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CABOT DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 3rd July 2019, BAWA, Southmead
Road, Bristol
Introduction At 7.15 pm John Kirwan (District Chair) welcomed
approximately 90 people present. The first part
of the evening was for a discussion about District finances,
light refreshments and fun competitions
for Groups (the Cabot Cup – organised this year by 26th, last
year’s winners) and Explorer Scouts
(the Cabot AGM Explorer Trophy). During the evening Explorer
Scout Units displayed posters about
their activities.
District Finances Mixed discussion groups were asked to consider
one of two
questions relating to District finances. District Team
members facilitated the discussions and provided written
feedback which is presented in Appendix 5. Explorer Scouts
reviewed their programme as in Appendix 6.
Formal AGM At 8.15 pm John formally convened the Annual General
Meeting of Cabot District Scout Council, for
which 85 members had signed in and 25 had sent their apologies
(see Appendix 1).
1. The minutes from 2018. These had been circulated and were
approved.
2. Receive Trustees’ Report
An Impact Report on Scouting activities on the ground (“Be super
proud!”) had been prepared by
Chris Gavriel (District Commissioner), had been circulated
(Appendix 2) and would be discussed in
Chris’ address later in the evening. John first thanked all the
Trustees for their work, and especially
those members of the Board / Executive who had stood down during
the year, or who were standing
down at this AGM, for their contributions (Jaquetta Wallace,
Alex Day, Sarah Nugent, Emma Barton
and David Griffin). He thanked especially Terry Wright, for
stepping in to manage the District
Appointments Advisory Committee during the year, and Paddy
O’Brien, for his work on the accounts.
The District Board of Trustees / Executive Committee’s report
had been circulated (Appendix 3) and
John drew attention to several areas of work during the
year:
The Board has continued to hold meetings in Group HQs and had
invited Group members to
contribute to its meetings, fostering better links with
Groups.
All Trustees have completed their training modules, and the
Trustees have implemented the
General Data Protection Regulations – though these needed to be
kept under review. Trustees’
minutes and papers (except for detailed information about
appointments activities) are now
available on the District web site.
The Group Executive / Trustee Forums have continued,
concentrating initially on GDPR but more
recently reviewing fundraising issues. Also, Trustees have been
able to contribute to development
issues in several Groups during the year, and have supported the
transfer of 63rd Bristol and the
Phoenix Explorer Scout Unit (which meets at 63rd HQ) into the
District.
A report on the Pears Project involvement at 1st Lawrence
Weston, detailing successes and
lessons to be learned, had been prepared by the District
Commissioner with support from
Trustees and submitted to County. Developments here remain a
challenge.
Trustees have instigated a balanced budget for the current year
(2019-20) and Explorer Scout
funding is now fully budgeted on a District wide basis. All
financial responsibilities are now
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included in the District accounting process. Dual approval
electronic banking is now in place, and explicit funding
arrangements for District equipment established. A large sum
(£50,000) had been designated for capital development but
the
best way to use it is currently being further considered.
The
feedback from the earlier discussion session will help with
this.
Explorer Unit partnership agreements have been reviewed and
renewed, and the Scout Active Support Unit service
agreements
have been reviewed – an exercise that has proved helpful in
updating the SAS aims and
objectives.
John and Owen Jones (District Explorer Scout Commissioner) were
early signatories on Bristol
Children’s Charter, supporting the City Council and being seen
to link to the wider community.
We will be responding to their request for information about how
we have been implementing the
principles of the Charter – which are fully in line with the
aims of Scouting.
The report was accepted by the meeting.
3. Receive the Accounts
Paddy O’Brien, District Treasurer presented the accounts which
had been circulated (Appendix 4).
This is the first year for which he has been fully responsible
as Treasurer, and the accounts this year
include all financial areas for which the Trustees are
responsible. The accounts are a snapshot of
the financial situation on the day and are subject to variations
because some payments are made
and some income received after their due dates and this can
sometimes look like a loss or a gain.
Paddy drew attention to the following points:
• There has been an overhaul of the financial processes in
Explorers. They have moved from
making a loss in 2017-18 to break-even (when taking into
account
timing of the collection of camp fees and payment of
expenses).
