Trustees Annual Report

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

For Period 01/04/2024 to 31/03/2025

Section A - Reference and administration details

Charity Name                                  32nd Ipswich Scout Group

Registered Charity Number               281008

HQ Registration Number               41690

Charity’s principal address            32nd Ipswich Scout Headquarters

                                                       Stoke Park Drive

                                                       Ipswich

                                                       IP2 9TH

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee Name                       Role

Norman Noble                       Joint Chairperson

David Alcock                          Joint Chairperson

Julian Gant                           Treasurer

Peter Mower                         Group Lead Volunteer

Gary Martin

Laura Jackaman

John Block

David Backler

Neil Evans

Barry Broom

Name of Adviser

Type of Adviser           Name

Accounts Scrutineer      Philip Colquhoun

Section B – Structure, governance and management

Description of charity’s trusts

Type of governing document   The Groups 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.

How is the charity constituted The Group is a Trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.

Trustee selection methods     The Trustees are appointed in accordance   with the Policy Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.

Additional governance issues

                                             The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, 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 Commissioner as appropriate.

                                             The Trustee Board consists of the Joint Chairpersons, Treasurer and 9 Trustees (including 1 Ex Officio Trustee) – 12 in total and meets 3 times per year for Trustee meetings and once per year for an Annual Meeting.

                                             Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts Trustee learning within 6 months of joining the Board.

                                             The Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation’s policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high quality and safe programmes that give young people skills for life.

                                             Risk and Internal Control

                                             The Group has in place a system of internal controls that are reviewed at each Trustee Board meeting. These cover the finances, building, sections, safety and development of the Group.

Section C – 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:

                                             Integrity – We act with integrity, we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.

                                             Respect – We have self-respect and respect for others.

                                             Care – We support others and take care of the world in which we live.

                                             Belief – We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.

                                             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:

-  enjoy what they are doing and have fun

-  take part in activities indoors and outdoors

-  learn by doing

-  share spiritual reflection

-  take responsibility and make choices

-  undertake new and challenging activities

-  make and live by their Promise

The Scout Group will provide weekly activities during term time that develop the young people and enable them to gain progress through their sections training programme and achieve their sections highest award.

The activities will include indoor, outdoor and residential experiences and will be designed to challenge the young people to develop their potential, gain confidence and develop their skills for life.

The Scout Group will run a hardship scheme to assist those families which are experiencing financial hardship. This will be offered at the Group Lead Volunteers  discretion.

The Scout Group is run by volunteers and their contribution should be recognised and respected.

The Groups financial policy should ensure that the Groups funds are invested in safe investments which provide good rates of interest at minimal risk.

Public Benefits statement       The Group meets the Charity Commissioner’s public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.

Section D – Achievements and performance

Main achievements of charity  The Group have again achieved higher

during the year                      awards in all sections. Several Young Leader awards have been achieved.

                                             All sections held residential experiences on at least one occasion.

                                             All sections participated in District events.

                                             A new Squirrel Section was established for 4 to 6 year olds.

Section E – Financial Review

                                             Reserves Policy

                                             The Group’s policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 24 months running cost, circa £35,000.

The Group held reserves of approximately £46,000 at the year end. This was £3,000 less than last year but is still above the level required for operating expenses but will allow the Group to incur future expenses without additional fund raising.

Investment Policy

The Groups Trustee Board regularly monitors the level of bank balances and interest rates received to ensure the group obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. Occasionally, this may involve using an account that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn, before doing so, the Group Trustee Board considers the cash flow requirements. Two higher interest accounts were opened during the year to maximise the amount of interest we can receive.

Section F – plans for the future

The Group has a 5 year development plan that is reviewed at each Trustee Board Meeting. This looks after the immediate, short term and long term interests of the Groups development.

Section G – Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above.

Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees

Signature

                          Norman Noble                       David Alcock

                          Joint Chairperson                  Joint Chairperson