1st Forres Scout Group
Trustees’ Annual Report
Year Ended 31st March 2025
Reference and Administrative Details
Charity Name: 1st Forres Scout Group
Charity Number: SC043071
Operating Address: Scout Hut, Bank Lane, Forres, IV36 1NU
Structure, Governance, and Management
Governing Document
The Group was registered as a charity on 5th April 2012 and operates under the Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scout Association.The Group has been affiliated with the Scout Association (Scotland) since 1910.
Constitution & Governance Transition
In 2024, 1st Forres Scout Group underwent a significant governance restructure, shifting from the traditional Group Executive Committee model to a new Trustee Board and Group Leadership Team framework. This change is part of The Scout Association’s modernisation programme and aligns with the updated governance standards outlined in the December 2024 Trustee Board guidance.
This structure separates governance (via the Trustee Board) from programme delivery (handled by the Leadership Team), promoting better transparency, effectiveness, and safety.
The Trustee Board bears legal responsibility for ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, maintaining vigilance over financial matters and risk management, and supporting the Group Lead Volunteer in delivering a safe, inclusive, and high-quality Scouting experience.
The Group Leadership Team focuses exclusively on programme delivery and volunteer support, not governance duties.
Governance Changes – Executive Committee Step-Down Dates
As part of the governance transition, the following individuals stepped down from their roles in the Executive Committee:
We thank each of them for their commitment and service to the young people of Forres.
Current Trustees
As of 31 December 2024, the following individuals are serving as trustees of 1st Forres Scout Group:
How the Trustee Board Operates
The 1st Forres Scout Group Trustee Board plays a vital role in ensuring the charity is well-managed, compliant, and sustainable.
It follows the governance model as outlined by The Scout Association in December 2024, reflecting best practices for youth charities in the UK.
Purpose of the Trustee Board
The Trustee Board exists to ensure the Group complies with all legislation, including charity law, acts in the best interests of the Group and adheres to Scouting’s values, and oversees and approves budget and financial operations.
It also manages risks, which include safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection, while supporting and holding the Group Lead Volunteer accountable for the quality and safety of programme delivery.
Membership and Roles
Trustees are carefully chosen for their skills, experience, and commitment to Scouting values.
Roles within the Board include Chair, Treasurer, and nominated volunteers.
The Board meets at least quarterly and can also form working groups for specialised projects or risk management.
This model ensures that strategic direction and operational independence are well-balanced, fostering effective Scouting delivery in Forres.
Trustee Appointments and the Next AGM
To ensure continuity and support the new structure, an interim Trustee Board was set up during the governance transition in 2024.
Following The Scout Association’s guidance and best practice in charity governance, a full Trustee Board will be formally voted in at the next Annual General Meeting (AGM).
This process will enable members of the Group Scout Council to nominate and approve a team of trustees with the appropriate skills and commitment needed to oversee the strategic and legal responsibilities of the charity.
The upcoming AGM will also provide an opportunity to:
Confirm all trustee appointments, clarify roles and responsibilities under the new constitution, and encourage wider member engagement in the Group’s governance.
The Group is steadfast in its commitment to transparency and strong leadership.
The formal election of trustees at the AGM will be a significant step in embedding the refreshed structure.
Charitable Purpose
The 1st Forres Scout Group aims to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to contribute positively to society.
Our charitable purpose is achieved through regular weekly meetings, adventurous activities, camps, and community service.
All of these activities align with Scouts Scotland’s policy for youth aged 6–18.
Volunteers
The Group is entirely led by volunteers.
We remain immensely grateful for the dedication, energy, and commitment shown by our adult volunteers to support Scouting and our young people.
Financial Review and Reserve Fund
The Group is financially stable, maintaining a reserve fund of £15,000 for essential building maintenance and emergencies.
A comprehensive set of financial statements has been prepared and submitted separately to OSCR.
Achievements, Performance, and Outcomes
The year 2024 was marked by growth, resilience, and community camaraderie.
Some of the key highlights include the expansion of sections, where a second Cub Pack was established, and at the start of 2025 a second Scout Troop was also established. Both new sections are going from strength to strength and continue to develop and grow.
New Mess Tent: Through funds raised from the 2023 Duck Race, we acquired a spacious 7.7m x 4.4m mess tent.
Programme Delivery: All sections offered a diverse array of programmes, including camps, sleepovers, and skillbuilding events.
Community Involvement: We continued to participate in Remembrance Parades and other local community events.
Fundraising: Various events hosted by local businesses supported our running and programme costs.
Public Engagement: Our activities were consistently featured in the Forres Gazette and online media outlets.
Additional Achievements:
Returning to District Events, participating in the Moray District Camp and badge days helped young people forge new friendships and explore different activities.
Outdoor Skills & Campfire Nights: Events at Blairs Loch and Brodie were well-attended, celebrating classic Scouting traditions.
Volunteer Training Growth: Several adults completed training in safeguarding, first aid, and leadership, strengthening our team’s resilience.
Local Partnerships: The Group collaborated with organisations like the Dava Way Association and the Findhorn Bay Trust.
Equipment Investment: We purchased new tents, shelters, and cooking equipment to boost the safety and quality of our camping experiences.
Uniform Exchange Pilot: A pre-loved uniform scheme was launched to help families manage living costs.
Celebratory Events: Seasonal themed nights such as water day, pirate night, and winter festival provided memorable experiences.
Plans for the Future
Further integrate the Trustee Board and Group Leadership Team model.
Expand section capacity to accommodate demand.
Improve digital tools for better communication and record-keeping.
Continue supporting a safe, inclusive, and high-quality programme.
