The Scout Association Northern Ireland Scout Council annual report for the year ended 31 March 2023 ## **THE ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2023** ## **CONTENTS** Letter from the President ------------------------------------------------------------------1 Northern Ireland Scout Council ------------------------------------------------------------2 Chief Commissioner’s Report -------------------------------------------------------------4 Programme --------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 People -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8 Perception ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 Crawfordsburn Scout Centre ------------------------------------------------------------ 10 Membership ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 Youth Awards --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 Adult Awards for Good Service --------------------------------------------------------- 14 Fundamentals of Scouting --------------------------------------------------------------- 16 Structure, Governance and Management------------------------------------------------ 17 Financial Review------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 Chair of the Board ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 Financial Statements -------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 ## **Letter from the President** During this past year we were saddened at the death of our Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who was a shining example to all Scouts of how to keep a promise to serve others and I was so proud of those Scouts from Northern Ireland who served on the support team at her Lying in State and funeral. I am pleased to introduce this Annual report which gives an overview of the many events and activities which have taken place during another very busy year for Scouts NI. I am sure it will bring you as much pleasure and encouragement as it has to me. The many restrictions caused by the COVID19 pandemic, seemed to fade away as Scouting came bouncing back with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. I wish to thank and congratulate our Chief Commissioner, along with his Team NI and all the Leaders across the province, who have risen to the challenge to give the best Scouting to more young people. My thanks to all those who have stepped down from various roles during the year and I wish ongoing success to everyone who has taken up new posts and joined new teams. to provide new facilities, activities and programmes, and I would like to thank everyone who has supported Scouts NI in any way. On behalf of the Northern Ireland Scout Council, I would offer my deepest sympathy to all the relatives and friends of all those members of our Scout Movement (our family) who sadly passed away during the past year. In closing I look forward to the year ahead, to be able to see Scouting in action, congratulate those Scouts who achieve Awards and say thanks and well done to all those who give of their best for the good of Scouting, of which we are all so proud to belong. **Philip Scott** President 1 ## **Northern Ireland Scout Council** The Scout Association (Incorporated by Royal Charter) Founder: The Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB, LLD Chief Scout: Bear Grylls Philip Scott BEM Ian Coates David Fawcett DL Kenneth Gillespie Colin Lammey Wilfred Mulryne OBE George Purdy CBE Stephen Donaldson Henry Brown Gary Proctor Jonathan Gracey President: Vice Presidents Chief Commissioner: Stephen Donaldson Chair: Henry Brown Hon Treasurer: Gary Proctor Secretary: Jonathan Gracey Chair of Finance and General Purposes Sub-Committee: Rosemary Forde Chair of Strategy & Delivery Sub-Committee: Stephen Bell Bankers: Ulster Bank Ltd 11-16 Donegall Square East Belfast BT1 5UB Northern Ireland Registration Number with the Scout Association: 30000 Charity Commission Registration No. NIC103542 Contact: Jonathan Gracey Chief Executive The Scout Association Northern Ireland Scout Council, 109 Old Milltown Road, Belfast, BT8 7SP ## **Northern Ireland Scout Council Membership** ## **Northern Ireland** ## **Commissioners** Rachel Gilliland, Beavers Kiara Kennedy, Cubs Trevor Hendren, Scouts Michael Morrison, Explorers Emma Webster, Network Justin Gawn, Inclusion Alan Parkes, Crawfordsburn Andrew Stacey, Activities & Activity Permits Ciaran McGrath, Adult Support Danielle Markwell, Deputy Adult Support Caroline Brown, International **Chairs** Kayleigh Finlay, Youth (18-24) Henry Brown, Board Rosemary Forde, Finance & General Purposes Stephen Bell, Strategy & Delivery William Humphrey, Crawfordsburn Peter Wilson, Perception Barbara Edgar, People David Scott, Programme **Nominees of Chief** ## **County Commissioners** Len Hall, Antrim Rodney Watson BEM, Armagh & Down Stephen Mallet, Belfast Rosemary Forde, Fermanagh Stephanie Meikle, Londonderry Nigel Collins, Tyrone **Commissioner** Chris Thompson Roger Thompson 2 ## **COUNTY REPRESENTATION** ## **County Antrim** Leslie Carswell Aaron Coates Mark McKeag Callum McCloskey (18-24) Ellie Hughes (18-24) Declan Larkin (18-24) **County Armagh** Richard Gilpin Simon Kelly Timothy Neill Joanne Stewart Tom McCann (18-24) Patrick Hammond (18-24) **Belfast County** Maureen Campbell Wilson Lambe Jeanette Allen Scott Hamilton Sasha Barrett-Ferris (18-24) Scott Robinson (18-24) **County Down** Evan Fleming Adrian Hale Stephanie Potter Leanne McGrath Kayleigh Finlay (18-24) Megan Hunter (18-24) **County Fermanagh** Alan Armstrong Richard McBride Jackson Armstrong (18-24) ## **County Londonderry** Trevor Blair Jean Major Carol Mooney David Peden James Greer (18-24) Joshua Dripps (18-24) **County Tyrone** Freddie Graham Don Morrow John Mullan Raymond Gillespie ## **DISTRICT REPRESENTATION** **Slemish District** Steven Millar, DC Bill McCullough **Lisburn District** Colin Hewitt, DC Paul Clydesdale Cameron Ringland (18-24) **South East Antrim District** Stephen Bell, DC Emili Irvine (18-24) Joshua Irvine (18-24) **Armagh District** Joy Minish, DC Caroline Dawson Jack Sommerville (18-24) **East Belfast District** Victoria Gammon Gareth McAuley ## **North Belfast District** Agnes Colgan, DC Valerie Gibson Adam McCambridge (18-24) **Lagan District** Norman McKee, DC Ian Stewart **North West Belfast District** Scott Hamilton, DC William Humphrey MBE **North Down District** Pamela Dunseath, DC Chris MacArtney Mark Hennessy (18-24) **South Down District** John Bradshaw **Strangford District** Danielle Markwell, DC Maureen Smyth Daniel Hunter (18-24) ## **Fermanagh District** Kenneth Reilly Estrella Sanchez Barahona **Londonderry District** Adam Meikle Paul Meikle Grace Owens (18-24) **Tyrone District** Neal Linnegan David Skuce ## **Executive** Henry Brown Rosemary Forde Stephen Bell Stephen Donaldson Gary Proctor Chris Thompson Colin Lammey Kayleigh Finlay ## **The Board** Chair: Henry Brown Stephen Donaldson Gary Proctor Stephen Bell Rosemary Forde Chris Thompson Colin Lammey Sasha Barrett-Ferris Becca Buchanan Jean Major Norman McKee Barbara Edgar Danielle Markwell Ciaran McGrath Scott Robinson Paul Dickson Anne Nicholson Rodney Watson Rhiannon Wells Kayleigh Finlay **Finance and General Purposes Sub-Committee** Chair: Rosemary Forde Gary Proctor Roger Thompson Colin Lammey Alan Palmer Chris O'Neill Chris Thompson Rhiannon Wells Rodney Watson Jean Major William Humphrey Ex-officio Henry Brown Stephen Donaldson **Strategy and Delivery Sub-Committee** Chair: Stephen Bell David Scott Barbara Edgar Peter Wilson Nigel Collins Kayleigh Finlay Paul Dickson Ex-officio Henry Brown Stephen Donaldson 3 ## **Chief Commissioner** Scouts NI has had a busy year as we recover fully from the COVID-19 pandemic. It was encouraging that our Census 2023 numbers once again grew year on year, but not yet back to 2020 numbers which was the target. recognition as an integral part of UK Scouting returned over 1,000 members, testament to the hard work of the Squirrel Team and of course those who went before them during the difficult days of the transfer process. Following on from the AGM last year Scouts NI launched a consultation process on restructuring operations within Scouts NI as it was felt that the current support structure was no longer fit for purpose and too many roles remained unfulfilled. The Board approved a series of roadshows across the province to gauge Leaders’ opinion and the month of November saw representatives of the Board travelling to every County. We hope to be in a position to move to a shadow structure in Autumn 2023 and fully implement by Autumn 2024. This past year has also seen a move to update the Sub-Committees of the Board and the Programme and Development Sub-Committee was wound up and a new Strategy and Delivery Sub-Committee was formed with three Sub-Groups - Programme, People and Perception. Stephen Bell continues as Chair of Strategy and Delivery Sub-Committee and David Scott, Barbara Edgar and Peter Wilson are Chairing the respective Sub-Groups. I am really pleased how this has worked out and some great discussions will lead to better outcomes across Scouts NI. This past year has seen four members of Team NI step down. Anne Nicholson, who has been a great advocate of the Scout Section has taken some time out to be with her family, Jonny Hoy just found the time commitment to Cubs to be too much, Barbara Edgar has handed over the Beaver Team role after many very successful years, and Richard Dorrian has finished his term as Crawfordsburn Commissioner and returned to Scouting with 3[rd] Ards. We wish them all well in their continued Scouting and thank them very much for all they have accomplished. We have during the year welcomed Kiara Kennedy to Cubs, Trevor Hendren to Scouts, Rachel Gilliland to Beavers, and Andrew Stacey has combined his Activity Permit Scheme Manager role with supporting all Activity related issues. We look forward to them continuing to grow these Sections and supporting the Leaders. We have also formalised the Crawfordsburn Management Sub-Group and welcome William Humphrey as its Chair. 