2024-12-31-accounts

Trustees' Annual Report

For the period

From (start date) 1st January 2024 to (end date) 31st December 2024

	Section A	Section A	Reference and administration details	Reference and administration details	Reference and administration details
Cha Oth Reg HQ Cha 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 16 20 Nam (Thes Nam (Thes	rity name er names the charity is known by istered charity number (if any) registration number rity’s principal address es of the charity trustees who mana e will be published in the annual report of the charity		10th Widnes(Hough Green)Scout Group Hough Green Scouts Hall Avenue Widnes w.e.f. 10/06/24 w.e.f. 10/06/24 w.e.f. 10/06/24 Cheshire 701064 6660XS Postcode WA8 8XS ge the charity and the Charity Register if reporting for a Registered Charity with a charity regulator) TrusteeBoard Chair/ Group Support &MaintenanceLead (GS/ML) nal information but encouraged as best practice) TrusteeBoard /Acting Chair/Acting Section Team Leader -Scouts GroupTrusteeBoard Secretary GroupTrusteeBoardTreasurer pLeadVolunteer/Acting Section Team Leader -Cubs and Scouts Chair w.e.f.01/07/24/ Scoutsw.e.f. 22/04/24 Scoutsw.e.f. 22/04/24 Section Team Leader -Scouts Until 11/04/24, ection Team Leader -Cubs and Scouts / Group Quartermaster GroupTrusteeBoardDeputy Chair Dates acted if not for whole year Office (if any) Chairuntil 10/06/24,thenGS/ML 01/01/24 to10/06/24 GroupTrusteeBoardMember GroupTrusteeBoardMember GroupTrusteeBoardMember
	Trustee Name		Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year
	NicholasWalker	Group	TrusteeBoard Chair/ Group Support &MaintenanceLead (GS/ML)	Chairuntil 10/06/24,thenGS/ML
	LezaWalker		GroupTrusteeBoardDeputy Chair	01/01/24 to10/06/24
	Jennifer Barrowcliff	Group	TrusteeBoard /Acting Chair/Acting Section Team Leader -Scouts	Chair w.e.f.01/07/24/ Scoutsw.e.f. 22/04/24
	GaryAustin		GroupTrusteeBoard Secretary
	Susan Rosbottom		GroupTrusteeBoardTreasurer
	Karen Foggin	Grou	pLeadVolunteer/Acting Section Team Leader -Cubs and Scouts	Scoutsw.e.f. 22/04/24
	Maxine (Julie) Silk		GroupTrusteeBoardMember	w.e.f. 10/06/24
	Eliot Cooper		GroupTrusteeBoardMember	w.e.f. 10/06/24
	Paul McGloughlin		GroupTrusteeBoardMember	w.e.f. 10/06/24
	JamesBarrowcliff	S	ection Team Leader -Cubs and Scouts / Group Quartermaster
	Matthew Richards		Section Team Leader -Scouts	Until 11/04/24,
	es and addresses of advisers (optio e will be published in the annual report of the charity)
	Type of advisor		Name		Address
	None
	Section B		Structure, governance and management
Des Add (e.g Typ You infor Poli a) th b) tr and man Trus (e.g How (e.g	cription of the charity’s trusts itional governance issues (optional in . trust deed, constitution) e of governing document may choose to include additional mation, where relevant, about: cies and procedures adopted for; e induction and training of trustees, ustees consideration of major risks the systems and procedures to age them. tee selection methods . trust, association, company) the charity is constituted . appointed by, elected by)
			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 a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.
			The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
			formation but encouraged as best practice)
			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 (2 over the year), Treasurer and 9 Trustees (including 1 Ex Officio Trustee) 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.

1 LT700001 (14 September 2024)

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. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. 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 and fundraising. The group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Board could raise the value of subscriptions 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. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group. Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 4 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group. 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 fpr subscriptions, camps etc., are automatically collected via a direct bank payment network, which significantly reduces the amount of cash handled and is supported by a comprehensive electronic audit trail.

Section C	Objectives and activities
Additional details of the objectives and a Youmay chooseto include further statements, where relevant, about: • policy on grantmaking; • contribution made by volunteers; • policy on investments. Public benefit statement Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects	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.
	ctivities (optional information but encouraged as best practice)
	The Group Trustee Board is keen to ensure that everybody in the Group has the opportunity to participate in all activities, and would consider making grants or loans to Sections, or to individulals facing hardship (on a case by case basis and with respect to data protection/privacy) to facilitate that. Every adult with a role in the Group is an unpaid volunteer. Their contributions are vital to the Group and cannot be overstated. Investmentpolicyis covered at Section E.
	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
	Changing Section nights, to cope with resources regarding additional needs and Leaders availability, ensured that Sections continued to enjoy a varied programme of activities. The Group has a successful Tundraising Team, raising £2,529 from events held over the year, exceeding what was made last year. In line with last years objectives we started work on HQ flooring, and despite additional costs due to emergency works required to HQ drainage, objectives were met with minimal impact to the Groups Building Fund, and without depleting the Contngency Fund
Section E	Financial Review
Details of any funds materially in deficit (circumstances plus steps to eliminate) Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves Quantify and explain any designations	The Group Trustee Board routinely monitors funds that are restricted/ring fenced for specific uses (see the Financial Statement for details of these funds). The Group held reserves of £5K contigency 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. Reserves Policy The Charity's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the Group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Trustee Board aims to continually maintain a £5K contingency.
	N/A

