HARROGATE AND NIDDERDALE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
Minutes of the AGM held on 12[th] June 2023 at Christ Church Centre, Harrogate.
Opening Prayers were said by Jill Connors, District Vice President. We also remembered Bob McBratney, our previous District Chair who had died earlier this year.
Welcome
District Executive Chair, Jean Laight welcomed the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Chris Aldred; Vice Presidents Jill Connors and David Mosley; Jess Ward, Inspire Youth Yorkshire; Leaders representing 9 Groups, Explorer Unit and Scout Active Support Unit (Fellowship).
Apologies for Absence were read by Acting AGM Secretary, Brenda Wilson
Janis Heward; Alan Ross; John and Helen Westmancoat; Iain Shaw; Andy Minty; Joe Sarmiento; Amelia Annear; Ivan Chamberlain; Diane & Pat Walsh; Elizabeth Hewick June Graham, Russ Hirst, Luke Harrison.
Minutes of the last AGM held on 13[th] June 2022 were circulated prior to the meeting. These had been previously reviewed by the District Trustee Board and approved as a true record by a show of hands.
Governance Topics
The Chair read out various topics which were all approved by a show of hands
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a. To adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules Chaper 5
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b. Our Charity’s financial year is 1[st] April to 31[st] March
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c. 4 people can be elected to the Trustee Board at the AGM
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d. Agree the quorum for each of the District Scout Council meetings.
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e. The quorum should be set at 15 persons for an AGM
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f. Quorum for Trustee Board meetings and any sub-committee meetings should be set at one third of Members plus one. This is based on the Charity Commission good practice statement.
District Commissioner’s Review of Scouting in the District
District Commissioner, Karsten Hartmann had produced a full Report which was circulated to the Meeting. Recovery from Covid shows that membership is now 95.5% of what it was prior to the pandemic with 1387 youth members. Changes are coming and Karsten gave a guideline of the dates.
Karsten reported on the work which has gone on at Thornthwaite and at Scout HQ Omega Street for the benefit of the District. He thanked everyone for their support
Presentation of Accounts
Joanna Kent had circulated copies of the Accounts and outlined some figures on the screen. No questions were asked from the floor.
Appointment of District Vice Presidents
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The Chair, Jean Laight advises that Helen Westmancoat, Jill Connors, Dave Mosley and Jack Tyler are proposed as Vice Presidents. A show of hands from the meeting approved this.
The District Commissioner’s nomination of the District Chair
Karsten nominated Jean Laight as District Chair and asked for a show of hands as approval.
District Secretary
Claire Lowcock has been formally proposed and seconded. Since there were no other nominations this was approved by a show of hands.
District Treasurer
Joanna Kent has been formally proposed and seconded. Since there were no other nominations this was approved by a show of hands.
District Trustee Board
The following have been formally proposed and seconded in writing and were duly approved by a show of hands.
John Noe
Henry McBratney
Amelia Annear
Rachel Capstick
District Commissioner’s nominations to the District Trustee Board
Jill Connors
Peter Romanec
Luke Harrison
Bryan Wilson
Appointment of the Independent Examiner
Tim Jones has been proposed and seconded and is qualified for the role. Agreed by show of hands.
Representative from the District on the County Scout Council
We are required to nominate 1 person as our District Representative. Petra Koristkova has been proposed and seconded. Agreed by a show of hands.
Presentation of Awards
The District Commissioner presented Wood Beads to Mike Higlett; Mark Edwards and Neil Thompson.
Donation to a Local Charity
£364.64 was collected at St George’s Day Parades in 2022 and 2023. The Chair presented a cheque for £365.00 to Jess Ward, CEO of Inspire Youth Yorkshire, an independent Charity offering youth support services for Young people aged 8 – 18 across Harrogate and District, York and surrounding
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areas. Jess said that due to Local Government cutbacks over the years there are gaps in the lives of children – not fitting in or not accessing youth organisations. They offer a mobile youth base and work in schools. Covid has been a very challenging time and many young people have benefitted from the service by not having to wait for a referral.