• First Lawrence Weston has been included in the accounts as
the
District is overseeing the Finances. In cash terms 1st
Lawrence
Weston made an in-year loss but they were in receipt of a
start-up
grant at the end of 2017-18 so in actual terms the group broke
even.
• All restricted funds except for Namaste have now been.
• Nemaste had receipts of £88,274 and Expenditure of £99,274 and
has
a closing Balance of £4,894. This year these figures have
been
included in the main accounts for the first time.
• Suzanne Bishop, our auditor, was unable to help this year, but
is
happy to continue in future years. The Trustees had approved
James Fuersteburg (a CIMA
qualified accountant) as auditor and he has undertaken the audit
and approved the accounts.
• The accounts were approved by the meeting, and a vote of
thanks given to James for his
support.
4. District Commissioner’s nomination of the District
Chairman
Chris Gavriel thanked John Kirwan for his work and personal
advice and support, and nominated
him to continue for a further year – which John had indicated
would be his final year. This was
approved.
5. Election of District Secretary; District Treasurer; Elect
Trustees / Members of the District
Executive Committee;
Esther Hollow was proposed as District Secretary by John Kirwan,
seconded by Chris Gavriel and
approved by the meeting. Paddy O’Brien was proposed as District
Treasurer by John Kirwan,
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seconded by Chris Gavriel and approved by the meeting.
Jauetta
Wallace was proposed as re-elected to 2023 by John Kirwan,
seconded by Paddy O’Brien and approved by the meeting. Don
Pritchard was proposed as elected to 2023 by Rob Laurence,
seconded by Marion Collis and approved by the meeting.
6. District Commissioner’s nomination of Trustees
Chris Gavriel nominated Clare Campion-Smith (one of
Bristol's
longest-serving councillors who has served on Bristol City
Council's
cabinet twice and was a Lord Mayor 2015/16); Maddie Jenkins (an
experienced Beaver Scout
Leader and Cub Scout Leader who was ADC Cubs and is now Deputy
District Commissioner) and
Carlton Jefferis (Group Chair at 7th Bristol who steered through
their latest Group developments).
These were approved.
7. Elect Group Scouters to represent the District on the County
Scout Council
Sarah Jenkinson was proposed by Harry Bradbury, seconded by Tim
Jenkinson. Charlie Brown was
proposed by Chris Gavriel, seconded by Michael Britton. These
were elected.
8. Appoint a scrutineer.
Suzanne Bishop ACA was proposed by Paddy O’Brien, seconded by
John Kirwan and approved.
This concluded the formal meeting, which the Chairman closed at
8.30pm
Presentation on Explorer and Network achievements
Owen Jones introduced this short presentation by pointing to the
expansion in Explorer Scout
provision, with about 220 current members and with plans for new
Explorer Scout Units in hand. A
full year of District based activities had been added to the
weekly Explorer programmes, and
included a Camp, the Rickard Shield, working towards the Chief
Scout’s Platinum Award and a
record number of teams entered for Ten Tors. Explorer Scouts
themselves then reported on their
experiences on the Namaste Nepal trip with sightseeing, a Jungle
Jamboree and hikes among the
high mountains. Others told of their preparations and hopes for
the World Scout Jamboree in a few
weeks, in which they will be taking part in the USA. They were
clearly impressed by the size of the
jamboree site – larger than Bristol!
Rhian Jones (District Network Scout Commissioner) gave a brief
run-down on developments in the
Cabot’s ‘Gromit’ Scout Network. Increasing membership and
increasing activities include social and
fun events, but also work towards top Scouting awards. Three
members have gained their Queen’s
Scout Award and five their Explorer Belt Award – fantastic
achievements! Gromit also came first
and second in their section of the Rickard Shield.