Scout Hall Development: A special project and working group aim to explore the expansion of the existing Scout Hall. This initiative is intended to double the building’s capacity, accommodating both current demand and future growth. Preliminary planning and feasibility discussions are already underway.
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved this report.
Signed on behalf of the Charity Trustees
Position: Chair of Trustees
Date: 19th June 2025
APPENDIX 2
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1st Forres Scout Group
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$C043071
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Receipts and payments accounts
Ea oees
. Forme pee! |e te Le gg we es |
Section A Statement of receipts and payments
— Restricted funds Expendableendowment endowmPerman e ntnt Bata i a —
funds funds i Be
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
Ai Receipts
Legacies 1,276 1,276||_ 2,865|
Grants | e |i"saz}||as [ato] |
Receipts from fundraising activities 42,904 42,904 29,071
IGross tradingIncome from investmentsreceipts other than| 2,28) | aazs| | [aa] |
land and buildings
Toss receipts from other charitable
activities
At Sub total] ___ 49,032) 79,032 | [ 36.214
A2 Receipts from asset & investment
sales
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets Fo
[Proceeds from sale of investments |
Az Sub total] -]
A3 Payments
fnvesmenimanagenenicoss [| a
anAu it d donstions/ independeni exarninaiion a|Oe |. |
ee as|
A3 Sub totall 66,005] er [55.005 | 34658
A4 Payments relating to asset and
investment movements
Purchases of fixed assets fF
Purchase of investments |
Ad Subtorail|
Net recente “tnmenenieg iol) es|SE 5.973
Surplus / (deficit) for yearGear5,973 5,973
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APPENDIX 2 1st Forres Scout Group
$C043071
Section B Statement of balances
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|.|Expendable|Permanent|
|Unrestricted|Restricted funds|endowment|endowment|Total curent|Total|last|period|
|funds|funds|funds|period|
|to|nearest&£|to|nearest|£|to|nearest|£|to|nearesté|to|nearest|£|to|nearest£|
|B1|Cash funds|Cash and|bank|balances at|start|of|f|year|42,159|42,159|40,601|
|Surplus|/4|(deficit)it) shsh|ow|nn|o|nn|receirecei|pts|an’and|-|—|(5,973)|——|a|(5,973)|:|4,557|
|payments|account|
|ee|ee |ee||ee|||
|es ee |ee |ee|eee||
|Cash and bank balances at end of year|36,186|Saat aes|36,186|42,158|
|Agree|balances|with|receipts|and|payments|
|account(s))|
|Fund|to|which|asset belongs|Market|valuation|Last|year|
|.|to|nearest|£|to|nearest£|
||—|—|
|Total|
|Fund|to which|asset|belongs|Cost|(if available)|earrene velee ae|Last year|
|available)|
|to|nearest£|to|nearest|£|to|nearest£|
|-|=—|=|
|Total|
|Fund|to|which|liability|relates|Amount due|Last year|
|to|nearest|£|to|nearest£|
|-|—|—|
|Total|
|Fund to which|liability|relates|grey|Last year|
|to|nearest|£|to|nearest£|
|—|—|
|Total|
|Signed|by one|or two trustees|Date|of|
|on|behaff|of|all the trustees|Signature”|Print|Name|approval|
|ee —|
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Oscr combined accounts / Statement of balances
1
December 2007
APPENDIX 2
1st Forres Scout Group
$C043071
Section C Notes to the Accounts
C1 Nature and purpose of funds (may be stated on analysis of funds worksheets)
Individual / Number of grants £ institution made - —<<= Total C3a Trustee remuneration If no remuneration was paid during the period to any charity trustee or person connected to a trustee cross this box (otherwise complete section 3b)
£
C3b Trustee remuneration - details C4a Trustee expenses If no expenses were paid to any charity trustee during the period then cross this box (otherwise complete section 4b)
C4b Trustee expenses - details
ture
at !
Number of £ trustees Transaction Balance amount (£) outstanding at riod end (£
C5 Transactions with trustees and connected persons _ BS Oscr combined accounts / Notes 1
December 2007
APPENDIX 2
1st Forres Scout Group
$C043071
Additional analysis (1)
Analysis of receipts and payments
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1 Donations
——— Restricted funds endowmentExpendable endowmPerman e ntnt toa Total last period
funds funds
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
Various from individuals 1,276 1,276
Total 1,276 1,276
- - - - - reference
2 Grants
unrestricted Total current
waeste Restricted funds vated Total last period
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
Start up grants for two new sections 1,272 1,272
reference - reference reference
3 Gross receipts from other charitable activities
ea Restricted funds Expendableendowment endowmentPermanent Tonal current Total last period
funds funds it
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest£ to nearest £
Total ==== =
reference error : - - reference error reference error
4 Payments relating directly to charitable activities Expendable Permanent
Unrestrictedfunds Restricted funds endowmentfunds endowmentfunds Totaperiod oOarent Total last period
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest [£]
Total -=-- =
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Oscr combined accountsAdditional notes (1)
December 2007
APPENDIX 3
Independent examiner’s report on the accounts Report to the Charity name trustees/members of 15' Forres Scout Group
Registered charity SC043071 number On the accounts of the Period start date Period end date charity for the period Day Month Year Day Month Year 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 (re ber t jude the Respective The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance responsibilities Of with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) 2005 Act and the trustees and examiner Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts examiner's statement Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, | do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner’s__!n the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention fetherthanthat statement disclesed-en-the attached page*]
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations
have not been met, or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper nderstanding of the accounts to be reached Signed**: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any):
Address:
“Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. If the words do apply, set out those matters which have come to your attention on the following page. ** OSCR will accept digital or typed signatures
‘ear le ‘ a