Trustees’ Report For the twelve-month period | July 2024 to 30 June 2025
Reference & administration details
Charity Name — 99" Belmont Scout Group CCNI 0019063 Scout HQ registration number — 103872 Address: Belmont Presbyterian Church, 94 Sydenham Avenue, Belfast BT4 2DT
Trustees Mr B W McCormack Mrs R J McMordie Mrs Lesley Beattie Miss G R Balfour
The above trustees acted for the whole year.
Structure, governance and management Governing document The group’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 of The Scout Association.
Constitution
The group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.
Trustee selection
The trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. Group governance The group is managed by the 99” Leaders’ Committee, the members of which are the Charity Trustees of the Scout Group, 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. The committee meets to review the progress of the group sections and plan the transfers of Beavers/Cubs/Scouts/Explorers between the sections; it also liaises over plans for participation in district events, our sponsor church service of dedication, and other common elements of the programme. All sections operated during the September 2024 to June 2025 scouting year.
Risk and internal control The Leaders’ Committee, together with other leaders, the Belmont Presbyterian Church facilities manager and the youth activities supervisory committee of the Church Session, have identified the major risks to which they believe the group is exposed, and have ensured that systems are in place to mitigate against those risks.
The main areas of concern identified are: - The well-being of members and leaders in all sections — mitigated by application of both the Scout Association and the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s rules on child protection, selection and clearance of leaders, appropriate police checks and references: - Injury during programme activities — mitigated by health & safety checks by leaders and risk assessments before all activities; proper halls’ maintenance organised by the facilities manager; appropriate training in first aid for leaders and availability of first aid material on site during meetings; in addition, the group, by its payment of capitation fees, contributes to The Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy:
Risk and internal control (continued)
- Unavailability of premises in which to meet due to major disruption or damage, in which event the sponsor church carries buildings’ insurance and has local contacts with similar bodies which should mitigate any discontinuity: - Reduction or loss of members, The group provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section, or the group as whole, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation, or closure of a section, or indeed the group: - Reduction or loss of leaders, The group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer| the activities of the group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section, or the overall group, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation, or closure of a section, or in the worst-case scenario the complete closure of the group.
Objectives and Activities The Purpose of Scouting Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering7 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 makea 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
The group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
Achievements and performance
The Beaver, Cub, Scout & Explorer sections’ activities were based on the scout movement’s progressive programme which focusses on a variety of age-appropriate proficiency badges, all of which aim to develop teamwork, good citizenship and an awareness of issues that impact the wider society. Activities in the Beaver, Cub and Scout sections were based upon a mixture of badge work training and testing; games which achieve both physical and mental development and promote teamwork; topical discussions and outings which take in aspects of local interest & public amenities, and gain an understanding of the operation of public services such as Fire Brigade, Police or Ambulance Services; in addition all sections normally participate in Scout District or County events and competitions. The Explorer scouts actively assisted in the other sections on a weekly basis as young leaders, as well as enjoying their own meetings and/or outings for sporting or leisure activities.
Financial review The accounts for the year to 30 June 2025 show that the group’s operation| resulted in; an overall surplus for the period of £1,173.29 (2024 - £1,438.81), which left the year end group cash reserves In the bank, at £4,121.26 (2024 - £2,947.97). The fact that all sections can increase the annual member's subscription if required, gives the trustees reassurance as to the future financial viability of the group. Any outings and activities, particularly activity weekends or camps are dealt with on a pay as you go basis for those attending, so the group does not carry financial risk related to unpaid debts. The group's assets at 30 June 2025 comprise the bank balance, a stock of badges and some group scarves for use in the investiture of new members in the 2025/26 year. Considering the overall value involved in these latter “stock” items, the group does not produce a balance sheet. Reserves policy Given 3 the ability to adjust member subscriptions, or charges for special activities to meet the planned outgoings, the trustees and leaders’ committee are satisfied that it is only necessary to carry sufficient funds to enable each section to commence activities at the beginning of a year. Investment policy The group does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer term investments and has therefore adopted a risk-averse strategy to the investment of funds, all of which are held on deposit, using only mainstream banks.
Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Report as set out on pages | to 3 and have authorised the following trustees to sign on behalf of the Charity’s trustees: Simues hie, buf Fullnames §_Bruce Wardle McCormack Gillian Rose’Balfour Date G Plone ZoZ&