The District Commissioner
Chris Gavriel began his address (full text in Appendix 7) by
promising to explain why he spends so
much time supporting Scouting, and why he is always larking
about while doing so – but not until
the end of his presentation. He went on to illustrate with
pictures and reports what a great year of
Scouting there has been in Cabot District. And also what
progress we had made towards the national
goals of Vision 2023. Reviewing the contributions of People,
Programme and Perception (the ‘three
Ps’) he mentioned particularly new members of the District Team,
the success of 22 Nights Away
permits approved and over 50 Wood Badge awards for leader
training, the District programme of
sectional activities, the substantial developments in the
opportunities for Explorer Scouts, and, with
particular pride as the County Commissioner was present, that of
this year’s five Avon County
Queen’s Scouts, three are from Cabot District.
Chris went on to thank all the Leaders and supporters who gave
of their time and energy, and are
the people who make all this happen. And to explain why he put
in the effort he does, the way he
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does, he told us of his early childhood and how Scouting gave
him a family and a thousand friends.
He knows from personal experience that Scouting gives young
people the opportunity to develop
skills for life – and often skills they did not know they
had.
In closing, Chris thanked everyone for what they contribute to
Scouting in Cabot District, and told
them to be proud – be super proud!
The County Commissioner
Graham Brant thanked everyone for inviting him, and for all the
work they and their colleagues are
doing to make Scouting in Cabot District so successful. It had
been a busy and rewarding year. He
recalled his own attendance at a World Scout Jamboree, many
years ago in Canada, and wished
this year’s contingent every success. And while it is great to
see young people moving forward, he
too wished to recognise all the hard work done and commitment
made by the Leaders and
supporters in the District.
Avon County has now expanded to 11,500 young people and 4,800
adult volunteers in 144 Groups
– but it’s still not enough! There are more than 2,000 young
people of Scouting age who are on our
waiting lists. Experience suggests that the best approach to
meeting this need is to expand existing
Groups – our limitation here is only our imagination.
The aims of Avon County for the coming year, working through
Districts and Groups, is to double
the number of top awards achieved by young people through
providing good quality programmes.
Also to complete the updating of Scout branding across the
County. National HQ are experimenting
with younger age access to Scouting, and with Scouting linked to
Schools. They are also consulting
about uniform, and are developing a revised adult training
programme. He encourages members to
send in their views. Graham finished by once again
congratulating Chris and the whole District on a
great year of activities.
Competitions and Commendation
Graham Brant presented the Cabot AGM Explorer’s Trophy to
Spaniorum Explorer Unit. Graham
presented the Cabot Cup to 90th Bristol Scout Group, who won the
picture quiz, together with a
bucket of sweets to share with their Beavers, Cubs and
Scouts.
Graham and Chris jointly presented a Commissioners’ Commendation
to Paul Jagroop of 7th Bristol
for his sterling support over several years, resulting in the
completion of a complete refurbishment
and renewal of the Group HQ.
All these presentations were greeted with loud applause and the
evening concluded at 9.30pm.
Appendix 1 – Members who signed in Appendix 2 - 2019 DC Impact
Report
Appendix 3 - Trustees Annual Report 2019 Appendix 4 - Cabot
accounts 2018-19
Appendix 5 – Summary of discussion report back Appendix 6 –
Explorer Scout feedback
Appendix 7 - Text of DC’s address
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Signed in:
Mohammed Aidid (BCYC Youth Mayor), Roland Allen (Exp Leader),
claire baker (Exp Leader), kara
Baker (Explorer Scout), Paul Baker (Exp Leader), Peter Bateman
(7th Leader), Alexander Bell (227th
Leader), Richard Bennett (26th Leader), Tim Bird (Dist Leader