4 We also lost Michael Croft from the Staff Team, thank you Michael for your contribution. In more positive news we were able to appoint two new members to the Staff Team during the year, Emma Stevenson and Pamela Emerson joined as Growth and Engagement Officers under the guidance of Vicky Flanagan, Strategy and Engagement Manager. This Team has achieved great things during the year in support of the County and District Commissioners achieving growth in all areas. Special mention must be made of 117[th] Belfast Islamic Scout Group, which after starting last Autumn, has gone from strength to strength under the care of Vicky Flanagan’s Team, Belfast County and Lagan District. Emily Erskine also completed her term as Youth Commissioner, and we are grateful to her for her contributions to supporting Youth Shaped Scouting. I am delighted to have been able to appoint Kayleigh Finlay to the role and look forward to continuing to work closely with Kayleigh to further the role of young members within Scouts NI. The young people top Awards ceremony returned to Belfast City Hall, and we welcomed CJ Ledger Deputy UK Chief Commissioner to Scouts NI. It was really encouraging to see so many top Awards achieved after the COVID-19 break, and congratulations and thanks are due not only to the young people but also the Leaders who have enabled this to happen. The World Scout Jamboree Unit has gelled into a very capable and inspiring group of young people and Leaders, and we really look forward to hearing all about their adventures in South Korea this summer. I would like to thank Henry Brown and all the members of the Trustee Board for their help and support during the year, your advice has always been willingly given and gratefully received. Thanks also to Rosemary Forde Chair of Finance and General Purposes Sub-Committee and Stephen Bell, Chair of Strategy and Delivery SubCommittee. In a year of change, both nationally and locally, the County Commissioners have been a constant source of strength, even when constantly challenged about compliance with mandatory training. This is something which is an ongoing concern as we try to ensure that Scouting in Northern Ireland is a safe space for all young people and adults. It would be remiss not to mention Jonathan Gracey, Chief Executive, and the staff at Ardnavally and Crawfordsburn Scout Centre who all go far over and above their contracted hours in support of our volunteers, something for which we are all extremely grateful. In concluding this report, I want to emphasise how much Scouts NI has achieved in this year of recovery. We have had members of Network attend Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Lying in State and Funeral in London and the Coronation of King Charles III some months later, a Jamboree Unit prepared to go to South Korea, Queen’s and now King’s Scouts attending Windsor, been able to once again have Beaver Rally Day, and had a very exciting Squirrel Day. We have been able to hold top Awards ceremonies for young people and adults. On top of all this we have considered how best to support our Leaders across Scouts NI, and prepared for National transformation, but above all we have provided fun, challenge and adventure for a growing number of young people. It is only by working together at all levels of Scouting that we can continue to grow our presence in every community in Northern Ireland, to enable more young people to gain #SkillsForLife and join the adventure. My sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed in any way to our success in recovery from the pandemic, and shares the belief that young people need Scouting more than ever. Let’s commit ourselves to seeing Scouting continue to attract and inspire more young people to reach their full potential within their communities, and to celebrate their success whatever that may look like for them individually. **Stephen Donaldson** Chief Commissioner 5 ## **Programme Aim: to provide a fun, enjoyable, high-quality programme consistently delivered and supported by simple (digital) tools.