2021-05-01-accounts - Greater Manchester North County Scout Council

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ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21

Greater Manchester North Scout County

Annual Report and Accounts 2020 -2021 380 Rochdale Road, Middleton Manchester M24 2ST

Charity No. 701997

ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21

County Commissioner

Who could have envisaged when we started our Scouting year in April 2020 that we would not be able to deliver face to face Scouting for near enough the whole year? April 2020 saw us all in lockdown, as Covid 19 took hold of our nation, and we were advised to protect the NHS, who advised us to remain socially distanced and we were not allowed to meet. Leaders had to learn to use new ways of delivering a balanced Scouting programme straight to the front room of many homes using Zoom and Teams. Leaders became very innovative in enlisting the support of parents and grandparents in supporting our youth members as they took an active part in the Scouting programme. Other leaders who weren’t comfortable in delivering a Scouting programme virtually, hand delivered activity packs to the youth members’ homes so that our section members could have some fun activities to complete with their parents.

As a result, our membership in Greater Manchester North did suffer but we have retained 62% of our youth membership in the annual census. This retention of membership is quite remarkable as only a handful of groups (approximately 5) managed to meet when meeting restrictions were eased in December 2020 and in other parts of the country, Counties who were only subjected to the national lockdowns succeeded in retaining only 80% of their membership while we were subjected to additional localised lockdowns. However, the rise in Covid figures led to all Scout meetings being suspended after Christmas until March 2021. We in GMN were also subject to additional localised lockdowns which saw the County do a dance of “We’re RED, We’re Amber” which left a lot of us really confused but thankfully most of us held tight and we returned to Scouting after our Easter break in 2021.

Leaders, you have been amazing! I cannot thank you enough on the behalf of our youth membership for the effort you have put in this past year. have got to grips with Covid Risk Assessments which initially allowed you to meet outdoors when we were allowed to return to Scouting. You kept in contact with the parents of all our youth members and you have risen to the challenge of ensuring your mandatory training- safeguarding, safety and First Aid has been kept up to date by engaging with new delivery methods online.

Cathy Ward

County Chairman

When I wrote last year’s report, I expressed concern for Scouting’s future at that time of lockdowns and restrictions on Scouting meetings. We now know that our membership numbers have fallen substantially, although it appears the adult leader numbers have not been as badly affected as youth members.

The positive though, is that Leaders are rising to the challenge, and making good use of outdoor space to relaunch section meetings. Early signs are that they are succeeding. Thank you to all our adult leaders, for everything they are doing. For the imagination, enthusiasm and innovation they use in presenting the programmes that will bring out scouts back to the Groups.

Thank you also to those working as trustees on Group committees, District and County Executives. All that you do in supporting the uniformed leadership is hugely important and makes a great deal of difference.

Stephen Allan

County Treasurer

Report of the Treasurer for the year ended 30th April 2021 – see also Appendix A

In my second full year as County Treasurer, I have continued my steep learning curve, this has been slightly eased by Covid-19 due to very little face to face Scouting being undertaken leaving more time to catch up.

The CAF Bank Accounts are all functioning well, but it has taken over two years getting the NatWest accounts working online and getting statements posted to my home address, but all is

well now. It is fortunate that we did not have any Jamboree activity in the last financial year because it would have been very difficult. I am sure the next two years will be very busy on

Jamboree activity and having online banking will make it so much easier. Due to furlough of the Scout Association staff it has been difficult getting information on the investment account held by TSA but this has now been resolved.

The year being reported should have been our first full year of trading with the Scout Shop but due to Covid we were only trading a few months. As a result of inactivity Alan Sharkey launched

the Scout Shop online and we have been trading nearly wholly online since February 2021. Thank you, Alan for your endeavours in this. Monica Fowler as always has been a stalwart in

running the Scout Shop on a day-to-day basis – thank you Monica. Finally, on the Scout Shop, I must offer my thanks to all the helpers who ‘man’ or ‘pack-up’ parcels for the Shop throughout the year.

