## **West Belfast District Scout Council NIC 103920** 

## **Trustees Annual Report 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024** 

## **Trustees** 

Tom Scott OBE;  Carole Scott;  William Humphrey; Jason Watson; Naomi Thompson; 

## **Charity Purpose** 

The principal function is to help young people to become empowered to make a positive contribution to society through being engaged and supported in their personal development including physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually. 

## **Main Activities** 

The District Scout Council fulfils its charitable functions and public benefit through a range of activities. The District Scout Council supports the District Commissioner and the District leadership to deliver the agreed Programme of acrivities and training of the various Scout Groups in the District. Primarily the various sections of the Group follow the Scout Association programme of training and instruction enabling young people to achieve various awards and badges which are structured to deliver the aims and purposes of the movement. The District Scout Council through its District Executive also ensures that the groups and members comply with the Policy Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. It also assists with leadership recruitment, fund raising, publicity and development. 

2023/24 was a year of consolidation following recovery from the disruption caused by COVID restrictions. A full activity programme was planned and delivered including working with the Executice Office Urban Village Programme  and innovative measures were taken to sustain and revitalize Scout Groups. The District team responded with online provision augmented by national resources and funds were raised to provide outdoor activities to young people. As a consequence membership across the district has shown an increase. The District Team also raised funds to subsidise a visit o Belgium in the summer of 2024.. 

There was no harm flowing from the Charities purposes and there was no private benefit. 

## **Public Benefit requirement** 

The Trustees are made aware of their and the charities obligations to meet the objectives of the charity and scrutinise the work of all those concerned with the day to day management and leadership of the various sections. Training is carried out through the parent organization - the Scout Association. 

## **Financial Position** 

The District in its supervisory role does not own property or facilities. It had an income sufficient to meet outgoings during the year allowing it to meet training and development needs. 

The Trustees are content that there are no concerns as to the viability of the District. 

## **Tom Scott Chairman** 

## **Naomi Thompson Secretary**