** The Chair, David Scott, emphasised that the SubGroup would focus on providing better Scouting for more young people and preparing young people with skills for life. The four relevant Programme and Development Sub-Committee objectives were explored to draw out the priorities of this new Sub-Group. The January meeting saw the Sub-Group examine the NI Calendar and the national Sectional Core Teams. Members investigated how national events could draw more attendance along with moving certain events to County and District levels. The Strategy and Delivery Sub-Committee requested the sharing of good practice with respect to risk assessments and short and long term targets for programme events going forward. The Sub-Group was updated about several resources being developed to support programme activities at Group level, namely Scout Taster Sessions for Schools and Community Impact resources. The NI Awards Ceremony took place at Belfast City Hall on 6[th] January with many Chief Scout’s and Queen’s /King’s Scout Awards being presented in the Scout and Explorer Sections. the NI Strategy for programme with short and long term targets in the four strategic objective areas of Growth, Inclusivity, Youth Shaped and Community Impact. NIC Inclusion, Justin Gawn, attended to present some excellent ideas for Inclusion in Sections as well as attainable targets for the strategy document. The Chair had led the redevelopment of the Step Forward resource for the Community Impact Staged Activity badges and other top Awards in partnership with local charity Habitat for Humanity Ireland. This DEAR funded resource was to be launched in April 2023. The meeting also addressed the current NI Restructuring and UK Transformation projects as well as the Census 2023 figures. Our new NIC Squirrels, Becca Buchanan, was busy building her new Sectional Team. She organised a Super Squirrels Fun Day at Ardnavally Scout Centre in October which saw a large crowd celebrate the 30th anniversary of Squirrel Scouting in Northern Ireland and the 1st anniversary of being part of UK Scouting. The Squirrel Leader Development Days were themed around outdoor activities and learning. NIC Beavers, Rachel Gilliland, took the reins of this large Section and began planning events such as 6 the signature Rally Day at Crawfordsburn Scout Centre. She spent the spring visiting various Colonies as they carried out programme activities and to celebrate Founder’s Day. Kiara Kennedy, NIC Cubs, was appointed during the year and began to form her Core Team and calendar of events. NIC Scouts, Anne Nicholson, was pleased with the Mechanic Badge event hosted by REME at Kinnegar Army Barracks in October. The Big Sleepout for the Simon Community was a great success with over 500 participants taking part at Crawfordsburn Scout Centre. The Scout Core Team also supported Leaders’ training events. NIC Explorers, Michael Morrison, reported that the Survival Weekend and Youth Forum held at Crawfordsburn Scout Centre in October was successful with great feedback. He was rebuilding his Core Team while supporting Districts and Units as they aim to achieve top Awards. Michael was especially pleased to see 14 Queen’s Scout Awards being presented at the NI Awards Ceremony in January. NIC Network, Emma Webster, reported that her Core Team had supported Network registration events in the autumn. Thanks go to outgoing NIC Beavers, Barbara Edgar, after six years of excellent service. She also held the role of UK Beaver Advisor during her term of leadership. Sincere thanks also go to NIC Scouts, Anne Nicholson, who has stepped down after seven years of excellent service. Both NICs led strong Teams very well to ensure that their national events ran successfully and that Scouting standards were kept as high as possible. Andrew Stacey replaced Richard Dorrian as NIC Activities towards the end of the Scouting year with Alan Parkes replacing Richard as NIC Crawfordsburn. Our thanks go to Richard for five years of excellent service to both these demanding roles. 7 ## **People** ## **Aim: more well trained, better supported and motivated adult volunteers and young people from diverse backgrounds.** The People Sub-Group is made up of the Chair, Barbara Edgar, NI Commissioners for Adult Support, Activities, International, Inclusion, Manager of Activities Permit Scheme, NI Youth Commissioner, Member of Council (under the age 25), co-opted individual with recognised qualification in HR, and designated staff member. As a new Sub-Group, meeting this year for the first time, the focus was the re-engagement and recruitment of volunteers, and recovery since COVID-19. Being back face to face with no restrictions, Scouts NI needs to help Leaders get through training, tailor meetings, and encourage more Leaders to engage at District, County and Northern Ireland level. This year there has been good media coverage with the Belfast Islamic Centre (117[th] Belfast) and Operation Feather which has helped with recruitment and perception, but recruiting volunteers at a local level is so important. We also need to improve our communication with our Leaders, supporting people with what communication they can use and signposting them to places such as the recruitment pages on The Scout Association’s website and the Brand Centre. _Every adult at Scouts should feel part of the team, know what’s going on, know what’s expected of them and know where they can go next._ There has been good work going on at a local level within our Districts and Counties supporting and helping Leaders to complete mandatory