commissioners.
I would also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our amazing adult leaders and helpers that have made this our year, the best it can be for our young people. They have learnt so many skills for life! For this I personally would like to thank you. Youth Shaped Scouting allows our young people to make decisions to form and develop their own adventure, integrity, leadership, care, and cooperation in partnership with adults to learn skills for life.
This year we have seen the launch of the You Shape Award for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explores. We are lucky that we had several people from the county support HQ in the design of this award for the UK. The You Shape Award allows young learn to learn how to speak up and take the lead. The Award is made up of 4 badges- the central badge, plan, lead and represent badge. We have seen lots of badges been sold. Thank you to all the leaders who are supporting this award and running it has part of their programme.
We have all been much awaiting the return of face-to-face events from launching County Gang Show and Leadership Days. The ‘in conversation with Toby Hammond’ continues
allowing us to reach larger audiences. Our youth team in partnership with some of the District Networks have support 4 Pride events. This is the most Pride events West Yorkshire Scouts have ever attended in a year, as we demonstrate our commitment to building a more inclusive society and openly welcoming LGBT+ members.
We are well on our way to making sure that every District in our County has a District Youth Commissioner or Youth Team, and we are here to support every district with youth shaped scouting. We have also supported districts in the set up and running of the Network section making sure we have 18–25year old’s taking on leadership roles and staying in Scouting.
Our Youth Commissioners and youth team have sat on County Sub Committees and Boards to make sure that all decisions made by the County have a youth voice, from the Executive Committee, Growth and Development Board, Finance Committee, Protect Board, Top Awards Board, People Board, Adult Awards Board, and the Programme Team to name just a few.
We are of course very excited for the new youth shaped Scouting launches coming out from HQ for Squirrel Scouts, so keep your eyes peeled for even more information coming out soon.
Our young people are the future of Scouting and that’s why it’s so important that we guide, support, and give them our time and energy to lead us into the future together.
Toby Hammond Youth Commissioner
## 2023 Roll of Honour
Awards issued between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022
**Each year, I grow more impressed by the true kindness and deep commitment of you, our volunteers. As you’ve worked through the challenges of the pandemic, you’ve helped each other and truly lived our values. You’ve quietly gone the extra mile to help others and do your best and as a result our young people continue to shine brighter than ever.**
**You all have my heartfelt thanks and congratulations for your incredible Scouting efforts and all you do to make our communities better places for many. These continue to be tough times, but it is for such times that Scouts shine brightest, and your generosity and commitment is so very special. Thank you again and congratulations to you all.**
Bear Grylls OBE Chief Scout
## **Service Awards**
## **Silver Wolf**
Peter Bennett Robin Beaumont Roger Bannister Julie Earnshaw Jackie Craven Jenny Fothergill Wendy Gill
## **Bar to the Silver Acorn**
Susan Haigh Bob Canham
## **Silver Acorn**
Gary Williams Judith Dickinson Sheila Southern Dominic Dobson Gareth Pierce
## **Bar to the Award For Merit**
Michael Palmer Ian Williamson J ~~er~~ emy Ince Jean Griffin Bev Oldfield Liz Williams Jane Terry Mark Andrews Michael Holroyd Rob Young Beverley Rothery Ruth Lawson Catherine Britton Sally Harrison Liz Brennand Sue Williamson Emma Scantlebury Graham Gilberthorpe
## **Award for Merit**
**West Yorkshire** - Bob Steeper **Brighouse** - David ~~Ki~~ ngston
**Wharfedale** - Elizabeth Archer, Roger Graville, Angela Pickard, John Eastwood, Anne De Vere Hunt, Bruce Brown, Matthew Phillips, Richard Bastow, Robin Devereux, Richard Patterson, Thomas Marsden, Paul Howard, Christopher Carver, Thomas Alan, Michael Stone, Susan Fischbach, Martin Hunter, Robert Reid, Julie Reid, Darren Hewitt, Colin Williams, Les Marsden, Tom Gomersal,
**Huddersfield South East** - Joanne Smith, Christopher Rhodes
**Keighley** – Alison Rohatynskyj, Catherine Wood, Hannah Whitehead
**Bradford North** – Andrew Wilson, David Hall, Liz Griffen, Steve Preston,
**Heavy Woollen** – Bridget Mallett, Ian Mallett, Ken Harris, Paul Houghton,
**Spen Valley** - Jane Terry **Huddersfield N** – Chris Thorpe
## **Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service**
**Brighouse** - Michael Priestley, Julie Hereford, Mark Bridgeman, Jaime Crosswaite, Bradley Midgley, Steven Wood
**Huddersfield South East** - Helen Hoare, Anna Harrison, Nigel Lockwood, Lynda Lockwood, Michael Rimicans, Catherine Briggs, Adam Lomas
**Spen Valley** – Adam Lomas
## **Meritorious Awards**
**The Medal for Meritorious Conduct** Emma Scantelbury
**Heavy Woollen** – Andrew Winterbottom, Jay Ruttledge, Mohmed Vachhiat, Nafeesa Hussain, Richard Dewhirst, Yusuf Patel
**Huddersfield N** – Barney Harle, Carl Pearce, Nigel Grimshaw, Peter O’Rourke, Stephen Gareis,
**Bradford N** – Elaine Seed
**Holme Valley** – Timothy Chisholm
## **West Yorkshire**
**County Scout Council** Bradley Wood Scout Campsite, Shepherds Thorn Lane, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 3TU
01484 715858 www.wyscouts.org.uk
Charity number : 524829 © West Yorkshire Scouts 2023.
