## Trustees' Annual Report ## For the period **----- Start of picture text -----**
From (start date) 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name 10th Widnes (Hough Green) Scout Group
Other names the charity is known by Hough Green Scouts
Registered charity number (if any) 701064
HQ registration number 6660XS
Charity’s principal address 4 Hall Avenue
Widnes
Cheshire
Postcode W A 8 8 X S
**----- End of picture text -----**
## Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity _(These will be published in the annual report of the charity and the Charity Register if reporting for a Registered Charity with a charity regulator)_ |1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
James Barrowcliff
Matthew Richards
David Worthington
Richard Hamilton
Emily Brown
Jack Woodward
Section Team Assistant - Scouts
**Office (if any)**
Amanda Brown
Susan Rosbottom
Karen Foggin
Rachel Cooper
Group Trustee Board Secretary
Group Trustee Board Treasurer
Group Lead Volunteer / Acting Cub Leader
Section Team Leader - Beavers
Section Team Assistant - Beavers
**Trustee Name**
Nicholas Walker
Leza Walker
Gary Austin
Group Trustee Board Deputy Chair
**Dates acted if not**
**for whole year**
Section Team Assistant - Scouts
Section Team Assistant - Scouts
Section Team Assistant - Scouts
Section Team Assistant - Cubs / Group Quartermaster
Section Team Assistant (acting as Leader) - Scouts
Group Trustee Board Chair|1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
James Barrowcliff
Matthew Richards
David Worthington
Richard Hamilton
Emily Brown
Jack Woodward
Section Team Assistant - Scouts
**Office (if any)**
Amanda Brown
Susan Rosbottom
Karen Foggin
Rachel Cooper
Group Trustee Board Secretary
Group Trustee Board Treasurer
Group Lead Volunteer / Acting Cub Leader
Section Team Leader - Beavers
Section Team Assistant - Beavers
**Trustee Name**
Nicholas Walker
Leza Walker
Gary Austin
Group Trustee Board Deputy Chair
**Dates acted if not**
**for whole year**
Section Team Assistant - Scouts
Section Team Assistant - Scouts
Section Team Assistant - Scouts
Section Team Assistant - Cubs / Group Quartermaster
Section Team Assistant (acting as Leader) - Scouts
Group Trustee Board Chair|1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
James Barrowcliff
Matthew Richards
David Worthington
Richard Hamilton
Emily Brown
Jack Woodward
Section Team Assistant - Scouts
**Office (if any)**
Amanda Brown
Susan Rosbottom
Karen Foggin
Rachel Cooper
Group Trustee Board Secretary
Group Trustee Board Treasurer
Group Lead Volunteer / Acting Cub Leader
Section Team Leader - Beavers
Section Team Assistant - Beavers
**Trustee Name**
Nicholas Walker
Leza Walker
Gary Austin
Group Trustee Board Deputy Chair
**Dates acted if not**
**for whole year**
Section Team Assistant - Scouts
Section Team Assistant - Scouts
Section Team Assistant - Scouts
Section Team Assistant - Cubs / Group Quartermaster
Section Team Assistant (acting as Leader) - Scouts
Group Trustee Board Chair| |---|---|---| ||**Section B**|**Structure, governance and management**| |Description of the charity’s trusts
Additional governance issues
Trustee selection methods
How the charity is constituted
Type of governing document||The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The
Scout Association.
The Group's governing documents are those of the The Scout Association. They consist of
a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The
Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of which are the
‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group 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 Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 6 Trustees (including 2 Ex Officio
Trustees, and 2 co-opted Trustees) and generally meets monthly, term time.
Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts Trustee learning within the first 6
months of joining the Board.
This Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, risks are
assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone
follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. Their support helps
other volunteers run high-quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for
life.
The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.| 1 LT700001 (27 February 2024) **----- Start of picture text -----**
Section B Structure, governance and management (continued)
Risk and Internal Control
The Group Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is
exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate
against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:
Damage to the building, property and equipment. The Group would request the use of
buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as other Scout
Groups, under reciprocal arrangements. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents
insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The Group, through the capitation
fees, contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk
Assessments are undertaken before all activities
Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from
subscriptions, levy, and fund raising. The Group holds a reserve to ensure the continuity of
activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Group Trustee Board could
raise the value of subscriptions and/or levy to increase the income to the Group on an
ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently
Reduction or loss of leaders. The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and
administer the activities of the Group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to
an unacceptable level in a particular section or the Group as a whole, then there would
have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section, or, in the worst case
scenario the complete closure of the Group.
