## **1[st] Derriaghy Scout Group** ## **Trustees Annual Report** For the period: 01/04/23 to 31/03/24 ## **Section A** ## **Reference & Administration Details** Charity Name: 1[st] Derriaghy Scout Group Registered Charity Number: 103902 (CCNI 0019066) Charity’s Principle Address: 55 Derriaghy Road Lisburn BT28 3SH Trustee Name Office Held Mrs T Hull Chairperson Mrs A Lavery Treasurer Mr M Fleming Secretary Mrs D Burns Mr S Fell ## **Section B** ## **Structure, Governance & Management** Description of the Charity’s Trusts Type of 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 ByeLaws of the Association 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, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. Additional governance issues: The Group is managed by the Group Executive 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 charities Commission as appropriate. The Committee consists of 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the Group Scout Leaders, individual section leaders and parent’s representation and meets every 4 months. Policies and procedures adopted: Members of the Executive Committee complete ”Essential Information for Executive Committee” training within the first 5 months of joining the Committee. This Group Executive Committee exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for: - The maintenance of Group property; - The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance; - The insurance of persons, property and equipment; - Group public occasions; - Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; - Appointing any sub committees that may be required. Risk and internal control: The Group Executive Committee has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are: - Damage to the building, property and equipment. The Group would request the use of buildings, property & equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the church. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss. - Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The Group, through capitation fees, contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk assessments are undertaken before all activities. - Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The Group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Committee could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently. - 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 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. - Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 13. 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. ## **Section C Objectives and Activities** Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document: The Purpose of Scouting: Scouting exists to actively engage and support 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 & 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 & 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 activities in relation to these objects: All Sections started back in September 2023 Participation in the training and proficiency badge system, working towards various badges between the Scout, Cub, Beaver & Squirrel Sections. Participation in District events such as football, District Flag, competition & quizzes. Visits to entertainment venues such as Belfast Activity Centre, Lisburn District Scout Woodlands for outdoor activities and camps. Annual Summer Camp – Tipperary Wood, Newcastle, Co Down Fund Raising Events – Annual Sponsored Walk with the Youth Council. The Group meets the Charity Commissions Public Benefit Criteria under both advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship. ## **Section D Achievements and Performance** ## Summary of the main achievements during the year: The Charity has provided an opportunity for the Group members to participate in indoor and outdoor activities and to develop their knowledge and respect. The annual camp is one of the highlights of the year, enjoyed by all and gave the Scouts & Cubs an opportunity to participate in various team building exercises, backwoods cooking and participate in a Multi Group Camp Fire. ## **Section E Financial Review** ## Statement of the Charities policy on reserves: The Groups policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources 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 of £150. The Groups Income and Expenditure is very small and as a consequence does not have sufficient funds to invest in a longer term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only a mainstream bank. ## **Section F Declaration** The Trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above: Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees: Signature(s) ……………………………. ……………………………. Full Name (s) ……………………………. ……………………………. Position ……………………………. …………………………….