## Roe Valley Scout Group Registered Charity Number 104214 ## **Trustees’ Annual Report** ## **For the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026** ## **Objectives and Activities** The purpose of Roe Valley Scout Group is to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. The Group delivers a balanced and inclusive programme of activities that promotes skills for life, including teamwork, leadership, resilience, and community engagement. Following the successful re-establishment of the Group in the previous year, the focus during this reporting period has been on developing sustainable membership, strengthening programme delivery across all sections, and embedding Scouting within the local community. ## **Activities and Achievements** The Group continued its programme following its restart in September 2024 and undertook a further round of registration for the new Scouting term. As recorded in the annual census on 31 January 2026, the Group had a total of 25 young people, comprising: - **11 Squirrels** - **4 Beavers** - **5 Cubs** - **5 Scouts** Despite being a relatively new and developing Group, a varied and engaging programme was delivered across all sections. ## **Squirrels** The Squirrel Drey has grown to full capacity, representing a very positive step in early years provision. One Squirrel achieved their Acorn Award, while others worked towards a range of badges. Activities included: - A visit from a cricket coach - A tour of the local church to learn what a minister does and all about community roles - A woodland visit to explore seasonal changes in winter ## **Beavers** The Beaver Lodge has been active in working towards a wide range of badges, including: - Book Reader - Cook - Creative - Faith - Health and Fitness - Sports The programme included visits from guest speakers and outdoor learning experiences in local nature areas, helping young people understand environmental changes across the seasons. ## **Cubs** The Cub Pack welcomed new members during the year, supporting continued growth. Cubs worked towards several badges, including: - Communicator - Chef - Environmental Conservation - Naturalist Activities focused on developing communication skills, environmental awareness, and practical life skills. ## **Scouts** The Scout Troop welcomed its first members progressing from Cubs, supporting retention and development within the Group. Activities included: - Regular visits to local forests to observe seasonal and environmental changes - Learning about native species and conservation - Working with a local nursery to plant native trees – and how important they are - Developing communication skills through Morse code. They had much fun learning about codes and understanding how difficult it is to send messages and translate more code. - Practical skills such as knot tying, carving with a knife, and tent pitching – always useful skills for a Scout to know These activities provided opportunities for young people to build confidence, independence, and teamwork skills. ## **Public Benefit** The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. Roe Valley Scout Group provides a clear public benefit by offering structured, inclusive activities that support the development of young people. The programme enables participants to gain valuable life skills, build confidence, and engage positively within their community. The continued growth and activity of the Group ensures that young people in the Roe Valley area have access to these opportunities. ## **Financial Review** The Group has continued to operate on a modest but stable financial basis during this reporting period, supporting programme delivery and ongoing development. Further detail on income, expenditure, and financial position is provided in the accompanying financial statements. ## **Governance and Structure** During this period, the Group has continued to strengthen its governance arrangements following its re-establishment. Work has focused on: - Supporting volunteers in their roles - Maintaining safe and compliant practices - Developing a sustainable leadership structure The Group continues to work closely with the District to ensure that governance, safeguarding, and financial management requirements are met. ## **Future Plans** Looking ahead, the Group aims to: - Continue to grow membership across all sections - Strengthen volunteer recruitment and retention - Continue with a good outdoor programme with some adventurous activities and camps - Continue building strong links within the local community - Maintain and improve governance and compliance The Trustees are confident that Roe Valley Scout Group is continuing to grow and develop, providing valuable opportunities for young people in the area. ## **Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement** The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. They are responsible for ensuring that the Group: - Keeps proper accounting records - Safeguards its assets - Operates in accordance with its charitable purposes - Complies with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements The Trustees confirm that they have taken appropriate steps to fulfil these responsibilities.