Trustees, Annual Report For the period From (stsrt date) o end date Section A Reference and administration details Charity name 4th East Belfast Scout Group Other names the charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) HQ registration number Charity's principal address 53 Kings Road Belfast Postcode Names of the charTty trustees who manage the charity Trustee Name Office (rf any) Dates acted if not for whole year Mr Gareth McAuley Mrs Helen Mcconkey Ms Louise Scott Mr Paul Brown Boy Cub Leader Girl Beaver Leader Girl Cub Leader Sponsor Representative and Chairperson Girl Scout Leader Boy Scout Leader Group Scout Leader Treasurer Secretary Mrs Denise Wilson Mr lain Hall Mr Bill Ashe Mrs Lesley Wilson Mrs Ann Watt Names and addresses of advisers (optional infomwtion but encouraged as best practice) Type of advisor Name Address 14th Belfast Scout Group Year Ending August 2024
Section B Structure, governance and management Description of the charity's trusts Type of goveming document The Group's goveming documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in tum gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout A8sociation. (eg trust deed. constitution) How the charity is constituted (eg trust, association. company) The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. Trustee selection methods (eg appointed by, elected by) The Trustees are appointed in accordan with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. Additional govemance issues {optional infomthon but encouraged as best practice) You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about- 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 Chaiity Commission as appropriate. The Committee consists of 3 independent representatives, namely, 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 for a) the induction and training of trustees; b) trustee, consideration of major risks and the systems and procedures to manage them This Group Execubve Committee exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for: The Maintenan of Group propety: The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance; The insurance of persons, propety 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 4th Belfast Scout Group Year Ending August 2024
Section B Structure: governance and management {continued) Risk and Internal Control The Group Executive Committee has identified the major risks to whftch 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: Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The Group through the capitation fees C(rtrIbuteS to the Scout Association's national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. Reductlon or loss of leaders. The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activtti'es of the Group. If there was a reducbon in the number of leade to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the Group as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidalion or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete dosure 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 dosur8 of the Group. Section C Objectives and activities Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its goveming document The Purpose of Scoutlng 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 Scoutlng As Scouts we are guided by these values: Integrity - We act with integrtty; we are honest. trustworthy and loyal. Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others. Care- We support others and take care ofthe world in which we live. Belief - We explore our faiths, beliets and attitudes. COoperation - We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends. The Scout Method Scouting tskes pla when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouttng and: - enjoy what they are doing and have fun - take part in activities indoors and outdoors leam by doing - share in spiritual reflection - take responsibility and make cholS - undertake new and challenging activitles - make and live by their Promise. 3 4th Belfast Scout Group Year Ending August 2024
Section C Objectives and activities (continued) This year the Group sections delivered Scouting programmes across the following sections: Girl Beavers Girl Cubs Girl Scouts Boy Beavars Boy Cubs Boy Scouts Explorer Scouts The prograTnmes included a variety of educational eletnents which promoted the values of SCting and embraced the Scouting method. 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, abouL" The Group applied to the Education Authority for non-genericlnon targeted grant for Boy Scouts. The Scout leader applies for fvnding on behatf of the Group to the Education Authority and retum forms to be signed off by Treasurer and Chairperson. The sponsor applies for EA and Belfast City council grants that additionally support the other sections. policy on grantmaking: contribution made by volunteers; policy on investments. Public ben8fit statement The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or communlty development headings. The Group's Executive Committ88 as trustees have read the Charity Commission's Public Benefrt Re uirements statuto uidance. Section D Achievements and performance Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the ypAr he Group can claim a wide variety of achievements as a direct orking of the Scouting programme across the 7 sections. Examples include: Attainment of a wide selection of badges within the group of 1481 across the 6 sections. There are currently 45 young people in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. with 10 completing their silver expedition in 2024. Delivery of camp skills, sponsor walks, sporteering, athletics, games, sports tournaments. arts and craft sessions, wide games, tent pitching, off site trips and canoeing across the 7 sections. Progression of members to higher seclions within the Group and attracting new members from within the community with over 280 young people across the sections. Over 140 at residential camps throughout the year locally in Crawfordsbum, the Moumes and Ireland. 4 4th Belfast Scout Group Year Ending August 2024
Section E Financial Review Reserves Policy The Group's policy on reseeS is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the Group should income and fundraising activities fall shorL Brief statement of the charity's policy on reseeS The Group held reserves of approximatety £37,000 against this at year end. This is above the level required for operating expenses. Quantify and explain any designations Details of any funds materfally in deficit None Further financial revlew details (optional information) You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about. the charity's principal sources of fu (including any fundraising); Primary Sources of Income Incorne is derived primarily from indwidual member subscriptions and Gift Aid. . how expendlture has supported the key objectives of the charity; Expenditure has been primarily undertaken to underpin and facilitate the delivery of the Scout programmes across the Group's sections. investment policy and objectives Investment Policy 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. Restricted funds All funds are unrestricted, wlth the exception of EA grants which must be used for the purposes under which they are granted. Account codes are used to infomially separate funds between different sections within the Group, and types of income and expenditure. 5 4th Belfast Scout Group Year Ending August 2024
Section F Other Optional Information Plans for future periods (detsils of any significant aGtivities planned to achiev8 them) The 4th group sections will be relocated to new premises during the Knock Presbyterian rebuilding project, which started in September 24 and is due to complete in 18 months. Sectioii G Declaratiofl The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees L4Lb Signatur8{s) Full name(s) Paul Brown Lesley Wilson Position (eg Secretary, Chair) Chairperson Treasurer (FY23124) Date 6 4th Belfast Scout Group Year Ending August 2024