## 68[th] Belfast Scout Group ## Annual Report 2024 ## For the period 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024 Group Trustee Board Group Chairman Will Mc Mullan Group Secretary Liam Duffy Group Scout Leader Frank Duffy Board Member Susan Thompson Board Member Peter Ryan Board Member Gavan Duffy ## Governance - 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. - The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. - The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. - 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 Charity Commission as appropriate. - The Committee consists of 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the Group Scout Leader, individual section leaders (if opted to take on the responsibility) and parent’s representation and meets every # months. - 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 appointment 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; - Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected. ## Risk and Internal Control The group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include 2 signatories for all payments and a comprehensive insurance policy to ensure that insurable risks are covered. ## Investment Policy ## Reserves Policy The Group does not have sufficient The Group's policy on reserves is to funds to invest in longer term hold sufficient resources to investments. The Group has continue the charitable activities of therefore adopted a risk averse the group should income and strategy to the investment of its fundraising activities fall short. The funds. All funds are held in cash Group Executive Committee considers using only mainstream banks or that the group should hold a sum building societies equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £3000. ## Public Benefit 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. The Purpose of Scouting Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. The Values of Scouting The Scout Method As Scouts we are guided by these values: Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, with adults, work together based on the values of trustworthy and loyal. Scouting and: Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others. - enjoy what they are doing and have fun Care - We support others and take care of the world in - take part in activities indoors and outdoors which we live. - learn by doing Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes. - share in spiritual reflection Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we co-operate - take responsibility and make choices with others and make friends. - undertake new and challenging activities - make and live by their Promise. The Group continues to grow, and this year marked another milestone in the return from covid with the separation of the Beaver Colony and Cub Pack to meet as two separate sections. We also saw an increase in the adult volunteers which made this move possible. The Group has been supported by St John’s Parish Church and some of our Leaders took part in the Annual Remembrance Service alongside the Guides. The Beaver Colony has been working away with lots of games stories and activities. In the latter part of the reporting year the Beavers really got stuck in as they were in their own hall. The Colony was also supported by a Young Leader, Alexandra who was a great addition to the team. ## Challenge Badges Activity including staged badges 2 10 The Cub Scout Pack went from strength to strength with a large move up from Beavers and the establishment of Sixes. We also appointed a Sixer to lead each of the Sixes. With a new leadership team, the Pack has been working away concentrating on Challenge badges and with an enthusiastic Pack it has not been that hard. The Pack also had a Young Leader, Rebecca who was an excellent member of the team. Challenge Badges 10 Activity including staged badges 20 Activity including staged badges Woodbadge Awarded (Adult Training) ## Frank Duffy – Group Scout Leader The above report, receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by Group Scout Leader Group Chairman