Address from the Deputy Mayor of Harrogate
Councillor Chris Aldred said due to County changes there is no Harrogate Council at present but hopefully one will be in place next year. Meanwhile, there are Charter Mayors, basically a babysitting process which will make things easier next year. He was a Cub Scout and Scout and remembers Bob a Job but not Tomahawk throwing and all the other activities that can be enjoyed today. County funding for Youth Clubs etc have diminished so the role played by organisations such as Scouting and Inspire Youth is inspiring. He had noted our core values and said these should be in every organisation. He concluded by saying we are building good citizens and doing a fantastic job.
Closing Remarks
The next AGM will be held on Monday 10[th] June 2024
The Chair, Jean Laight, closed the AGM by thanking all for attending and said refreshments were being served.
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HARROGATE AND NIDDERDALE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL (Charity no. 702344) Receipts and Payments Account
| Year start date | Year start date | Year start date | Year end date 31-Mar-23 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the year from |
01-Apr-22 | To | 31-Mar-23 | ||||
| Receipts and payments | |||||||
| Receipts | Unrestricted funds £ 8,383 - - - - 8,383 - - - 11,001 12,100 - - 23,101 18,334 35,940 54,274 164 - - 6,553 6,717 92,475 |
Restricted funds Endowment funds £ £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31-Mar-23 |
Total funds £ 8,383 - - - - 8,383 - - - 11,001 12,100 - - 23,101 18,334 35,940 - 54,274 164 - - 6,553 6,717 92,475 - 92,475 |
31-Mar-23 Total funds £ |
|||
| Donations, legacies and similar income |
|||||||
| Membership subscriptions | 8,383 | - | |||||
| Donations | - | - | |||||
| Legacies | - | - | |||||
| Gift Aid | - | - | |||||
| Other similar income | - | - | |||||
| Sub total | 8,383 | - | |||||
| Grants | |||||||
| Maintenenace grant | - | - | |||||
| Other grants | - | - | |||||
| Sub total | - | - | |||||
| Fundraising events (gross) | |||||||
| Bonfire Night | 11,001 | - | |||||
| Winter Camp | 12,100 | - | |||||
| - | - | ||||||
| Other fundraising activities | - | - | |||||
| Sub total | 23,101 | - | |||||
| Camp site income | |||||||
| Omega Street Scout shop | 18,334 | - | |||||
| Thornthwaite Centre | 35,940 | - | |||||
| - | |||||||
| Sub total | 54,274 | - | |||||
| Investment income | |||||||
| Bank interest | 164 | - | |||||
| Building Society interest | - | - | |||||
| The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service |
- | - | |||||
| Other investment income | 6,553 | - | |||||
| Sub total | 6,717 | - | |||||
| Total Gross Income Asset and investment sales, etc. Total receipts |
|||||||
| - | |||||||
| - | - | - | - |
- | |||
| 92,475 | - | - | |||||
| 92,475 | - | 92,475 | - |
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HARROGATE AND NIDDERDALE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL (Charity no. 702344) Receipts and Payments Account
| Receipts and Payments Account | Receipts and Payments Account | Receipts and Payments Account | Receipts and Payments Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year start date Year end date |
|||
| For the year from |
01-Apr-22 | To | 31-Mar-23 |
Receipts and payments
| Payments | Unrestricted funds £ - 306 - 932 752 10,263 7,041 5,358 100 681 1,812 18,068 3,301 45,731 4,727 99,070 10,889 12,188 - - 23,077 122,148 |
Unrestricted funds £ - 306 - 932 752 10,263 7,041 5,358 100 681 1,812 18,068 3,301 45,731 4,727 99,070 10,889 12,188 - - 23,077 122,148 |
Restricted funds Endowment funds £ £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31-Mar-23 |
Restricted funds Endowment funds £ £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31-Mar-23 |
Restricted funds Endowment funds £ £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31-Mar-23 |
Restricted funds Endowment funds £ £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31-Mar-23 |
Total funds £ |
Total funds £ |
31-Mar-23 Total funds £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charitable Payments | |||||||||
| Membership subscriptions paid on (National/County/Area/District) |
- | - | - | ||||||
| District Activity Expenses | 306 | 306 | - | ||||||
| Adult support and training | - | - | - | ||||||
| Rent and Rates | 932 | 932 | - | ||||||
| Water and Sewerage | 752 | 752 | - | ||||||
| Electricity and Gas | 10,263 | 10,263 | - | ||||||
| Insurance | 7,041 | 7,041 | - | ||||||
| Repairs and Renewals | 5,358 | 5,358 | - | ||||||
| Cleaning | 100 | 100 | - | ||||||
| Printing and photocopying | 681 | 681 | - | ||||||
| Phones and Postage | 1,812 | 1,812 | - | ||||||
| Omega Scout Shop purchases | 18,068 | 18,068 | - | ||||||
| AGM and trustee expenses | 3,301 | 3,301 | - | ||||||
| Investment | 45,731 | 45,731 | - | ||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Other | 4,727 | 4,727 | - | ||||||
| Sub total | 99,070 | 99,070 | - | ||||||
| Fundraising expenses | |||||||||
| Bonfire Night | 10,889 | 10,889 | - | ||||||