#Skills4life
**Charity Registration No. 524829**
**Scout Association Registration No. 166**
## **WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
**TRUSTEES' REPORT AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
|**Charity no.**|524829||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Scout Association no.**|166||||
|**Hon. President**|K Leadbeater MP||||
|**Hon. Vice Presidents**|B Fishwick|K McKenzie|M Walker||
||F Milner|J Fothergill|D Holdsworth||
||L Malloy|P Haigh|J Greenwood||
||M Stageman|P Drake|||
|**Trustees**|The trustees who served during the year and to the date of approval were:||||
||Ex officio:||||
||I Womersley||County Commissioner||
||C Dowson||County Chair||
||S Caselton||County Treasurer||
||C Watson||County Secretary (from June 2022)||
||T Hammond||County Youth Commissioner||
||Elected by the AGM:||||
||Phil Pearson||C McNulty||
||B Halligan||L Malloy||
||Nominated by the County Commissioner:||||
||E Clough||||
||G Pierce||||
||J Reynolds||||
||H Fishwick||||
||Co-opted:||||
||J Young||S Galvin||
||J Booth (until Sept. 2022)||G Caine||
||G Peers (from Sept. 2022)||||
|**Other attendees**|Right to attend:||||
|**(not trustees)**|I Hill||Regional Commissioner||
||Invited to attend:||||
||V Pearson||Adult Representative to Council of the Scout Association||
||X Terry||Youth Representative to Council of the Scout Association||
|**Principal office**|County Office||||
||Bradley Wood Scout Campsite||||
||Shepherds Thorn Lane||||
||Brighouse||||
||HD6 3TU||||
|**Auditors**|Brosnans||**Bankers**|The Cooperative Bank|
||Birkby House|||PO Box 250|
||Birkby Lane|||Delf House|
||Brighouse|||Southway|
||HD6 4JJ|||Skelmersdale|
|||||HD1 2AL|
|**Solicitors**|C Green||**Insurance advisors**|Unity Insurance Services|
||Whitaker Firth Solicitors|||Lancing Business Park|
||1 Manor Row|||Lancing|
||Bradford|||Sussex|
||BD1 4PB|||BN15 8UG|
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **CONTENTS**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Page
Trustees' report 1 - 2
Statement of trustees' responsibilities 3
Independent auditors' report 4 - 6
Consolidated statement of financial activities 7
Statement of financial activities 8
Consolidated balance sheet 9
Balance sheet 10
Notes to the accounts 11 - 18
**----- End of picture text -----**
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023.
West Yorkshire County Scout Council is constituted under the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association and is a registered charity established, and with Trustees appointed, in accordance with these Rules.
Administrative details relating to the charity, including Trustees details, can be found at the beginning of this report.
West Yorkshire County Scout Council continued throughout the year to provide leadership, advice and support for Scout Districts and, through them, for Scout Groups and their local communities within its boundaries.
The Trustees have, under section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011, paid due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit in deciding what activities to undertake. The charity and its subsidiary undertakings meets the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship and community development headings.
West Yorkshire Scout County manages and administers Bradley Wood campsite and Green Withens Watersport Centre for the benefit of members and the community.
