5[th] Knutsford Scout Group - Trustees’ Annual Report
For the period:
| From | 1st September 2024 | To | 31st August 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charity Name | 5th Knutsford Scout Group | ||
| Charity Registration Number | 525169 |
Objectives and activities
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Summary of the purpose and The objectives of the charity are as a part of The Scout Association.
objects of the charity as set
out in its governing document The Purpose of Scouting
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their
personal development, empowering them to make a positive
contribution to society.
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values
Integrity – We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal
Respect – We have self-respect and respect for others
Care – We support others and take care of the world in which we live
Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes
Co-operation – We make a positive difference; we co-operate with
others and make friends
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults,
work together based on the values of scouting and:
- enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
- make and live by their promise
Summary of the main We run weekly sessions during term time for 143 young people (2025
activities in relation to the census data) in our Beaver, Cub and Scout sections. We currently
purpose and objects have 2 Beaver, 2 Cub and 3 Scout groups. Each group has a
volunteer leader assisted by a number of other volunteer adults to
deliver an exciting programme of scouting activities in line with our
objectives above. Membership is open to all in our area, the only
criteria being applied is age since Scouting is run in age-related
groups.
In addition to the weekly programme, we run weekend camps, hikes
and other outdoor activities and a highlight of 2025 was the summer
trip to Kandersteg in Switzerland for 23 Scouts.
Statement confirming the The Trustees confirm that the charity meets the Charity Commission’s
trustees have had regard to Public Benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and
the guidance issued by the the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
Charity Commission on
public benefit
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5[th] Knutsford Scout Group Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 01/09/2024 to 31/08/2025
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5[th] Knutsford Scout Group - Trustees’ Annual Report
Achievements and performance
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year identifying the difference and impact the charity’s work has made, including on sustainability |
From the Group Lead Volunteer’s report at the AGM held on Monday 9thFebruary 2026: This year has been one of real achievement, adventure, and resilience for our Scout Group. Despite the wider challenges facing Scouting locally and nationally, our young people have continued to enjoy brilliant experiences, learn new skills, and grow in confidence thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the support of our families. One of the standout moments of the year was the District Camp at Tatton Park. It was fantastic to see so many young people from across the district coming together, trying new activities, and representing our group with enthusiasm and teamwork. Events like this remind us why Scouting matters: it gives young people space to explore, to challenge themselves, and to have fun outdoors. For our Scouts, the absolute highlight was the trip of a lifetime to Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland. Twenty-three Scouts travelled with us for a week of mountains, culture, international friendship, and unforgettable adventure. From high-alpine hikes to exploring Swiss villages, they embraced every moment. Experiences like Kandersteg stay with young people for life, and it was a privilege to make that possible. Plans are underway to go again in 2027. We are currently seeing a decline in numbers and a continued struggle to recruit new adult volunteers. However, I know this isn’t unique to us, many groups are feeling the same pressure. Modern family life is busy, and the traditional model of a single long-term leader running a section simply isn’t realistic for most parents today. However, we’ve also seen a positive shift. Most of our sessions are now being successfully run by teams of three to four parents sharing the responsibility. This model is proving sustainable, flexible, and far more achievable for busy families. It allows us to keep sessions running, keep young people engaged, and keep Scouting going at 5th Knutsford. I want to thank every parent who has stepped forward this year, whether to run a session, help with admin, support a trip, or simply say “yes” when asked. Scouting only works when we all play a part, and your contribution genuinely makes a difference. While the challenges are real, the spirit of Scouting in our group remains strong. We’ve delivered an exceptional programme this year, given our young people opportunities they will remember forever, and built a volunteer model that can grow with us. Next year, our focus will be on: Strengthening our volunteer teams so no one feels overstretched Rebuilding numbers across all sections Continuing to offer exciting, meaningful experiences for every young person who walks through our doors Thank you to everyone, leaders, helpers, parents, trustees, and of course our brilliant young people for making this year such a success. |
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5[th] Knutsford Scout Group Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 01/09/2024 to 31/08/2025
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5[th] Knutsford Scout Group - Trustees’ Annual Report
Financial review
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Review of the financial The financial position of the charity was reviewed at our AGM held on
position 9 [th] February 2026.
Income for the year was £57,257, made up of £6,582 membership
subscriptions, £25,434 receipts for programme and activities (which
includes £19,715 for the Kandersteg trip), £3,620 for hire of the hut
when not in use for scouting activities, £6,343 fundraising, £14,620 in
gift aid receipts and £659 investment income. The gift aid income
covers previously unclaimed amounts for 5 years which has boosted
income levels this year. Expenditure for the year was £48,833, of
which £32,565 relates to Kandersteg. Net surplus for the year was
£8,424.
The accounts have been independently examined by Alistair
MacLeod on 26 [th] November 2025.
Policy on Reserves, why they The policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the
are held, and the amount of scouting activities of the charity should income and fundraising
reserves activities fall short, without having to significantly increase
membership subscriptions. We do not set a specific level of reserves
but aim to be able to absorb any expenditure which falls outside
normal operating expenses e.g. major roof repairs or re-design of our
outside space. The charity held reserves of approximately £76k
against this at year end. The Trustees believe this to be sufficient to
cover non routine expenditure.