| Winter Camp | 12,188 | 12,188 | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| Other fundraising costs | - | - | - | ||||||
| Sub total | 23,077 | 23,077 | - | ||||||
| Total Gross Expenditure Asset and investment purchases, etc. Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) Transfers between funds Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
|||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| 122,148 - 29,672 - - - 29,672 |
- - - - - |
- - - - - |
|||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - 29,672 | - | - | - 29,672 | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - 29,672 | - | - | - 29,672 | - |
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HARROGATE AND NIDDERDALE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL (Charity no. 702344) Receipts and Payments Account
Year start date Year end date For the year 01-Apr-22 To 31-Mar-23 from
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
31-Mar-23
| Unrestricted funds £ Cash funds Bank current account 100,130 Bank deposit account - Building society account - The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service - Cash/Floats 80 Total cash funds 100,210 Other monetary assets Tax claim - Debts due from the County/Area/District/Group - Insurance claim - Sub total - Investment assets Investment property - Quoted investments 89,726 Other investments - Sub total 89,726 Non monetary assets for charity's own use Badge stock - Shop stock 6,381 Other stock - Land and buildings 282,591 Motor vehicles - Scouting equipment, furniture etc - Other - Sub total 288,971 Liabilities Capitation In Advance - 9,240 Expenses incurred but not invoiced - Subscriptions not yet paid - Loan - Other liabilities - 571 Sub total - 9,811 |
Unrestricted funds £ Cash funds Bank current account 100,130 Bank deposit account - Building society account - The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service - Cash/Floats 80 Total cash funds 100,210 Other monetary assets Tax claim - Debts due from the County/Area/District/Group - Insurance claim - Sub total - Investment assets Investment property - Quoted investments 89,726 Other investments - Sub total 89,726 Non monetary assets for charity's own use Badge stock - Shop stock 6,381 Other stock - Land and buildings 282,591 Motor vehicles - Scouting equipment, furniture etc - Other - Sub total 288,971 Liabilities Capitation In Advance - 9,240 Expenses incurred but not invoiced - Subscriptions not yet paid - Loan - Other liabilities - 571 Sub total - 9,811 |
Unrestricted funds £ Cash funds Bank current account 100,130 Bank deposit account - Building society account - The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service - Cash/Floats 80 Total cash funds 100,210 Other monetary assets Tax claim - Debts due from the County/Area/District/Group - Insurance claim - Sub total - Investment assets Investment property - Quoted investments 89,726 Other investments - Sub total 89,726 Non monetary assets for charity's own use Badge stock - Shop stock 6,381 Other stock - Land and buildings 282,591 Motor vehicles - Scouting equipment, furniture etc - Other - Sub total 288,971 Liabilities Capitation In Advance - 9,240 Expenses incurred but not invoiced - Subscriptions not yet paid - Loan - Other liabilities - 571 Sub total - 9,811 |
Restricted funds £ 4,371 - - - - 4,371 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31-Ma |
Restricted funds £ 4,371 - - - - 4,371 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31-Ma |
Endowment funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - r-23 |
Endowment funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - r-23 |
Total funds £ 104,501 - - - 80 104,581 - - - - - 89,726 - 89,726 - 6,381 - 282,591 - - - 288,971 - 9,240 - - - - 571 - 9,811 |
Total funds £ 104,501 - - - 80 104,581 - - - - - 89,726 - 89,726 - 6,381 - 282,591 - - - 288,971 - 9,240 - - - - 571 - 9,811 |
31-Mar-23 Total funds £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| Total net assets | 469,097 | 4,371 | - | 473,468 | - |
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Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scout Council Scout Council I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Harro8ats aTrJ Nderdale District Scout Council or the year ended 31" March 2023. Responsibilities and basis of pOrt As the charity trustees of the Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scout Council you are SponSible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the reqU1MentS of the Charities Act 20111.the Act'l. I report in respect of my e>2minatTon of the accovTrt50f the Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scout Council carried out under settion 145 of the 2011 Art and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Dirertions given by the Charity Commission under 5ethon 145{51{b} of the Act. Independent examinerfs siatement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination me cause to believe that in any material respect= accounting records were not kept in respect of the Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scout Council as required by section 130 of the Art- or 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 drawn in this rep)rt in orderto enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Signed= Name: T P Jone5 FCCA 23 Victoria Avenue HarrogateHGI 5RD ,lo