## **Structure, governance and management**
The affairs are managed by the County Executive Committee (the Trustees) through a number of sub committees. One Trustee of the Executive should serve on each subcommittee. This year Finance, Risk, Appointments, Green Withens have operated.
The operation of the activity/training centre and campsite situated at Bradley Wood is delegated to the Board of WYS Trading Limited (company registration no. 4639375).
## **Review of the year**
A full review of the year is published as a separate booklet.
The support of Scouting in the County created a deficit of £19,672 in the charity (2022: deficit of 67,617). It should be noted that the costs this year include expenditure on specific projects where the income was received and designated for this purpose in the previous financial period (see note 8).
## **Governance costs**
The management costs of the charity and its subsidiary undertakings are considered minimal and are not reported separately since the assessment of the costs would be arbitrary. The only direct governance costs of the charity are the audit £3,490 (2022: £3,520).
## **Reserves**
It was agreed by Executive on the 7th July 2022 that reserves are being held to ensure the level of activity can be maintained for at least one year, without income, through a policy to hold 100% of one years gross expenditure.
## **Future operation of the charity and its subsidiary undertakings**
The Trustees are of the opinion that funds are sufficient to continue activities throughout the next year. Although income via membership levy has increased, it is anticipated it will take a further 12 months to reach pre Covid 19 levels. The demand to join the scouting adventure continues to show exceptional growth. Three new directors have been appointed to WYS Trading and are reviewing the business model and budgets, developing volunteering and new approaches to income generation for the site.
## **Risk management**
The Executive and County team operate within the safety regulations of the Scout Association. The risks to the operation and management of the County have been assessed and kept under review and plans are in place to mitigate or eliminate the effect of potential risks.
- 1 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **Statement of disclosure to auditor**
Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditors are aware of such information.
Approved on behalf of the trustees on 21 September 2023 by
I Womersley County Commissioner
- 2 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
**STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES**
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Charity law requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
- 3 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT**
## **TO THE MEMBERS OF WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **Opinion**
We have audited the group financial statements of West Yorkshire County Scout Council and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 March 2022, which comprise the Group and Parent Company Statement of Financial Activities, Group and Parent Company Balance Sheets and related notes including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard FRS102 (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
## In our opinion the financial statements:
- give a true and fair view of the state of the charity and group's affairs as at 31 March 2023 and of the group's incoming resources and application of resources in the year then ended;
- - have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom accounting standards, including FRS102; and
- have been properly prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.
## **Basis for opinion**
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
## **Conclusions relating to going concern**
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
## **Other information**
The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report, other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstaternent of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception**
In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- sufficient and adequate accounting records have not been kept; or
- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
- certain disclosures of Trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
- 4 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT**
## **TO THE MEMBERS OF WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **Responsibilities of trustees**
As is explained more fully in the Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement on page 3, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the group's and the parent charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the parent charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
## **Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements**
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and noncompliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:
- the nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance;
- results of our enquiries of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities;
- the charity's documentation of their policies and procedures relating to identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance;
- the charity's policies and procedures for detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
- the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations.
As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. These included testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the charity operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the charity's ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www. frc.org. uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.
- 5 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT**
## **TO THE MEMBERS OF WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **Use of our report**
This report is made solely to the charity’s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and the regulations made under Section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
…......................
