Trustees’ Annual Report
For the period:
| From | 01/01/2025 | To | 31/12/2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charity Name | 21st Warrington West (1st Appleton) Scout Group |
||
| Charity Registration Number (if registered - leave blank if excepted charity) |
702874 | ||
| HQ Registration Number | 10014246 |
Objectives and activities
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Summary of the purpose and The objectives of the charity are as a part of The Scout Association.
objects of the charity as set
out in its governing document The Purpose of Scouting
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their
personal development, empowering them to make a positive
contribution to society.
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values
Integrity – We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal
Respect – We have self-respect and respect for others
Care – We support others and take care of the world in which we live
Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes
Co-operation – We make a positive difference; we co-operate with
others and make friends
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults,
work together based on the values of scouting and:
- enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
- make and live by their promise
Summary of the main 1) Running of Section and Group activities and events (weekly
activities in relation to the meetings, hikes, camps, jamborees, parades and fundraising
purpose and objects events)
2) Management of Group premises and equipment, including stores
3) Managing appointments and safeguarding within the Group
4) Management of link with Explorer Scouts, Girl Guide Groups and
other organisations using the facilities
Statement confirming the The Trustees confirm that the charity meets the Charity Commission’s
trustees have had regard to Public Benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and
the guidance issued by the the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
Charity Commission on
public benefit
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21[st] Warrington West (1[st] Appleton) Scout GroupTrustees’ Annual Report for the period 1.1.25 to 31.12.25
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Achievements and performance
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year identifying the difference and impact the charity’s work has made, including on sustainability You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about: Achievements against objectives Fundraising activities Contribution made by volunteers |
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year. Activities:The Group held a Camp to celebrate our 60thAnniversary. All Sections were active with lots of #Skillsforlife input. The Chief Scout’s Award is the top badge for each section. In 2025 7 Beaver Bronze, 4 Cub Silver and 4 Scout Gold Awards were made. Resources:Leadership teams for all three sections continue to develop. We remain at good strength (could always use more!), and these volunteers stay up to date on required training (Safety, Safeguarding, First Aid, DBS) and other training in support of their roles and in delivering safe and exciting scouting. Finances:Switched to using OSM for collection of Membership Fees. Claimed Gift Aid on Membership Fees. Also using OSM Accountancy tool to give quicker view of finance position. Insurance reinstatement cover for the Building is at £696,000 and Property & Equipment £45,796 Fundraising:Applied for and received donations from Stretton Parish Council £1000, Tesco Groundworks £500, Basell Polyolefins £1500, Warrington Charities Trust £500, Warrington Training Trust £2500 Volunteers:A number of our volunteers were recognised for their service. Joe Sullivan 10 years, Julie King 5 years Good Service. Lindsay Watkinson, Duncan Wareham, Geoff Harman Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service. Stuart Kilburn Award for Merit, Stephen Cummings Bar to the Award for Merit. Congratulations to them all and thank you for their service. |
|---|---|
Financial review
| Review of the financial position |
The charity holds sufficient funds to meet the reserves and restricted funds. The charity receives grants towards specific projects and also payments towards a group trip to Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) in 2027. These funds are restricted and are therefore only used for the specified purpose. As at 31stDecember 2025 restricted funds were: - £458 for the KISC trip - £200 donation towards trees and plants in the grounds - £500 from Tesco Groundwork grant towards mess tents - £435 remaining from the Basel Polyolefins grant Total restricted funds = £1,593 |
|---|---|
| Policy on Reserves, why they are held, and the amount of reserves |
The policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the charity should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Trustee Board considers that the charity should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £11,500. The charity held reserves of approximately £11,500 against this at year end. This is at the level required for operating expenses. |
21[st] Warrington West (1[st] Appleton) Scout GroupTrustees’ Annual Report for the period 1.1.25 to 31.12.25
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The charity also holds funds designated for the future estimated costs of some hall and grounds maintenance works that are expected to be required periodically over several years (in particular electrical EICR and PAT certification, tree maintenance, main hall floor refurbishment and an allowance towards other similar maintenance work). In addition, the Trustee Board has agreed to hold an amount to enable a contribution towards group camps. As at 31[st] December 2024 the total reserve held for maintenance works and group camps was £10,000. During 2025 the reserve for tree work (around £1,000) was used to cover the cost of work carried out to maintain trees in the grounds. The Trustee Board have decided to increase the remaining reserve for maintenance works and camps by approximately £1,500 to give a total reserve of £10,500 as at 31[st] December 2025.
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Policy on Investments and The charity’s reserves are small and as a consequence does not have investment performance sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The charity has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies.
