1st Bangor Scout Group Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern lreland – NIC 104449
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT for the year 1st April 2022 – 31[st] March 2023
ADDRESS The Graham Hall, 24 Donaghadee Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5RU
Email: 1stBangorScoutGroup@gmail.com
TRUSTEES' and MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE at 31st March 2023
Timothy Stewart – Group Chairman
Carol Fitzsimons – Group Scout Leader (Acting)
Siobhan Ross, Treasurer
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
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.
Members of the Executive Committee complete appropriate training for their role. This Group Executive Committee exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for the following:
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The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance;
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the insurance of persons, property and equipment;
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Group public occasions;
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Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support;
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Appointing any sub committees that may be required and appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.
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 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 comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:
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Damage to equipment. The Group has sufficient contents insurance to mitigate against permanent loss.
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lnjury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The Group, through the capitation fees, contributes to the Scout Association's national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before activities.
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Reduced income. 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.
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Reduction or loss of Leaders. The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Group. lf there was a reduction in the number of Leaders to an unacceptable level in any Section then the Group would undertake a recruitment project before considering contraction or closure of a section, amalgamation of sections or, in the worst case scenario, the complete closure of the Group. This would be completed in consultation with the District team.
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Reduction loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 6 - 14. lf there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the Group as a whole, a similar undertaken would be put in place as outlined above.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
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:
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lntegrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal,
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Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others.
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Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
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Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and at udes.
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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:
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enjoy what they are doing and have fun
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take part in activities indoors and outdoors
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learn by doing o share in spiritual reflection
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take responsibility and make choices
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undertake new and challenging activities
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make and live by their Promise.
Key Activities during 2022/23 year - Scouts, Cubs and Beavers enjoyed taking part in sectional, group and wider events throughout the year. Badge work continues to be an important core element of each Section's programme with a wide range of Challenge and Activity badges awarded to Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. All sections adopted a strong, balanced programme that allowed young people to develop to their full potential, and demonstrate key skills such as teamwork and leadership skills, outdoor and adventure challenges and elements of good citizenship, community impact and valuing diversity. All sections engaged with the local community and learning more about the local area.
Financial Activity The Group continues to raise funds for much needed upgrade and development of the Hall, with fundraising efforts continue for future development. The finances for the Group are in a stable position, with finances being closely managed within the constraints. The Group remains
dependent on grant aid from the Education Authority and donations from parents and young people to support the delivery of activities, with a need for ongoing fundraising activity.
Signed on behalf of Trustees:
Signature: Full name: Timothy Stewart Role: Chairperson Date: 30[th] April 2023