**Laura Brain FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Brosnans Limited Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors**
Birkby House Birkby Lane Brighouse HD6 4JJ
- 6 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
|**Income and endowments from:**
Donations and grants (note 2)
**Charitable activities**
Activities and events
Gang Show
Jamboree
International trips
Equipment sales
Canoe activity income
Green Withens - Watersports Centre
**Other trading activities**
Membership subscriptions
Less: Payable to H Q
Trading subsidiary income
**Investments** (note 2)
**Total**
**Expenditure on:**
**Raising funds**
Trading subsidiary wages
Trading subsidiary depreciation
Other trading subsidiary costs
**Charitable activities**
Grants & donations (note 3)
Training
Activities and events
Gang Show
Jamboree
International trips
Canoe activity costs
Equipment
Insurance
Depreciation
Governance
**Total**
Transfers between funds
**Net movement in funds**
**Total funds brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**
**Donations and legacies**
**Net income/(expenditure)**
Net membership subscriptions retained
Training courses, D of E, Canoe courses
Green Withens - Watersports Centre
Stationery, postage & office expenses|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
2,734
2,734
31,214
22,870
-
71
800
10,818
7,279
21,273
94,325
281,475
(242,811)
38,664
274,402
313,066
297
410,422
84,072
2,979
202,923
289,974
-
12,206
39,870
24,595
-
1,656
4,183
17,112
8,902
5,136
8,081
2,689
3,490
127,920
417,894
(7,472)
-
(7,472)
330,278
322,806|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
25,000
25,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
25,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
100
-
-
-
-
-
15,000
-
-
20,412
-
35,512
35,512
(10,512)
-
(10,512)
183,681
173,169|**2023**
**Total**
**£**
27,734
27,734
31,214
22,870
-
71
800
10,818
7,279
21,273
94,325
281,475
(242,811)
38,664
274,402
313,066
297
435,422
84,072
2,979
202,923
289,974
-
12,206
39,970
24,595
-
1,656
4,183
17,112
23,902
5,136
8,081
23,101
3,490
163,432
453,406
(17,984)
-
(17,984)
513,959
495,975|**2022**
**Total**
**£**
20,555
20,555
2,513
-
-
48,823
-
12,268
1,490
15,555
80,649
232,225
(208,836)
23,389
144,252
167,641
168
269,013
38,636
4,147
108,339
151,122
1,300
8,887
45,119
-
-
30,288
1,299
16,858
38,603
5,621
8,422
13,411
3,520
173,328
324,450
(55,437)
-
(55,437)
569,396
513,959|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The fund analysis for the year ended 31 March 2022 is detailed in note 16.
- 7 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **CHARITY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
|**Income and endowments from:**
Donations and grants
**Charitable activities**
Activities and events
Gang Show
Jamboree
International trips
Equipment sales
Training courses, D of E, Canoe courses
Canoe activity income
Green Withens - Watersports Centre
**Other trading activities**
Membership subscriptions
Less: Payable to H Q
**Investments**
**Total**
**Expenditure on:**
**Charitable activities**
Grants & donations (note 3)
Training courses, D of E
Activities and events
Gang show
Jamboree
International trips
Canoe activity costs
Green Withens - Watersports Centre
Equipment
Stationery, postage & office expenses
Insurance
Depreciation
Governance
**Total**
Transfers between funds
**Net movement in funds**
**Total funds brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**
**Net income/(expenditure)**
**Donations and legacies**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
2,734
2,734
31,214
22,870
-
71
800
10,818
7,279
21,273
94,325
281,475
(242,811)
38,664
115
135,838
-
14,871
53,367
24,595
-
1,656
4,183
17,112
9,545
5,409
8,081
2,689
3,490
144,998
(9,160)
-
(9,160)
315,108
305,948|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
25,000
25,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
25,000
-
-
100
-
-
-
-
-
15,000
-
-
20,412
-
35,512
(10,512)
-
(10,512)
183,681
173,169|**2023**
**Total**
**£**
27,734
27,734
31,214
22,870
-
71
800
10,818
7,279
21,273
94,325
281,475
(242,811)
38,664
115
160,838
-
14,871
53,467
24,595
-
1,656
4,183
17,112
24,545
5,409
8,081
23,101
3,490
180,510
(19,672)
-
(19,672)
498,789
479,117|**2022**
**Total**
**£**
1,505
1,505
2,513
-
-
48,823
-
12,268
1,490
15,555
80,649
232,225
(208,836)
23,389
168
105,711
1,300
8,887
45,119
-
-
30,288
1,299
16,858
38,603
5,621
8,422
13,411
3,520
173,328
(67,617)
-
(67,617)
566,406
498,789|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The fund analysis for the year ended 31 March 2022 is detailed in note 17.