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A description of the principal The Group Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they risks believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. A Safe Scouting Premises Audit was carried out during the year, there were a small number of action points undertaken to further improve the systems and procedures in place. The main areas of risk the Group is exposed to are: 1) Damage to the building, property and equipment. The Group request the correct use of buildings, property and equipment from members and other hosted organisations such as the Explorer Units, Guide Groups and other users. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss. The building rebuild cost is reassessed every 3 years and was last completed in 2024 at £696,000. The Assets were reviewed, documented and costed for insurance renewal at £45,796. In the event of damage to the property restricting use, arrangements would be sought with other local facilities for temporary use e.g., Parish Halls, other Scout Groups, School halls.
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2) 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. The Group takes out additional Personal Accident, Medical Expenses insurance to cover adult helpers who are not members of The Scout Association.
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3) Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions, fundraising, donations and grants. The Group does hold a small reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. Fundraising and grant applications are a regular activity towards projects e.g., building improvements or special camps.
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4) Membership Fees (Subscriptions). The Committee annually reviews the level of Membership Fees (Subscriptions) to manage the income to the Group. An increase is being made with effect from 1[st] July 2026 from £156pa to £168pa. Management of Membership fees through OSM makes the payments more visible and easier to manage.
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5) Reduction or loss of leaders. The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Group. If
21[st] Warrington West (1[st] Appleton) Scout GroupTrustees’ Annual Report for the period 1.1.25 to 31.12.25
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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 would have to be considered. 6) Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for young people aged 6 to 14. If there was a reduction in membership 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 would have to be considered. Given the high volume of new housing in the south Warrington area, this is a very low risk. 7) Financial. The Group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss; these include two signatories for all payments and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.
Structure, governance and management
| Type of governing document | The charity’s governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scout Association. |
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| How the charity is constituted | The charity is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. It is constituted as an educational charity. |
| Trustee selection methods | The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. |
| Policies and procedures for the induction and training of trustees |
All Trustees complete The Scout Association trustee and mandatory learning within the first six months of joining the Trustee Board, they also complete other Scout Association mandatory learning periodically as required. |
| Additional governance arrangements |
The charity is managed by the Trustee Board, the members of which are the “Charity Trustees”. 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 seven Trustees and meets a minimum three times a year. The Trustee Board exists to support the Leadership Teams in meeting the responsibilities of their appointments and in supporting them to run high-quality and safe programs that give young people skills for life. The Trustee Board maintain appropriate governance policies and oversight. The Trustee Board is responsible for carrying out its purposes for the public benefit, complying with the charity’s governing document and the law, and managing the charity’s resources responsibly. The Trustee Board is responsible for ensuring the charity is well managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good order and everyone follows legal requirements and Scout Association Policy, Organisation & Rules. This includes responsibility for: Promoting a positive image of Scouting in the community, as well as its development; |
21[st] Warrington West (1[st] Appleton) Scout GroupTrustees’ Annual Report for the period 1.1.25 to 31.12.25
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| Developing, maintaining and regularly a risk register, including putting in place appropriate mitigations; Ensuring that the finances are properly managed, and there are sufficient resources (and reserves) to deliver high quality Scouting; Ensuring a system of internal controls is in place that is designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss; Ensuring that property is appropriately managed; Maintaining appropriate insurance of persons, property and equipment; Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; Having an open and transparent selection process for the recruitment of Trustees; Appointing Advisors as required; Ensuring effective administration is in place to support the Trustee Board; Ensuring compliance with applicable governance and charity regulations, including in respect to safety and safeguarding; Ensuring incidents are appropriately reported in line with regulation and policy; Ensuring applicable policies and regulations are regularly reviewed and changes implemented as appropriate; Ensuring transparency of operations, including in the preparation of accounts and holding and AGM; Ensuring compliance with Data Protection legislation; Acting as a responsible employer for any employees, who are effectively managed. |
Developing, maintaining and regularly a risk register, including putting in place appropriate mitigations; Ensuring that the finances are properly managed, and there are sufficient resources (and reserves) to deliver high quality Scouting; Ensuring a system of internal controls is in place that is designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss; Ensuring that property is appropriately managed; Maintaining appropriate insurance of persons, property and equipment; Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; Having an open and transparent selection process for the recruitment of Trustees; Appointing Advisors as required; Ensuring effective administration is in place to support the Trustee Board; Ensuring compliance with applicable governance and charity regulations, including in respect to safety and safeguarding; Ensuring incidents are appropriately reported in line with regulation and policy; Ensuring applicable policies and regulations are regularly reviewed and changes implemented as appropriate; Ensuring transparency of operations, including in the preparation of accounts and holding and AGM; Ensuring compliance with Data Protection legislation; Acting as a responsible employer for any employees, who are effectively managed. |
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Plans for future periods
Plans for future Periods
Short term: - Surface or cushions to support the bouldering wall - Noise reduction in main hall - Improved insulation above the main hall Medium term: - hot water heating system - restore driveway from double gates to garage - building heating - external hard standing area in front of the hall to allow activities outside even if grass area is wet.