training. The Train the Trainer event scheduled for April will help to recruit new competent and enthusiastic Trainers and Training Advisors. A satisfaction survey and training needs analysis was carried out this year and thanks are extended to all Leaders who completed it. The data obtained from this survey is invaluable to the People SubGroup as it will shape the Group’s thinking and approach over the coming years. The Sub-Group continues to look at the ‘People’ Strategy and is putting together a 3-year plan for moving forward based on the 3 Rs: Recruit, Retain and Reward. - Revising the welcoming process and ensuring support in line with the transformation process. - - Review training looking at what is delivered and how it is delivered. - Address the loss of individuals post 18. - Leader recognition, bringing Leaders together, saying thank you and celebrating their training and long service Awards. - Programme support for Leaders still an important part of adult support – being part of team. - Shout about what makes Scouts great. Every volunteer needs to be welcomed, supported, valued, able to gain skills and to have fun! Every volunteer matters and it’s people that we need to keep the movement going. 8 **Perception Aim: Scouts is understood, more visible, trusted, respected, and widely seen as playing a key role in society today.** The first year of the Perception Sub-Group has been very busy with a lot of work being done to develop and strengthen the support that can be given to Scouts NI Headquarters and the wider Scout members throughout Northern Ireland. The Perception Sub-Group is made up of the Chair, Peter Wilson, NI Commissioner Inclusion, NI Youth Commissioner, NI Community Impact Lead and also has fantastic input and collaboration from the People and Programme Sub-Groups. There has been great developments for the Youth Shaped Team. NI Youth Commissioner, Kayleigh Finlay, has recruited more Youth Commissioners and specific job roles and tasks have been set. The Sub-Group has been working very closely with the UK and Nations Youth Commissioners Teams for a joined-up approach. With this expansion and focus, the Sub-Group hopes to grow the interest in Scouts NI and the great work that goes on. Media training has been arranged for June to support these young people and help develop #SkillsForLife. Justin Gawn has grown the Inclusion Team and now has a core group of six people who will design and develop their plans, events, their vision and resources for supporting all. A lot of work has been put into promoting Northern Ireland and attendance at a wider range of events will be increased. Belfast will host the Overture Conference in 2024, a dialogue for a peace programme is being worked on as well as attendance at Pride, Disability support, and supporting more to achieve the top Awards. Work is also underway to integrate the SubGroup within the wider national Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion functions, to both benefit from and share lessons learned and best practice. The Perception Sub-Group also supports the work of the Arrowhead Club which is open to all current and retired Scout Leaders and meets between September and June on the first Monday of the month for a lunch. The Club also enjoys outings during the year to the theatre and various places of interest in NI. Emily Erskine and Becca Buchanan have been working with our Community Impact partners to organise some excellent events this year. The Big Sleep Out saw over 400 Explorers sleep out in the Lid at Crawfordsburn Scout Centre. Events have also taken place with the Army, Live Here Love Here, and collaboration with other organisations continues. Alongside these developments, the Sub-Group has also been supporting the NI Scout Office with a Communications Strategy and guidance on the use of social media and communications. The need to raise Scouts NI profile, both internally to support members, but also externally to grow the Movement is strategically important. Nisha Patel, UK Commissioner of Perception, joined the Sub-Group at a meeting to discuss communications and campaigns specifically around the Coronation of King Charles III. Four members of the Perception Sub-Group were in attendance in London for the Coronation of King Charles III - Kayleigh Finlay, Scott Robinson, Stephen Bell and Peter WiIson - along with Gillian McEvoy who supported three Explorers. Northern Ireland also had a further ten Network members in London for the occasion. This was great for the perception of Scouting and more involvement with the UK Scout Association will only strengthen our growth across Scouts NI. 9 ## **Crawfordsburn Scout Centre** ## _**20 Bridge Road South, Helen’s Bay, Bangor, BT17 1JT**_ A decision was taken during the year to restructure the management of Crawfordsburn Scout Centre. The Chief Commissioner invited William Humphrey to Chair a new Management Sub-Group of the