- 8 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET**
## **AS AT 31 MARCH 2023**
|**Notes**
**Tangible assets**
Leasehold buildings & fixtures
**4**
**Current assets**
Stock
Debtors
**6**
Cash at bank and in hand
**Liabilities**
**7**
**Total current assets**
**Total net assets**
**8**
**Restricted funds**
Development Fund (in fixed assets)
Fell Bursary
Grand Lodge fund for Bradley Wood storage building
Royal St George for The Hub
Our Space Capital Grant
**Unrestricted funds**
**General fund**
**Total charity funds**
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
**The funds of the charity:**|**£**
**£**
186,203
16,157
342,192
489,500
847,849
(538,077)
309,772
495,975
97,237
124
64,808
1,000
10,000
173,169
322,806
495,975
**2023**|**£**
**£**
204,495
18,928
67,416
357,712
444,056
(134,592)
309,464
513,959
107,957
224
74,500
1,000
-
183,681
330,278
513,959
**2022**|
|---|---|---|
Approved by the Executive Committee on 21 September 2023
I Womersley S Caselton **County Commissioner Treasurer**
- 9 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **CHARITY BALANCE SHEET**
## **AS AT 31 MARCH 2023**
|**Notes**
**£**
**£**
**Tangible assets**
Leasehold buildings & fixtures
**4**
184,460
Investment WYS Trading Ltd
**5**
48,217
232,677
**Current assets**
Debtors
**6**
285,347
Cash at bank and in hand
406,359
691,706
**Liabilities**
**7**
(445,266)
**Total current assets**
246,440
**Total net assets**
479,117
**Restricted funds**
Development Fund (in fixed assets)
97,237
Fell Bursary
124
Grand Lodge fund for Bradley Wood storage building
64,808
Royal St George for The Hub
1,000
Our Space Capital Grant
10,000
173,169
**Unrestricted funds**
**General fund**
305,948
**Total charity funds**
479,117
**2023**
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
**The funds of the charity:**
Approved by the Executive Committee on 21 September 2023|**£**
**£**
201,867
48,217
250,084
59,906
304,751
364,657
(115,952)
248,705
498,789
107,957
224
74,500
1,000
-
183,681
315,108
498,789
**2022**|
|---|---|
I Womersley S Caselton **County Commissioner Treasurer**
- 10 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **1.1 Basis of preparation of the accounts**
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard, the Charities Act 2011 and applicable regulations.
The financial statements are prepared on the historic cost basis of accounting. Both the current and comparative period cover 12 months. The accounts are prepared in £ sterling.
## **1.2 Income**
These are included (net of VAT where applicable) in the statement of financial activities when:
- the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
- the trustees consider it more likely than not that the charity will receive the resources; and
- the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Membership subscriptions collected on behalf of other parts of the Scout Movement are reported in the statement of financial activities net of any amount paid out. This is because these subscriptions are just held as agent before being paid out to head quarters.
Grants and donations are included when the charity is more likely than not to receive entitlement to the resources.
Income from tax reclaims are included at the same time as the claim is made. Claims are made in a timely fashion from when the gift is received.
The value of any volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.
Investment income is included in the accounts when receivable.
## **1.3 Expenditure and liabilities**
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Costs of generating funds comprise costs associated with attracting voluntary income. Charitable expenditure comprises these costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. Governance costs include costs of preparing and examining the statutory accounts, the cost of county administration and the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance and constitutional
## **1.4 Tangible fixed assets**
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated deprecation. The cost of additions below £2,000 and of items with a useful economic life of less than a year are not capitalised. Training, camping equipment and computers are now written off on acquisition.
Depreciation is charged on a straight-line basis:
Buildings over the term of the lease (30 years) Internal fixtures and fittings at 15% per annum Plant and machinery at 25% per annum Office equipment at 25% per annum Storage buildings at 10% per annum
## **1.5 Stocks**
These are valued at the lower of cost or realisable value. Training resources are not valued.
## **1.6 Deferred taxation**
Deferred taxation is provided in full in respect of taxation deferred by timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes. The deferred tax balance has not been discounted.