HARROGATE AND NIDDERDALE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
Trustees’ Annual Report 2023
For the period
From (start date) 0 1 0 4 2 2 to end date 3 1 0 3 2 3
1. Section A: References and Administration details
| Charity Name: | Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scout Council |
|---|---|
| Registered Charity Number: | 702344 |
| HQ registration number: | 10001796 |
| Charity’s principal address: | Culross House |
| 20 Omega Street | |
| HG1 2BZ | |
| Harrogate, North Yorkshire |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity:
| Ex-Officio Members | Office (if any) | Appointed | Resigned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karsten Hartmann | District Commissioner | 01-Feb-22 | |
| Russel Hirst | District Explorer Scout Commissioner | 13-Jun-22 | |
| Joe Sarmiento | District Youth Commissioner | 13-Jun-22 | |
| Dr Jean Laight | District Chair | 13-Jun-22 | |
| Claire Lowcock | District Secretary | 18-Jul-22 | |
| Joanna Kent | District Treasurer | 25-Jun-22 | |
| Elected Members | Appointed | Resigned | |
| Amelia Annear | 13-Jun-22 | ||
| Henry McBratney | 29-Jun-18 | ||
| John Noe | 21-Jun-21 | ||
| Richard Bowering | 13-Jun-22 | 29-Dec-22 |
| Nominated Members | Appointed | Resigned |
|---|---|---|
| Peter Romanec | 13-Jun-22 | |
| Jillian Connors | 09-Jun-14 | |
| Rachel Capstick | 21-Jun-21 | |
| Bryan Wilson | 16-May-17 |
| Name and addresses of advisers: | |
|---|---|
| Independent Examiner: | Tim P Jones, FCCA |
| TP Jones & Co LLP | |
| 23 Victoria Avenue | |
| Harrogate | |
| HG1 5RD |
2. Section B: Structure, Governance and Management
Description of the Charity’s trusts:
The District’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. In addition, the District has its own Constitution that is reviewed annually.
The charity is a trust, established under its rules that are common to all Scouts. The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy Organisation & Rules (POR) of The Scout Association.
Additional governance issues:
The District is managed by the District Trustee Board, the members of which are the Charity Trustees of the District 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.
In line with POR and the Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scout Council Constitution, the Board of Trustees consists of 6 ex-officio members which includes the Chair and Treasurer.
Four members are elected by the District Scout Council and up to 4 are nominated by the District Commissioner in consultation with the District Chair. The Trustee Board meets at least 4 times each year.
The District Board of Trustees exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment. Trustees must act collectively as charity trustees of the Scout District, and in the best interests of its members to:
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Comply with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
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Protect and maintain any property and equipment owned by and/or used by the District.
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Manage the District finances.
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Provide insurance for people, property, and equipment.
Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scout Council | Trustees Annual Report 2023
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Provide sufficient resources for Scouting to operate. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting recruitment, other adult support, and fundraising activities.
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Promote and support the development of Scouting in the local area.
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Manage and implement the Safety Policy locally.
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Ensure that a positive image of Scouting exists in the local community.
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Appoint and manage the operation of any sub-committees, including appointing a Chair to lead the sub-committees.
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Ensure that Young People are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels within the District.
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The opening, closure and amalgamation of Groups, Explorer Scout Units, Scout Network and Scout Active Support Units in the District as necessary.
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The appointment process within the District
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Supervising the administration of Groups, particularly in relation to finance and the trusteeship of property.