Now looking at the financials, expenditure exceeded income in the financial year up 30th April 2021 so our reserves have been depleted by some £5,600. Income in the financial year was less

than a 1/3 of the previous year due to Covid with £20,000 coming from the County levy and £10,000 in Government grants. As income was down, so was expenditure with total outgoings of

some £41,000. Headquarter costs accounted for more than 50% of these outgoings while Online Scout Manager (OSM) costs accounted for a further 25%. Scout Shop expenditure exceeded

income by some £400, this is attributed to an increase in stock so that more items are shown in stock when people are placing orders online.

From Membership fees this year we raised £20,470.50 (£44,384 in 2020) from 2,721 (4,672 in 2020) members at a county charge of £7.50 per person (£9.50 in 2020). At year end we had total

reserves of £123,754.73 down some £5,600 on the previous year. At the start of the year, we thought our reserves would have been depleted by some £40,000 so a reduction of only £5,600

is very positive. Even though there is still uncertainty as we move out of Covid, I am sure the Executive will feel we have ample reserves moving forward and can ease the cost to our Districts

and Groups by a further reduction in the county membership charge to members in January 2022. A reduction in the County membership levy coupled with additional activity following Covid could lead to a reduction in our reserves of around £10,000.

Clive R Fenn

County Appointments Secretary - Awards

Listed below are the details of those Good Service awards received since April 2020:

Name	Award	District
Stephen Walthall	SILVER WOLF	Pennine
Doug Sutton	SILVER WOLF	Pennine
Janice Butterworth	Bar to SILVER ACORN	Bury & Ramsbottom
Alan Whittaker	SILVER ACORN	Bury & Ramsbottom
David Fox	SILVER ACORN	Bury & Ramsbottom
Dawn Wight	SILVER ACORN	Bury & Ramsbottom
Patricia Easey	SILVER ACORN	Bury & Ramsbottom
Robert Airey	SILVER ACORN	Bury & Ramsbottom
William Whitehead	SILVER ACORN	Oldham
Tracey Kayley	SILVER ACORN	Oldham
Peter Joy	SILVER ACORN	Oldham
David Garnett	SILVER ACORN	Oldham
Norma Brandon	SILVER ACORN	Pennine
Chris McLaren	SILVER ACORN	Pennine
Mark Hollis	SILVER ACORN	Pennine

Neil McClure	SILVER ACORN	Pennine
Sandra Roberts	SILVER ACORN	Pennine
Frank Emsley (Cub Scout)	Meritorious Conduct Award	Pennine

The award process is working well now in the simplified online format. However, for any award to be considered, every volunteer must be up to date with their mandatory training units and the training required for their specific role(s). This includes all leaders and administrative volunteers. If anyone has a completed PLP please make sure that this has been converted into a Wood badge, where required.

Having been furloughed for most of the past year the awards team at Gilwell are now catching up, particularly with the Long Service awards.

In addition to these we have had 59 other awards across the County:

9 Bar to the Award for Merit
24 Award for Merit
26 Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service

I’m sure there are many more worthy people out there. If you know anyone who has completed a minimum of

5 years’ service and holds a Wood badge for their role, or anyone who has held an administrative post for 5 or more years, with appropriate training, then they are eligible for consideration for an award. If you know of someone or would like further information, then please contact me.

Anne Williams – County Awards Recipient secretary@pennine.gmnscouts.org.uk

Deputy County Commissioner Active Support

New kitchen completed. Electrics fixed, new interior roof tiles installed, re-decoration on all downstairs rooms.
Major work on making the outside trees safe, involving 3 major tree fells.
Team expanded to include more support to kitchen team.
HQ team focused on providing additional activities to support hiring of HQ, such as archery & axe throwing, climbing suspended due to trees having to be felled which supported that activity.
Team are now all working well with each other good planning of work to be done.
Safety report activities being followed and worked towards
Rebrand quotes given no decision made on out come
Still concerns with health and safety of team in school opening hours.

Event requiring support of all County team & volunteers to make Face to Face Scouting at HQ 12th September.

Shop

Digital shop created to support normal shop activities.
Rebranding requires careful management to reduce obsolete stock.
Staffing & management to be reviewed through 2021, new Stock lines to be introduced.