- 11 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2 Group income
Unrestricted Restricted 2023 2022
funds funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
(i) Donations and grants
- -
Lloyds Bank Foundation 1,500 1,500
- -
Our Space Capital Grant 25,000 25,000
Miscellaneous 1,234 - 1,234 1,505
Government/council covid support for
- - -
WYS Trading Limited 19,050
2,734 25,000 27,734 20,555
(ii) Investments
Bank interest 297 - 297 168
297 - 297 168
3 Group expenditure
Unrestricted Restricted 2023 2022
funds funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
- - -
Donations and grants 1,300
- - -
1,300
Charity expenditure
Unrestricted Restricted 2023 2022
funds funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
Donations and grants
- - - -
Donation to WYS Trading Limited
- - - -
**----- End of picture text -----**
- 12 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **4 Tangible fixed assets**
|**Group**
**Cost**
At 1 April 2022
Additions
Disposals
**At 31 March 2023**
**Depreciation**
At 1 April 2022
Charge for the year
Disposals
**At 31 March 2023**
**Net book value**
**At 31 March 2023**
At 31 March 2022
**Charity**
**Cost**
At 1 April 2022
Additions
**At 31 March 2023**
**Depreciation**
At 1 April 2022
Charge for the year
**At 31 March 2023**
**Net book value**
**At 31 March 2023**
At 31 March 2022|**Storage**
**unit**
**£**
91,221
5,694
-
**96,915**
-
9,692
-
**9,692**
**87,223**
91,221
**Storage**
**unit**
**£**
91,221
5,694
**96,915**
-
9,692
**9,692**
**87,223**
91,221|**Jubilee**
**Centre**
**£**
321,612
-
-
**321,612**
213,655
10,720
-
**224,375**
**97,237**
107,957
**Jubilee**
**Centre**
**£**
321,612
-
**321,612**
213,655
10,720
**224,375**
**97,237**
107,957|**£**
145,376
2,094
-
**147,470**
140,059
5,668
-
**145,727**
**1,743**
5,317
**£**
81,417
-
**81,417**
78,728
2,689
**81,417**
**-**
2,689
**Furnishings,**
**plant and**
**equipment**
**Furnishings,**
**plant and**
**equipment**|**Total**
**£**
558,209
7,788
-
**565,997**
353,714
26,080
-
**379,794**
**186,203**
204,495
**Total**
**£**
494,250
5,694
**499,944**
292,383
23,101
**315,484**
**184,460**
201,867|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The are additional buildings, facilities and equipment owned by the charity but not included above as these were written off in the past and no detailed record retained.
- 13 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **5 Fixed asset investments**
## **Charity**
WYS Trading Limited (100% controlled subsidiary)
**----- Start of picture text -----**
||||
|---|---|---|
|2023|2022|
|£|£|
|Loan|98,217|98,217|
|Bad debt provision|(50,000)|(50,000)|
|48,217|48,217|
**----- End of picture text -----**
The charity have agreed not to seek repayment of their loan to WYS Trading Limited, to the extent that this would leave WYS unable to settle its third party debts. A bad debt provision of £50,000 has currently been made in view of the Covid-19 impact on the Bradley Wood centre.
In the year to 31 March 2023 WYS Trading Limited produced the following results:
**----- Start of picture text -----**
||||
|---|---|---|
|2023|2022|
|£|£|
|Turnover|291,664|144,252|
|-|
|Covid support|19,050|
|Direct costs|(85,864)|(43,257)|
|Gross profit|205,800|120,045|
|Overheads|(204,110)|(107,865)|
|Net (loss)/profit|1,690|12,180|
|-|-|
|Charitable donation to County|
|Taxation|-|-|
|Retained profit for year|1,690|12,180|
|Reserves carried forward|(33,142)|(34,832)|
**----- End of picture text -----**
The loss for the year is after charging repair costs (after County grants) at Bradley Wood in the order of £35,566 (2022: £13,260) and insurance premiums of £9,981 (2022: £8,217).
WYS Trading Limited is a wholly controlled subsidiary of West Yorkshire County Scout Council, with the Directors appointed to act as the members on behalf of the Executive Committee.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|6|Debtors|Group|Group|Charity|Charity|
|2023|2022|2023|2022|
|£|£|£|£|
|Trade debtors|51,725|-|-|-|
|Prepayments and accrued income|290,467|67,416|285,347|59,906|
|342,192|67,416|285,347|59,906|
|7|Creditors|Group|Group|Charity|Charity|
|2023|2022|2023|2022|
|£|£|£|£|
|Trade creditors|16,174|24,506|3,324|8,548|
|Amounts owed to group and associated|
|-|-|-|
|undertakings|
|Accruals and deferred income|504,487|110,086|441,942|107,404|
|-|-|-|
|Taxation & Social Security|17,416|
|538,077|134,592|445,266|115,952|
**----- End of picture text -----**
- 14 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **8 Charity movements on funds**
|**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
Designated funds:-
Sovereign for Bradley Wood storage building
Hardship fund
Bushell legacy for Bushell Shelters
**Total unrestricted funds**
**Restricted funds**
Development fund (in fixed assets)
(a)
Fell bursary
(b)
(c)
Royal St George for The Hub
(d)
Our Space Capital Grant
(e)
**Total restricted funds**
**Total group funds**
Grand Lodge fund for Bradley Wood
storage building (in fixed assets)|**£**
288,275
5,000
1,000
20,833
315,108
107,957
224
74,500
1,000
-
183,681
**498,789**
**Balance at**
**1 April 2022**|**Income**
410,422
-
-
-
410,422
-
-
-
-
25,000
25,000
**435,422**|**£**
(407,922)
-
-
(9,972)
(417,894)
(10,720)
(100)
(9,692)
-
(15,000)
(35,512)
**(453,406)**
**Expenditure**|**£**
290,775
5,000
1,000
10,861
307,636
97,237
124
64,808
1,000
10,000
173,169
**480,805**
**Balance at 31**
**March 2023**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
(a) The Development Fund represents grants and donations towards the cost of the Jubilee Centre at Bradley Wood. This is the net book value of the building.