Leader), Harry Bradbury (77th Leader),
Graham Brant (CC), Sue Bray (Dist Leader), Emma Butler (1st B
Leader), Clare Campion-Smith (Dist
Trustee), Marion Collis (90th Leader), David Drew (62nd Leader),
Alison Ellis Ellis (Explorer Scout
Parent), Felicity Ellis (Explorer Scout), Timothy Ellis
(Explorer Scout Parent), Mike Evans (63rd
Leader), Kyle Fox (169th Leader), Adam Freeman (90th Leader),
Phoebe Freeman (Explorer Scout),
Rachel Freeman (Dist Trustee), Chris Gavriel (DC Leader), Peter
Gilbert (26th Trustee), Georgia
Gilvear (Explorer Scout), Wayne Gilvear (Exp Leader), Ben Goree
(Explorer Scout), Clive Grant (62nd
Leader), Nicola Gregory (169th Leader), Zoe Hammond (1st L
Leader), Mike Harrup (91st Trustee),
Niamh Harvey-Kelly (Explorer Scout), Laura Heal (Exp Leader),
Phil Heard (167th Leader), Andy
Hobbs (26th Leader), Shaun Holmwood (SAS), Ian Hunt (Exp
Leader), James Hurst (Explorer Scout),
Paul Jagroop (7th Trustee), Daniella James (169th Leader),
Martin James (BCC Youth Worker),
Carlton Jefferis (7th Leader), Patrick Jenkinson (77th Leader),
Sarah Jenkinson (77th Leader), Tim
Jenkinson (77th Leader), Catrin Jones (62nd Leader), Owen Jones
(DSSC Leader), Rhian Jones (DSNC),
John Kirwan (Dist Chair), Rob Laurence (90th Leader), Nigel
Lloyd (SAS), ? Morse? (26th Leader),
Samuel Mueller (Explorer Scout), Peter Newbery (7th Trustee),
Clare Newbolt, Patrick O'Brien (Dist
Treas), Roger Parker (Exp Leader), Kate Phillips (Explorer
Scout), Steve Phillips (63rd Trustee),
Margaret Postlethwaite (Dist Leader Leader), Jelani Pratt
(Explorer Scout), Don Pritchard (Exp
Leader), Alexander Punter (7th Leader), Jonathan Rogers (63rd
Leader), Matt Routtledge (Exp
Leader), Amanda Schnurr (Explorer Scout Parent), Dan Schnurr
(Explorer Scout Parent), Edward
Schnurr (Explorer Scout), Harry Schnurr (Explorer Scout),
Barnaby Swonnell (Explorer Scout), Richard
Tilley (SAS), Kat Tucker (BRHCSG Leader), Clare Waggett (Exp
Leader), Steven Waggett (SAS), Ewan
Watson (44th Leader), Nicola Watt (Exp Leader), Abby Wellby (1st
B Leader), Louise Wheeler (90th
Leader), Fi Whent (7th Leader), Steve Wiseman (Dist Leader
Leader), Charis Wood (Exp Leader),
Terence Wright (Dist AAC), Laura Wyatt (1st B Leader).
Apologies from:
Laura Bose, Nick Brierley, Bob Brinn, Charlie Brown , Graham
Cooper , Alexis Dando, Dave de Silva,
Russell Fisher, Lucinda Griffiths , Lynne Haynes, Maddie
Jenkins, Rachel Marcus, Wayne Massey,
Jackie Pearce, Stuart Shute, Peter Smith, Russell Smith ,
Richard Taylor, Mary Ulicsak, Paul Webber,
Lee White, Nicky Woodfield , Dan Wyatt, John Wyatt, Sandra
Wyatt, ,
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Impact Report 2019
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Cabot Scout District Impact Report 2019
Writing my impact report seemed a little more daunting than
usual this year, as I racked my brains to think what I could share
with you that I haven’t already shared in the past – is this just
another repeating cycle like the movie Groundhog Day? On the
surface it seemed that little had changed. However, when I delved a
little deeper and analysed a little more closely, it turned out
that some of the most significant and important milestones of my
tenure as Cabot’s District Commissioner have taken place in this
very short window of time.
People
2018/19 has been a year of consolidation. Our membership in the
2019 Census went down a little (1.5% or 48 young people), but we
have a very real expectation that it will grow again next year. Our
numbers in the Scout and Explorer sections continue to grow and,
even more reassuring, the number of adult volunteers is also
growing – showing Scouting is still as popular as ever. Some Groups
are already thinking about expanding their provision by opening new
sections to ease the pressure on already full and existing
sections.
We were delighted to welcome the 63rd Bristol and the Phoenix
Explorer Unit who, because of an almost completely overlapping
catchment area, transferred from Brunel District earlier in the
year. We know that this extremely successful and thriving Group
will become an integral part of our District and their Young People
will benefit from this minor adjustment to the boundary and meet
lots of new friends within Scouting.