Finance and General Purposes Sub-Committee, populated by representatives from the Northern Ireland Scout Council and Wardens from each of the Teams at the site. Thanks are recorded to Richard Dorrian who stepped down in January as Northern Ireland Commissioner for Crawfordsburn and Activities and a word of welcome to Alan Parkes who has taken on the role of Acting Northern Ireland Commissioner for Crawfordsburn. The site continues to be very popular, demonstrating that Crawfordsburn remains an important part of Northern Ireland Scouting's outdoor programme. The site continues to offer a broad range of activities, delivered by professionally trained staff and skilled volunteers. Over the past year Crawfordsburn Scout Centre has faced a number of challenges. However, challenges provide opportunities, and Scouts NI must seize all opportunities and work to reduce and eradicate the challenges. During the summer 2022 another very successful Summer Scheme was delivered, with over fifty young people enjoying a varied programme over seven weeks. The Crawfordsburn Management Sub-Group has embarked on a programme of essential maintenance, across the site. This has resulted in monies having to be spent, ensuring a high level of health and safety is maintained, at the expense of replacing or upgrading some activities. As part of this programme, 650 trees were planted around the site and these will be revised in the autumn to establish if further maintenance or thinning out is required. Work has almost been completed on the new Squirrel Story Chair area. This quiet space has been newly established, with the area having been fenced off and a new perimeter hedge having been planted and bench seating installed around a large story chair. This is a pleasant quiet space for our younger Sections to enjoy. A key part of the strategy has been to raise the profile of Crawfordsburn, both within Scouting and increasingly beyond. To this end, the Chair of the Crawfordsburn Management Sub-Group and the staff team have been engaging with wider society. This included the visit of former Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen MLA. As the new Scouting season starts in September 2023, the site will mark a key and significant milestone in the life of Crawfordsburn Scout Centre - its 75th Anniversary. This will provide Scouts NI with a tremendous opportunity to celebrate a momentous occasion, but also to rebrand and relaunch a much cherished “jewel in the crown” of Northern Ireland Scouting. 10 ## **Membership** **A summary as at 31 January 2023 is as follows:** |Squirrels|1,001|Squirrel Dreys|87| |---|---|---|---| |Beavers|1,990|Beaver Colonies|142| |Cubs|2,399|Cub Packs|148| |Scouts|2,205|Scout Troops|140| |Explorers|839|Explorer Units|81| |Network|185|Scout Network|19| |Total Youth Membership|8,619|Scout Active Support Units|13| |||Young Leader Units|14| |Leaders, Commissioners and other adults 2,643|||| |||Total number of Groups|159| |Total Membership|11,262|Districts|14| |||Counties/Areas|7| **----- Start of picture text -----**
Membership 2018-2023
4 to 25 year olds
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Jan-18 Jan-19 Jan-20 Jan-21 Jan-22 Jan-23
Squirrels Beavers Cubs Scouts Explorers Network
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
TOTAL ADULTS 2018-2023
Jan-23 Jan-22 Jan-21 Jan-20 Jan-19 Jan-18
Jan-23
Jan-18
2643
3277
Jan-22
2578
Jan-19
3290
Jan-21
2760
Jan-20
3245
**----- End of picture text -----**
11 ## **Youth Awards** **Presentation of Chief Scout’s Gold Awards and Queen’s Scout Awards held on Friday 6[th] January 2023 in Belfast City Hall. Awards presented by NI Chief Commissioner, Stephen Donaldson and Deputy UK Chief Commissioner (Support) C J Ledger** ## **Chief Scout’s Gold Award** **County Antrim 1[st] Whitehouse 2[nd] Holywood Lisburn District** Jacob Gordon Matthew Gardner **1[st] Hillsborough** Daniel Ogilby Harrison Geddis Rhys Gregg Vincent McCullough Daniel Greer Niamh Grimley Robert Lyle Tim Jones **7[th] Larne** Harry McDowell Eddie McKeag Richard Clements **4[th] Bangor** Katelyn Grange Jamie Armstrong **Slemish District** Robbie King Conor Branigan **3[rd] Ballymena** Denisa Veres Lucy Crawford Eric Gamble Georgia Getty **5[th] Ballymena Belfast County** Susanne Kitchen Oliver Logan **East Belfast District** Cody McClelland Rory MacDonald **7[th] Belfast** Patrick McClelland **1[st] Killymurris** Ryan Mawhinney Patrick McDonough Ryan Moore Joshua McLenaghan **North Belfast District** Mia Neill **South East Antrim District 5[th] Belfast** Eefa Shortt **1[st] Ballygally Sea Scouts** Donal Creagh Neave Shortt James Bonugli Henry Johnston Connor Sizer Matthew Reid Cormac McCollum Ethan Small Owen Sloan Natasha Morgan Ruby Wilgar **1[st] Carrickfergus 78[th] Belfast Strangford District** Blair Clifford-Mayne Conor Burnett **1[st] Comber** Ethan Hamilton Ben Perkins Charlie Adams **1[st] Islandmagee 108[th] Belfast** Lucy Dean