The Scout Association Northern Ireland Scout Council annual report
for the year ended 31 March 2017
The Scout Association Northern Ireland Scout Council
for the year ended 31 March 2017
Page
Structure, Governance and Management ...... 1 Northern Ireland Scout Council Membership ...... 2 Letter from the President ...... 4 Programme and Development Committee ...... 5 Finance and General Purposes Committee ...... 6 The Education and Training Inspectorate ...... 6
Membership ...... 9 Adult Training and Support ...... 9 Northern Ireland Scout Centre Crawfordsburn ...... 10
Youth Shaped Scouting ...... 15 The Scouting Programme ...... 17 Beavers ...... 17 Cubs ...... 18 Scouts ...... 19 Explorers ...... 19 Network ...... 21
United Youth Social Action Fund Project ...... 22 Activities ...... 22 International ...... 23 Arrowhead Club ...... 24
Around the Counties & A Million Hands ...... 25
Adult Awards ...... 27 Scout, Explorer Scout and Network Awards ...... 28
Chair’s Conclusion ...... 30 Chief Commissioner ...... 30
...... 32
Fundamentals of Scouting and Key Policies ...... 48
Developing the Vision – Corporate Objectives
The Scout Association was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1912. Its powers include the appointment of local bodies for the management of its affairs in any particular part of the United Kingdom; under these powers its affairs in N orthern Ireland are delegated to the Northern Ireland Scout Council with a Board for the management of its business. The Northern Ireland Scout Council is an autonomous Charity affiliated to The Scout Association and is recognised by the Inland Revenue as a Charity.
The Board of the Council are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland requires the Board of Council to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Board of the Council are required to:
• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
• observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Board of the Council are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. The Board of the Council are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The management of the business of the Council is vested in the Board of the Council. The Board is responsible for policy making, but delegates certain operational decisions to its Executive and sub Committees (Finance and General Purposes and Programme and Development sub Committees). The Board keeps under review a business risk management analysis that identifies potential risks to the key functions of the Association. The Board delegates the day to day operation of the business to the Senior Management Team of the following: the Executive Commissioner Mr K Gillespie, the Administrative Officer Mrs P Hale and the Crawfordsburn Centre Manager Mr P Harrison.
The amended Constitution of the Northern Ireland Scout Council was approved at the Annual General Meeting of the Northern Ireland Scout Council in September 2016 with further work ongoing.
1 (Incorporated by Royal Charter)
Patron: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Founder: The Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB, LLD Chief Scout: Bear Grylls President: Mr R Philip Scott
Vice Presidents Mr Noel Bogle, MBE Mr Ian M Coates Mr Mervyn Douglas, MBE Mr David Fawcett, DL Mr Brian D Mawhinney, MBE Dr Wilfred Mulryne, OBE Mr G Purdy, CBE
Chief Commissioner: Mr Stephen Donaldson Chair: Dr Henry Brown Hon Treasurer: Mr Philip Price Secretary: Mr Kenneth Gillespie
Chair of Finance and General Purposes Committee: Mr Roger Thompson
Chair of Programme and Development Committee: Mr Steven Millar
Appeals Treasurer: Mr Philip Price
Bankers: Ulster Bank Ltd 11-16 Donegall Square East Belfast BT1 5UB
Northern Ireland Registration Number with the Scout Association: 30000
Charity Commission Registration No. NIC103542
Contact: Mr Kenneth Gillespie Executive Commissioner The Scout Association Northern Ireland Scout Council, 109 Old Milltown Road, Belfast, BT8 7SP
Northern Ireland Commissioners (ex officio) County Commissioners (ex officio) Mrs B Edgar Beaver Scouts Mr C McGrath Antrim Mrs J Major Cub Scouts Mr P Walker Armagh Mrs A Nicholson Scouts Mr S Mallett Belfast Mr A Stacey Explorer Scouts Mr S Wilton Down Mr D Scott Scout Network Mrs K Armstrong Fermanagh Mr J Morrison Adult Training Mr P Meikle Londonderry Mr M Kerry Activities Mr N Collins Tyrone Dr D Mehaffey Special Needs Mr A Parkes Crawfordsburn Nominated by Chief Commissioner Miss C Brown International Mr S Millar Miss R Wells Youth Mr C Thompson Mr R Thompson Chaplain Rev D Skuce
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District Commissioners (ex officio) Mr W McCullough Antrim Mr N McKee South East Belfast Mrs A Morrow Lisburn Mr J Watson West Belfast Mr L Carswell Mid Antrim Mr R Watson South Down Mr O Townsend South East Antrim Mr R Dorrian Strangford Mr M Curran Armagh Mr P Wilson North Down Miss D Robinson Lurgan Mrs J Greer Mid Ulster Mrs B robb East Belfast Mr P Meikle Coleraine Mrs P Cooke North Belfast Mr R Edgar Londonderry Mr I Stewart South Belfast Elected Members Mr C Cully Mr C McCloskey Mr R McClean Mrs C Rankin Mr S McCallen Mr K Hughes Mr C Ireland Mr B Ross Mr I Ingram Mr A Clements Mr G Duffy Mr A Fawcett Mr M Curry Mr D Holmes Miss E White Mrs K Anderson Miss D Markwell Mr D Branagh Mr P Patterson Miss N Fergson Mr E Fleming Mrs A Willis Mr M Croft Mr A Meikle Mr B Hassard Mr N McIlwaine Mrs M Morrison Mr J Mullan Mr K Fisher Mr P Beck Miss Z Sinfield Mr D Morrow Mr T Blair Mr T Neill Mr W Shaw Mr F Graham Mrs C Elliott Mr M Cairns Miss B McAuley Mr R Beckwith Mr M Graham The Chief Commissioner, pro tem, Girlguiding Ulster The Chief Scout, pro tem, Scouting Ireland
The Board Executive Chair: Dr H Brown (and ex-officio on all Committees) Mr C Lammey Dr H Brown Mr N Collins Mr S Donaldson Mr C McGrath Mr K Gillespie Mr A Meikle Mr C Lammey Mrs J Major Mr S Millar Mr P Meikle Mr P Price Mr P Walker Mr C Thompson Mr P Wilson Mr R Thompson Mr I Stewart Mr J Morrison Mr C McClosey Mr B Ross Council’s Committees Finance & General Purposes Programme & Development Mr C McGrath Chair: Mr R Thompson Chair: Mr S Millar Mr J Morrison Miss B McAuley Mrs K Armstrong Mrs A Nicholson Mr C McCloskey Miss C Brown Mr A Parkes Mr P Price Mr N Collins Mr D Scott Mr B Ross Mrs B Edgar Rev D Skuce Mr I Stewart Mr A Fawcett Mr A Stacey Mr C Thompson Mr M Kerry Mr P Walker Mr R Watson Mrs J Major Mr P Wilson Mr S Mallett Mr S Wilton Adviser: Dr D Mehaffey Mr L Verner Mr G McDougall Mr A Meikle Mr P Meikle
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I am pleased to introduce this Annual Report of Scouting activities. The last of the major which gives an overview of the many events phases of the development, the new Main and activities that have taken place during Complex has now been completed, opened another very encouraging year for Scouting in by the Minister of Education and already Northern Ireland. proving to be the versatile facility which the site needed to provide the very best of Once again this report demonstrates how Scouting. Scouting’s Vision to 2018 has been advanced during 2016 - 2017 under the three Last year ScoutsNI said a big THANK YOU to aspects. Colin Lammey for his excellent leadership as Scouting in 2018 will: NI Chief Commissioner and I am pleased that • make a positive impact on our he is continuing to serve on the NISC Board communities and as the NISC representative on the • prepare young people to be active Council of the UK Scout Association. The citizens baton of leadership has now been handed on • embrace and contribute to social change. to Stephen Donaldson and already he is Scouting in 2018 will be: showing great enthusiasm for the role and • shaped by young people in partnership focusing everyone on the key Scout method with adults of team building at every level. I wish him and • enjoyed by more young people and more his team well in the year ahead with many adult volunteers exciting events to come. • as diverse as the communities in which we live. My thanks to all those who have stepped Members of Scouting in 2018 will feel: down from various roles during the year and I • empowered wish success to everyone who has taken up new posts and joined new teams. • valued
• proud. We are so fortunate to receive financial
support through donations, legacies and I am very pleased to report again that the grants to enable us to provide new facilities, membership in Scouting both nationally and activities and programmes and I would like to locally has increased in 2017 and that this thank everyone who has supported Scouting encouraging increase in membership in in Northern Ireland in any way. Northern Ireland has continued every year since 2003. This growth is found where On behalf of the Northern Ireland Scout dedicated leaders and supporters provide an Council I would offer my sympathy to all the exciting Scouting Programme which shows relatives and friends of members of the Scout innovation, creativity along with real challenge Movement who passed away during the year. and adventure for every age group.
In closing, I look forward to the year ahead, to I would like to take this opportunity to pay be able to see Scouting in action and say well tribute to the commitment of all those involved done to all who give of their best for the good in Scouting in Northern Ireland to ensure that of Scouting in Northern Ireland, of which we the young people of today get a real quality are all so proud. Scouting experience.
The Cub Section certainly enjoyed their
Centenary Celebrations and provided a wide range of exciting events to ensure that the
Cub Scouts of today enjoy just what our
Founder intended back in 1916.
On my visits to the Northern Ireland Scout
Centre Crawfordsburn I have been delighted Philip Scott to see the continued developments and President improvements which make it an excellent place to bring young people, to enjoy the best
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The Programme and Development 4. Community Impact – to make a positive Committee is responsible for co-ordinating impact in our communities the development of training policy, programmes, activities and research. The The Committee received regular reports from Committee supervises the Northern Ireland and County • the implementation of the National Training Commissioners on the activities taking place policy and programmes for Beaver Scouts, throughout Scouting in Northern Ireland Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, involving young people from all Sections. Scout Network and Leaders; • the development and promotion of Scouting During the year the Northern Ireland Team in areas of Northern Ireland within rural, welcomed new members. Mr Jon Morrison urban and minority communities, not took over from Mrs Rosemary Forde as currently served by The Scout Association; Northern Ireland Commissioner for Adult • the formulation and implementation of plans Support, Mr David Scott was appointed NI designed to enhance the image of Scouting Commissioner for Network, Miss Caroline and improve communications with target Brown was appointed as International audiences; Commissioner and Miss Rhiannon Wells was • policy for the conduct of activities and their appointed as the first NI Youth programming; Commissioner. In addition to these new NI • training policy in connection with Activity Commissioners Mr Stephen Mallett took over Centres; from Mr David Scott as County Commissioner • the establishment and approval of the for Belfast County. remits of any subsidiary groups necessary to assist the Sub Committee in fulfilling its Thanks are recorded to the Commissioners remit; that stood down during the year for their • training conferences and events delegated years of service and also all the to it by the Board or Executive Committee; Commissioners that remained in their roles for another year. • research affecting the aims, training and
activities of Northern Ireland members of The Committee also kept a close watch on The Scout Association and the the developments with Compass and Development of relevant policy; ensuring AccessNI checks were carried out in • the training aspects of community a timely manner on all Adult Leaders. development; • submitting to the Finance and General The importance of emphasizing safety in the Purposes Sub Committee for consideration Scouting programme was highlighted at all all decisions and recommendations which meetings. A new drop box facility was now involve expenditure outside approved available from Unity Insurance Services for budgets; Counties to be able to see the number and • Such other matters as may be referred from type of accidents that have occurred in their time to time by the Board or Executive area over a period of time. It is pleasing to Committee. report that the number of accidents in Northern Ireland had decreased during the Once again the work of the Committee had reporting period. the central theme of the Scout Association's Vision to 2018 and endeavored to make sure A new digital communication policy was that the excellent work carried out in approved by the Committee during the year Sections, Groups, Districts, Counties and at a and a group of Young Leaders formed a Northern Ireland level was in line with this Social Media team to develop plans for Vision’s four key areas of greater use of social media for Scouting in 1. Growth – to increase the number of Northern Ireland. A “Scouts NI” Facebook youth members and volunteers page was set up to promote Scouting in 2. Inclusivity – to be as diverse as our Northern Ireland through good news stories communities together with a Youtube account. 3. Youth Shaped – to ensure Scouting is shaped by young people in partnership with adults
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The Committee met regularly to review the Reports on the developments at the Northern income, expenditure and general Ireland Scout Centre Crawfordsburn were management of Scouting in Northern Ireland. given at each meeting. Applications for The Committee is responsible for: funding for the work at Crawfordsburn plus • the maintenance of all properties owned or various projects were discussed including the occupied by Northern Ireland United Youth Social Action Fund project. Headquarters; • Northern Ireland Headquarters With regard to staff matters the Committee administration and services; agreed to the appointment of two Activity • staff matters; Assistants at the Northern Ireland Scout • the establishment and approval of the Centre Crawfordsburn from 1 April 2016 on a remits of any subsidiary groups necessary fixed term contract. As the United Youth Social Action Fund project came to an end on to assist the Sub Committee in fulfilling its th remit; 30 June 2016, the project co-ordinator, Joan • the development and implementation of an Reid, finished her employment with the information technology policy; Northern Ireland Scout Council. The • liaison with the Programme and Committee recorded thanks to Joan for her Development Sub Committee on matters years of service with Scoutlink and NISC and which concern both Sub Committees; wished her well for her future career. • advising and assisting the Executive Committee in the control of funds; As each Scout Group, District and County had to be registered independently with the • implementing the wishes of the Executive Charity Commission for Northern Ireland the Committee in all financial matters, which Committee ensured that this was carried out include: smoothly and provided support, through the - Membership Subscriptions Executive Commissioner, to Trustees as - Investment and Property required. - Budgetary Control and Accounting
Systems Safety, risk assessments, safeguarding and - Salary Scales and pensions for the Staff child protection remained high on the agenda - Scrutiny of proposed expenditure throughout the year and the Committee - Insurance received regular reports on the number of - Such other matters as may be referred adult members recorded on Compass and the from time to time by the Board. number with clear AccessNI Disclosures. Any
outstanding were being followed up by The Northern Ireland Scout Council accounts Counties, Districts and Groups as a matter of were regularly overviewed including the urgency. setting of the annual budget and monthly
Restricted and Unrestricted financial Another area of business was the allocation statements. At the meetings the Investment of funds left to the Northern Ireland Scout Portfolios were reviewed and advised upon Council through legacies and bequests for the by Mr Gordon McDougall, Cunningham ongoing work of Scouting in Northern Ireland. Coates Stockbrokers.