Water Activities & Climbing

County Teams suspended, with a view to close.
Current profile of team is no longer viable due to permits.
Volunteers and equipment are currently not being maintained or up to date, equipment for Kayaks and Canoes to be redistributed across County facilities. Boats to be offered to Elton.
Climbing equipment needs to be reviewed, Leaders required to pick climbing up as and when the demand comes back.

Special Projects

World Scout Jamboree project for S Korea, began lessons learnt being absorbed, planning and activities for selection in place.

Chris Taylor

District Commissioner Bolton South with Farnworth

Welcome, as you may have encountered, this year has been unlike any we’ve experienced in our lifetimes.

I passionately believe that scouting today, is more important now than ever before. I feel, we need to give young people a sense of connection and communicate. To help wellbeing and feel belonged, instead of the isolation and distance. To give hope to a generation, to develop #SkillsForLife during this pandemic.

During this period of Covid recovery, as we start to get back together safely, we’ve been focusing on some key areas, in relation to the paragraph before:

1. Delivering more skills into the district.

2. Recruiting & Motivating Adult Volunteers.

3. Funding District Scouting.

Keeping Everyone Safe.

I have been humbled by the dedication of our inspiring adults across Bolton South with Farnworth. Last year we were forced to change and adapt into a new digital and online world overnight. If this had been pre-planned, I am sure it would have taken months and months to prepare zoom meetings and set up programmes suitable for online use. Pulling together over night was an incredible achievement by all. Within the early days of lockdown, we had around 60% of our Sections and Groups delivering some form of Scouting digitally over the past 12 months. The pandemic has tested our resilience, encouraged us to be innovative and increased our awareness of the importance of prioritising our mental health.

As we look ahead there’s so much to look forward to in 2021-22, with the SAS Training Weekend.

Groups opening and welcoming back young people this September and a new group 39[th] Bolton which I hope you will make them feel welcomed. Possibility of a new group starting at Rumworth School based on Ladybridge / Deane.

We also see the World Scout Jamboree for South Korea in 2023, plans going ahead and be great to see anyone from our District attending.

Meetings will also underway, with the preparations for 2022 – Pike View Hike and St Georges Day. We will also see BSWF 10[th] Birthday in 2023 and discussions are already taking place for the Birthday District Camp.

Lastly, I’d like to pay tribute to all our amazing volunteers; you’ve kept our District going and we couldn’t have done it without you. We’ll never forget how you supported young people when it mattered most.

Quite simply, you are amazing. Stay safe, stay well.

Rob Pimblett

District Commissioner Pennine

Hello everyone.

As we all know, it’s been a funny old year, but I have to say that out of all the districts I am in contact with, Pennine has made the greatest effort to overcome the disabilities of the pandemic and keep Scouting flying and in the minds of everyone around.

Some notable examples stand out.

We should all applaud the 2[nd] Middleton’s efforts in starting and running a food bank for the needy during this time. Without their efforts, a lot more people would have gone hungry.
All the groups who have been doing virtual scouting – I congratulate you all. You’ve all had to learn new skills very quickly and it’s been a pleasure watching the faces of the young people as they enjoy Scouting ‘from afar’. I think this, more than anything else has had a major contribution to the mental well-being of the scouting community and their families.
To all the young people and the number of badges they have earned, it has been a real pleasure to hand out these rewards for the hard work.
To everyone who has earned a Chief Scouts Award, I’ve seen the pictures of Facebook. – It is lovely to appreciate the efforts that they have gone through to get them.
To the leaders who have struggled through the pandemic but have still managed to put on a decent programme for their sections.
To my District leaders for interacting with their sections and encouraging and supporting everyone.
To The Scout Association (TSA) and the 1[st] Virtual Facebook group who have given us a lot of support with new programme ideas to help us through the last 12 months.
And, of course, to my Exec team for providing some stability and support to me and the district.

We are just beginning to get back to normality. It will take time, but we are starting to grow again. I know from personal experience that there are a lot of children out there who now see Scouting as their next big thing. I am getting enquiries from adults wanting to help and, of course, our existing leaders are getting their enthusiasm back (some never lost it!).

Looking to the future, we will be running district activities as soon as we can. We will also be opening new sections and possibly new groups once we have achieved the stability we had before all this lockdown started.

