Trustee's Annual Report
be preporerf . . .
For the period from 01 April 2023 to 31 March 2024
Section A Reference and Administration Details
Charity Name
3 Ballymena Scout Group
Charity Number
103874
Principal Address
West Church, Ballymoney Road, Ballymena, BT43 58S
The trustees that manage the charity are-
Name
'. Office
Dates acted, If not for
full year
Leslie Carswell
Mark McKane
Steven Potter
Jane Thom
Mark Dick
Douglas Hogg
Hilary Caithness
Group Scout Leader
Chairperson
Treasurer
Secretary
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
son
Retired 26 June 2023
Section B Structure, Governance and Management
Type of Governlng Document
The Group's governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal
Charter, whlch In turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the A550ciation and The Policy,
Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
How the Charity is Constituted
The Group Is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.

Trustee Selection Methods
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy. Organlsation and Rules of The Scout
Association.
Group Executive Committee
The Group is managed by the Group Executive Comrnittee, the members of which are the 'Charitv
Trustees, of the Scout Group which is an educatlonal charity. As Charity Trustees they are
responsible for com plying with legislatDn applicable to charities. This includes the reglstration,
keeping proper accounts and maklng returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The Committee conststs of 3 Independent representatives, Chalr, Treasurer and Secretary together
with the Group Scout Leader, and a representative parent from each section of the Group.
Additionally, some members are co-opted onto the Commlttee from tlme to time. The Committee
meets at least once every 6 months.
The Group Executlve Committee exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meetin8 the
responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for:
The maintenance of Group property and equlprnent
The ralsinE of funds and the adminlstration of Group finance
The Insurance of persons, property and equipment
Group publlc occasions
Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support
Appointing any sub committees that may be required
Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected
Rlsk and Internal Control
General
The group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable
assurance agalnst material mismanagement or loss. These include 2 signatorles for payments and
comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.
The Group Executive Commlttee has identrfied the major risks to which they believe the Group is
exposed, These have been revlewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them.
The maln areas of concern that have been identified are:
Damage to property and equipment
The Group would request the use of bulldln8s, property and equipment from neighbouring
organisations such as West Church and other Scout Groups. The Group has sufficient buildings and
contents insurance in place to mitlgate against permanent loss.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and rnembers
The Group through the capitation fees contrlbutes to the Scout Association's national accident
insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before and during activities.

Reduced Income from fund raising
The Group is primarily rel￿nt upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The Group does hold
reserves to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The
Committee could raise the value of subscrlptlons to increase the income to the group on an ongolng
basis, elthertemporarily or permanently.
Reduction or loss of leaders
The group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activitles of the group. If there
was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a partlcular section orthe
8roup as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In
the worst-case scenario, this would result in the complete closure of the Group.
Reductlon or loss of members
The Group provldes activities for all young people aged 4 to IS. If there were a reduction in
membershlp in a particular section orthe group as whole then there would have to be a contraction,
consolidatlon orclosure of a section. In the worst-case scenario, thls would result in the complete
closure of the Group.
Section C Objectives and Activities
The Purpose of Scouting
The purpose of Scouting is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving thelr full
physical, Intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individua15, as responsSble cttizens and as
members of thelr local, national and international communities.
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values:
Integrity- We act with Integrityp 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 Ilve.
Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
Cooperation - We make a positfve difference; we cooperate with other5 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 bytheir Promise.
The Group meets the Charty Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of
education and the advancement of citizenship or tommunity development headings.