2 LT700001 (14 September 2024)

Further financial review details (opti Youmay chooseto include addit information, where relevant, a • how expenditure has supported th objectives of the ch • the charity’s principal sources of f (including any fundrai • investment policy and objective	onal i ional bout: e key arity; unds sing); s;	nformation)	nformation)
		In addition to continuing routine maintenance and replenishing stores and equipment to support activities, the Group has increased spend on HQ this year to improve the facilities and to make the premises safer. The Group currently requires quick and easy access to its 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 bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. Investment Policy Fundraising events this year, includng Summer and Christmas Fairs, a Fashion Show, and Chocolate Bingo, have supplemented our routine income from subscriptions, levy, interest on bank accounts, and Gift Aid. The Group Trustee Board continually seek out any grants that the Group may qualify for.
Section F		Other Optional Information
Plans for future periods (details of a significant activities planned to achi them)	ny eve
		Ongoing spend to improve HQ, internally (and externally as far as possible), after many years of heavy usage. Joinery, groundworks and roofworks are continuing so we will work hard at fundraising under the direction of our dedicated Fundraising Team to cover these costs, and to replenish the Group Building Fund as appropriate. We will continue efforts to increase the numbers of trustees, leaders. assistants and members.The Group Trustee Board will continue efforts to protect the future of the Group and Scouting and Guiding in Hough Green
Section G		Declaration
The trustees declare that they have Signed on behalf of the charity’s tru Signature(s) Full name(s) Date Position (eg Secretary, Chair)	appr stees	oved the trustees’ report above
	J Ba	rrowcliff	K Foggin
	Jen	nifer Barrowcliff	Karen Foggin
	CHA	IR	GROUP LEAD VOLUNTEER
		June 2025
	25th	June 2025

3 LT700001 (14 September 2024)

10th WIDNES (HOUGH GREEN) SCOUT GROUP Charity no. 701064

Financial Statement for Financial Year Ending 31st December 2024

			Income	Expenses	Net
Ope	ning Balances	Sub-total	162,238.98		162,238.98
Sec	tions
	Loans and Grants
	Beavers		687.37	(656.08)	31.29
	Beav ers Expense Cards		181.80	(151.71)	30.09
	Cubs		1,664.50	(1,333.10)	331.40
	Cubs Expense Cards		44.00	(14.00)	30.00
	Scouts		1,600.44	(2,079.30)	(478.86)
	Scouts Expense Cards		11.00	(11.00)	0.00
	HQ Stripe account		51.00	(30.00)	21.00
	Levy		2,283.00	0.00	2,283.00
		Sub-total	6,523.11	(4,275.19)	2,247.92
Cap	itation	Sub-total	2,155.00	(2,280.00)	(125.00)
HQ
	Maintenance		0.00	(14,000.01)	(14,000.01)
	Heatingand Lighting			(629.70)	(629.70)
	Insurance			(2,253.15)	(2,253.15)
	Stores			(786.06)	(786.06)
	Cleaning				0.00
	Utilities			(358.83)	(358.83)
	HBC Non Domestic Rates				0.00
		Sub-total	0.00	(18,027.75)	(18,027.75)
Fun	d Raisers
	Christmas Fayre		923.51	(67.00)	856.51
	Summer Fayre		910.50	(165.29)	745.21
	Donations - Unsolicited		82.10		82.10
	Fashion Show		985.11	(460.11)	525.00
	Chocolate Bingo		320.10		320.10
	Gift Aid		2,121.78	(873.16)	1,248.62
		Sub-total	5,343.10	(1,565.56)	3,777.54
Mis	cellaneous
	GroupCampfire		153.12	(153.12)	0.00
	Chamboree		481.40		481.40
	Licenses and Fees			(220.28)	(220.28)
	Interest		2,227.05		2,227.05
	HQ Meetings			(185.08)	(185.08)
	GoCardless Fees			(266.73)	(266.73)
	SumUpFees			(0.33)	(0.33)
	Admin		32.40	(176.38)	(143.98)
		Sub-total	2,893.97	(1,001.92)	1,892.05
Tot	al Income and Expenditure		179,154.16	(27,150.42)	152,003.74
Clo	sing Balance c/fwd				152,003.74

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

	Unrestricted £	Restricted £	Total £
Cash/Bank funds	4,540.28	147,463.46	152,003.74
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	1,055.64	0.00	0.00	1,055.64
Contingency	5,000.00	0.00	0.00	5,000.00
International Fund	1,739.97	0.00	0.00	1,739.97
Woggle	1,000.00	0.00	0.00	1,000.00
Sections	3,921.67	3,952.31	(4,068.48)	3,805.50
Stripe Expense Cards	0.00	287.80	(206.71)	81.09
Bequest from Mr Kenneth Dean	144,923.24	1,107.32	(12,646.97)	133,383.59
Cromwell Memorial Fund Donation	300.00	0.00	0.00	300.00
TK Maxx/Homebase CommunityFund Donation	500.00	0.00	0.00	500.00
Widnes Rotary	97.67	0.00	0.00	97.67
Asda Foundation	500.00	0.00	0.00	500.00
	159,038.19	5,347.43	(16,922.16)	147,463.46

LT700006 - Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees (January 2024)

Unqualified report for a non-company charity preparing receipts and payments accounts with a gross income of £250,000 or less in the relevant financial year

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 2024.

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: 28 May 2025

LT700006 - Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees (January 2024)