I’m also delighted to report we have a full District Team for
the first time in many years, all of whom will do their bit to
support the wider leadership teams within our Groups. Tim Bird
becomes ADC Cubs while Alexis Dando takes on the challenge of ADC
Scouts. They will be supported by Helen Howard and Kay Shuttleworth
as District Scouters. We also welcome Rhian Jones as our Network
Commissioner supporting our 18-25-year olds. With an
ever-increasing District membership, we are keen to ensure Groups
get the support needed to deliver high quality Scouting, as well
the chance to come together to take part in District-wide
activities.
In order for high quality programmes to be delivered, Cabot is
heavily reliant on a strong and knowledgeable Appointments Advisory
Committee. This team has worked hard to move more adult volunteers
through the process, making sure everyone is happy and in the right
role for them! We are also seeing record numbers of Leaders
complete their adult training and gaining their Wood Badge. By the
time of our Cabot Celebration evening, over 40 Wood Badges will
have been completed since January 2019 – a fantastic achievement in
the centenary year of the National Scout Training scheme!
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Programme
More adults trained equals more exciting and dynamic programmes
being delivered on a weekly basis for our young people. This year
has seen some brilliant activities being delivered within Groups!
There have been Family Camps organised by 26th Bristol and 62nd
Bristol. A sleepover on the HMS Belfast organised by the 18th
Bristol Troop - not to mention various Scout and Explorers from
around the District completing hikes and expeditions to complete
badge work for top awards.
Provision for Post 14 Scouting (Explorers and Network) has also
had an extremely successful year: Ten teams entered the annual Ten
Tors weekend in May; The first ever joint Explorer and Network camp
took place during the Easter weekend; and our Network and SSAGO
members helped to organise the Kohoutek challenge at Woodhouse Park
Activity Centre for the County. Impressive, too, is the number of
international events that have taken place throughout the year. Our
Namaste SAS Unit held yet another exceptional event taking 33 young
people and 14 Leaders to Nepal. We have 12 young people preparing
themselves to head off soon to the World Scout Jamboree in America.
And 5 of our Networkers undertaking their Explorer Belt in Italy,
Switzerland and Armenia!
Helping our members achieve Top Awards has been a strong focus
for everyone from Beaver age right up to Network. It’s brilliant to
see how Leaders are thinking hard about how they can maximise
opportunities for youngsters to gain the Bronze, Silver or Gold
Chief Scout Awards, and later their Platinum and Diamond
Awards.
Specific actions by the District Executive / Board of
Trustees:
• Held meetings at Group HQs including members of the host Group
• Completed all Trustee training and implemented GDPR • Held Group
Executive Forums and made District minutes available on-line •
Supported Group developments, especially 1st LW and 3rd Bristol •
Wrote a report on the Pears Project at Lawrence Weston • Helped
transfer 63rd Bristol and Phoenix ESU into Cabot District • Liaised
with and supported Groups developing their HQ buildings •
Instigated balanced budgets, Explorer budgeting and full District
accounting • Changed our bank, established an Explorer bank account
and introduced
dual-approval electronic banking • Identified the need for
explicit funding arrangements for District equipment
and redirected funds to purchase a marquee • Reviewed Explorer
partnership agreements and SAS service agreements • Implemented
Online Scout Manager for all Explorer Scout administration •
Supported Namaste Nepal and the World Scout Jamboree • Supported
the Bristol Children’s Charter
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It is no accident that of the 5 Queen’s Scout’s Award recipients
representing Avon County this year at Windsor, 3 came from Cabot!
Congratulations to Rosa, Harry and Owen for gaining this much
coveted award and their dedication to Scouting. Our Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award SAS Unit also continues to deliver a fantastic
programme with one celebration evening alone seeing 20 Bronze and 2
Gold Awards being presented!
Perception
Scouting moves forward with the times to ensure that what we are
relevant and exciting, and providing important and much-needed
Skills for Life. In Cabot we are striving to make our Scouting more
youth shaped by listening to the voices of our young people on how
they can shape their own Scouting programmes. We are also working
hard to build up community links with local charities and
businesses and it’s great to say THANK YOU to these special people
who have helped Scouting in their local areas.