Risk and Internal Control:
The District has systems of internal control in place that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss. These include 2 signatories for all payments and insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.
3. Section C: Objectives and Activities
Summary of the objectives 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
We act with care, respect, integrity, and cooperation, exploring our own and others’ beliefs. 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:
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enjoy what they are doing and have fun
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take part in activities indoors and outdoors
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learn by doing; share in spiritual reflection
Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scout Council | Trustees Annual Report 2023
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take responsibility and make choices
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undertake new and challenging activities
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make and live by their Promise.
The main activities of the Scout District are:
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Developing Scouting in the District.
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Supporting the Scout Groups and Explorer Scout Units in the District.
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Operating a Scout Shop and District Headquarters
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Providing adult training and activity training
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Operating Scout Campsite
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Providing events to support the youth programme
4. Section D: District Commissioner Report – Achievements and Performance
I’d like to give you a quick update on what we have achieved in Harrogate and Nidderdale District in the last year, and the areas the District Leadership Team is currently focusing on.
We all know that the Covid-lockdowns impacted all levels of scouting in terms of numbers of within our District, however I’m pleased to report that we have now bounced back to our prepandemic levels and are on an upwards trend in both the number of Young People and the number of Adult volunteers. Since September 2022, we’re again offering all three sections, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts at every Group within the District, and, we also have two Squirrel Drey’s running with a further two Groups planning to open Squirrel Dreys within the forthcoming year.
In March 2022 we initiated our District Strategy and Development plan. This plan is aligned with similar initiatives at County level and with the overall #Skills for Life Strategy of the Scout Association, to support the development of young people and adult volunteers within the District. It’s a dynamic document that will help keep us on track in the years to come.
In the last year we have focused on providing more support and development opportunities for Adult Volunteers particularly with regard to adventurous activities and delivery of district wide events, and have also re-established Young Leader training. The Young Leaders Leadership Team is now fully operational and is providing training on a monthly basis to the approx. 60 Young Leaders within our district, and we now have a District Skills/Activities and Events team as an integral part of the District Structure not only providing activity training for Adult volunteers, but also supporting individual Scout Groups with adventurous activities and running district events and activities. As a result, we now have many more qualified permit holders to support High Rope activities, Archery and Tomahawk Throwing and we were able to successfully facilitate and support Hill Walking, Rock Climbing, Water Activities and Nights Away permits which in return enhances the program and the offerings to our Young People moving forward.
District events since the last AGM have included, Cubs Orienteering Competition, Beavers Sports Day, Remembrance Sunday, Cubs Mowgli Cup, St. Georges Day Parade, Scout and Explorer Winter Camp and recently the Cubs Activity Day. In addition, many of the Skills/Activities and Events Team members are also active at County Level, supporting events such as the Pateley Bridge Cub Camp last year, Junior Warrior, Ignite, and the upcoming Damboree and Larkin 24.
Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scout Council | Trustees Annual Report 2023
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I’m pleased to welcome six volunteers to join the District Leadership team in their role as Group Scout Leaders at: 7[th] Harrogate - Lynda Corner, 10[th] Harrogate - Kerry Benny, 14[th] Harrogate - Petra Koristkova, 20[th] Harrogate - Jenn Pietrowski, 23[rd] Harrogate - Sharon Gladish and 1[st] Marston Moor - Simon Blake. A big thank you goes out to all the previous GSLs who provided, and in many cases are still providing, much needed support and experience to their groups and to district over the years.
In addition to the above, we have also focused on various digital enhancements within the District as part of our Digital Strategy. Our new District website has recently gone live and we are now focusing efforts on a new Campsite and Activities Booking system utilising Online Scout Manager. An upgrade to the Wi-Fi systems at Headquarter as well as Thornthwaite centre has been completed and has vastly improved connectivity at both locations. We are also currently in the process of moving from physical keys to electronic smart locks for improved access control and to better facilitate Thornthwaite Campsite bookings, Activity bookings and booking of District HQ.
As you know, as part of the #Skills for Life strategy, the Scout Association is simplifying how we volunteer together with new roles and structures, to both improve the volunteer experience and make scouting more open, accessible, and relatable to the wider public. These exciting changes are currently in progress at District level throughout North Yorkshire. More information re the Scout Association changes are available on-line, and County/District will continue to share additional updates as they become available.