An inspection of the Northern Ireland Scout Council (Scouts NI) was carried out by the Education and Training Inspectorate for the Department of Education in January 2017.
The NI Chief Commissioner records his thanks to the Leaders of the Sections visited as part of the inspection adding that their commitment was outstanding. Thanks were also recorded to the Executive Commissioner and office staff for their work and support during the inspection period.
The following is an extract from report of the inspection. Copies of the full report are available on the ETI website www.etini.gov.uk
Focus of inspection In order to promote improvement in the interests of all young people, the purpose of inspection is, through effective linking of internal and external approaches, to: • evaluate the outcomes for the young people;
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• evaluate the quality of the provision; • evaluate the organisation’s leadership and management and its capacity to effect and sustain improvement in its provision and outcomes; and • inform the organisation’s planning for improvement.
Overall findings of the Inspection
Overall effectiveness High level of capacity for sustained improvement Outcomes for learners Outstanding Provision for learning Very good Leadership and management Very good
Outcomes for Learners
The young people achieve highly across all of the age groups, through a wide range of accredited and non-accredited programmes. The badge work, which commences with the Beavers and progresses through to the Explorers, contributes effectively to the young people’s personal, social and academic development. From a very young age, the young people understand and can articulate clearly how their learning through Scouting benefits them: in school; on training programmes; in applying for university; and in their future career pathways. Through the higher level programmes, such as the Queen’s Scout Award, the young people continue to attain challenging, valued and highly regarded leadership courses. In the last 18 months, 219 young people aged 16 to 18 years completed successfully a Young Leader Training Programme. Additionally, 140 young people aged 12 to 14 years completed Patrol Leader Training. At the time of the inspection, an awards ceremony in Craigavon highlighted the achievements of 174 young people who received the Queen’s Scout Award and the Chief Scout’s awards. The awards ceremony is an important and affirming feature in building further the aspirations, motivation and confidence of the young people.
Throughout Scouting, there is a clear progression by young people into leadership roles, with young people engaging and supporting one another at all levels. Most of the Young Leaders who met with the inspection team have a long association with Scouting, many were involved from the age of six. They cite numerous examples of how their engagement in Scouting has helped them to grow in confidence and to improve their leadership skills; and how their experiences were often a key factor in their success at job interviews. The peer respect, example and support offered by the Young Leaders, encourages others to work towards similar opportunities to build their own leadership skills and to ‘give back’ to others what they see as very beneficial experiences.
The young people are resourceful, resilient and consistently give of their best. They develop a range of Scouting skills, for example, camp craft preparation and map reading. When working together, they use their initiative and demonstrate that they are resourceful and enterprising in overcoming challenges. In addition, through the young people’s participation in international learning experiences, their understanding of others and differing cultures is significantly enhanced. From July 2015 to Sept 2016, 546 young people participated in international exchanges, including visits to China, Austria, Iceland and Ethiopia. The young people readily welcome adventurous experiences and through their active engagement they develop increasing levels of independence and self-confidence. The Youth Commissioners spoke of their pride in advocating on behalf of the other young people and how their progression through the organisation prepares them very well for the next stage of their lives and for wider civic participation.
Quality of Provision
Across all of the Scouting provision, the curriculum is well planned with an excellent range of progressive, age appropriate and interesting activities. The purposeful partnerships which Scouts NI has with other organisations support the development and delivery of an effective curriculum. The Leaders create purposeful programmes which equip the young people to deal effectively with current and future challenges in their lives.
The planned and structured pathways for the young people’s personal development and leadership skills are key strengths of the organisation. The training for young people and the adult Leaders is reflective of the organisation’s values and is well informed by the needs and interests of the young people. The quality of the training is regularly reviewed and evaluated, with participants’ feedback used well to inform future training programmes.
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The quality of the provision was good or better in all of the sessions observed; with a majority of 70% very good or outstanding. Young people are involved fully in the planning and delivery of the programmes. The Leaders and young people set high expectations for their achievements and are continually focused on developing innovative and adventurous activities. In particular, through the ‘Youth Shaped Scouting’ programme, the young people shape their own adventures, take on responsibility, develop skills, make decisions and influence their own Scouting programmes.
Based on the evidence available at the time of the inspection, the approach by Scouts NI to the care and welfare of the young people impacts positively on their learning outcomes. The Leaders consistently provide excellent guidance and support to bring about high quality individual and group learning experiences. The young person centered ethos is evident in all of the interactions between the young people and Leaders. The relationships between the young people and their Leaders are respectful and focused on hearing the young people’s views and acting upon them. In discussions with parents, they spoke highly of the skills their children were learning and the exciting range of adventure activities which their children enjoy.
Leadership and Management
The leadership and management of Scouts NI have a coherent and strategic vision for the future development of Scouting in Northern Ireland. The strategic plan has clear, measurable targets which are reviewed and updated regularly at all levels; furthermore, there is a well- embedded focus on continuous improvement. While the leadership collates data on the higher level awards, badge work and other achievements at a local level are not collated centrally. The collation of information held at a local and district level would be useful to inform further the overall achievements of the young people across the organisation. The resources and accommodation, which Scouts NI works hard to secure and maintain, are of a high quality and support well the youth work provision and activities.
The highly experienced, well-informed volunteers who lead the organisation have a sound understanding of the young people with whom they work and are very committed to the empowerment of young people through Scouting. They meet regularly to review, and promote effective working practices. These volunteer Leaders willingly assume a breadth of roles and responsibilities through their various commissioning roles, for example, as County Commissioners. They are a collegial and cohesive team who work together successfully to inform the strategic direction of Scouting.
Young people are highly involved in all levels of governance and are well engaged in decision making, including the recruitment of senior staff and volunteers, for example, the UK Chief Commissioner. Succession planning and sustainability is a key focus of Scouts NI; the readiness of the Leaders to listen, to learn from the young people and to continuously try new ideas is a key strength of this organisation.
Based on the evidence available at the time of the inspection, the arrangements for safeguarding children and young people reflects broadly the guidance issued by the Department of Education. However, the following area needs to be addressed: the information about how young people and their parents raise a concern needs to be consistently and clearly displayed in all of the Groups. The young people report that they feel safe in the organisation and that they are aware what to do if they have any concerns about their safety or welfare.
Overall Effectiveness
The Northern Ireland Scouts Council has a high level of capacity for sustained improvement in the interest of all the learners.
The ETI will continue to monitor how the organisation sustains improvement.
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We are very pleased to report that the membership in Scouting both nationally and locally has increased in 2017 and that this encouraging increase in membership in Northern Ireland has continued every year since 2003. This growth is found where dedicated Leaders and supporters provide an exciting Scouting Programme which shows innovation, creativity along with real challenge and adventure for every age group.
