Portrush Sea Cadets Telephone 16 Dunluce Avenue 028 70 825999 Portrush BT56 8DW (answering machine)
Website: www.seacadets.org/portrush
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT – 01/04/2023-31/03/2024
UNIT NO. 274 OF THE SEA CADET CORPS KNOWN AS PORTRUSH SEA CADETS
Summary of Charitable Purpose
The charitable purpose of the Unit (the Purpose) is to promote the development of young people in achieving their physical, intellectual and social potential as individuals and as responsible citizens by the provision of education and leisure time activities using a nautical theme and in accordance with the principles, ethos and practices of the Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC).
In furtherance of the Purpose, the Unit may:
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offer young people a structured environment in which to develop;
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provide access to education and training including (but not restricted to): sailing (inshore and offshore), paddle sports, power boating, seamanship, navigation, marine engineering, cooking, music, first aid, drill, piping, and public service;
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provide opportunities for young people to obtain a range of qualifications; and
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provide opportunities for community involvement.
Charity Constitution
Units of the SCC are affiliated to the Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) (registered in England and Wales 313013 and in Scotland SC037808. Registration in Northern Ireland will be as required) and must, as a condition of affiliation, adopt the standard constitution set by the MSSC Council for the management and administration of SCC units from time to time (the Standard Constitution).
We have been granted charitable status by The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under registration number 104126-0.
Structure and Administrative Details
Unit Address – 16 Dunluce Avenue, Portrush. BT56 8DW
Portrush Sea Cadets A charity registered in Northern Ireland Charity No. 104126
Marine Society and Sea Cadets Patron: HM The Queen A charity registered in England and Wales 313013 and in Scotland SC037808
Trustees/Unit Management Committee
Mrs Andrea McComb Mrs Agnes Weir Mrs G Kelly Mr Terry McComb Mr Darren Warwick
Recruitment and Appointment of Unit Management Committee/Trustees
Unit Management Committee/Trustees are normally elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. There are no specific requirements regarding skills or experience, however the current trustees recognise the importance of a diverse and competent range of skills. The committee also have the ability to co-opt a new member onto the committee throughout the year should the need arise, however all committee members will step down at the next AGM with the option to seek re-election.
New UMC members are to undertake mandatory e-learning modules including safeguarding awareness, responsible for information and health & safety. On completion, the new UMC member will be able to complete their induction and face-toface (currently virtual) safeguarding training.
Financial Review
The Trustees report that there are sufficient unrestricted reserves to allow the unit to operate for a minimum of 3 months. The Charity does not have any debts.
Portrush Sea Cadets received funding from the following during this financial year: Assets Recovery Community Scheme Tesco Blue Tokens – Groundwork UK Marine Society & Sea Cadets Premises Fund The Gosling Foundation Asda Foundation Halifax Foundation NI Education Authority NI The 29[th] May 1961 Charitable Trust Ballintoy Church Portballintrae Heritage Society Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council King George VI Youth Awards
Public Benefit Declaration
The trustees have had regard to The Charity Commission’s Public Benefit requirement statutory guidance.
Public Benefit Statement
The purpose of this organisation is to promote the development of young people in achieving their physical, intellectual and social potential as individuals and as responsible citizens by the provision of education and leisure time activities using a nautical theme. The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include:
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i. Improved the physical health of young people
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ii. Embedding life skills into young people through nautical themed activities
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iii. Young people attain qualifications through provision of education, training, learning opportunities and resources
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iv. Increased community cohesion and social interaction.
These benefits are evidenced through:
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i. Increased sea cadet numbers
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ii. Numbers of sea cadets on training courses
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iii. Number of sea cadets obtaining training qualifications
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iv. Record of Achievements for sea cadets
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v. Number of persons using cadet forums
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vi. Research
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vii. Increased partnership opportunities to enhance sea cadets experience.
The purpose of our charity may lead to the following harm.
In organising activities there is a risk of harm or injury on the activities provided. We can show that this harm is outweighed by the benefits through appropriate risk assessments carried out.
Beneficiaries
The charity’s beneficiaries are young people aged between 9 and 18 years of age throughout Northern Ireland.
Private Benefit
The only private benefit flowing from this purpose is that volunteers can obtain training, qualifications and skills which are transferable to other settings however, this private benefit is incidental and necessary to ensure that benefits are provided to our beneficiaries.
Public Benefit Report
This reporting year has seen the unit continue to strive to provide the best possible cadet experience for our young people. The young people have taken part in many activities throughout the year such as sailing, powerboating, kayaking, seamanship and first aid and have attained qualifications from Royal Yachting Association, British Canoeing, British Rowing Association and BTEC.
Sea Cadet Hall (community engagement)
Our facilities at the Sea Cadet Hall have also been used by various community organisations.