I will close off this short report by just thanking every leader and helper for all the hard work they have done in very trying times. You have not been forgotten and I am very grateful that you have been around to support Scouting.

Alan Sharkey (slightly frazzled around the edges – but still having fun).

Assistant County Commissioner Scouts

Hello all.

This past year has seen Scouting flipped upside down, spun around and chucked as far as a custard filled wellie can be flung however, what it has also seen is the amazing grit and determination of our adult volunteers to ensure our young people do not miss out on a fantastic Scout programme filled with innovative activities delivered (in the main) online but also when allowed; in the great outdoors. Our “grown-ups” spend an immense amount of time planning and delivering the activities and projects that keep our Scouts coming back week after week and they really should be praised for this dedication so THANK YOU.

County Scouting has been extremely minimal over the past year due to the lockdown however, I have managed to support several adults with programme planning ideas, night’s away/camping advice and I’ve even had some time to plan 2 large County wide events for 2021-2022, keep an eye on the county Facebook page for more information. If you are interested in assisting me to support Scouting across the County, then please do not hesitate to give me a call/email or alternatively we have ADC Scouts in most districts now who are always appreciative of any district level support you can offer so if you do not know who yours is then please speak to your DC and they can pass on the details.

Thank you for everything you do and here’s to an exciting 2022 full of adventures and memories for everyone!

Steve McNee

Assistant County Commissioner Cubs

After accepting the role of Assistant County Commissioner Cubs in January 2021 in the middle of a global pandemic it is fair to say it hasn’t been the easiest start to a new role. I have engaged successfully, all be it very briefly with three districts, but I am keen to start getting out and about to meet people across our County. With the current COVID situation beginning to improve and more Groups returning to face to face Scouting I will be there to support the ADCs to provide great opportunities for our Cub Scouts and to ensure our Cub Leaders feel valued and well supported.

Kathy Temple-Heald

Queen’s Scout Award Co-ordinator & Assistant County Commissioner (Programme Support)

This year has been strange, difficult and challenging to say the least although many leaders have used their imagination to give as many young people as possible, some form of scouting and this has included completing

the various Sectional Challenges and undertaking those parts of the “Top Awards” that did not involve actual face to face scouting, hoping to complete the outstanding sections when times become more normal.

This included working towards the Queen’s Scout Award, and I congratulate DARREN LORD of the Pennine District on an excellent zoom presentation evening when we were joined by both adult and young people from his Group and District. This was comprehensive, covering all the activities and challenges he had completed, illustrated by appropriate photographs etc.

The Queen’s Scout Award is the highest youth award achievable in the Scouting movement and requires considerable commitment and effort focusing on personal development involving completing challenges from areas such as community involvement, adventurous activities and expeditions besides developing new skills, personal growth and leadership potential over a period of several years.

To achieve the Award the Explorer Scout or Network member must be between 16 and 25, complete 18 nights away and undertake six International, Community and Values (ICV) projects besides undertaking Challenges which necessitate developing a new skill and a physical activity, undertaking a period of service (e.g., assisting with another section of the Movement), completing a four-day expedition and a five-day residential project. Quite an undertaking BUT if members have gained the Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond Awards or /and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award they are nearly there!!

The Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award covered all the Skills, Physical Activity, Service, Expedition and Residential Challenges whereas the nights away and the International, Community and Values projects achieved when completing the Platinum and Diamond Awards count even if gained before the 16[th] birthday and remember that the Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards cover most of the Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond Award requirements. So again “Two Awards for the price of One”

The requirements for the Award are covered in detail in “Reach for the Top”, (December 2018 edition) found on the Scout Web site.

Paul Raine

District Commissioner Bury & Ramsbottom ( Report not Available)

District Commissioner Prestwich Radcliffe and Whitefield ( Report not Available)

Special Needs Report 2021

Due to the prolonged lockdown and Groups not being able to meet face to face, we have received few requests for help. One very recent one is a shining example of how we should welcome and support new members. A Leader with a severe visual impairment has joined a Group. Both the Group and the District Team are offering support. BRAVO!!