A summary of the position at 31 January 2017 is as follows: Beaver Scouts 2,626 Beaver Scout Colonies 159 Cub Scouts 3,259 Cub Scout Packs 167 Scouts 2,404 Scout Troops 150 Explorer Scouts 837 Explorer Scout Units 80 Network members 162 Scout Network 16 Total Youth Membership 9,288 Scout Active Support Units 20 Young Leader Units 12 Leaders, Commissioners & Other Adults 2,833 Total number of Groups 163 Districts 20 Total Membership 12,121 Counties / Areas 7 (2016 = 11,390)
Adults in Scouting continued to be supported was currently underway at Gilwell with input in their various roles through Adult Training. from Northern Ireland Leaders who have The main three areas of focus for this year attended recent training. were the Woodbadge Training for the Section Leaders, preparation for the new Leadership Feedback from those attending the training at and Management Training and the the Northern Ireland Scout Centre development of the training provision Crawfordsburn showed that the training is throughout Northern Ireland. valued, current, informative and enjoyable. The new Main Complex is a fantastic training The Northern Ireland Training syllabus venue that lends itself to many varied training remodelling that was carried out in 2016 was styles and experiences. delivered to a large number of new Leaders and the welcome return of those changing Looking at the 2016/17 training statistics, it is roles or updating their knowledge. There encouraging to see that the uptake on training were pilots across Northern Ireland for the by Leaders remains strong and that a high local delivery of training modules and an number make the journey to complete their encouragement of the use of alternative Woodbadge. learning methods. A refresh of the modules
Year No. Attended No. Gained Courses Woodbadge Beads 2011 35 78 2012 160 56 2013 114 58 2014 164 54 2015 177 82 2016 186 95
The new Leadership and Management perspective to the requirements of NI training is ready to be launched in Northern Leaders. Three trainers were identified and Ireland. The NI Commissioner for Adult attended joint training with Scouts Scotland in training was part of the National pilot training a Train the Trainer event. The Northern and was able to provide a Northern Ireland Ireland training team were now poised to
9 launch the training in the Autumn of 2017. forward. We recognise the experience and The new training promises to be challenging, prior learning young people have and feel it rewarding and supportive. is only right that this be fully recognised and accredited. The importance of the recognition A major focus this year was the development of this prior learning and experience has been of the training provision and the championed nationally by the NI implementation of a succession and growth Commissioner (Adult support) and he was programme that has seen new trainers begin invited to spread this message at Summit 17, training and development. The new trainers where the Commissioner delivered a will ensure that training is more widely workshop to delegates on this subject. available both locally and NI wide. This programme of train the trainer and personal Recognising that our Leaders have many skills development would become a fixed part commitments and demands on their time, the of the work of the training team, ensuring the training team will continue to identify and continual identification and up-skilling of new deliver varied learning activities to suit the members of the team. needs of our Leaders and to ensure everyone has the opportunity to avail of all areas of Northern Ireland has been able to assist training. nationally in the shaping of the future of adult training. The Northern Ireland Commissioner A big thank you must go to the members of (Adult Training) has been a part of numerous the NI Training Team and the many people meetings and workshops where the needs of who support it such as Training Advisors, Northern Ireland Leaders have been Training Managers, Facilitators and Trainers. represented. The Commissioner is also a However, the biggest thanks is reserved for member of the national training team, who the many Leaders, Managers and meet regularly to ensure that Leaders receive Commissioners who help support Leaders the greatest levels of support available. throughout their training and in other areas of their development. It is all too easy to forget There has been a great deal of preliminary how daunting it can be for a new Leader discussions and ground work to look at the coming into Scouting. It is those who offer a current Young Leader Scheme, the friendly smile and become a friend, mentor experience and training gained through this and coach that help Leaders feel welcomed and how this can be best recognised when and supported. the Young Leader becomes an adult Leader. This will be a priority piece of work moving
The Northern Ireland Scout Council's aim is to Cedar Lodge (22 beds) ensure that young people taking part in The Chalet (48 beds) Scouting’s youth work programme receive the Main Cabin Hall guidance and support they need to make Training Cabin Hall and Kitchen healthy, well informed and positive choices Lid/All Weather Centre about their lives. ScoutsNI believe that a widely available, vibrant Scouting programme Site activities include: with its emphasis on personal growth, healthy Abseiling Kayaking values and the development of young people Archery Mountain Boards to their full potential has never been more Backwoods Orienteering necessary or relevant than it is today in our Bouldering (dry) Patrol Challenges Northern Ireland society. Canoeing Pedal Karts/Cycles Caving Pond Dipping Much of the residential camping and outdoor Challenge Course Rafting programme of Northern Ireland Scouting Climbing Rib (power boat) takes place at the Northern Ireland Scout Crate Climb Sailing Centre Crawfordsburn, a 22 acre site within Grass Skis Sky Runners the beautiful Crawfordsburn Country Park on Grass Sledges Zip Line the North Down shoreline. The site also Gravity Swing hosts national and international Scout camps giving local Scouts the opportunity to meet with Scouts from all over the world. It is encouraging to report that the Northern Ireland Scout Centre Crawfordsburn had over In addition to camping, current facilities 20,000 users in the past year. This number include: has included many young people from youth
10 and community groups from across Northern Phase 3 Ireland joining with Scout Groups to Purpose built Wardens' Accommodation for participate in activities on site. the Wardens on site. This work included: • Erection of cedar-clad sectional building The Northern Ireland Scout Centre for the wardens' accommodation. Crawfordsburn is open throughout the year to • Clearing and fencing a secure workshop any youth or community groups who wish to area and the provision of storage for avail of the facilities. The Warden Teams boats and other equipment. continue to work hard providing support to the • Moving the Wardens' accommodation site, supervising activities and taking part in from its existing site to the new more training programmes as required for the appropriate site. various outdoor activities offered on site. Path network enabling disabled users During the year the Scout Centre has access around the site from the Chalet to the continued to work to complete an impressive Lid, around the main field, and from the main transformation. The Vision for the entrance gate to the site. transformation comprised of four phases with an estimated cost of £3,750,000. Drainage Work carried out to improve the camping and activity areas. The grass Achievements so far sledge/grass ski slope was also redeveloped Phase 1 and drained. A superb All Weather Centre (Lid) with an 8 metre covered climbing wall, shower and Access paths and gabion wall toilet facilities. The All Weather Centre Work was carried out around the Chalet with houses a range of outdoor activity and drainage, a gabion wall and hardcore area. sporting equipment including canoes, kayaks, Access paths were created to the Sea Gate protective clothing, ropes, archery equipment from the foot of the board walk, and from the and football equipment. The Centre’s large top of the board walk to the pedestrian gate covered interior means that young people by the main entrance. have greater programme possibilities even in inclement weather. This facility has been fully The Cedar Lodge - a 23m x 10m cedar-clad utilised by youth and community groups from lodge with the following facilities: many areas in Northern Ireland. A common room where, in addition to providing a communal leisure area, space for Climbing tower and ground works. project work and small group discussions is available. A modern Toilet and Shower Block which A fully equipped kitchen. provides much needed new facilities for those 3 x 6 berth en suite dormitories primarily for camping. the use of young people. 1 x 2 berth en suite dormitory primarily for the Phase 2 use of volunteer Leaders. A modern, two storey Chalet Residence A ‘boot room’ / changing room allowing which sleeps 48 young people and Leaders muddy boots and clothes to be conveniently and incorporates a Main Hall for meetings changed after outdoor pursuit activities. and activities, excellent kitchen facilities, four A small Leaders’ room. Training Rooms and an Administration Office. The Cedar Lodge allows more young people The Chalet also incorporates shower and to engage in residential outdoor pursuits toilet facilities. A lift between floors means programmes, greatly improves access for the facility is fully accessible throughout to young people with disabilities, and provides young people and Leaders with disabilities. better quality facilities for limited volunteer Schools groups are now finding this to be a Leader training. good location for residential work and developing citizenship skills. Four wooden-construction Camping pods each sleeping up to 5 people. Upgraded Perimeter Fencing around the whole of the 22 acre site incorporating the New covered stage and terracing at the All installation of new gates. This allows greater Weather Centre (Lid) and newly built peace of mind for young people, Leaders and campfire circle. Work has also been families and brings the site into line with the ongoing to clear Wightman’s plantation, and most rigorous European safety standards. refurbish the Heasley Chapel and the Beaver Trail. A Caving Complex offering an underground challenging experience. New Site Activities include pond dipping and mountain boarding.
11 Phase 4 the facilities that will bring the Movement into Adults and young people from across the 21st century and beyond reinforcing its Northern Ireland attended the Northern vital position in the lives of the young people Ireland Scout Centre Crawfordsburn on in the country. It is essential that Scouting is Wednesday 26th October 2016 for the dynamic and keeps up with the expectations occasion of the Official Opening of the new of modern society. Main Complex at the Northern Ireland Scout Centre Crawfordsburn by Peter Weir MLA, Funding for this work was made possible by Minister of Education. the following major contributors:
This new Main Complex was designed to Department of Education (NI) meet the provisions of the Disability Ardbarron Trust Discrimination Act and to ensure there is no The Clothworkers’ Foundation physical provision or feature which will make Garfield Weston Foundation it impossible or unreasonably difficult for use Lord O’Neill’s Charitable Trust by persons with a disability. Milibern Trust CB&H Taylor 1984 Trust The new Main Complex is non-residential and TBF & KL Thompson will enable more training to take place for both The Scout Association – Development Grants adults and young people in a comfortable Board environment. It will also provide schools and Legacies and Bequests other youth and community groups with much Arrowhead Club needed facilities within a framework of safety. And those that give regularly to our fundraising campaign through Standing It is this phase of the development work at the Order. Northern Ireland Scout Centre Crawfordsburn which will give Scouting in Northern Ireland
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2000 • Cutting of first sod and Topping Out Ceremony for All Weather Centre (Lid) 2001 • All Weather Centre (Lid) with an 8 metre covered climbing wall, shower and toilet facilities • Modern Abseil and Climbing Tower 2002 • Work started on Chalet extension and refurbishment • Modern Toilet and Shower Block for campers • Perimeter Fencing around the whole of the 22 acre site incorporating new gates 2003 • The Residential, Training and Activity Centre (Chalet) (Refurbished Chalet originally built in 1978) 2004 • Caving complex 2005 • Path network and boardwalk 2006- • Lodge One – Purpose built accommodation for the 2007 Wardens on site 2008 • Purpose built Pedal Go Kart track • New improved archery area • Zip line • Drainage work on main camping field • Refurbishment work on Main Cabin (originally built in 1953) 2009 • Work carried out around the Chalet with drainage, a gabion wall and hardcore area • Access paths (a) to the Sea Gate from the foot of the board walk (b) from the top of the board walk to the pedestrian gate beside the main entrance 2010 • Worked started on The Cedar Lodge residential facility • Grass sledge/grass ski slope redeveloped and drained 2011 • The Cedar Lodge residential facility completed • Access paths from main entrance on to the site • Pond created for pond dipping activity • Assault course replaced with a new Challenge Course • New flooring in All Weather Centre (Lid) 2012 • Double King Gravity Swing • Five Camping Pods • Minibus for site users 2013/ • Stage area • Terracing between main camping field and 2014 All Weather Centre • New campfire circle • Heasley Chapel refurbished (fundraising ongoing) 2015/ • Work reaching completion on the new Main Complex to replace Cabin 2016
2016/ • Official Opening of new Main Complex, Wednesday 26th October 2016. 2017 • Plans being developed for the next Phase of the work on site.
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It’s been an exciting year in terms of Youth Shaped Scouting. YouShape17 saw the launch of a #YouShape Month in February- taking place nationally across the whole of the UK. Over 6,000 young people across all Sections were surveyed about what they enjoyed most and least about Scouting, what they achieved and what they valued in the adults that supported them. Perhaps unsurprisingly, camping/residential and outdoor/adventurous activities ranked highly, alongside having an exciting, varied and balanced programme, with fun, supportive Leaders, learning new skills and developing friendships! A full report can be found at Scouts.org.uk along YouShape resources and fun activity inspirations to do with all Sections.
Youth Shaped Scouting is all about empowering young people and letting them shape their own Scouting experience, in partnership with adults. This year saw three wider scale events that allowed just this; YouShapeNI at the Northern Ireland Scout Centre Crawfordsburn, Momentum in County Londonderry and Summit17 in Warwick.
Both NI events, YouShapeNI and Momentum, were organised and facilitated by enthusiastic young people, supported by the wider Scouting network. The programmes included a variety of discussion sessions, workshops, activities including go-karting and of course pizza! Young people had the opportunity to voice ideas and opinions on topics such as Growth, Community Impact, Inclusivity, Youth Shaped Scouting and our Vision Beyond 2018; allowing us to reflect on what we’ve done so far and where we need to go next. Participants developed employability and transferable skills, helped make decisions on events, international trips and opportunities and more. There was representation from County and Northern Ireland Commissioners and the UK Youth Commissioners Hannah Kentish and Jay Thompson got involved too. Participants were able to engage, ask questions, learn about why Youth Shaped Scouting is so important and how to get involved. YouShapeNI facilitated Young People across NI and saw representation from all of our Scouting Counties.
County Londonderry’s Momentum event engaged over 80% of the Explorer, Explorer Young Leader and Network Units from the County. These fantastic events displayed real positivity and passion from our young people as we continue to strive to improve our Scouting. Participants reported having a better understanding of Youth Shaped Scouting after the events and felt more engaged and valued within the Scouting Community.
Summit17 was held in Warwick University from 31st March-2nd April 2017. This national conference was all about sharing thoughts on how to support the delivery of quality Scouting today, preparing for tomorrow and celebrating all we’ve achieved so far. Even UK Scout Ambassador Steve Backshall popped in to say hello and deliver a moving and inspirational keynotes speech. It was also the first ever national conference to have Youth Commissioners in attendance. It was great to see so many Youth Commissioners from Northern Ireland there, motivated to push Scouting forward and representing Scouts NI so brilliantly.
Our Youth Structure has also grown this year with the appointment of a Northern Ireland Youth Commissioner and Youth Commissioners/Representatives across all Scouting Counties. Many Counties and Districts have developed youth teams and there has been an increase in the number of young people sitting on NI, County and District Teams. NI Network ,in particular, has been supported and driven by young people alongside numerous events and international opportunities and there are many exciting NI, County and District Youth Shaped events happening and still to come in the near future. This Summer we look forward to NIJam2017, set to be an excellent camp with Youth Shaped Scouting playing a key role with some Subcamp and Deputy Subcamp Leaders being under 25 and 120 Work and Play Explorer Participants.
Thank you to all the inspiring volunteers, adults and young people who supported, got involved or ran YouShape events, activities, evenings and so much more this year.