Reference and administration details
Principal Address The Scout Hall Dudlow Green Road Appleton Warrington WA4 5EQ
21[st] Warrington West (1[st] Appleton) Scout GroupTrustees’ Annual Report for the period 1.1.25 to 31.12.25
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Names of the charity trustees who Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
manage the charity year
1 Charlie Mitchell Chair
2 Stephen Cummings Lead Volunteer
3 Linda Paginton Treasurer
4 Paul Carey
5 Simon O’Hara
6 Alex Green
7 Julie King
8 Dawn MacDonald
9 Andy Mountain
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Name and address of advisors
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Type of advisor Name Address
Independent Examiner / Auditor Amy Taylor c/o The Scout Hall
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Dudlow Green Road Appleton Warrington WA4 5EQ
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees by:
| Signed on behalf of the charity’s | trustees by: | |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | ||
| Full name | Linda Paginton | Charlie Mitchell |
| Position held | Treasurer | Chair |
| Date | 01/07/2026 | 2/7/26 |
21[st] Warrington West (1[st] Appleton) Scout GroupTrustees’ Annual Report for the period 1.1.25 to 31.12.25
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21st Warrington West (1st Appleton) Scout Group (Charity no. 702874) Receipts and payments account for the year 1/1/2025 to 31/12/2025
Receipts and payments
| Receipts and payments | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts | Unrestricted funds £ |
Restricted Funds £ |
2024 Total £ |
Unrestricted funds £ |
Restricted Funds £ |
International Trip 2027 £ |
2025 Total £ |
|
| Donations, legacies and similar income | ||||||||
| Membership subscriptions | 9,806.00 | - |
9,806.00 | 8,180.00 | - |
- | 8,180.00 | |
| Donations | 220.00 | - |
220.00 | 199.00 | - |
- | 199.00 | |
| Gift Aid | 2,655.26 | - |
2,655.26 | 2,467.58 | - |
- | 2,467.58 | |
| Sub total | 12,681.26 | - |
12,681.26 | 10,846.58 | - |
- | 10,846.58 | |
| Grants | ||||||||
| Grants | - | 5,000.00 | 5,000.00 | - | 12,000.00 | 12,000.00 | ||
| Sub total | - | 5,000.00 | 5,000.00 | - | 12,000.00 | - |
12,000.00 | |
| Fundraising events (gross) | ||||||||
| Plant Sales | 7,100.89 | - |
7,100.89 | 10,612.00 | - |
- | 10,612.00 | |
| General Fundraising | 3,019.71 | - |
3,019.71 | 431.02 | - |
- | 431.02 | |
| Sub total | 10,120.60 | - |
10,120.60 | 11,043.02 | - |
- | 11,043.02 | |
| Scout Group income | ||||||||
| Hire of building | 1,120.00 | - |
1,120.00 | 5,905.00 | - |
- | 5,905.00 | |
| Section Income Beavers |
510.00 | - |
510.00 | 541.00 | - |
- | 541.00 | |
| Cubs | 4,966.00 | - |
4,966.00 | 1,882.00 | - |
- | 1,882.00 | |
| Scouts | 3,435.00 | - |
3,435.00 | 4,170.00 | 18,960.00 | 23,130.00 | ||
| Group | 1,617.03 | - |
1,617.03 | 1,925.87 | - |
- | 1,925.87 | |
| Sub total | 11,648.03 | - |
11,648.03 | 14,423.87 | - |
18,960.00 | 33,383.87 | |
| Investment income | ||||||||
| Bank interest | 179.46 | - |
179.46 | 180.69 | - |
- | 180.69 | |
| Sub total | 179.46 | - |
179.46 | 180.69 | - |
- | 180.69 | |
| Total Gross Income/receipts Payments |
||||||||
| 34,629.35 | 5,000.00 | 39,629.35 | 36,494.16 | 12,000.00 | 18,960.00 | 67,454.16 | ||
| Charitable Payments | ||||||||
| Membership subscriptions | 4,196.50 | - |
4,196.50 | 4,260.00 | - |
- | 4,260.00 | |
| Youth programme and activities | 10,002.56 | - |
10,002.56 | 11,906.88 | 1,065.00 | 18,502.00 | 31,473.88 | |
| Water and Sewerage | 473.64 | - |
473.64 | 555.92 | - |
- | 555.92 | |
| Electricity | 2,462.69 | - |
2,462.69 | 2,222.14 | - |
- | 2,222.14 | |
| Insurance | 1,366.00 | - |
1,366.00 | 1,560.76 | - |
- | 1,560.76 | |
| Property maintenance | 2,588.43 | - |
2,588.43 | 4,087.58 | - |
- | 4,087.58 | |
| Materials and equipment | 28.94 | - |
28.94 |
1,362.53 | - |
- | 1,362.53 | |
| Postage, administration and secretarial | 438.15 | - |
438.15 | 358.14 | - |
- | 358.14 | |
| Uniforms and neckers | 116.84 | - |