Note that the Group operates internal controls to provide reasonable assurance against
material mismanagement or loss, and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that
insurable risks are covered. Group bank accounts are multi signatory. Most regular
payments to the Group for subscriptions, camps, etc. are automatically collected via a
direct bank payment network, which significantly reduces the amounts of cash handled,
and is supported by a comprehensive electronic audit trail.
**----- End of picture text -----**
|**Section C**|**Objectives and activities**| |---|---| |Public benefit statement
Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governin
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.
The provision of a varied programme for 6 to 14 years old members.
The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the
advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development
headings.| |**Section D**|**Achievements and performance**| |Summary of the main achievements of
the charity during the year|The Group has a successful fund raising team and has fund raised £2,313 over the year
(see Section E), a 20% increase on the amount raised over the previous year, and
objectives were met without needing access to contingency funds.| 2 LT700001 (27 February 2024) **Section E** **Financial Review** **10th WIDNES (HOUGH GREEN) SCOUT GROUP** **Charity no. 701064** ## **Financial Statement for Financial Year Ending 31st December 2023** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Income Expenses Net
Opening Balances Sub-total 163,402.23 0.00 163,402.23
Sections
Beavers 648.00 (79.49) 568.51
Cubs 588.00 (81.84) 506.16
Scouts 2,733.00 (1,522.21) 1,210.79
Levy 1,917.50 0.00 1,917.50
Sub-total 5,886.50 (1,683.54) 4,202.96
Capitation Sub-total 1,406.34 (2,432.25) (1,025.91)
HQ - Covid Budget
Repairs and Renewals (959.54) (959.54)
Heating and Lighting (1,162.38) (1,162.38)
Insurance (2,704.41) (2,704.41)
Cleaning (85.90) (85.90)
Waterplus (267.65) (267.65)
HBC Non Domestic Rates (41.71) (41.71)
HBC Trade Waste (188.95) (188.95)
Misc Leader Training (75.00) (75.00)
Stores/Equipment (1,066.10) (1,066.10)
Sundries (61.12) (61.12)
AGM (47.68) (47.68)
Sub-total (6,660.44) (6,660.44)
HQ
Stores/Equipment (160.01) (160.01)
Cleaning (32.50) (32.50)
Repairs and Renewals (473.53) (473.53)
Waterplus (51.71) (51.71)
Heating and Lighting (124.54) (124.54)
Sub-total (842.29) (842.29)
Fund Raisers
Christmas Fayre 1,005.01 (185.23) 819.78
Donations - Unsolicited 112.00 112.00
Donations - Solicited 0.00
Stalls at Christmas Fair 80.00 80.00
Widnes Rotary 250.00 250.00
Asda Foundation 500.00 500.00
Bingo Night 601.01 (50.10) 550.91
Sub-total 2,548.02 (235.33) 2,312.69
Miscellaneous
Interest/Gift Aid 1,410.03 1,410.03
London Trip (80.00) (80.00)
Sundries/Admin (319.58) (319.58)
Misc Awards/donations (140.71) (140.71)
Misc Licenses/Fees (20.00) (20.00)
Sub-total 1,410.03 (560.29) 849.74
Total Income and Expenditure 162,238.98
Closing Balance c/fwd 162,238.98
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES** ||**Unrestricted £**|**Restricted £**|**Total £**| |---|---|---|---| |Cash/Bank funds|3,200.79|159,038.19|162,238.98| |_350CHF cash held over from Summer_|||| |_2010 activity trip to Kandersteg,_|||| |_Switzerland, but no other monetary_|||| |_assets._|||| ||||| |Investment assets (see Note 2)|6,200.00||6,200.00| |_No Liabilities_(see Note 3)|||| ## **Movements in restricted funds during the year:** ||
**Balance**
**B/Forward £**
**Receipts £**
**Payments £**
**Balance**
**C/Forward £**| |---|---| |Camps
Contingency
International Fund
Woggle
Sections
Bequest from Mr Kenneth Dean
Covid Grants
London Trip
Cromwell Memorial Fund Donation
TK Maxx/Homebase Community Fund D
Widnes Rotary
Asda Foundation|1,055.64
0.00
0.00
1,055.64
5,000.00
0.00
0.00
5,000.00
1,739.97
0.00
0.00
1,739.97
1,000.00
0.00
0.00
1,000.00
1,565.78
3,919.00
-1,563.11
3,921.67
144,351.15
572.09
0.00
144,923.24
6,660.44
0.00
-6,660.44
0.00
80.00
0.00
-80.00
0.00
0.00
300.00
0.00
300.00
o
0.00
500.00
0.00
500.00
0.00
250.00
-152.33
97.67
0.00
500.00
0.00
500.00| ||161,452.98
6,041.09
-8,455.88