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Scouting offers a diverse and exciting In each Section a range of badges and selection of activities and experiences that awards are there to support all aspects of are key to attracting and retaining young Scouting, including the three main themes, as people. The Scouting programme provides well as, leadership, teamwork and personal adventure and challenge to young people in development. The programme should be an age-appropriate way, helping them with delivered in a balanced way that incorporates their personal development and to grow their elements from each theme, to offer young confidence. The programme of activities is people the most interesting, diverse and high planned by the sectional leadership team in quality experience, enabling every young partnership with young people. The person to achieve the top Award in that programme should be flexible and have room Section. The programme is designed to be to adapt and accommodate the needs of the progressive through the Sections to offer individuals in the Section. young people an appropriate level of challenge. It is recommended that the The Scouting programme for all five Sections Scouting programme, in all Sections, should is based around three main themes: outdoor spend 50% of the time working on “outdoors and adventure, world, and skills. and adventure” areas. This does not mean that 50% of the time young people need to be Beavers (6-8) outdoors, but that the programme should Cubs (8 – 10½) have activities with an outdoor and adventure Scouts (10½ - 14) theme. Although the more time you can Explorer Scouts (14-18) spend outside the better! Network (18-25)
the solar system from a distinctly different point of view, soaring over the surface of Pluto, diving down the ice cliffs of Uranus’ moon at breath-taking speeds, sailing through Beaver Colonies throughout Northern Ireland the beautiful rings of Saturn and daring the had an enjoyable year taking part in District, ferocious lightning storms at Jupiter. The day County and Northern Ireland events. finished with games and activities in the Astropark. Thanks to the Planetarium staff, On 21st to 22nd May Beaver Rally Day was Leaders and the young people for a great held in Northern Ireland Scout Centre day. Crawfordsburn with a sleepover under canvas. The theme this year was Christmas at Crawfordsburn continued to ‘Superheroes’. Over 800 Beaver Scouts and grow again this year. This magical event about 200 Leaders came to Crawfordsburn captivates both young and old with the site for a Superhero adventure enjoying games, used to its full potential for games, an crafts, bouncy castles, a puppet show and a interactive story, crafts, Santa visit and magic show. Spiderman abseiled down the refreshments. Thank you to Jacqui Berryman climbing tower entertaining the Beavers with and her team for organising a great week. his moves and gave each colony the opportunity for a photograph with him. It was great to see lots of Beavers around the Approximately 150 stayed for the sleepover Country obtaining their Chief Scout’s Bronze under canvas where the campers went on a Award this year. superhero adventure walk, built dens in the forest and sang songs around the campfire Some Beaver Leaders along with some Cub before getting some sleep. Leaders attended a one-day event facilitated by Playboard NI called ‘InCREDibly…it’s 3,2,1 Blast Off…530 Beavers and 150 child’s play’ on Saturday 25th February. This Leaders visited Armagh Planetarium on event was for all uniformed organisations Saturday 22nd October. This number was working with the younger age groups, looking made up from 37 Beaver colonies from at play work principles and handy hints to Antrim, Armagh, Belfast, Down, Fermanagh, help Leaders meet children’s individual Londonderry and Tyrone. The Beavers and needs. Leaders had this amazing astronomical establishment to themselves and the Beavers Thanks to all Leaders, helpers and members were able to build and launch rockets into of the Northern Ireland Beaver Team who are space, and learn more about astronauts. dedicated to providing Beaver Scouts with the They also visited a digital theatre show called best Scouting experience. ‘Perfect Little Planet’ where they got to see
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The annual Football competition was also held in June. The Northern Ireland Shield was won by 12th Bangor, City by 1st Linn and 4th Carrick, United trophy Ardboe and the Blues trophy shared by 1st Dromore and 81st Belfast. T he Best Trophy for the most goals This was a very special year for Cub Scouting scored was won by 1st Linn. as the Section celebrated its 100th Year Birthday. In April, May and June County In July and August Cubs sent postcards Birthday Camps were held in Bushmills, home to Akela telling all about their summer Ardnavally, Gosford, Lorne, Gortin and Antrim jaunts, these were to be placed in a time and a day event was hosted by Fermanagh at capsule with other mementos of this special Gortatole. The Cub Team had agreed at a year. September the start of the new session weekend planning meeting for the birthday meant a recruitment evening at District level. celebrations that the Section wanted to October was the planned visit to ‘Tayto Park’ encourage every Cub to attend a camp and theme park. A limit of 600 was set but at the for this reason the Team decided on seven closing date interest was so great the trip venues rather than one this proved ended up with 1,000 Cubs and Leaders successful and over 3,000 Cubs attended. travelling from all parts of NI in 23 buses. The Cubs and Leaders really enjoyed their Co Londonderry started the ball rolling with day for some it was the visit to the factory, to their camp in Bushmills, the theme for all the others the Zoo and many animals and for camps was back to basics, old fashioned most it was all the fun filled adventure rides. Scouting skills. All four seasons of weather were experienced in the one weekend but November saw the Gala evening for Leaders nothing dampened the spirits of the young in Crumlin Road Gaol, after a drinks reception people. UK Chief C ommissioner, Wayne the Leaders enjoyed a lovely meal and Bulpitt attended the camp who told everyone danced the night away in the unique venue. of his cross country rally experience, as he The Cub Team welcomed the NI Chief had also visited the Activity Day at Gortatole Commissioner and previous NI Cub before travelling Northwards to cut the Commissioners - Trevor Canning, Jean birthday cake and sample cupcakes in Stuart, and Ian Stewart, past Cub Team Bushmills. He viewed the activities on offer members and 250 Leaders and friends. A before heading Southwest to catch a flight ballot raised £700 for local charities. 100 year back to England. Co Armagh and Gosford Cub Goodie bags were the favours for the was the next venue with a night hike through table and more birthday cake was enjoyed. the forest, a rousing campfire and a visit from the Guide Dogs were some of the highlights On the 16th December Cubs and Leaders there. On to Co Tyrone and to Gortin where travelled to Stormont where they were the Cubs in Tyrone used their camp to welcomed by the Speaker. Mr Stephen welcome many of the new Groups started up Donaldson, NI Chief Commissioner led the in their County this year. They ran their renewal of the Cub Promise. That evening County football on the Friday evening and on hundreds of birthday parties were held and Saturday lots of bases were on offer for the Cubs all over Great Britain renewed their Cubs to experience. Belfast County camped promise at 19.16. at Ardnavally. Bubble football, a climbing wall, tracking trails and a campfire with a Two Cubs and Leaders travelled to England difference had the Cubs and Leaders alike for the national celebrations at the Houses of excited and enthused. Co Down camped at Parliament where they met two of Scouting’s’ Lorne and they decided to go for a modern Ambassadors. A visit to Hamley’s was an theme and went for a completely adventurous extra treat. affair and Cubs could be found high on the swing ropes. The final and largest camp was 2017 began in a much quieter mode but the in June at Shane’s Castle in Antrim with quiz, football and camps were being planned tracking, map reading, night hikes, and for later this year. woggle making all on the go. Thanks are recorded to the Leaders Each camp had their own Charity Fayre on throughout Northern Ireland for getting behind the Sunday and money donated to local the Cub Team and for supporting all the charities. Birthday cake was on offer at all events organised. This enabled the Cubs to the venues with all different types and have a birthday year many will talk about and designs. remember for a long time.
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Nearly all Counties had representatives climbing in the event. Congratulations to Millie Eagleson winning the senior competition and Matthew Thompson The Scout Section had some very winning the junior competition. Massive enjoyable events over the past 12 months thanks to Laura Murray for running and thanks to dedicated Leaders delivering an organising the event. adventurous and varied programme week on week. Two successful Patrol Leader Training weekends were held at the Northern th th On 17 to 19 May, ten Troops participated Ireland Scout Centre Crawfordsburn, in in the NI Patrol Camp Challenge at the January and March with over 50 Scouts Northern Ireland Scout Centre, availing of this experience. This training Crawfordsburn. They took part in a variety was now being delivered at County level. of challenges and skills over the weekend. st Congratulations to 1 Colebrooke/Cooneen Eighteen Troops took part in the NI Archery on winning the overall event, massive competition held at Gortatole on the 5th thanks to all the core team members and March. Aughnacloy A team won the event other Leaders who helped run the event. and Andrew Patton won the top archer Award on the day. Thanks to Gortatole for The first event in the new Scouting their excellent venue and for everyone who calendar was the NI Hike which took place participated. th at Divis Mountain on the 25 September, with 11 Troops from around NI taking part. The Core Team have changed the events st The winners of the competition were 1 for 2017–2018 so all Scouts can get a Colebrooke/Cooneen from Co Tyrone. It variety of activities to participate in and the was a different competition with teams NI Commissioner (Scouts) looks forward to getting asked to do a variety of different seeing dates in each County’s diary over tasks at each checkpoint. Well done to all the next year. This has help the Scout that participated in the event, thanks to all Section to deliver on the 2018 Vision of Leaders that helped marshal the being Youth Lead by listening to what the checkpoints and to Johnny Simpson for Scouts would like to be organised for them planning the route. and help them achieve the Gold Chief Scout’s Award. The NI Scout Quiz took place in Derryloran, rd Cookstown on the 23 October with seven Many Groups had great international teams participating. Parkhall from Co experiences during the year. Scouts are Antrim won the overall event. Thanks to the encouraged to look forward to the next quiz master Paul Meikle for making up the World Jamboree in America 2019 if they fun quiz for the Scouts. will be between 14 and 18 that year.
Again this year the Section was It was a positive year for the Scout Section overwhelmed by the number of Scouts and great to see Scout membership obtaining their Chief Scout’s Gold Award at number s increasing again. With thanks to the presentation in the Craigavon in the development team new Groups are January and a big thank you is due to the being opened across Northern Ireland and Leaders that gave their time to enable the the Northern Ireland Scout Team would Scouts to obtain these Awards. encourage local established Groups to help support them as much as possible by NI Scout Climbing Competition took place offering help, joint events or Troop nights. at Hotrocks, Tollymore on the 15th January.
have continued to give life changing experiences to those participating in the Counties and Districts provided excellent Explorer Scout programme. opportunities for Explorers across Northern Ireland during the year ranging from There were three NI events this year, the expeditions to fun events to amazing Northern Ireland hike competition saw 7th community impact projects. These coupled Dundonald Explorers winning the competition with NI organised events and expeditions by a good margin in the Belfast Hills. The
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Social Bouldering competition at Northern Ireland again ran a Young Leader Boulderworld in Belfast saw David Stewart training weekend with 31 Young Leaders from from 1st Ballymacash win the enthusiast event across the province taking part. The number with a perfect 200 score, with Tom Earnshaw of new Young Leaders starting training was from 1st Saintfield winning the Explorer down this year, but that was largely due to the (Novice) competition with a very credible 147 large number who started training last year. points. The cross section Kennedy Dolphin Additional to this a number of Young Leaders watersports trophy had Explorers from participated in training at County / D istrict Antrim, Belfast and Down competing with level with 14 in Lisburn District and 24 in Lisburn Cathedral Scouts and Explorers tying County Londonderry. However numbers for 1st place with 1st Donagadee Scouts. taking part in the Young Leaders Scheme remain proportionately very good with Other events included County Down’s Chillax typically a third of all Explorers taking part in camp at Ardnavally, Belfast County held the Young Leaders Scheme, and more who Volleyball and Ready Steady Cook have already complete the Scheme remaining competitions, County Fermanagh’s Archery as Young Leaders with younger Sections. and Climbing competitions and County Londonderry’s climbing social event, first Aid There were a number of Young Leaders who training and Momentum event were among received their Young Leader awards this year several in the County organised in the last 12 at local ceremonies and three who could not months. Many Explorer Scout Units also attend due to exams received their Award in enjoyed their own Unit Camps. Fermanagh front of the North face of the Eiger in Explorers camped across in Southern Ireland. Switzerland.
22 Explorers from Lisburn took part in a trip to The Young Leader Scheme continues to play Kandersteg International Scout Centre which an important part in week to week meetings in saw them taking part in Ice Climbing and all Sections, with Young Leaders, planning Glacier walking and having a go on one of the and running activities, badges and youth world’s highest zipwire located at 3450m shaped Scouting all across Northern Ireland. above sea level. Eight Explorers from Cookstown attended Roverway 2016 in The Explorer Section continues to face real France. Explorers from County Londonderry challenges in terms of numbers with still two hosted a group of German Explorers when thirds of Scouts not transferring and joining they visited Northern Ireland and then 18 Explorers when they turn 14. On average Explorers along with some Network members numbers are down slightly year on year, but visited Italy in the summer of 2016. Londonderry has seen an increase this year in both numbers and engagement in County In the 2nd year of NIEX, Explorer Scouts from organised events. across Northern Ireland came together to take part in Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver Youth Shaped Scouting continued to make and Gold expeditions run by Crawfordsburn real progress around Northern Ireland and a DofE Centre. After training and practice number of Explorer Scouts attended the expeditions were completed, during the early Youth Shaped Conference held at the part of the year, summer saw successful Northern Ireland Scout Centre Crawfordsburn qualifying expeditions at all three levels with from all parts of Northern Ireland and mention Bronze and Silver completing their must be made of County Londonderry’s expeditions in the Mourne Mountains whilst Momentum youth shaped event which saw a the two Gold teams completed theirs in the large proportion of the Explorers in the Lake District in England including summiting County attend their own Youth Shaped event. Scafell Pikes. All the Expeditions also Explorers continued to play a part in all satisfied the requirements for the expedition Sections of Scouting as Young Leaders in Sections of the equivalent Chief Scout’s and facilitating Sixer and Patrol Leader meetings Queen’s Scout awards. to make Youth Shaped Scouting more of a reality. In January Explorer Scouts attended the Chief Scout and Queens Scout awards The number of female members again ceremony in Craigavon Civic Centre with 50 increased this year and the Section continues gaining their Platinum Award, 30 their to find Explorers Scouts from all parts of the Diamond Award and 14 their Queen’s Scout community, brought together just as in the Award. A further 4 Network members also other Sections by shared Scouting values. completed their Queen’s Scout Award. Presentations were made by UK Chief Explorers from across Northern Ireland Commissioner Tim Kidd and NI Chief continue to have amazing engagement with Commissioner Stephen Donaldson. local communities either by working with other charities including one of our Million
20 hands partners or by taking part in very Fermanagh who brought the issue of original individual projects. homelessness sofa surfing in the local community to the attention of local Explorers from County Londonderry helped government agencies and the police. 1st run registration, carparking and distribution of Hillsborough Explorers were recognised refreshments at the “Run for Fun” Event as nationally at Summit 17 by picking up the 3rd well as helping at the Northwest 200 and place in the new national awards. raising money for Children in need, County Antrim Explorers also helped raise funds for Despite the smaller number of both Explorers the Rotary Club to aid various local charities. and Leaders that the Section would like to be Explorers in Fermanagh continued to run its involved in Scouting, the quality of the Rucksack and School bag project Two programme being provided by most Units is outstanding ones among many were exceptional and provides life changing undertaken by 1st Hillsborough Explorers experiences, opportunities and skills which looking at mental health among teenagers give major advantages over most of their and another by Explorers from County peers for adult life.