Section D Achievements and Performance
Group Scout Leaderfs Review
Compared with last year, the total group numbers of young person members taken in the January
2024 census showed a total of 65 youth members (under aged 18). This represents an increase of 21
members on the January 2023 census and finally more than the January 2021 census fi8ures which
was recorded as 55, the pre-covid census. (As in previous years. any Scout member over 14 and a
half years of age are recorded in the District Explorer Unit and do not appear here.) Since last yearfs
census the Squirrel figures showed a modest improvement of I, Beavers 3, Scouts 2, the biggest
increase was in the Cubs section which showed an increase of 13. Based purely on numbers, as the
Cub numbers increase, it is expected that the Scout census figures will begin to increase in future
years. Each of the sections showed the boys still predominated in terms of total numbers although
where the genderfigures do change, the number of girls do show a modest upward chan8e.
The leaders within the group showed a large change. The Cub Leader and Assistant Cub Leader
retired so this presented a problern. Fortunately, one Leader in the Beaver section moved up to
becoming the Cub Leader to bejoined by two new Assistant Cub Leaders. With such stabllity and
great enthusiasm by the leader group, it Is no surprise that the number of Cubs greatly increased.
The Beaver section in terms of leadership also needed attention. The prevlous Beaver leader retired
from her role as did the male BeaverAssistant Leader but fortunately she had been able to lead her
section towards the highest number of Chief Scout Awards In the Group up to the end of the 8eaver
year in June 2023. A new Beaver Leader and at least another Assistant Leader were needed, and a
husband and wifejoined the Beaver Leaderteam again with great enthusiasm which ensured
stability in numbers. The Squirrel section showed no change in their leaderteam and again lead w5th
great enthusiasm. The numbers of thls sectlon we believe are right glven the number of leaders and
the very young age of the squirrel members (4 to 6 years of age). The Scout section is very aware of
the average age of the leader team and is looking for young leaders to engage with the Scout
members for the future but in the meantime underthe existin8 enthusiastic leadership, continues to
provide an exciting programme for the Scouts.
As I reported last year. some measure of progress within the Group can be made through examinlng
the number of badges earned and awards gained, The younger sections facilitated progress towards
badges in virtually every ni8ht of thelr meeting particularly throu8h a range of crafts and games. The
dlfficulty In writing this report which Is to focus on the financial year endin8 31 March each year is
that although much pro8ress is being made towards the Chief Scout Awards for each section many
are not completed until nearin8 the summer. l am convinced with the current leadershlp teams
durlng the Scoutlng year from September toJune In the followlng year, there is much more
continuing focus on these awards being gained in all sections. The number of these awards being
gained is increasing each successive year. Well done.
This yearsaw the introduction of the Tnjstee Board for the Group. Its role 15 to ensure that the
Group follow The Scout Association Policy Organisation and Rules. Many of these are In the process
of being updated and I can report that our Group is focusing on these changes. Also, it has a role of
Governance hence this includes financial prudence. When largish sums are belng considered by all
sections for expenditure, the Trustee Board will consider these given the financial position of Group
finances and whether their proposed expenditure falls within the expenditure allowed underthe
terms of the grant from the Education Authority. It also has a role in seeing that the Group consider
their role in terms of the wider society. It reports to the Group Scout Council and the AGM. 3,
Ballymena Scout Group run an efficient Trustee Board.

Finally, our thanks go to our Chair, Secretary and especially to our Treasurer who is retiring at the
AGM. He has seNed the Group extremely well over the last 8 years and we thank him for his hard
work which often goes Unnoti￿d. Our thanks also go to all in the leader teams of each section for
their energy. commitment. enthusiasm and progress in facilitating more badges and awards being
gained and furthering the"Skills for Life" aims and objectives of The Scout Association.
Settion E Financial Review
ReseNe5 Policy
The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resour￿$ to continue the charitable activities of
the group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Executive Committee
considers that the Group should hold a sum in reserve equivalent to 2 years running costs, circa
£5,000 in reserve.
Investment Policy
The Group's Income and Expenditure is small and as a Consequen￿ does not have sufficient funds to
invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a low
risk strategy to the investment of it5 fund5. All funds are held in cash using only malnstream banks.
Treasurers Statement
The attached statement of accounts shows the Group Income and Expenditure detalls and Bank
Account balances as at ourflnancial year end of 31 March 2024 {FY24}. The Group operates and
reports on a Cash Accounting basis.
Our main sources of income are normally from subscrlptlons, gift ald and fund raising.
The Group's policy to maintain reseries at a minimum of £5,000 contlnues, with reserves at 31
March 2024 being £9,941. The £5,000 level of cash reserves is deemed appropriate to cover any
cash flow timing issues and also enable the Group to continue to operate for at least two years
should funding such as Gift Aid cease. The Group is also keeping this under review.
Section F Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above.
Signed on behalf of the charitvs trustees by-
Mr Mark McKane
Chairperson & Trustee
Date.. 22" May 2024