TRUSTEES’ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR 1 APRIL 2023 TO 31 MARCH 2024
The North Belfast District Scout Council is a Trust established under the Rules which are common to all Scouts. The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. TRUSTEES
Geoffrey Davidson (Chair): Maureen Davidson (Secretary): John White (Treasurer): Agnes Colgan: Margaret Mitchell: Phyllis Cooke: Elizabeth McClean: Harry Porter: Jeanette Allen.
As Trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation application to charities. This includes the regiation,keeping proper accounts records and relate returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The Trustees met four times during 2023/24. At each Trustees’ Meeting the Treasurer gave a Finance Report which detailed the financial activities since the last meeting of the Trustees and the Bank Balances and the Investments held by the District. A request for Funding was received from one of the Scout Groups, within the District, in 2024 to enable them to carry out essential renovations to their Scout Hall. The Trustees requested further information from them before giving their final approval which will be in 2024/25. The Trustees continue to ensure that there is sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the District should income and fundraising activities fall short. This is in accordance with its Reserve Policy.
The Trustees regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure that they obtain maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. REVIEW OF 2023/24 YEAR
The District has implemented most of the changes and restructuring processes accompanying the Scout UK Transformation Project. Work to complete the transition continues. North Belfast District now sits within Northern Region as Belfast County disappeared under the NI Scouting restructure.
Training for volunteers remained important and a Young Leaders Training Team has been established to facilitate those who wish to become Leaders and support the continued growth and development of North Belfast District.
The District has completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award pilot scheme and offers Bronze,Silver and Gold level Award opportunities for Scouts.
Events for Sections included visits to the W5Science Centre; 10 Pin Bowling and Quiz Nights; the Annual District Christingle and Explorers District Camps were favourably received and well attented.
The District continued to provide financial support for various activities e.g. District Explorers Camp. District Recruitment Day, Leadership Training for the Duke of Edinburgh Award and repairs to Scout premises.