With respect to inclusivity, female membership increased to 51; a 7% increase. It is anticipated that more people from deprived areas and with disabilities and extra The purpose of the Scout Network is to needs will be enabled to participate in the engage 18-25 year olds in creating and section. Network members are working participating in programme opportunities to closely with Youth Commissioners and their experience an exciting personal adventure, teams to ensure that our Movement is youth achieve their full potential and make a shaped. The closed Facebook group ‘NI positive mark on the world. The programme, Scout Network’ has a healthy membership based on the purpose, is to enable young which helps with effective communication. In adults to participate in personal development the community impact area, 21 people have opportunities at a time and place to suit them joined a NI Scout Network team which is with three main programme areas – partnering with local charity Habitat for adventure, international and community. To Humanity NI to travel to Ethiopia in July 2018 achieve these objectives, Network members to build homes/toilet blocks for some of most have been encouraged to take part in projects impoverished people in the world. Alongside and events that would support these main this trip, an application for EU funding has programme areas. These events are been successful which will see the Scout underpinned by themes including teamwork, ‘Step Forward’ resource updated for leadership and life skills. members to work towards the Community Impact Staged Activity Badges and other The Scout Network Section has a challenging Awards. development plan focussed on the current national strategy ‘Vision to 2018’. With regard The NI team has formed well since the to growth, the Section has increased to 162 appointment of the new NIC with two members (with 147 recorded elsewhere) meetings and an excellent DSNC Support which is a 57% increase. The number of local Day at the Northern Ireland Scout Centre Scout Networks has increased to 16 which is Crawfordsburn on 5th March. Members of a 45% increase. Districts (and Counties the team attended the NI YouShape event in where there is only one area) are expected to February and the National Conference appoint District Scout Network ‘Summit17’ in Warwick in March/April. There Commissioners (DSNCs) to enable Scout are areas of active and impressive Network Networks to form and run a suitable Scouting in NI which the Network Team hope programme in local areas. It is hoped that the to see replicated in other Districts and revamped high quality programme along with Counties. better transition from Explorer Scouting will lead to further growth.
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The Youth United Project concluded at 30th Financial support was given to enable the June. In the three months leading up to June, development of Peninsula Explorer Scouts work continued on setting up new Sections and 8th Bangor Cubs through provision of and supporting existing YUF Sections. outdoor camping kit.
The project continued to work in priority areas The key to the success of this development identified by County Commissioners. From work was the valued support of local March to June the project worked on volunteers who worked alongside new establishing St. Augustine’s Cub Scouts, recruits to enable them to deliver quality Derry City in County Londonderry. Scouting. Initially these volunteers had a hands on role, but gradually moved over to a The project also started developmental work more supportive back seat position as in Portrush (Cubs) and in Gortin, Co Tyrone, Scouting became established. There were which was to carry on beyond June 2016 and challenges to overcome working within throughout the summer with local volunteer disadvantaged areas including behavior support. issues, lack of financial resources and in some cases a lack of any previous In June the project brought together four new community capacity or spirit. Scouting was Cub Packs for a weekend camp at the however able to regenerate youth Northern Ireland Scout Centre engagement in these areas, in a structured Crawfordsburn. Fifty five young people plus programme of developmental youth work. fifteen volunteer Leaders from Kilkeel (Co New Groups also brought communities Down), Sixmilecross (Co Tyrone), Gilford (Co together where the Scout Group was one of a Down) and Killicomaine (Co Armagh) joined number of cross-community groups in an the camp. For Gilford this was their first time area. In addition, core to this work was the away as a Cub Pack. delivery of a quality programme that promotes the outdoors and adventure to young people.
The majority of work of the Activities Team is Work was ongoing to recruit and train directed to operating the Scout Association’s additional activity assessors, and several systems to allow voluntary Leaders to offer were recently added to the team. In addition, exciting adventurous activities to Scouts in a those who were already in place were being safe and well-managed way. For such assisted to understand the systems and to activities as hillwalking, climbing and water keep their expertise up to date. activities, the system involves advice on appropriate training followed by assessment Work also continued to increase the number of the competence of Leaders by specialist of Leaders holding permits to run assessors with appropriate qualifications. adventurous activities. This was helped by Following expert assessment, a permit to run the availability of central funds to assist with the activity within appropriate limits is the substantial cost of training courses and authorised by the local District or County assessment leading to permits. Leaders were Commissioner. The recording of permits is also encouraged to utilise specialist expertise now centralised, with all known permits available both within Scouting and recorded on the Compass IT system. commercially to increase the availability to Scouts of opportunities for adventure. Implementation of this change generated massive workload for staff and volunteers due The informal Scout Hillwalking Club run by to multiple system configuration problems, Colin Lammey continued to provide a some of which persist, but the system now successful and ‘painless’ way of providing has major benefits: it automatically generates advice and assessment for activities in the reminders for renewals, and makes it easy for hills. Mark Dick and Leslie Carswell and their individuals to find an assessor and for event team provide a similar ‘Canoe Patrol’ service organisers to find an appropriate permit- for canoeing. holder.
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Archery is a popular activity with Scouts: wall, tower, zipline and 3g swing activities at Scout Archery has always been regulated to the Centre. All climbing permits have been the standards of Archery GB, but from reviewed and there are already 20 permits in January 2016, the Scout activity permit place, with training ongoing for others. system has been applied to archery. Ten qualified Leaders have been appointed as Thanks are due to all the Activity Assessors assessors, and 31 Leaders have already for their continued efforts in training and been issued with archery permits. assessing Leaders for authorisations, and to all the District and County Activities advisers Expeditions are an important part of our who continue to deal with the significant programme for Scouts and the older amount of paperwork and advice needed to Sections. Many Groups lack either the keep adventurous activities safely available to numbers or the expertise to run expeditions: our Scouts. in 2016 for the second year a major effort was put in to offering Expedition opportunities to The 2016 annual Dolphin Trophy Watersports young people in these categories- ‘NIEX competition finished in a dead heat between 2016’. Three Groups successfully completed the 2015 winners Lisburn Cathedral Group DofE Silver level expeditions in the Mournes, and the 2014 winners 1st Donaghadee Group. and two Groups successfully completed a The Canoeing competition took place in very strenuous DoE Gold/Queen’s Scout October at Portavoe reservoir, Donaghadee, expedition in the Lake District. which has proved an ideal venue both for this event and water activities for other major As part of this NIEX programme a Duke of camps. Thanks to all the volunteer helpers for Edinburgh’s Award centre has been a lot of hard work put in to run what was once established at Crawfordsburn which is open again a successful event, to CANI for the loan to any Scouts in the 14-24 age group who of equipment, and to DCAL and NIWater for wish to take part in the Award whose own the use of the facility. Group does not offer this programme. The Sailing competition was again held at An external climbing instructor has been Killyleagh OEC. Thanks to Alan Campbell employed to train volunteers and staff at the and his team for setting up the event, Northern Ireland Scout Centre supervising the sailing, and to Killyleagh OEC Crawfordsburn, and on his advice, substantial and SEELB for the use of their facilities and changes have been made to the climbing equipment.
July 2016 saw some changes to POR Rule Explorer Belt. With 2016 being the centenary 9.64 Visits Abroad. The main changes year of the Battle of the Somme, the trip saw include a more streamlined application participants visiting a number of WW1 process with a 2 stage form. There is also a memorials and laying wreaths, traveling 180 new rule requiring all adults travelling abroad miles by foot and completing a number of in the name of Scouting to log their trip and projects whilst interacting with the local gain approval from the International communities they travelled through on the Commissioner. way.
A series of workshops were held in the Spring Seven Explorer and Network Scouts from 1st at various venues around N Ireland to help Cookstown took part in Roverway 2016 in explain the Visits Abroad process and France. encourage more Groups to take part in Many other groups enjoyed international trips International Trips. during the summer of 2016 These included At Northern Ireland level the summer of 2016 37th Belfast, Denmark and China saw a number of Explorers taking part in 74th Belfast, Iceland expeditions abroad, these included Canada Londonderry Scouts and Explorers, Italy Trip to facilitate Chief Scout and Queen’s 20th Belfast, Austria Scout expeditions at the Haliburton Scout Lisburn Cathedral, Kandersteg, Switzerland. Reserve followed by trips to Algonquin national park and Niagra Falls. As part of the Cubs 100 Celebrations South Belfast Cubs visited Dublin Zoo and 1,100 Explorer Belt – a joint Explorer and Network Cubs from all over N Ireland visited Tayto trip to Belgium and France to enable 25 Park in Co Meath. participants (13 Explorers) to complete their
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The monthly lunches at Belfast Indoor Bowls Christmas Dinner at the Belfast Bowls was Club continued to provide a useful meeting provided by the Caterers on 5th December point for members of the Arrowhead Club when Billy Miskimmin provided the giving them the opportunity to meet socially. appropriate Festive Spirit with presents attired as Santa Claus. Also at the Dinner the Club The attendance of 46 members and guests at was pleased to present a tie to Jim Taylor to the 19th Annual Dinner and General open celebrate his 100th Year Birthday meeting held on 14th May at the Malone Golf Anniversary. Club was less in number compared with previous years, but they enjoyed an amusing Founders Day on 19th February 2017 was talk given by the guest speaker Tony celebrated with a Service at St Bartholomew's Macauley regarding his experience in the less Parish Church, 183 Stranmillis Road, Belfast affluent district of Belfast as a newspaper by kind permission of the Rector The delivery boy and this was a less formal but Reverend Kevin Graham gave us some nonetheless amusing illustration of life in interesting facts on Sir Robert Baden Powell. West Belfast during the troubles. After the Following the Service members were invited Dinner the usual election of office bearers to the Parish Hall for a very friendly informal and re-election of members of the Steering afternoon tea provided by members of the Committee took place. Particular mention was 8lst South Belfast Scout Group. It was good made of Mervyn and Vivian Douglas whose to have so many active members in uniform contribution to Scouting in Northern Ireland and the Group is to be congratulated on a fine was recognised by the presentation of a small effort. token of the Club's appreciation of their efforts in the form of a bouquet of flowers. The Arrowhead Club members are sorry that David and Margaret Mehaffey are no longer The summer outing on 6th June to Harrisons able to edit and produce the Scoutlook Restaurant and Garden Nursery was well publication which they have done since attended and all enjoyed the lunch. The Mervyn and Vivian Douglas's input. Thanks arrangements for the autumn lunch at the are recorded to them for their stirling effort Secret Garden on 5th September was not so over the years and wish them good fortune successful which following some for their travels and some continuing, if more correspondence with the Manager regarding limited Scouting activity. They are offloading the arrangements resulted in the provision of the responsibility to Billy and Alberta an elaborate Afternoon Tea instead of a Miskimmin who have kindly agreed to take on Lunch. The Steering Committee is the task. Scoutlook provides a very important reconsidering the arrangements for the June link to a wider variety of members and it is and September outings due to the Caterers greatly appreciated and the input of articles is not being available at the Indoor Bowls always welcome. Stadium on these occasions. The Club is grateful to Renton McKersie who A visit to the Courtyard Theatre, Ballyearl Arts has resumed the position of Chair of the and Leisure centre at Newtownabbey on the Steering Committee and wish him well in this evening of 17th November to make your own temporary role. kind of music was an enjoyable occasion and those attending were well satisfied with the Generally the Arrowhead Club has remained arrangements provided by Billy Miskimmin. reasonably active and it is hoped that with the addition of two new members to the The year 2016 being the 100th Anniversary of Committee the Club can look forward to a the start of Cub Scouting some Members bright future. were invited to a Gala Evening at the Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast on Saturday 19th November which had been arranged by the Northern Ireland Cub Team. .