This year, District have worked with our Scout Active Support
Managers and appropriate members of their teams to update their
Service Agreements to ensure that the provision they offer
continues to flourish. The District is doing all we can to support
them in their valuable work towards the wider Scout programme. It’s
also an inspiration to see how so many groups and their Executive
Committees are working proactively to modernise and update their
Scout HQs and the fantastic efforts groups such as the 7th Bristol
and the 43rd Bristol have achieved in the last 12 months is really
impressive!
Another year to be proud!
As District Commissioner, I am extremely proud of all that has
been achieved in the past 12 months and the incredible commitment
that has been so freely given by all our fantastic volunteers. We
are constantly providing new, life-changing experiences to more
than 1,500 young people. Sometimes we forget just what a remarkable
job we all do for our local communities! The world would be a much
poorer place without the positive influences of Scouting, not just
in Cabot but all over the World.
So, if Scouting does have similarities with ‘Groundhog Day’,
then I’m all for the cycle NEVER ending!!! The big difference is we
do our best to make what we do EVEN BETTER with every passing year!
I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the entire District
Team to thank you for the incredible voluntary work you all do and
the many lives you change for the better.
Be super proud!
Chris Gavriel District Commissioner
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Cabot Scout District Trustees' Annual Report For the period
From 01/04/2018 to 31/03/19
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name Cabot District Scout Council
Other names the charity is known by N/A
Registered charity number (if any) N/A
HQ registration number 16719
Charity’s principal address 19 Wellington Park Clifton Bristol
BS8 2U R
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
Trustee Name Office (if any)
Dates acted if not for whole year
1 Harry Bradbury District Youth Commissioner
2 Clare Campion-Smith
3 Matthew Dyson
4 Rachel Freeman
5 Chris Gavriel District Commissioner
6 David Griffin Appointments Subcommittee Chair
7 Maddie Jenkins 19/09/2018 to 31/03/2019
8 Owen Jones District Explorer Scout Commissioner 21/05/2018 to
31/03/2019
9 John Kirwan Chair
10 Patrick O’Brien Treasurer
11 Jacquetta Wallace
12 Paul Webber
13 Alexandra Day District Network Scout Commissioner 01/04/2018
to 25/09/2018
14 Saran Nugent 04/07/2018 to 25/09/2018
15 Emma Barton 01/04/2018 to 01/12/2018
16 Rhian Jones District Network Scout Commissioner 01/12/2018 to
31/03/2019
17 David De Silva 01/10/2018 to 31/03/2019
Names and addresses of advisers (optional information but
encouraged as best practice)
Type of advisor Name Address
Scrutineer TBA TBA
Section B Structure, governance and management Description of
the charity’s trusts
Type of governing document (e.g. trust deed, constitution)
The District'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.
How the charity is constituted (e.g. trust, association,
company)
The District is a trust established under its rules which are
common to all Scouts.
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Trustee selection methods (e.g. appointed by, elected by)
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy,
Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
Additional governance issues (optional information but
encouraged as best practice) You may choose to include additional
information, where relevant, about: 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
The District is managed by the District Executive Committee, the
members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout District
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.
The Committee consists of Chair, Treasurer and Secretary
together with the District Commissioner, District Explorer Scout
Commissioner, District Network Scout Commissioner, District Youth
Commissioner and other nominated, elected or cooped members and
meets 4 times a year with occasional ad hoc meetings.
Members of the Executive Committee complete 'Essential
Information for Executive Committee' training and “General Data
Protection Regulations” training within the first 5 months of
joining the committee.
This District Executive Committee exists to support the District
Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of the appointment and
is responsible for:
The maintenance of District property;
The raising of funds and the administration of District
finance;
The insurance of persons, property and equipment;
District public occasions;
Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult
support;
Appointing any sub committees that may be required;
Appointing District Administrators and Advisors other than those
who are elected.
