2023-03-31-annual-report - 1st Newtownards Scout Group

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Trustees' Annual Report

For the period

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From (start date) 0 1 0 4 2 2 to end date 3 1 0 3 2 3
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name 1st NEWTOWNARDS SCOUT GROUP
Other names the charity is known by
Registered charity number (if any) 1 0 4 0 7 3
HQ registration number
Charity’s principal address 94 CIRCULAR ROAD
NEWTOWNARDS
CO DOWN
Postcode B T 2 3 4 B W
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Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15	Mr Jason Fisher Mr Jonathan Adams Ms Lorraine Adams Treasurer Trustee Name Dates acted if not for whole year Office (if any) Mr Robert Fisher Mr Michael Robinson Miss Danielle Markwell Chairman Secretary Group Scout Leader Group Scout Leader to 01/03/23 From 01/03/2023

Names and addresses of advisers (optional information but encouraged as best practice)

Type of advisor Name Address

1 LT700001 (1st February 2017)

Section B

Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document

(e.g. trust deed, constitution)

The Group's/District's/Area's/County's (delete as appropriate) governing documents are those of the 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.

How the charity is constituted

(e.g. trust, association, company)

Trustee selection methods (e.g. appointed by, elected by)

The Group/District/Area/County (delete as appropriate) 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.

Additional governance issues (optional information but encouraged as best practice)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

Policies and procedures adopted for: a) the induction and training of trustees; b) trustee' consideration of major risks and the systems and procedures to manage them

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 Leaders, individual section leaders (if opted to take on the responsibility) and parent’s representation and meets every 3 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 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; Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.

2 LT700001 (1st February 2017)

Section B	Structure, governance and management (continued)
	Risk and Internal Control (Specimen 1) 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 and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the church, community centre and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. 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 the 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 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. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group. Risk and Internal Control (Specimen 2) 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 policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

Section B

Structure, governance and management (continued)

Risk and Internal Control (Specimen 1)
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 and equipment
from neighbouring organisations such as the church,
community centre and other Scout Groups. Similar
reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. 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 the 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 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. In the worst case scenario the complete
closure of the Group.
Risk and Internal Control (Specimen 2)
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 policies to ensure
that insurable risks are covered.

3 LT700001 (1st February 2017)

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 young 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 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 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

Additional details of the objectives and activities (optional information but encouraged as best practice)

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about: • policy on grantmaking; • contribution made by volunteers; • policy on investments. It was with regret that our Group Scout Leader Michael Robinson had to stand down to family issues. I want to record my thanks to Michael for the time and effort he gave to the group over the last 11years. The group is in better standing for all the sterling work he carried out.

4 LT700001 (1st February 2017)

Public benefit statement	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.
Section D	Achievements and performance
	As the Covid restrictions were totally lifted during the period 01/04/22 to 31/03/23 all sections were able to operate a fully programme. The Group attracted a number of new volunteer leaders to assist with actities in the various sections this allowed the group to offer places to more young people.
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year

Section E	Financial Review
	The Group held reserves of approximately £12604 against this at year end. This is above the level required for operating expenses. Reserves Policy The Group's 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 equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £8000.
Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves
Quantify and explain any designations Details of any funds materially in deficit (circumstances plus steps to eliminate)

5 LT700001 (1st February 2017)

Further financial review details (optional information)

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You may choose to include additional
information, where relevant, about: Investment Policy (Specimen 1)
• the charity’s principal sources of funds
The Group's Income and Expenditure is very small and as a
(including any fundraising);
consequence 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 its funds. All funds are held in cash using only
mainstream banks or building societies or The Scout
Association's Short Term Investment Service.
• how expenditure has supported the key
The Group Executive regularly monitors the levels of bank
objectives of the charity;
balances and the interest rates received to ensure the group
obtains maximum value and income from its banking
arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an
account that requires a period of notice before funds may be
withdrawn, before doing so the Group Executive considers
the cash flow requirements.
• investment policy and objectives
Investment Policy (Specimen 2)
The Group does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer
term investments. The Group has therefore adopted a risk
averse strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are
held in cash using only mainstream banks or building
societies.
Section F Other Optional Information
Plans for future periods (details of any
significant activities planned to achieve
them)
Section G Declaration
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The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Date Position (eg Secretary, Chair)	0 1 0 6 2 3 Jason Fisher Michael Robinson Chairman Jason Fisher Group Scout Leader Michael Robinson

6 LT700001 (1st February 2017)