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During the year work continued on streamlining the structure of Scouting in Northern Ireland.
In County Armagh after a number of years of debate the Leaders from the County voted overwhelmingly to become amalgamated where Portadown, Lurgan and Armagh Districts would have a single Executive supported by ACCs to manage the affairs of all three Districts. This would take effect from 1st April 2017.
In County Antrim the Leaders in the two Districts of Antrim and Mid Antrim agreed to amalgamate to form the new District of Slemish. The new District of Slemish would be welcoming Mr Steven Millar as their new District Commissioner with effect from 1st April 2017.
In Belfast County a consultation exercise took place across the County resulting in agreement that the two Districts of South Belfast and South East Belfast District would be amalgamating later in 2017 to form a new District. The new name for the District was still to be decided.
In County Londonderry the Leaders from County also agreed to amalgamate where Londonderry, Mid Ulster and Coleraine Districts would have a single Executive. This took effect from 1st September 2016.
Counties, Districts and Groups have been signing up for the national initiative A Million Hands which hopes to be mobilize 500,000 Scouts from across the UK to take meaningful action on the issues they are passionate about; dementia, disability, mental wellbeing and access to clean water and sanitation. Working with Alzheimer's Society, Leonard Cheshire Disability, Guide Dogs, Mind, WaterAid and Canal & R iver Trust the next four years should see thousands of young people take action in their communities to make real change. County Down has, under the initiative of the County Commissioner, taken on the adoption of a single charity (Cash for Kids) w hich has allowed all members within the County to raise funds for a very worthwhile charity that supports children who are less well off.
Two Million Hands projects won national Awards during the year in the Scouting for All Community Impact Section. 81st Belfast achieved 2nd place for their Dementia Project and 1st Hillsborough achieved 3rd place for their project on Mental wellbeing. The 81st Belfast Beaver Colony’s ‘A Million Hands’ project was to learn about and raise awareness of dementia and then try to make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia.
The Beavers took part in lots of activities from the ‘A Million Hands’ resources and others developed by the leadership team to try and understand what it might be like to have dementia.
Inspired by the Alzheimer’s Society’s 20:20 Cycle acknowledging the 20,000 people in Northern Ireland living with dementia, the Colony cycled around their meeting place grounds with each lap representing 1,000 people. The Beavers gave out leaflets from the Alzheimer’s Society to passers-by thus raising awareness in the local community.
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Belfast, supported housing for people living with dementia, and gave the books as gifts to the residents. The Beavers have spent a number of wonderful visits with the residents – reading poems and singing songs together from their memory books, chatting about their badges and eating buns! The memory books are enjoyed by the residents, shared with their relatives and used by the staff during reminiscence sessions.
The Colony has been delighted to have had their project recognised through being awarded the ‘Youth Contribution of the Year’ in the 2016 Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Awards and 2nd place in The Scouting for All Awards 2017 Community Impact Award.
The Leadership team say, ‘Our on-going project is continuing to make a difference to all our lives – both young and old and we have all learnt so much from each other through taking part.’
1st Hillsborough had speakers from NIAMH (manager and mental health nurse) speaking to the Explorer Scouts to share first hand experiences and need for awareness and support. Further resources were supplied and no restrictions made on what they could ask the speakers to allow them to find out how real this is and what impact this has on adolescents, as well as adults.
The Explorer Scouts worked through A Million Hands resource pack - the "High 5s"....implementing them in their schools and local sports groups. The Explorer Scouts recognised their own stressors (most of which tended to be related to exams) but also, through resources they were supplied with or looked at themselves (for example, paying attention to media reports etc); they saw the impact social media and other means of bullying can have on adolescent mental health.
They invited two speakers along to share and answer questions on their own experiences, what support is available, how the taboo of mental health should be discussed, and what impact the Explorer Scouts could have on the mental well being of others. One speaker talked about their suicide attempts and how they came through this to be a better person and now helping others, the other talked about their fight with depression which was ongoing. Anonymous cases were used to work through mental health impacts on adolescents (these covered areas of an adolescent psycho-social assessment looking at adolescent home environments and family, employment status, activities, drug and alcohol abuse, depression and suicide risk, sexuality and sexual behaviours), understanding how adolescents are different to children and adults.
It was also important for the Explorer Scout to look after their own mental health so after these very intense sessions (at times), they had down time enjoying activities that the Explorer Scouts choose themselves. The parents were also in full support of this project.
All the research carried out was put towards the development of an awareness video on adolescent mental health. Purely stating that by saying “hello how are you?” you may have just saved that person's life!... focusing on statistics in Northern Ireland.
The video would be launched at an awareness evening in the future for the whole community where the Explorer Scouts meet, where they plan to invite the local health board to contribute from a service point of view and provide contact details should anyone want them in order to get help. Also, information on how to look after your own mental health around the "5 ways to mental well being".
26 The Explorer Scouts would also be contacting all mental health charities in NI to see if they would like to provide a spokesperson, or simply attend, or to allow interaction and provide resource info for anyone who wants it. The local GP practice would also be approached to provide medical staff if possible to the evening. The Explorer Scouts hope the video will be put on loop within the GP practice waiting area as well as publishing on social media. A lot of work and learning has been put into this project by the 1st Hillsborough Explorer Scouts. The Leaders also look forward to the developments above and have made the Explorer Scouts aware that they can approach them should they have any concerns about themselves or others.
Is awarded for good service while holding an adult appointment for a period of not less than 5 years good service.
County Antrim County Down Kathryn Edwards Kathryn Grant Sean Hindsberg Belfast County Kelly Houston Duncan Berryman Richard Lawther Laura Blakeman is awarded after a period of not less than 10-12 years of outstanding service while holding an adult appointment County Armagh Belfast County County Down Shelagh Calvert Gwen Lynch Robin Jardine
May be awarded after not less than 5 years of further outstanding service while holding an adult appointment.
County Antrim Anne Nicholson
Is awarded after a period of not less than 20 years of specially distinguished service while holding an adult appointment. County Antrim Kathleen Daley County Down Allister Law Terence Garland Derick Rush Peter Wilson
May be awarded after not less than 5 years of further specially distinguished service while holding an adult appointment.
County Antrim County Down Mavis Kirk George Stevenson
Is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout, awarded for service of the most exceptional nature.
Belfast County County Londonderry Billy Sholdis Jean Major
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This is the top Award in the Scout Section. To gain this Award, the Scout must complete the Outdoor Challenge plus Challenges in Adventure, Leadership and Commitment. They must also complete a personal challenge which is agreed with their Leader.
County Antrim South Belfast 1st Holywood Erin Vogan South East Antrim District Joshua Baker 1st Kircubbin District 68th Belfast Theo Stokes Sophie Blaney 1st Jordanstown Cameron Faloon Ben Turner Ethan Carlile Joseph Lismore Harry Gillespie 2nd Holywood Brooke Robinson 4th Carrickfergus Keelan Jordan Matthew Adair 1st Kirkistown Jake Gillespie South East Belfast Adam Atkinson Sophie Brown District Eli Crutchley Aaron Kelly County Armagh 1st Carryduff Daniel Graham Carter Ledlie Armagh District Erin Adair Ben Heatherley Amy Mahood 1st Markethill Meg O'Neill Lex Lowry Niall McCaughey Lewis Girvan Henry Megarity Ben Norrie Dylan Haire County Down Callum Reid Nikita Peters Henry Hamilton North Down District Matthew Russell Alex Presho Portadown District 12th Bangor Kane Stevenson 4th Portadown Taylor Bell Matthew Uprichard County Ben Cuthbert Stephanie Brook South Down District Londonderry Jack Gilpin Michael Crawford 2nd Banbridge Mid Ulster District Luke Hammond Johnny Harty Tobey Bernardi 1st Cookstown Dylan Martin Cameron Heath Will Cumming Ellen Hamilton Joe Sheard Mark Hennesy Matthew McClimonds Lucy Thomson Chloe Hunston Strangford District Belfast County Amy Lockhart 1st Comber County Tyrone North Belfast Jacob McCrea Adam Boyd 1st Baronscourt District Emily Noble Katie Crossen Jake Dinsmore 78th Belfast Holly Noble Daniel Earnshaw Rachel Pinkerton Ciaran Clarke Chris Pyper Finn Forsythe Sarah Pinkerton Owen Corr Dylan Ruddock Michael Jewitt Curt Stevenson Luke Cummings Daniel Wilkinson Matthew McMaster Adam McCambridge Andrew Smyth
To gain this Award the following requirements must be completed: Be a member of Explorer Scouts or the Scout Network or both for at least six months. Complete six nights away of which four must be camping. Complete two activities from the International, Environment and Values programmes. Hold the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award, or complete the four Platinum Scout Challenges, which are: Skill / Physical Activity / Service / Expedition
County Antrim Portadown District Belfast County County Down South East Antrim Portadown South Belfast North Down District District Explorers District Bangor East 1st Islandmagee Kate Crawford South Belfast Explorers Ellen Heggen Thomas Cuthbert Explorers Dylan Abbott Lucy Kane David Douglas Jonathan Baird Rebecca Bolton 1st Jordanstown Patrick Hammond Greg Conway James Crawford Andrew Dorman Callum Martin Jonathan Cox Darren Scott Fergus Wright Patrick Sheerin Conor Irvine Gavin Symington James Vennard Rachel Smyth 2nd Holywood County Armagh Stuart Watson William Thompson Cameron McKimm Armagh District Jan Turkiewicz Sean McMahon 1st Markethill Ramona White Ewan McVitty William Sheppard Ben Talec
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South Down District County County Tyrone Cameron Clarke Crozier Unit Londonderry Aughnacloy Kyla Clements Aaron Brown Mid Ulster District Explorers Rebecca Ewing Max Elliot 1st Cookstown Eve Galloway Harry Isaacs Cameron Harvey Roan Anderson Amy Gillespie Sadhbh Keenan Ben McConnell Joshua Dripps Jordan McDonald Adam McCollum Paul Reid Abbie Pike Kerry Rankin Omagh Explorers James Thompson Jill Alderdice
To gain this Award the following requirements must be completed: Be a member of Explorer Scouts or the Scout Network or both for at least 12 months. Complete 12 nights away as an Explorer Scout or member of the Scout Network, of which eight must be camping. Complete two activities from the list of International, Environment and Values programmes. Hold the Silver DofE Award, or complete the four Diamond Challenges, which are: Skill/Physical Activity/Service/Expedition
County Antrim Belfast County Ben Johnston County Tyrone South East Antrim South Belfast Megan Mackey Aughnacloy District District Rhys McLean Explorers 1st Jordanstown South Belfast Kristin Wilkinson Nathan Gillespie Jonathan Gregg Explorers South Down District Alana McNeill James Emery Crozier Unit Cerys Plant County Armagh Charlotte White Taylor Masterson Jamie Rainey Portadown District Richard Williamson Omagh Explorers Portadown County Katie Buchanan Explorers County Down Londonderry Keith Ewing Rhiannon Calvert North Down District Mid Ulster District George Goodwin Thomas Cuthbert Bangor East 1st Cookstown Grainne McNulty Patrick Hammond Explorers Walter Acheson Nial McSorley Callum Martin Owen Aicken Daniel Bell Matthew Connolly Stephen Black Adam Cunningham Kyle Junk Jamie Ferris
A young person who has become a Queen's Scout has gained the highest training Award in The Scout Association. This Award requires considerable determination and persistence as the young person must achieve their own personal best in terms of effort, commitment and self-reliance.