Policy on Investments and The Trustee Board regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and
investment performance the interest rates received to ensure the charity obtains maximum
value and income from its banking arrangements. Occasionally this
may involve using an account that requires a period of notice before
funds may be withdrawn, before doing so the Trustee Board
considers the cash flow requirements.
A description of the principal The principal risks to the charity are a significant reduction in
risks membership levels, in particular if we are unable to recruit sufficient
adult volunteers to run the programme of activities. This will impact
our income stream. And any major unforeseen issues with the
premises could impact our level of reserves.
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Structure, governance and management
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Type of governing document The charity’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 (POR) of The Scout Association.
How the charity is constituted The charity is a trust established under its rules which are common
to all Scouts. It is constituted as an educational charity.
Trustee selection methods The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy
Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
Policies and procedures for All Trustees complete The Scout Association trustee and mandatory
the induction and training of learning within the first six months of joining the Trustee Board, they
trustees also complete other Scout Association mandatory learning
periodically as required.
Additional governance The charity is managed by the Trustee Board, the members of which
arrangements are the “Charity Trustees”. As charity trustees they are responsible
for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes
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5[th] Knutsford Scout Group Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 01/09/2024 to 31/08/2025
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5[th] Knutsford Scout Group - Trustees’ Annual Report
the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Group Lead Volunteer, Treasurer, Secretary and 2 Trustees. It was agreed at the AGM to increase the number of Trustees to 8 and new members will be recruited in line with our appointment process.
The Trustee Board exists to support the Leadership Teams in meeting the responsibilities of their appointments and in supporting them to run high-quality and safe programs that give young people skills for life. The Trustee Board maintain appropriate governance policies and oversight.
The Trustee Board is responsible for carrying out its purposes for the public benefit, complying with the charity’s governing document and the law, and managing the charity’s resources responsibly.
The Trustee Board is responsible for ensuring the charity is well managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good order and everyone follows legal requirements and Scout Association Policy, Organisation & Rules.
This includes responsibility for:
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Promoting a positive image of Scouting in the community, as well as its development;
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Developing, maintaining and regularly a risk register, including putting in place appropriate mitigations;
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Ensuring that the finances are properly managed, and there are sufficient resources (and reserves) to deliver high quality Scouting;
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Ensuring a system of internal controls is in place that is designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss;
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Ensuring that property is appropriately managed; Maintaining appropriate insurance of persons, property and equipment;
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Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; Having an open and transparent selection process for the recruitment of Trustees;
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Appointing Advisors as required; Ensuring effective administration is in place to support the Trustee Board;
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Ensuring compliance with applicable governance and charity regulations, including in respect to safety and safeguarding;
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Ensuring incidents are appropriately reported in line with regulation and policy;
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Ensuring applicable policies and regulations are regularly reviewed and changes implemented as appropriate;
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Ensuring transparency of operations, including in the preparation of accounts and holding and AGM;
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Ensuring compliance with Data Protection legislation; Acting as a responsible employer for any employees, who are effectively managed.
5[th] Knutsford Scout Group Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 01/09/2024 to 31/08/2025
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5[th] Knutsford Scout Group - Trustees’ Annual Report
Plans for future periods
Plans for future Periods We plan to work on strengthening our volunteer teams and recruit new young members to join in with and benefit from the scouting programme we offer. We would like to re-work our outside area so that young people of all ages have the opportunity to get outdoors during the weekly sessions whenever possible.
Planning for the trip to Kandersteg in 2027 will continue.
Reference and administration details
| Principal Address | Principal Address | Blackhill Lane, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 9DD |
Blackhill Lane, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 9DD |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity |
Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
||
| 1 | Michael Houghton | Chair | ||
| 2 | Laura Jennings | Lead Volunteer | ||
| 3 | Georgina Brown | Treasurer | ||
| 4 | Catherine Applewhite | Secretary | ||
| 5 | TonyLeadbeater | |||
| 6 | Paul Jennings | |||
| 7 | ||||
| 8 | ||||
| 9 |
Name and address of advisors
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Type of advisor Name Address
Independent Examiner / Auditor Alistair MacLeod 18 Pavement Lane,
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Mobberley, Cheshire WA16 7EN
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees by:
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Signature
Full name Michael Houghton Georgina Brown
Position held Chairman Treasurer
Date 12/06/2026 12/06/2026
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5[th] Knutsford Scout Group Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 01/09/2024 to 31/08/2025
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5th Knutsford Scout Group l¢h¥Ny Mi. 951 RK•ipts and Paynts Kcount For thg from 1 September 2f24 to 31 August 2025 Receipts and paynieiils T&fUrlPrtor Totsl 1sJJx Lb)) QAft .71 1•.714AI 7.7ty10 ONrortr •Tkh xr xr.4 47 bb)l ¥1.•7 aJ• YT If13
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Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees Charity Name 5[th] Knutsford Scout Group On accounts for the year 31[st] August 2025 Charity no 525169 ended (if any) Set out on page 1
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/08/2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent I have completed my examination. examiner's statement
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
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Date: 26 [th] November 2025
Signed:
Name: Alistair MacLeod
Relevant professional
qualification(s) or body
(if any):
Address: 18 Pavement Lane
Mobberley
Cheshire WA16 7EN
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