Hedera Coles Thomas Allen **1[st] Newtownards** Devyn Henderson Jude Craig Sabah Fox Rowan McConkey Adam Wallace Billy Spiers Joey Milliken Rebecca Summerville Luke Simpson **County Down 3[rd] Newtownards** Joshua Thompson **North Down District** Rachel Clark Matthew Tweed **1[st] Bangor** Luke Miller Luna Pandey Dylan Robinson Emily Rennie 12 ## **Youth Awards** ## **Commissioner’s Commendation Award in recognition of Bear Grylls Unsung Hero Award** ## **County Antrim** ## **1[st] Monkstown** Nicole Finlay ## **Queen’s Scout Award** **County Antrim** Andrew John Montgomery Matthew Blair Andrew Stacey Hannah Todd **County Down** Tomas Eduardo Arias Joanne Isabel Annesley Carney Kayleigh Jane Finlay Daniel Hunter Megan Hunter Adam Thomas McCracken Adam Glenn Morgan Nathan Robert Quee **County Londonderry** James William Wilson Greer **Northern Ireland** Becca Buchanan 13 ## **Adult Awards for Good Service** ## **Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service** **County Antrim** Linda Suzanne Cherry **Belfast County** Jonathan Michael Allen Jill Elizabeth Anne Ashenhurst Heather Brown Agnes Colgan Michael Croft Michael Brian Curry Rachel Susan Gilliland Scott Fitzgerald Hamilton Callum Sean McCloskey Scott Robinson Gareth John Thompson **County Down** Joanne Mary Burridge Jill Noelle Alexandra Constable Emma Jayne Currie Hannah Nadine Donaldson Geoffrey Alistair Harkness Rebecca Joanne Mccarthy David William Shephard **Award for Merit** **County Antrim** Graham Christopher Cully Gary Robert Grange Colin Eric Hewitt Carmen Irvine Audrey Margaret Morrow **Belfast County** Maureen Adams Jeanette Allen Duncan Lamont Berryman Ashlea Elizabeth Berryman **County Down** Brian Joseph Johnston Pauline Amanda Coulter Elizabeth Kidd Sean Jaakko Marius Hindsberg Daniel James Kinnear Richard John Lawther Philip Adam Maxwell Nicola Ruth McKee **County Londonderry** Sean Moore Stuart John Andrew Cullen Gesualdo Moscato Ryan Mark Elliott John White Margaret Campbell Hamilton Ingrid Rose Wilson Bjorn Fergus O'Brien ## **Bar to the Award for Merit** ## **Belfast County** Lorraine Kidd Colin Peter McShane Helen Sarah Morrissey 14 ## **Adult Awards for Good Service** **County Antrim** David Alexander Holmes Eugene Patrick Neeson Anne Louise Nicholson **Silver Acorn Belfast County County Londonderry** Ian David Berryman Amanda Gourley John William Lyons William Henry Colin Scott Philip Patterson Robert James Simpson Norman Eric Wilson **Bar to the Silver Acorn County Londonderry** Colin Charles Rea **Northern Ireland** Caroline Anne Brown **Silver Wolf County Antrim Belfast County County Londonderry** James Mcallister Law Maureen Hilda Campbell Margaret Evelyn Love Gordon Gregg Edgar Carole Elizabeth Scott Ian Victor Stewart 15 **Fundamentals of Scouting** ## **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 - - take responsibility and make choices - undertake new and challenging activities - make and live by their Promise. **Further information on the Fundaments of Scouting is available at this website: https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/1-fundamentals-ofscouting/** ## **Key Policies** The Key Policies of The Scout Association are: - Equal Opportunities Policy - Privacy and Data Protection Policy - Religious Policy - Safeguarding Policy - Safety Policy - Vetting Policy - Youth Member Anti Bullying Policy **Further information on each of the Policies is available at this website:** **- - https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/2 key policies/** 16 ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The Scout Association was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1912. Its powers include the appointment of local bodies for the management of its affairs in any particular part of the United Kingdom; under these powers its affairs in Northern Ireland are delegated to the Northern Ireland Scout Council with a Board for the management of its business. The Northern Ireland Scout Council is an autonomous Charity affiliated to The Scout Association and is recognised by the Inland Revenue as a Charity. The Board of the Council are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland requires the Board of the Council to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Board of the Council are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; - make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; - concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The Board of the Council is responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. The Board of the Council are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The management of the business of the Council is vested in the Board of the Council. The Board is responsible for policy making, but delegates certain operational decisions to its Executive and Sub-Committees (Finance and General Purposes and Strategy and Delivery). The Board keeps under