(b) Represents funds donated to aid young person overseas expeditions.
(c) Represents funds donated by The Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons Fund of Benevolence towards the construction of a storage building at Bradley Wood. This has been spent on the building now, and shows as a fixed asset. The fund will reduce as the asset is depreciated.
(d) Represents funding from the Royal Society of St George Charitable trust for The Hub.
(e) Represents money received from Kirklees Council to fund high ropes equipment and the creation of a survival camp.
## **Group movements on funds**
|**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
Designated funds:-
Sovereign for Bradley Wood storage building
Hardship fund
Bushell legacy for Bushell Shelters
**Total unrestricted funds**
**Restricted funds**
Development fund (in fixed assets)
(a)
Fell bursary
(b)
(c)
Royal St George for The Hub
(d)
Our Space Capital Grant
(e)
**Total restricted funds**
**Total group funds**
Grand Lodge fund for Bradley Wood
storage building (in fixed assets)|**£**
303,445
5,000
1,000
20,833
330,278
107,957
224
74,500
1,000
-
183,681
**513,959**
**Balance at**
**1 April 2022**|**Income**
410,422
-
-
-
410,422
-
-
-
-
25,000
25,000
**435,422**|**£**
(407,922)
-
-
(9,972)
(417,894)
(10,720)
(100)
(9,692)
-
(15,000)
(35,512)
**(453,406)**
**Expenditure**|**£**
305,945
5,000
1,000
10,861
322,806
97,237
124
64,808
1,000
10,000
173,169
**495,975**
**Balance at 31**
**March 2023**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
- 15 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **9 Division of group net assets between funds**
|Tangible fixed assets
Stock
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
24,158
162,045
186,203
16,157
-
16,157
342,192
-
342,192
478,376
11,124
489,500
(538,077)
-
(538,077)|
|---|---|
||322,806
173,169
495,975|
The loan from the charity to WYS Trading Limited of £98,217 (2022: £98,217) shown within investments represents cash and stocks to fund development in the Jubilee Centre, carry out major repairs and to provide working capital for the operation of the whole of Bradley Wood, the management of which is subcontracted to WYS Trading Limited. No interest is charged on the loan, but the distributable taxable profits after payment of all operating costs relating to Bradley Wood, are donated back to the County.
## **10 Staff costs**
No wages are paid directly by the County.
No employee was paid at a rate in excess of £60,000 per annum.
## **11 Trustees expenses - charity**
The members of the Executive Committee are not remunerated, but did receive reimbursement of expenses in connection with other responsibilities in the County amounting to £782 (2022: £530).
## **12 Auditor's remuneration**
Remuneration for the audit, including fees paid for accountancy and payroll services to the auditor, is £7,481, (2022: £8,004).
## **13 Lease commitments - charity**
## Bradley Wood
Lease of 40 years from 1 January 1992 at a rent of £1 per annum (if demanded). Lease updates are in progress which will extend the lease term by a further 25 years.
To date no rent has been demanded.
## **14 Related parties**
Other than expenses directly reimbursed to members of the Executive as disclosed above, transactions may have taken place with other bodies within the Scout Movement of which members of the Executive are also trustees. No specific disclosure of these is made since no individual member is in a position of having control of any of the bodies or in receipt of any personal benefit.
A wholly controlled trading subsidiary, WYS Trading Ltd manages Bradley Wood on behalf of the County. Accommodation/room hire charges of £17,078 (2022: £6,628) were paid to this company.