To conclude this report, I would like to thank all volunteers in Harrogate and Nidderdale for all the work you do, day in and day out. Some work might be more visible than others, but all the support, time and skills that you give truly counts and is very much appreciated, as it ensures that Scouting in Harrogate and Nidderdale District can continue to go from strength to strength.
I’ve met many young people and also their parents during my various visits to section meetings and District events. The consistent positive feedback that I hear from parents regarding the scouting that we deliver together and the infectious enjoyment of the young people is what makes it all so worthwhile.
Thank you again.
Karsten Hartmann
District Commissioner | Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts
5. Section E: Financial Review
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have reviewed the District’s financial strategy with a view to setting general reserves at a level sufficient to cover its running expenses should its income fall short, or if unforeseen emergencies or opportunities occur.
The District Trustee Board considers that the District should hold at least a sum equivalent to 12 months of normal running costs, approximately £40k.
This is in addition to unrestricted funds designated to meet the longer term aims of capital Investment in equipment and facilities and contributions towards new development projects.
The Reserves Policy will continue to be reviewed annually.
Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scout Council | Trustees Annual Report 2023
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Investment Policy
The district has adopted a medium risk strategy for the investment of its funds. Surplus funds, approximately £90k are held in Investment Assets.
6. Section F: Other Optional Information – District Contributor Reports
➢ District Board of Trustees - Report
Last AGM was very well attended.
Several changes on the Board since the AGM – several new people carrying on the excellent work of those who have allowed us to be where we are currently.
Work to the House and Campsite have enabled us to move forward after the Lockdown period. Thornthwaite Campsite going from strength to strength during the past year, hosting several District events.
Events involving our young people included:
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Cub Scouts Orienteering Competition at Brimham Rocks – July 2022
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Beaver Scouts Sports Day at Rossett - Oct 2022.
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Bonfire Night Fundraising event– Nov 2022.
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Winter Camp and Activity Day at Thornthwaite– Jan 2023.
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Mowgli Cup at District HQ – Apr 2023.
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St George’s Day Parade - Apr 2023
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Cub Scout Activity Day at Thornthwaite – May 2023
The District has also been instrumental in enabling Scouting to thrive in rural areas, seeing several volunteers coming through, outside the Harrogate area.
Dr Jean E Laight
District Trustee Board Chair | Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts
➢ Local Training - Report
Last year we had just over 200 leaders in District. Today I reckon we have around 230 adults on the books. Since the AGM last year, we have issued 11 Wood Beads and I am aware there are 3 others completed over the last few days not yet on compass. Well done all and thank you for giving your time to validate.
For mandatory training it is the leader’s own responsibility to keep safeguarding, safety and first aid up to date and the GSL’s job to monitor no one gets out of date. Reminders are sent to individual leaders showing 60 days’ notice, then again at 30 days’ notice direct from Gilwell to individual email addresses so everyone should know when the training is due.
Have you checked your email on compass lately? Has your email address changed?
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If your mandatory training expires your role will be suspended for a short time to enable you to update and ‘unsuspended’ when you are back in date. If the training stays out of date the role will be cancelled.
Getting started modules for new leaders, modules 1, 3, Safety, Safeguarding and GDPR are all to be done on eLearning with a certificate showing completion. Getting started must be completed within the 5 months allotted, that is from the time a new leader goes on to compass. Sticking point is usually having to wait for references.
Message to Group Scout Leaders; Board of Trustee members now need to complete a number of modules and keep them in date. Suspension works the same for Board of Trustee members as it does for leaders.
Each Group Scout Leader should have a copy of the district training diary. If you wish another copy for training up to Christmas, please send me an email.
Thank you to all the leaders who gave up their time to validate for their Wood Beads.
Many thanks to Christine Turner, David Leonard and Neil Thompson for their time and input into the training sessions and the Training Advisor’s who try their best to encourage leaders to gain their Wood Beads.
Pat Roberts
Local Training Manager | Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts
➢ Scout Active Support Unit (Skills and Activities) – Report
The past 12 months has seen a great expansion in skills and qualified instructors to match the introduction of new activities at the Thornthwaite Centre. We have run training courses for the Thornthwaite High Ropes, Archery and Tomahawk Throwing. During the year CLARO Orienteering Club have produced an up-to-date orienteering map of the Thornthwaite Site and suggested a permanent course which we had opportunity to trial at the recent District Cub Activity Day.