Risk and Internal Control
The District Executive Committee has identified the major risks
to which they believe the District 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:
Damage to District equipment. The District has sufficient insurance
in place to mitigate against loss. Injury to leaders, helpers,
supporters and members. The District through the annual membership
fees contributes to the Scout Association's national accident
insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all
activities. Reduced income. The District receives income from
annual membership fees. The Committee could raise the value of
these to increase income on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or
permanently. Reduction or loss of leaders. The District is totally
reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the
District If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an
unacceptable level in a particular section or the District as a
whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or
closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete
closure of the District. Reduction or loss of members. The District
provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 24. If there was
a reduction in membership in a particular section or the District
as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation
or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete
closure of the District. The District 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 cheque payments and 2 approvals for all electronic
payments.
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Section C Objectives and activities
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing
document
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 thevalues of
Scouting and:- enjoy what they are doing and have fun- take part in
activities indoors and outdoors- learn by doing- share in spiritual
reflection- take responsibility and make choices- undertake new and
challenging activities- make and live by their Promise.
Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects
Activities between annual general meetings:
4/7/2018-3/7/2019
Youth members of Cabot Scout District have undertaken a year of
Scouting activities mainly within their Scout Groups or Explorer
Scout Units or the District Scout Network. These have been promoted
and supported by the District Commissioner and District leadership
team and are reported in detail in individual Scout Group annual
reports and in the Explorer Scout and Scout Network sections of the
attached annual report.
Youth members have also been involved in District level
activities as detailed in the attached annual report.
Adult Leaders, Managers and Supporters have been recruited,
trained and supported in their roles by the District Commissioner
and District leadership team, and all new adult members have passed
through the appointments process administered by the Appointments
Advisory Committee subcommittee of the Board of Trustees / District
Executive Committee.
The District leadership team has had some turnover of personnel,
and has recently recruited a new District Network Scout
Commissioner.
Specific actions by the District Executive Committee / Board of
Trustees:
Held Board/Executive meetings at Group headquarters, attended by
and including reports from members of the host Group
Completed all Trustee training modules
Addressed and implemented the requirements of the General Data
Protection Regulations
Further developed the Group Executive / Trustees Forum
Published District General Meeting minutes and recent
Trustee/Executive Committee meeting minutes in a publically
available on-line archive
Supported several Group Executive Committees in addressing
development issues, acting as Treasurer for 1st Lawrence Weston and
supporting the Trustees/Executive Committee of 3rd Bristol.
Supported the production of a report on the Pears Project at
Lawrence Weston
Supported the transfer of 63rd Bristol and Phoenix Explorer
Scout Unit into Cabot District
Liaised with and supported Groups who are undertaking
development work at their headquarters buildings
Instigated a balanced budget strategy, including appropriate
Explorer Scout budgeting, with annual expenditure being covered by
annual income
Consolidated the District accounting and financial reporting
structure to include all District activities
Changed our bank, established an Explorer Scout bank account and
introduced dual-approval electronic banking
Identified the need for more explicit funding arrangements for
District equipment managed by the Ten Tors Scout Active Support
Unit, initiated a review of this issue, and in the meantime
redirected funds from the District budget to purchase a marquee
principally for Ten Tors use.
Held a designated capital sum to support District development
projects
Supported a review and updating of Explorer Unit partnership
agreements and Scout Active Support Unit service agreements
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4
Implemented Online Scout Manager as the administrative tool for
all Explorer Scouts
Supported two international activities (Namaste Nepal and World
Scout Jamboree)
Supported the Bristol Children’s Charter
Additional details of the objectives and activities (optional
information but encouraged as best practice)
You may choose to include further statements, where relevant,
about: • policy on grantmaking; • contribution made by volunteers;
• policy on investments.
Public benefit statement
The District meets the Charity Commission's public benefit
criteria under both the advancement of education and the
advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
Section D Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the
year
See annual report for July 2018 to July 2019 attached.
Section E Financial Review
Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves
Reserves Policy The District’s policy on reserves is to hold
sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the
district should income and fundraising activities fall short. The
District held reserves of approximately £16,000 against this at
year end.