116.84 | 466.78 | - |
- | 466.78 | |
| Charitable donation | 35.00 | - |
- | 35.00 |
||||
| AGM and trustee expenses | 65.15 | - |
65.15 |
- | - | - |
- | |
| Projects - landscaping and equipment purchase | - | 1,976.24 | 1,976.24 | - | - | - |
- | |
| Projects - Diamond improvements/bouldering wall | 1,890.80 | 7,750.00 | - |
9,640.80 | ||||
| Projects - flooring in hall | - | - | - |
810.75 | 7,250.00 | - |
8,060.75 | |
| Projects - tree work | 1,020.00 | - |
- | 1,020.00 | ||||
| GoCardless and Equals cards fees | 406.84 | - |
406.84 | 826.70 | - |
- | 826.70 | |
| Sub total | 22,145.74 | 1,976.24 | 24,121.98 | 31,363.98 | 16,065.00 | 18,502.00 | 65,930.98 | |
| Fundraising expenses | ||||||||
| Plant Sales | 4,047.04 | - |
4,047.04 | 5,633.15 | - |
- | 5,633.15 | |
| General Fundraising | 837.57 | - |
837.57 | 66.39 | - |
- | 66.39 |
|
| Sub total | 4,884.61 | - |
4,884.61 | 5,699.54 | - |
- | 5,699.54 | |
| Total Gross Expenditure/payments Net of receipts/(payments) Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
||||||||
| 27,030.35 | 1,976.24 | 29,006.59 | 37,063.52 | 16,065.00 | 18,502.00 | 71,630.52 | ||
| 7,599.00 | 3,023.76 | 10,622.76 | - 569.36 |
- 4,065.00 |
458.00 |
- 4,176.36 |
||
| 19,389.18 | 2,176.24 | 21,565.42 | 26,988.18 | 5,200.00 | - |
32,188.18 | ||
| 26,988.18 | 5,200.00 | 32,188.18 | 26,418.82 | 1,135.00 | 458.00 |
28,011.82 |
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
| Unrestricted funds Restricted Funds Total £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted Funds Total £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted Funds Total £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted Funds Total £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted Funds International Trip 2027 Total £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted Funds International Trip 2027 Total £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted Funds International Trip 2027 Total £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted Funds International Trip 2027 Total £ £ £ £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash funds | ||||||||
| Lloyds Bank current account | 8,986.87 | - |
8,986.87 | 5,609.33 | - |
- | 5,609.33 | |
| Lloyds Bank OSM account | 386.97 | - |
386.97 | - | - | 458.00 |
458.00 | |
| Lloyds Bank savings account | 17,155.70 | 5,200.00 | 22,355.70 | 19,663.87 | 1,135.00 | - |
20,798.87 | |
| Equals cash cards | 378.64 | 378.64 | 786.97 | - |
- | 786.97 | ||
| Equals cash balance | 80.00 | 80.00 | 358.65 | - |
- | 358.65 | ||
| Total cash funds | 26,988.18 | 5,200.00 | 32,188.18 | 26,418.82 | 1,135.00 | 458.00 |
28,011.82 | |
| Total net assets | 26,988.18 | 5,200.00 | 32,188.18 | 26,418.82 | 1,135.00 | 458.00 |
28,011.82 |
The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 2nd July 2026 (the date of the Trustee Board meeting that approved the accounts) and signed on their behalf by
| meeting that approved the accounts) and signed on their behalf by | ||
|---|---|---|
| Signature | Print Name | |
| Chair | Charlie Mitchell | |
| Treasurer | Linda Paginton |
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of 21[st] Warrington West (1[st] Appleton) Scout Group
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 21[st] Warrington West (1[st] Appleton) Scout Group for the year ended 31[st] December 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the 21[st] Warrington West (1[st] Appleton) 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 21[st] Warrington West (1[st] Appleton) 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the 21[st] Warrington West (1[st] Appleton) Scout Group as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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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:
Name: Amy Taylor
Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): FCA, ICAEW
Address: 19 Edenbridge Gardens, WA4 5FH
Date: 02/07/2026
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