The District Skills team has grown over the past 12 months and now that we have expanded activities up and running at Thornthwaite, in the next 12 months we hope to be able to work on introducing other skills training in the district. My thanks to the team members and I'm really pleased that Luke Harrison is taking on the team in his DDC Programme Role, it's been a pleasure working with Luke and I'm glad we'll still be working together on skills.
Personally, as I concentrate on my role as a District Skills Instructor, I hope to focus on all things navigation (hill walking, orienteering, map reading, gps, geocaching, hiking for all age sections, ,,,). See you at the correct end of a compass bearing.
Mike Higlett
Former ADC Skills & Event Support | Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts
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➢ Scout Active Support Unit (Events) – Report
Following the couple of fallow years (for obvious reasons) we were pleased to be able to host a number of district events this year for Young People and Leaders alike, a year of welcome
returns:
The district organised bonfire night catering was a great hit with the Harrogate Public who appreciated the consistent offering and value for money.
The Scouting attendance returned to the district Remembrance Day Event at the Harrogate Cenotaph.
In January the Winter Camp at Thornthwaite returned with fantastic participant feedback for the weekend experience.
The Cub Mowgli Cup made a welcome return in early April
Both Harrogate & Knaresborough saw a return of their full St George's Day Parade, with the damp squib of a Government Emergency Notification Test.
Most recently in May we saw the District Cub Activity Day at Thornthwaite trialling a new format. It appeared to work well with some good feedback about cubs enjoying the event and some ideas on how to make it better.
Moving forward, the District now has an Active Support Unit that focuses on event delivery. This is a small core team that calls upon the help of other adults for specific events. During the coming year, as well as repeating the events above, we hope to introduce other events including something district wide for Beavers & Squirrels and the reintroduction of the popular Monopoly Events.
Mike Higlett
Former ADC Skills & Event Support | Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts
➢ Scout Active Support Unit (Fellowship) - Report
Our renamed group comprises twenty-three members of which at least nine have other active roles in the District or County.
Our main role is that most months we spend a day working at the campsite either on outside jobs or thoroughly cleaning the centre.
We also meet socially several times a year.
We are available to help with District activities requiring extra people such as the Mowgli Cup competition and the recent Cub Scout Activity day.
David Leonard
Scout Active Support Unit – Fellowship | Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts
➢ Scout Shop
It has been another successful and busy year in the scout shop, which is open each Thursday at Culross House, District Headquarters, Omega Street, from 6pm to 8pm (during term time). If
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these times prove difficult, we are able to make alternative arrangements to try to be helpful and accommodating to our customers.
We are now almost back to pre-pandemic trading as normality resumes. However, like many other business, availability of stock is still being affected by the aftermath of the pandemic and now the Felixstowe strikes causing delays to deliveries not being able to dock. We have been grateful to all parents and leaders for their patience and understanding as they have waited for certain items to come back on the shelves. As the cost of living has risen sharply over the last year so, unfortunately, have prices for uniforms and badges. In spite of this we are still able to offer a discount which sits favourably with all the customers.
Although it is our District shop, run by volunteers from Harrogate and Nidderdale District, it also benefits Scouting throughout our county and beyond as we have many customers from Ripon, York and South Craven from North Yorkshire as well as Hull and Wetherby. We are pleased to be able to support their Scouting needs.
The two hours on a Thursday evening are very enjoyable and sociable and much networking takes place in the shop. I am personally very grateful to Moira Hainge for her weekly support and to other members of Scout Active Support Unit- Fellowship for their sessions on the rota. If anyone else feels that the shop is their calling and would like to volunteer to be on the shop rota please email on shop@harrogatescouts.org.uk and we can arrange a time for you to come in to see how we work.
Volunteering in the shop could also be used as a service for part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme so if any Explorer Scouts or Network members are in need of a service opportunity and feel this could be for them, please get in touch at the above email.
Thank you to those district groups who support the shop by purchasing from us and directing parents to us to purchase uniforms. The district benefits greatly from the use of the shop. We have met some congenial and interesting people over the last year so do keep the footfall coming to support the district and make our Thursday evenings so pleasant.