**159,038.19**| 3 LT700001 (27 February 2024) **NOTES: 1** The Financial Statement was prepared using the Receipts and Payments basis. **2** Fixed asset owned by the Group is the HQ building at Hall Avenue, rateable value £6200. Assets recognised but not valued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities include moveable furnishings and the contents of the stores (tentage, etc.). **3** No liabilities to record on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities; no bills/costs outstanding for works, services, or goods. _Prepared by Sue Rosbottom, Group Treasurer_ **Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of 10[th] Widnes (Hough Green) Scout Group** I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 10[th] Widnes (Hough Green) Scout Group for the year ended 31[st] December 2022. **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity trustees of the 10[th] Widnes (Hough Green) Scout Group 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 10[th] Widnes (Hough Green) Scout Group 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 examiner’s statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the 10[th] Widnes (Hough Green) Scout Group as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. 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. > Signed: _Jayne Vernon_ Name: **Jayne Vernon** Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): **MAAT** Address: **61 Spinney Avenue, Hough Green, Widnes. WA8 8LB** Date: **12/05/2024** Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves **Reserves Policy** The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fund raising activities fall short. The Group Trustee Board aims to continually maintain a £5K contingency. Quantify and explain any designations The Group held reserves of £5K contingency at year end. This is below the level required for operating expenses, but monies restricted for the Group "Building Fund" may also be used as contingency, exceptionally, and subject to approval by the Group Trustee Board. The Group Trustee Board routinely monitors funds that are restricted / ring fenced for specific uses (see the Financial Statement for details of these funds). Further financial review details Investment policy and objectives ## **Investment Policy** The Group currently requires quick and easy access to it's funds so does not invest in longer term investments. The Group has adopted a risk averse strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks. The Group Trustee Board regularly monitors the levels of balances and interest rates received to ensure maximum value and income from its banking arrangements . 4 LT700001 (27 February 2024) **----- Start of picture text -----**
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any The following fund raisers have supplemented routine income from subscriptions and levy;
fundraising); Christmas Fayre £820, unsolicited donations £112 (D Worthington, P. Norcross, and
anonymous), solicited donations £80 (stalls at Christmas Fayre), £250 (Rotary Club), £500
(Asda Foundation), and £551 Bingo Night. The Group received £1410 interest on
accounts, but Gift Aid due was not processed in time to be included in this years accounts.
Levy payments received by the Group totalled £1917.
How expenditure has supported the key objectives of the The Group has continued to routinely well maintain the building, and replenished stores
charity; and equipment to support outdoor activities.
Section F Other Optional Information
Plans for future periods After many years of heavy usage, the Group Trustee Board are planning to refurbish the
flooring throughout the building.
To continue to maintain and improve the building internally, and externally as far as is
possible.
To continue efforts to increase the numbers of trustees, leaders, assistants, and members.
To continue to work hard at fund raising, under direction of our refreshed dedicated fund
raising team.
The Group Trustee Board will continue to protect the future of the Group and Scouting and
Guiding in Hough Green.
**----- End of picture text -----**
|**Section G**
**Declaration**|| |---|---| |The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Date
(signed on original)
10th June 2024
Nick Walker
Chair
Position (eg Secretary, Chair)|Karen Foggin
Group Scout Leader| 5 LT700001 (27 February 2024)