County Antrim South East Antrim Strangford District Mid Antrim District District Josh Reid-Schofield Aaron Christie Rachel Courtney Dion Houston Stewart Heggen County Tyrone Lewis Osborne Barry Mc Faul Mark Bradley Stuart Osborne Sara Ewing Ross Swan County Down Davog McCaffrey Peter Todd South Down District Rachel McKeag Josh Morrison Janice McKinley Callum O'Donnell Simon Thompson
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I am delighted to write these concluding our Sections the young people are having a remarks on our Annual Report as it has such say in the programme and have originated a sense of success and positive impact some great community impact projects, two of throughout. Once again the number of young which have won national awards. people that are members of Scouting continues to grow – a trend we have I would like to pay a personal tribute to and maintained for over a decade – and we also thank all the dedicated Leaders in Groups, continue to recruit enthusiastic and dedicated Districts and Counties who work tirelessly for adults to work with these young people. We the good of our young people, and also to the are growing the movement in areas that are members of Council and its Committees, our not regarded as “traditional” and including Chief Commissioner, and his Northern Ireland young people from a wide range of Commissioners, County and District backgrounds as we try and fulfil our strategic Commissioners and our Executive aim of “Inclusivity”. As Scouting develops its Commissioner and his professional staff. I strategic vision for the next 5 years this will be would like to take this opportunity to thank imbedded in the success of “Vision to 2018” those who have stepped down from such and the recent good work will continue. leadership roles for all their sterling work and send my good wishes to their successors. This is the first year of our new Chief Commissioner, Stephen Donaldson, and he No doubt the coming year will provide new has made a tremendous start. The new Main challenges to Council and its Board, which I Complex at the Northern Ireland Scout Centre am sure we will take on in a positive manner Crawfordsburn has been formally opened and with the well being of our young people and is getting increasing use, the 100th Birthday of Leaders at the forefront of what we do. The the Cub Section, the 50th birthday of the Board continues to look to improve its Beaver Section and later this summer Nijam governance arrangements and promote a International camp at Crawfordsburn. I would culture of safety for our young people and the like to congratulate Stephen on his first year adults working with them. and wish him well for the future. Finally I would like to congratulate all the The emphasis of Council and its Board on young people who have achieved the “youth shaped” is paying big dividends. Our Queen’s Scout Award and Chief Scout’s young people are having a growing influence Award, and those Leaders recognised in the on how we run Scouting in N Ireland and we St George’s Day Awards. have now an excellent group of Youth Commissioners who I had the privilege of working with at this year’s National Conference. They also ran some excellent Henry Brown events in February - “#you shaped” month. In Chair
Having read through this report you cannot It has been an exciting year in many ways, fail to be impressed by the strength and depth the highlights of which you will have already of Scouting here in Scouts NI. This read, but special mention must go to Jean continuing success comes as the result of Major and the Cub Team for their hard work by many people and I want to start celebrations of the Cub Centenary Year and by paying tribute to our many volunteer the final dinner held in the Crumlin Road Jail. Leaders on the ground who provide the Also the opening of the new Main Complex at programme and the opportunities week in and the Northern Ireland Scout Centre week out for our young people - thank you. Crawfordsburn by the then Minister of Education. Towards the end of my first year as Chief Commissioner I would like to pay tribute to We have, as you all know, been working my predecessor Colin Lammey for his towards a vision for Scouting in 2018, and excellent service to Scouting in Northern this year we began to look at how we might Ireland over many years and for the last six move beyond that towards 2023. I was years as Chief Commissioner. Thank you delighted and indeed very proud to lead a Colin for your help and encouragement as I large delegation from Scouts NI to a have found my feet in the role. conference called Summit 17 in Warwick
30 where we began the process of creating our I have, as I hope you know by now, adopted a new vision. The delegation was made up of a theme of team work at all levels, something large number of Youth Commissioners who which I have pushed at every opportunity. I were a credit to themselves and Scouts NI. have been impressed at many Scout events how when our young people work together My sincere thanks should be recorded to Ken they can achieve so much, the same goes for Gillespie and all the staff both at the NI Scout Leaders at all levels. Thank you to my team Office and the Northern Ireland Scout Centre for the support you have given me, may we Crawfordsburn for their unstinting hard work all continue to work together for the and dedication to Scouting, we would be lost betterment of Scouting within this great without them. Nothing illustrated this more Movement. than the inspection from the Department of Education when the Inspectors took over the NI Scout Office for the best part of two weeks. A stressful time which we came through with a great report, thanks to a team effort Stephen Donaldson between our staff and Leaders on the ground. Chief Commissioner
Scouting provides opportunities for the young people of Northern Ireland, that is due in no small measure to the generosity of our predecessors – both during their lifetimes and through forward planning, after their deaths. By leaving a legacy to Scouting, you can help to ensure that our successors will be able to continue to service future generations of young people. The following specimen wording is suitable for incorporating in a new will or in a codicil to an existing will.
I DEVISE AND BEQUEATH [the sum of ……. to the Northern Ireland Scout Council of The Scout Association of 109 Old Milltown Road, Belfast, BT8 7SP, for the general purposes being in law charitable of the said Northern Ireland Scout Council AND I DIRECT that the receipt of the honorary treasurer or other officer approved of by my Trustees of the aforesaid Council shall be a sufficient discharge to my Trustees.]
OR [all the residue of my estate both real and personal and wheresoever situate after payment thereout of my debt funeral and testamentary expenses Northern Ireland Scout Council of The Scout Association of 109 Old Milltown Road, Belfast, BT8 7SP, for the general purposes being in law charitable of the said Northern Ireland Scout Council AND I DIRECT that the receipt of the honorary treasurer or other officer approved of by my Trustees of the aforesaid Council shall be a sufficient discharge to my Trustees.]
OR [……. share of my estate to the Northern Ireland Scout Council of The Scout Association of 109 Old Milltown Road, Belfast, BT8 7SP, for the general purposes being in law charitable of the said Northern Ireland Scout Council AND I DIRECT that the receipt of the honorary treasurer or other officer approved of by my Trustees of the aforesaid Council shall be a sufficient discharge to my Trustees.]
Your bequest, whatever its size, will help us give future generations of young people in Northern Ireland from all walks of life a better start.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN IRELAND SCOUT COUNCIL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2017
We have audited the financial statements of Northern Ireland Scout Council for the year ended 31 March 2017 which comprise the statement of financial activities, statement of financial position, statement of cash flows and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 ''The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland''. This report is made solely to the charity's members, as a body, in accordance with Section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of members and auditor As explained more fully in the members' responsibilities statement, the members are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. We have been appointed as auditor under section 65(2) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and report in accordance with that Act. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board's Ethical Standards for Auditors.
Scope of the audit of the financial statements An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the charity's circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the members; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the members' report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.
Opinion on financial statements In our opinion the financial statements: • give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 March 2017 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended; • have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and • have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. Matters on which we are required to report by exception We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: • the information given in the members' report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or • sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or • the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or • we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Muir & Addy Chartered accountants & statutory auditor Muir Building 427 Holywood Road Belfast BT4 2LT 19th September 2017
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Northern Ireland Scout Council
Statement of Financial Activities
31 March 2017
2017 2016 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total funds Total funds Note £ £ £ £ Income and endowments Donations and legacies 4 104,624 38,034 142,658 808,279 Charitable activities 6 414,944 118,535 533,479 430,492 Investment income 7 4,050 – 4,050 3,271
Total income 523,618 156,569 680,187 1,242,042
Expenditure Expenditure on charitable activities 8,9 458,844 148,457 607,301 671,345
Total expenditure 458,844 148,457 607,301 671,345
Net gains/(losses) on investments 10 12,124 – 12,124 (5,046)
Net income 76,898 8,112 85,010 565,651
Transfers between funds (65,000) 65,000 – –
Net movement in funds 11,898 73,112 85,010 565,651
Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 381,942 3,443,760 3,825,702 3,260,051
Total funds carried forward 393,840 3,516,872 3,910,712 3,825,702
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 36 to 47 form part of these financial statements
33
Northern Ireland Scout Council
Statement of Financial Position
31 March 2017
2017 2016 £ £ Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 16 3,288,233 3,338,377 Investments 17 85,852 73,728
3,374,085 3,412,105
Current assets Debtors 18 106,104 98,040 Cash at bank and in hand 807,183 950,782
913,287 1,048,822
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 20 376,660 435,225
Net current assets 536,627 613,597
Total assets less current liabilities 3,910,712 4,025,702
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 21 – 200,000
Net assets 3,910,712 3,825,702
Funds of the charity Restricted funds 3,516,872 3,443,760 Unrestricted funds 393,840 381,942
Total charity funds 23 3,910,712 3,825,702
These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 19 September 2017, and are signed on behalf of the board by:
Dr Henry Brown Philip Price Chairman Treasurer
The notes on pages 36 to 47 form part of these financial statements
34 Northern Ireland Scout Council
Statement of Cash Flows
Year ended 31 March 2017
2017 2016 Note £ £ Cash flows from operating activities Net income 85,010 565,651
Adjustments for: Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 82,687 82,043 Net gains/(losses) on investments (12,124) 5,046 Dividends, interest and rents from investments (4,050) (3,271) Accrued (income)/expenses (46,207) 102,215
Changes in: Trade and other debtors (8,064) 21,200 Trade and other creditors (200,000) 150,000
Cash generated from operations (102,748) 922,884
Net cash (used in)/from operating activities (102,748) 922,884
Cash flows from investing activities Dividends, interest and rents from investments 4,050 3,271 Purchase of tangible assets (32,543) (846,109)
Net cash used in investing activities (28,493) (842,838)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (131,241) 80,046 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 838,046 758,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 19 706,805 838,046
The notes on pages 36 to 47 form part of these financial statements
35
Northern Ireland Scout Council
Notes to the Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2017
1. General information
The charity is registered charity in Northern Ireland and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is 109 Old Milltown Road, Belfast, BT8 7SP.
2. Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
3. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.
Going concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Transition to FRS 102
The entity transitioned from previous UK GAAP to FRS 10 2 as at 1 April 2015. Details of how FRS 102 has affected the reported financial position and financial performance is given in note 26.
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Fund accounting
The charity is responsible for various types of funds that require separate disclosure as follows:
(i) Restricted funds Funds earmarked by the donor for a specific purpose
(ii)Designated funds Funds set aside for a specific purpose
(iii)Unrestricted funds Funds that are expendable at the discretion of the committee in the furtherance of the objects of the charity
36 Northern Ireland Scout Council
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2017
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
• income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably.
• legacy income is recognised when receipt is probable and entitlement is established.
• income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers.
• income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and returned if unspent, in which case it may be regarded as restricted.
Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:
• expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activities, events, non- charitable trading activities, and the sale of donated goods.
• expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.
• other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities.
All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.
Tangible assets
Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
37 Northern Ireland Scout Council
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2017
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Tangible assets (continued)
An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Freehold property - 2% straight line Fixtures & fittings - 25% reducing balance Motor vehicles - 25% reducing balance Computer & video equipment - 25% reducing balance Buildings - 2% straight line
Investments
Unlisted equity investments are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently measured at fair value. If fair value cannot be reliably measured, assets are measured at cost less impairment.
Listed investments are measured at fair value with changes in fair value being recognised in income or expenditure.
Impairment of fixed assets
A review for in dicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired ac cordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.
For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash- generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.
For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units.
Financial instruments
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs.
38
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2017
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Financial instruments (continued)
Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.
Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.
Where investments in shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably, the investment is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investments are subsequently measured at cost less impairment.
Other financial instruments, including derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value, unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Other financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value, with any changes recognised in the statement of financial activities, with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated hedging relationship.
Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities in which the initial gain was recognised.
For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial assets that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impairment. Other financial assets are either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics.
Any reversals of impairment are recognised immediately, to the extent that the reversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised.
Defined contribution plans
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.
When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.