review a business risk management analysis that identifies potential risks to the key functions of the Association. The Board delegates the day-to-day operation of the business to the Senior Management Team of the following: Chief Executive Jonathan Gracey, Strategy and Engagement Manager Vicky Flanagan, Administration Manager Pamela Hale, Crawfordsburn Scout Centre Manager Peter Harrison. - state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to ## **Financial Review** The charity had net income for the year of £23,848 (2022 – net outgoings £7,810). The Board of Council have examined the charity’s requirements for reserves in light of the main risks to the funding of the organisation. Unrestricted free reserves are £724,296 as detailed in Note 23 and this level of reserves would be sufficient to fund the organisation’s running costs for a period of six months at current levels of spending and cover redundancy payments for the current staff. The Board of Council consider this level of reserves to be adequate to meet the needs of the charity. 17 ## **Chair of the Board** As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lessened the Scouts NI Board, and its various Committees, returned to face to face meetings and a more normal approach to business. We retained the use of MS Teams for smaller or ad hoc meetings to enable us to make better use of people’s time and reduce our carbon footprint. As the Chief Commissioner has reported a lot of time has been spent progressing the restructuring of our support structures which we believe will lead to better Scouting for young people. The interactive roadshows to discuss the proposals proved to be a very positive exercise and are something the Board would consider doing again to ensure we understand the “grassroots” perspective. This consultation very much shaped the final proposal approved by the Board in March 2023. The work to make the necessary changes to the Scouts NI Constitution is now underway. The move to a more streamlined Strategy and Delivery Sub-Committee with Programme, People and Perception Sub-Groups has proven very effective and looks set to provide a more efficient, effective and focused way of running Scouts NI with a direct benefit to young people. The Board greatly values the work and expertise of our Chief Executive and Honorary Treasurer, along with the Finance and General Purposes Sub-Committee, in ensuring that Scouts NI remains in good financial health and that we make good use of our assets. Once this is evident in the accompanying accounts and financial statements. The Board continues to work to improve the governance arrangements within Scouts NI and is keen to promote good practice within Groups, Districts and Counties. The work of the Board included the regular review of safety and safeguarding reports from The Scout Association, monitoring reports on compliance with mandatory training, reports from Sub-Committees and review of our risk register. The Board continues to provide support to the Chief Commissioner and his team to ensure that Scouting in N Ireland is delivered in the safest manner possible. The Chief Commissioner, the Chief Executive and the Chair greatly appreciate the support and wise counsel of the Board throughout the past year. The Board would like to see Scouting expand further into areas and communities where Scouts NI has not previously operated and also to support traditional areas that are experiencing difficulties maintaining their Scouting base. To this end the Board is seeking support from The Scout Association to expand the professional development team. The other main focus by the Board has been and will continue to be the Crawfordsburn Scout Centre. Over the past two decades over £4 million has been invested with a further £1 million to be invested by Department of Education in 2023-24. Crawfordsburn is therefore the Scouts NI asset in receipt of the most investment and as a result has the potential to be our “Jewel in the Crown”. It is the Board’s desire to ensure that Crawfordsburn Scout Centre fulfils this potential and becomes the place where young people, both inside and outside Scouting, want to come for an Outdoor Experience. The Crawfordsburn Management Sub-Group is increasingly making strides to improve the day-to-day operation of the Centre. I would like to thank members of the Board, Executive, Finance and General Purposes and Strategy and Delivery Sub-Committees for all their hard work and support. I would also like to thank all those Leaders who bring Scouting to young people, the County and District teams and our Northern Ireland Commissioners. Finally, I would like to say a big “Thank you” to our professional staff, both in the Ardnavally Office and at Crawfordsburn Scout Centre, for all their hard work in what has been yet another tough year. I would like to commend the Annual Report of Scouts NI 2022-23. **Dr J Henry Brown** Chair 18