As we begin to resume more normal activities, it is more likely that you will find you are encountering problems. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you do need any support. Our email address is snteam@gmnscouts.org.uk

Peter North

Deputy County Commissioner (Programme)

Firstly, I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the adults, both Leaders and Supporters, who have kept going with Scouting Zoom style! Whilst being unable to visit anybody the programme team has assisted Leaders with Programme hints & tips and we have launched the first edition of the Programme newsletter to continue that theme. The newsletter will become a regular feature. I don’t think any of us envisaged that Zoom meetings would continue for so long then followed up by blended programmes – a mixture of Zoom and face to face - and eventually back to some measure of face-to-face Scouting. I hope that all our young people can now come back to Scouting and have great fun enjoying their Scouting once again.

I’ve also been busy working with a small team so that we are ready to select a team of adults and subsequently young people to form the Unit that will represent Greater Manchester North at the next World Jamboree in South Korea in 2023 for a once in a lifetime experience. Good luck to all applicants.

In the upcoming year, I will be working with the Programme Team to hopefully get out and about once again around the County supporting you all in providing really good quality programmes for all our young people – please let me know how we can help support you so that we can continue to grow and develop Greater Manchester North – see you soon.

Liz Farr

Duke of Edinburgh Awards Adviser

Bolton Moorland (Paradox ESU)

Level	Active Participants Working towards the Award	Awards Completed Since the last AGM
Gold	1	1

Bolton South with Farnworth (includes all ESUs in the District)

Level	Active Participants	Awards Completed Since the last AGM
Bronze	0	1
Silver	3
Gold	2
Heywood ESU
Level	Active Participants	Awards Completed Since the last AGM
Silver	7	1
Gold	1

Oldham Scouts

Level	Active Participants	Awards Completed Since the last AGM
Gold	4
Phoenix ESU
Level	Active Participants	Awards Completed Since the last AGM
Silver	4
Gold	1

Network Age Group for Participants without a DofE Leader (looked after by County Adviser)

Level	Active Participants	Awards Completed Since the last AGM
Gold	0	1

Spotland , Oldham Xtreme and Royton Explorer Scout Units have several young people who are interested in doing the DofE Awards. Oldham Districts were successful in receiving free Participant Places from the DofE Resilience Fund. There has been a renewed interest in DofE from the ESLs, which should encourage more Explorers to participate in the Scheme from September 2021.

Ann Chambers

GREATER MANCHESTER NORTH COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL

Report of the Treasurer for the year ended 30th April 2021 Annual Figures for the Seven Financial Years 2015 to 2021

	2020-2021	2019-2020	2018-2019	2017-2018	2016-2017	2015-2016
INCOME
Operational Scouting	£707.00	£43,016.72	£96,830.53	£55,740.13	£27,934.40	£13,173.36
Beaver Section				£1,260.00	£17,114.50
Cub Section		£9,973.00		£6,771.32	£9,282.40	£5,648.31
Scout Section		£625.00				£4,149.05
Explorer Scout Section			£2,447.75	£1,604.18	£660.00	£18.00
Network Section
D of E	£257.00	£108.00	£880.50	£689.00	£420.50	£2,969.00
Jamboree	£450.00	£32,310.72	£90,137.09	£41,499.23		£389.00
Activities			£2,525.19	£3,356.40
Badges			£840.00	£560.00	£457.00	£0.00
Administrative & Support	£35,071.84	£66,674.61	£45,054.12	£83,290.00	£33,254.95	£37,355.40
HQ BuildingLettings	£2,920.00	£2,866.00	£4,698.62	£4,934.00	£3,689.71	£456.00
Adult & YL Training	£20.00	£975.00	£600.00	£1,542.00	£782.74	£4,863.64
Bank Interest	£330.06	£346.42
Grants & Misc Income	£9,660.21	£10,000.00	-£370.00	£570.00	£3,350.00	£1,136.76
Scout Shop	£1,734.07	£8,103.19
MembershipFee	£20,407.50	£44,384.00	£40,125.50	£76,244.00	£25,432.50	£30,899.00
Total	£35,778.84	£109,691.33	£141,884.65	£139,030.13	£61,189.35	£50,528.76