Jill Connors
Badge Secretary/ Shop Manager | Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts
➢ Omega Street Headquarters House Committee - Report
Since the last AGM significant changes have been made to our District HQ.
New windows and doors were installed which have visually improved the exterior of the building. In addition, a new Smart lock system was successfully implemented to allow better visibility and access to the district downstairs and upstairs meeting rooms as well as the Quartermaster store.
Upstairs two rooms were combined to form a new Meeting Room including a big Conference Screen which has proved to be a very useful addition. Secure document Storage facilities were installed to facility the ongoing document review and archiving process.
The move to a new Broadband provider and an upgrade to the Wi-Fi system has been completed and has significantly improved connectivity which now allows team conferencing and sharing of information. In addition, the District Commercial Printer has been repaired and serviced and is now available for different district teams to support their work by printing up to A3 format.
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Forthcoming projects, hopefully this summer, include decorating the upstairs room outside the shop, the staircase, and the large room downstairs. Installation of a Web camera to support inperson and remote hybrid meetings and a large screen in the downstairs meeting room to support district training and larger team meetings.
Brenda Wilson
Omega Street HQ House Committee | Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts
➢ Thornthwaite Campsite and Centre
The District SASU-Fellowship team with the help of Leaders from the District have continued to ensure the Campsite is maintained. We thank them for their valued contributions.
The District Board of Trustees have been very supportive of Thornthwaite over the last 12 months and have approved significant investment in both activities and infrastructure.
We are now able to offer archery, tomahawk throwing and tree climbing to complement crate stacking. Adult volunteers have been trained as Instructors for these activities.
Investment continues in the site environment to ensure it remains a safe place for our young people use. A number of trees have been removed to allow light into the camping areas and any that had the potential to cause injury were also removed. All felled timber has remained at the campsite for use during scouting activities. We have also upgraded the security of the site and added additional signage for users of the public footpath that runs from the stream to the car park.
An upgrade to the Wi-Fi system in the centre has been completed and has improved connectivity. This has allowed us to begin the process of moving from physical keys to electronic locks.
During March 2023 we were delighted to receive a grant from Harrogate Borough Council for the purchase of a Public Access Defibrillator for the site.
Site bookings have been consistent throughout the year, with visitors to the site both camping and in the centre most weekends. We have hosted a number of District events, such as Winter Camp and Cub Activity Day, as well as events being run at Thornthwaite by other Districts. Our visitors are mainly from Scouts, but also include Schools, Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, Outdoor Activity Providers, faith and family groups.
Peter Romanec
Thornthwaite Campsite Chair | Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts
➢ Explorer Scouts, Young Leaders, DofE – Report
The Explorer Scout Units within our District are now fully active with some excellent events and camps occurring across the District.
The provision for Young Leaders training is working well with the team established in 2022, led by Tom Whitelegg ESL-YL and Chantell Langford AESL. Additional assistance has been provided by other ESLs on occasion for which we are very grateful.
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The training consists of a Module a month, with the exception of July, August and December. In addition, several Module A sessions have been held and will continue to be held on a regular basis.
In addition, there is a good deal of activity with DofE across the district which is great to see.
We hope to run an Explorer “Scavenger Hunt” event in September, based on the Monopoly idea but modernised and digitised!
Russ Hirst
District Explorer Scout Commissioner | Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts
➢ Appointments Committee - Report
We have had a total of 17 meetings of the Appointments Committee during the last 12 months. Direct discussions took place with 50 new volunteers willing to take on either Leader or Section Assistant role i.e., 1 for Section Leader, 25 for Assistant Leader, 20 for Section Assistant, and 2 each for Group Scout Leader and Deputy Scout Leader roles. All proved satisfactory for their respective roles,
The Committee also approved 32 changes of roles within the District plus 9 stepping down to Occasional Helpers. 7 individuals added a further role alongside their existing one.
Regrettably, we had to note the resignation and membership closure of 16 from Leader / Section Assistant roles.
Should anyone be interested in joining the Committee they would be made most welcome to discuss with us what the role involves.
Bryan Wilson
Appointment Advisory Committee Secretary | Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts
7. 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 Position (e.g. Chair) Date |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jean Laight | Karsten Hartmann | ||||||
| District Chair | District Commissioner | ||||||
| D | D | M | M | Y | Y |
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