Quantify and explain any designations
Details of any funds materially in deficit (circumstances plus
steps to eliminate)
Further financial review details (optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where
relevant, about: • the charity’s principal sources of funds
(including any fundraising); • how expenditure has supported the
key objectives of the charity; • investment policy and
objectives
Given the current financial climate and very low interest rates,
the District does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer
term investments. The District has therefore adopted a risk averse
strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash
or deposit accounts using only mainstream banks or building
societies.
Section F Other Optional Information
Plans for future periods (details of any significant activities
planned to achieve them)
We plan to continue to expand opportunities for young people to
enjoy the activities of Scouting in Cabot District. This will
involve expansion of existing Scout Groups and the development of
new provision. We will also support Scout Groups seeking to
establish secure meeting places. Our ambition is to further
increase Explorer Scout provision, to continue to contribute to
effective Trustee / Executive support in Scout Groups, and to
engage in a variety of ways with the wider community.
Section G Declaration The trustees declare that they have
approved the trustees’ report above Signed on behalf of the
charity’s trustees
Signature(s) John Kirwan
Patrick O’Brien Full name(s) John Richard Kirwan Patrick
O’Brien
Position (eg Secretary, Chair) Chair Treasurer
Date 14th May 2019 14th May 2019
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Cabot Scout District Finance Report Cabot AGM 2019 Patrick
O’Brien – District Treasurer
1. Year End Accounts 2018/19
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Cabot Scout District Finance Report Cabot AGM 2019 Patrick
O’Brien – District Treasurer
-
Cabot Scout District Finance Report Cabot AGM 2019 Patrick
O’Brien – District Treasurer
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Cabot Scout District Finance Report Cabot AGM 2019 Patrick
O’Brien – District Treasurer
Notes to the Auditors:
1. Explorer subscriptions consist of the termly subscription
that each explorer pays. Further monies collected and used for
specific activities are reported in the Explorer activities section
of receipts.
2. In previous years first aid was included in Administration.
This has now been split out. 3. Duke of Edinburgh (Whitehawk)
figures have previously not been included in the main
accounts. 4. Nemaste figures have previously not been included
in the main accounts. 5. Nemaste prior year cash funds were not
actually recorded in the 17/18 accounts but is
shown here for completeness. 6. Duke of Edinburgh (Whitehawk)
prior year cash funds were not actually recorded in the
17/18 accounts but is shown here for completeness. 7. There is
an expectation that Ten Tors will break even. There is also a
£7,000 liability included
for the purchase of a new Marquee. Notes from the Treasurer:
There has been an overhaul of the financial processes in
Explorers this year. Explorers have moved
from making a loss in 2017/18 to a small surplus in 2019/20 (in
cash terms). When income is
matched to expenditure Explorers broke even (due to there being
timing difference in the collection
of summer camp fees and payment of related expenses.)
First Lawrence Weston has been included in the accounts as the
District is overseeing the Finances
while a permanent treasurer is found. In cash terms 1st Lawrence
Weston made a loss in year
however they were in receipt of a start-up grant at the end of
2017/18 so in actual terms the group
broke even.
All restricted funds have now been spent with the exception of
Nemaste.
Nemaste had receipts of £88,274 and Expenditure of £99,274 and
has a closing Balance of £4,894.
This year these figures have been included in the main accounts
for the first time.
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Cabot Scout District Finance Report Cabot AGM 2019 Patrick
O’Brien – District Treasurer
2. Current Funds and Designations
The Table below shows Funds and their designation as at
31/03/2019. Due to reduced expenditure
in several areas in 2018/19 the District has been able to
reinstate a more appropriate level of
reserves.
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Cabot Scout District Finance Report Cabot AGM 2019 Patrick
O’Brien – District Treasurer
3. 2019/20 District Budgets
The 2019/20 District budgets are shown in the tables below.
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Cabot Scout District Finance Report Cabot AGM 2019 Patrick
O’Brien – District Treasurer
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Cabot Scout District Finance Report Cabot AGM 2019 Patrick
O’Brien – District Treasurer
4. Estimated District Turnover
The Districts Turnover is expected to be circa £56,000 in
2019/20 and is shown below.