EXPENDITURE
Operational Scouting	£1,222.86	£41,819.39	£84,540.29	£50,623.03	£26,005.40	£21,864.27
Beaver Section			£1,074.00		£15,536.75	£146.19
Cub Section		£8,032.04		£4,068.89	£7,444.15	£11,988.51
Scout Section	£194.86	£412.83	£40.00	£79.55	£40.00	£67.20
Explorer Section			£745.00		£1,100.00	£0.00
Network Section	£100.00		£30.10		£400.00	£0.00
DofE	£730.00		£1,733.57	£794.50	£729.50	£422.00
World Scout Jamboree	£10.00	£33,374.52	£78,775.38	£45,426.09	£0.00	£7,247.89
Badges	£188.00		£800.00	£254.00	£755.00	£1,992.48
Activities			£1,342.24

Administrative & Support	£40,136.62	£79,155.81	£49,897.83	£61,047.59	£33,790.59	£27,460.62
AGM and Conference Costs		£972.20	£961.27	£2,864.70	£1,502.82	£1,069.20
HQ BuildingInsurance	£3,150.18	£3,211.33	£5,379.68	£4,944.68	£4,260.85	£4,207.83
HQ BuildingRunningCosts	£15,146.66	£16,074.65	£10,977.67	£22,722.78	£16,768.66	£13,802.44
HQ BuildingDevelopment	£6,307.88	£38,986.80	£2,403.97	£13,234.11	£2,012.63	£1,668.48
IT and Office Costs	£446.16	£348.85	£1,408.42	£2,854.88	£5,080.41	£1,406.88
Adult Training	£134.86	£2,527.72	£10,469.43	£3,764.44	£2,718.72	£1,103.04
Adult Awards	£121.25	£306.30	£58.50		£101.50	£1,772.75
Honorarium / Trustees Expenses					£0.00	£1,630.00
Bank Charges / Scrutineers Fee	£144.00	£149.37	£250.00	£250.00	£250.00	£250.00
Heywood / Levyre-paid			£500.00	£737.00	£1,095.00	£550.00
Online Scout Manager(OSM)	£12,577.50	£9,868.50	£9,675.00	£9,675.00	£0.00
Scout Shop	£2,108.13	£6,710.09	£7,813.89
Total	£41,359.48	£120,975.20	£134,438.12	£111,670.62	£59,795.99	£49,324.89

Clive R Fenn

8th August 2021

GREATER MANCHESTER NORTH COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL

Report of the Treasurer for the year ended 30th April 2021

Balances and Reconciliation Figures for the Six Financial Years 2015 to 2021

Reserves at year end	CAF Accounts	CAF Accounts	CAF Accounts	NatWest	NatWest	National	Scout Investment	Cash Account	Scout Shop Stock	Totals
	Main	Scout Shop	Gold	Reserve Account	Current Account
30/04/2021	£780.63	£788.57	£49,860.27	£3,246.04	£18,566.80		£43,037.39	£103.76	£7,371.27	£123,754.73
30/04/2020	£1,516.26	£1,293.73	£53,823.95	£3,425.21	£18,116.80		£42,744.48	£169.05	£8,245.89	£129,335.37
30/04/2019	-	-	-	£33,191.57	£60,365.94		£42,475.65	-£3.17	£4,589.25	£140,619.24
30/04/2018	-	-	-	£33,140.69	£56,378.94		£42,265.15	-		£131,784.78
31/03/2017	-	-	-	£33,136.30	£144,623.40	Closed	£42,046.40	-	-	£219,806.10
31/03/2016	-	-	-	£73,123.92	£117,679.00	£6,727.14	£2,001.38	-	-	£199,531.44
31/03/2015	-	-	-	£73,087.29	£11,220.63	£6,677.06	£2,001.02	-	-	£92,986.00
County Treasurer Clive R Fenn 08/08/2021 Clive R Fenn	Balancing Figure Estimated Scrutineer Reconciliation 2020/2021 Reserved Funds / Jamboree Balance brought Forward £129,335.37 Balance brought Forward £21,038.23 Income £35,778.84 Income £450.00 Expenditure £41,359.48 Expenditure £10.00 Balance £123,754.73 Balance £21,478.23 Robert McIntyre Assets to take Forward £123,754.73 Surplus/Deficit on activity -£5,580.64 Robert A McIntyre PFA(retired)