## **15 Going concern and post balance sheet events**
The Trustees are of the opinion that funds are sufficient to continue activities for 12 months from the approval date, and hence the accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis. Income via membership levy is expected to increase in the coming year. Detailed budgets have been set to control expenditure and will be closely monitored as per ongoing governance.
As set out in note 5, the charity has agreed not to seek repayment of their loan to WYS Trading Limited (the trading subsidiary company), to the extent that this would leave WYS Trading Limited unable to settle its third party debts. This support has been budgeted for as part of the going concern assessment made by the charity's trustees. WYS Trading income levels are better than anticipated. Bookings are returning and budgets have been revised to reflect the anticipated income levels. Three new directors have been appointed to WYS Trading and are reviewing the business model and budgets, developing volunteering and new approaches to income generation for the site.
- 16 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
16 Consolidated statement of financial activities for year ended 31 March 2022 (Group)
Income and endowments from: Unrestricted Restricted 2022
funds funds Total
Donations and legacies £ £ £
-
Donations and grants (note 2) 20,555 20,555
-
20,555 20,555
Charitable activities
Activities 4,003 - 4,003
-
International trips 48,823 48,823
Jamboree - - -
- -
Equipment sales
-
Training courses, D of E, Canoe courses 12,268 12,268
-
Green Withens - Watersports Centre 15,555 15,555
-
80,649 80,649
Other trading activities
-
Membership subscriptions 232,225 232,225
-
Less: Payable to H Q (208,836) (208,836)
-
Net membership subscriptions retained 23,389 23,389
-
Trading subsidiary income 144,252 144,252
-
167,641 167,641
Investments (note 2) 168 - 168
Total 269,013 - 269,013
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
-
Trading subsidiary wages 38,636 38,636
-
Trading subsidiary depreciation 4,147 4,147
-
Other trading subsidiary costs 108,339 108,339
-
151,122 151,122
Charitable activities
Grants and donations 1,300 - 1,300
-
Training 8,887 8,887
Activities and events 46,083 335 46,418
-
International trips 30,288 30,288
- - -
Big Camp
Jamboree - - -
-
Green Withens - Watersports Centre 16,858 16,858
-
Equipment 38,603 38,603
-
Stationery, postage & office expenses 5,621 5,621
Insurance 8,422 - 8,422
Depreciation 2,691 10,720 13,411
Governance 3,520 - 3,520
162,273 11,055 173,328
Total 313,395 11,055 324,450
Net income/(expenditure) (44,382) (11,055) (55,437)
Transfers between funds - - -
Net movement in funds (44,382) (11,055) (55,437)
Total funds brought forward 374,660 194,736 569,396
Total funds carried forward 330,278 183,681 513,959
**----- End of picture text -----**
- 17 -
**WEST YORKSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **17 Statement of financial activities for year ended 31 March 2022 (charity)**
|**Income and endowments from:**
Donations and grants (note 2)
WYS Trading Limited - donation
**Charitable activities**
Activities
Jamboree
International trips
Equipment sales
Training courses, D of E, Canoe courses
Green Withens - Watersports Centre
**Other trading activities**
Membership subscriptions
Less: Payable to H Q
**Investments** (note 2)
**Total**
**Expenditure on:**
**Charitable activities**
Grants & donations (note 3)
Training
Activities
Jamboree
International trips
Big Camp
Green Withens - Watersports Centre
Equipment
Stationery, postage & office expenses
Bad debt provision - trading subsidiary loan
Insurance
Depreciation
Governance
**Total**
Transfers between funds
**Net movement in funds**
**Total funds brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**
**Donations and legacies**
**Net income/(expenditure)**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
1,505
-
1,505
4,003
-
48,823
-
12,268
15,555
80,649
232,225
(208,836)
23,389
168
105,711
1,300
8,887
46,083
-
30,288
-
16,858
38,603
5,621
-
8,422
2,691
3,520
162,273
(56,562)
-
(56,562)
371,670
315,108|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
335
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10,720
-
11,055
(11,055)
-
(11,055)
194,736
183,681|**2022**
**Total**
**£**
1,505
-
1,505
4,003
-
48,823
-
12,268
15,555
80,649
232,225
(208,836)
23,389
168
105,711
1,300
8,887
46,418
-
30,288
-
16,858
38,603
5,621
-
8,422
13,411
3,520
173,328
(67,617)
-
(67,617)
566,406
498,789|
|---|---|---|---|
- 18 -