4. Donations and legacies
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2017 £ £ £ Donations Donations 2,787 32,034 34,821 Legacies 515 – 515
39 Northern Ireland Scout Council
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2017
4. Donations and legacies (continued)
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2017 £ £ £ Grants Grants received 96,322 6,000 102,322
Other donations and legacies Belfast County Scout Council 5,000 – 5,000
104,624 38,034 142,658
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2016 £ £ £ Donations Donations 3,406 33,844 37,250 Legacies – 500 500
Grants Grants received 88,666 676,863 765,529
Other donations and legacies Belfast County Scout Council 5,000 – 5,000
97,072 711,207 808,279
5. Grants received
2017 2016 £ £ Unrestricted
Total as estimated by YCNI 96,733 88,523 5% retention by YCNI (4,837) (4,427) 5% retention for previous years now paid 4,426 4,570
96,322 88,666
Restricted
EA/YCNI funded projects 6,000 7,262 Department of Education – 500,000 Garfield Weston Foundation – 50,000 The Clothworkers' Foundation – 50,000 The Scout Association - Developments Grant Board – 69,601
6,000 676,863
Total grants received 102,322 765,529
40
Northern Ireland Scout Council
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2017
6. Charitable activities
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2017 £ £ £ Membership fees 158,483 – 158,483 Fees 256,461 118,535 374,996
414,944 118,535 533,479
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2016 £ £ £ Membership fees 150,899 – 150,899 Fees 268,963 10,630 279,593
419,862 10,630 430,492
7. Investment income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2017 Funds 2016 £ £ £ £ Income from listed investments 4,050 4,050 3,271 3,271
8. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2017 £ £ £ Salaries 156,261 9,907 166,168 Depreciation 5,727 76,960 82,687 Other costs 293,376 61,590 354,966 Support costs 3,480 – 3,480
458,844 148,457 607,301
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2016 £ £ £ Salaries 143,977 30,566 174,543 Depreciation 5,734 76,309 82,043 Other costs 349,482 61,857 411,339 Support costs 3,420 – 3,420
502,613 168,732 671,345
41
Northern Ireland Scout Council
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2017
9. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type
Activities undertaken Total funds Total fund directly Support costs 2017 2016 £ £ £ £ Salaries 166,168 – 166,168 174,543 Depreciation 82,687 – 82,687 82,043 Other costs 354,966 – 354,966 411,339 Governance costs – 3,480 3,480 3,420
603,821 3,480 607,301 671,345
10. Net gains/(losses) on investments
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2017 Funds 2016 £ £ £ £ Gains/(losses) on other investment assets 12,124 12,124 (5,046) (5,046)
11. Net income
Net income is stated after charging/(crediting): 2017 2016 £ £ Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 82,687 82,043
12. Auditors remuneration
2017 2016 £ £ Fees payable for the audit of the financial statements 3,480 3,420
13. Staff costs
The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows: 2017 2016 £ £ Wages and salaries 136,016 142,878 Social security costs 15,308 12,171 Employer contributions to pension plans 14,844 19,494
166,168 174,543
The average head count of employees during the year was 7 (2016: 8). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows: 2017 2016 No. No. Number of staff 7 8
No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2016: Nil).
42
Northern Ireland Scout Council
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2017
13. Staff costs (continued)
Key Management Personnel
Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the charity. The total compensation paid to key management personnel for services provided to the charity was £85,597 (2016:£85,790).
14. Trustee remuneration and expenses
During the year -
no remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees;
no trustee expenses have been incurred.
15. Transfers between funds
During the year an amount of £65,000 was transferred from the general fund to the Crawfordsburn Development Fund. This will be used to repay a loan that had previously been used to finance the building projects at the Crawfordsburn Scout Centre.
16. Tangible fixed assets
Freehold Fixtures and Motor property fittings vehicles Equipment Buildings Total £ £ £ £ £ £ Cost At 1 Apr 2016 3,815,468 32,588 20,520 28,171 92,550 3,989,297 Additions 32,543 – – – – 32,543
At 31 Mar 2017 3,848,011 32,588 20,520 28,171 92,550 4,021,840
Depreciation At 1 Apr 2016 504,375 32,534 15,390 28,171 70,450 650,920 Charge for the year 76,960 20 5,130 – 577 82,687
At 31 Mar 2017 581,335 32,554 20,520 28,171 71,027 733,607
Carrying amount At 31 Mar 2017 3,266,676 34 – – 21,523 3,288,233
At 31 Mar 2016 3,311,093 54 5,130 – 22,100 3,338,377
43
Northern Ireland Scout Council
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2017
17. Investments
Listed Other investments investments Total £ £ £ Cost or valuation At 1 April 2016 72,328 1,400 73,728 Fair value movements 12,124 – 12,124
At 31 March 2017 84,452 1,400 85,852
Impairment At 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2017 – –
Carrying amount At 31 March 2017 84,452 1,400 85,852
At 31 March 2016 72,328 1,400 73,728
All investments shown above are held at valuation.
Financial assets held at fair value
Listed investments are valued at their market value at the balance sheet date.
Listed Investments Listed investments includes shares costing £10,063 held in respect of the Tyack Memorial and International Friendship Funds.
Ground Rents Ground rents have been valued on the basis of six years purchase of the profit rental.
18. Debtors
2017 2016 £ £ Prepayments and accrued income 99,068 91,540 Other debtors 7,036 6,500
106,104 98,040
19. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise the following: 2017 2016 £ £ Cash at bank and in hand 807,183 950,782 Bank overdrafts (100,378) (112,736)
706,805 838,046
44
Northern Ireland Scout Council
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2017
20. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2017 2016 £ £ Bank loans and overdrafts 100,378 112,736 Accruals and deferred income 276,282 322,489
376,660 435,225
21. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2017 2016 £ £ Ulster Garden Villages – 200,000
22. Pensions and other post retirement benefits
Defined contribution plans
The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £14,844 (2016: £19,494).
23. Analysis of charitable funds
Unrestricted funds At At Gains and 31 March 1 April 2016 Income Expenditure Transfers losses 2017 £ £ £ £ £ £ Development Fund 161,216 3,302 – – – 164,518 Glenn Bequest 18,039 – – – – 18,039 Jamboree Fund 6,757 – – – – 6,757 Tyack Memorial 5,000 – – – – 5,000 Capital expenditure 3,376 – – – – 3,376 Property maintenance 17,068 – – – – 17,068 General funds 170,486 520,316 (458,844) (65,000) 12,124 179,082
381,942 523,618 (458,844) (65,000) 12,124 393,840
45
Northern Ireland Scout Council
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2017
23. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)
Restricted funds At At 31 March 1 April 2016 Income Expenditure Transfers 2017 £ £ £ £ £ Crawfordsburn Development Fund 3,341,846 32,034 (76,960) 65,000 3,361,920 International Friendship Fund 4,812 – – – 4,812 Cubs 1,214 – – – 1,214 Scouts 359 – – – 359 Explorer Scouts 97 – – – 97 Beaver Scouts 4,063 – – – 4,063 Arrowhead 2,149 3,212 (3,281) – 2,080 Minibus 334 2,578 (2,912) – – Leader Active 65,812 29,929 (47,820) – 47,921 YCNI funded projects 20,457 6,000 (5,112) – 21,345 NI Jam 2,617 82,816 (12,372) – 73,061
3,443,760 156,569 (148,457) 65,000 3,516,872
24. Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted funds Net current At 31st Jan Fixed assets Investments assets 2017 £ Development fund – – 164,518 164,518 Glenn Bequest – – 18,039 18,039 Jamboree fund – – 6,757 6,757 Tyack Memorial – 5,000 – 5,000 Capital expenditure – – 3,376 3,376 Property maintenance – – 17,068 17,068 General fund 21,557 71,730 85,795 179,082
21,557 76,730 295,553 393,840
46
Northern Ireland Scout Council
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2017
Restricted funds Net current At 31st Jan Fixed assets Investments assets 2017 £ Crawfordsburn Development 3,266,676 2,910 92,334 3,361,920 International Friendship Fund – 4,812 – 4,812 Cubs – – 1,214 1,214 Scouts – – 359 359 Explorer Scouts – – 97 97 Beaver Scouts – – 4,063 4,063 Arrowhead – – 2,080 2,080 Leader Active – – 47,920 47,920 YCNI funded projects – – 21,346 21,346 NI Jam – – 73,061 73,061
3,266,676 7,722 242,474 3,516,872
25. Financial instruments
The carrying amount for each category of financial instrument is as follows: 2017 2016 £ £ Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure Listed investments 84,452 72,328
26. Transition to FRS 102
These are the first financial statements that comply with FRS 102. The charity transitioned to FRS 102 on 1 April 2015.
No transitional adjustments were required in the retained funds or income or expenditure for the year.
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The Purpose of Scouting The Scout Law Scouting exists to actively engage and 1. A Scout is to be trusted. support young people in their personal 2. A Scout is loyal. development, empowering them to make a 3. A Scout is friendly and considerate. positive contribution to society. 4. A Scout belongs to the world-wide family of Scouts. The Values of Scouting 5. A Scout has courage in all difficulties. As Scouts we are guided by these values: 6. A Scout makes good use of time and is Integrity - We act with integrity; we are careful of possessions and property. honest, trustworthy and loyal. 7. A Scout has self-respect and respect for Respect - We have self-respect and respect others. for others. Care - We support others and take care of the The Cub Scout Promise world in which we live. I promise that I will do my best Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and to do my duty to God and to The Queen, to attitudes. help other people Co-operation - We make a positive and to keep the Cub Scout Law. difference; we co-operate with others and The Cub Scout Law make friends. Cub Scouts always do their best, think of others before themselves and do a good turn The Scout Method every day. Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based The Beaver Scout Promise on the values of Scouting and: I promise to do my best to be kind and helpful • enjoy what they are doing and have fun and to love God. • take part in activities indoors and outdoors The Beaver Scout Law • learn by doing There is no formal Beaver Scout Law. The • share in spiritual reflection concepts expressed in the Scout Law are to • take responsibility and make choices be presented to Beaver Scouts through • undertake new and challenging activities games, storytelling and other informal • make and live by their Promise. activities.
The Scout Promise Variations to the wording of the Promises (for Scouts, Explorer Scouts, the Scout a. Scouting is open to people of all faiths Network and adults) and of none and must therefore take account of the different religious On my honour, obligations of its Members while I promise that I will do my best upholding the essential spirit of the to do my duty to God and to The Queen, to Promise. help other people b. The following table shows the alternative and to keep the Scout Law. wording of the Promise that young people and adults may wish to use to best reflect their own beliefs.
Religion or Belief (including Beaver Scout Promise Cub and Scout Promise no religion) (for British Subjects) Christian, Jew, Sikh ...to love God ...duty to God and to The Queen Muslim N/A On My honour… or In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent the Most Merciful… ...to love God or ...duty to God and to The Queen or ...to love Allah ...duty to Allah and to The Queen Hindu ...to love God or ...duty to God and to The Queen or ...to love my Dharma ...duty to my Dharma and to The Queen Humanist, atheist or no faith ... To be kind and helpful and .... To uphold our Scout values, to do my to love our world duty to The Queen
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c. Where some other form of wording is Responsibilities within the Religious required for a member of a particular faith Policy or religion advice should be sought from a. The District Commissioner or the County Headquarters. Commissioner, as appropriate, must be d. Similarly it is accepted that foreign satisfied that all applicants for Leader or residents who may become Members of Commissioner appointments are fully the Association owe allegiance to their aware that they will be required by their own country. personal example to implement the e. To meet these circumstances the phrase Association's religious policy. 'duty to The Queen' should be replaced b. If a Sponsored Group has a policy of by the phrase 'duty to the country in recruitment restricted to members of one which I am now living'. particular form of religion or f. In the case of young people the decision denomination, the Sponsoring Authority as to which permitted form of wording is responsible for the religious training of should be used rests with them, however all young people in the Group. in the younger Sections parents should c. In this case it is the duty of the Group be aware of the Promise chosen before Scout Leader to encourage attendance at the investiture ceremony. such religious instruction and g. In the case of adults the decision as to observances as the Sponsoring Authority which permitted form of wording should may consider desirable. be used rests entirely with the adult d. Scouts' Own Services may be held for concerned. the purpose of spiritual reflection and to promote a fuller understanding of the significance of the Scout Promise and Law. The Religious Policy e. Such services must be regarded as The Scout Movement includes Members of supplementary to, rather than a many different faiths and religions as well as substitute for, formal attendance at the those with no formal religion. The following services of the individual's own form of policy has received the approval of the heads religion. of the leading religious bodies in the United f. If a Beaver Scout, Cub Scout, Scout, Kingdom. All Members of the Movement are Explorer Scout or Scout Network Member encouraged to: is not allowed, by reasons of the • make every effort to progress in the individual's own religious obligations, to understanding and observance of the attend acts of worship other than that of Promise to do their the individual's own faith, the Leader • best to do their duty to God or to uphold must make certain that those obligations Scouting’s values as appropriate; are not compromised.
• explore their faith, beliefs and attitudes The Equal Opportunities Policy • consider belonging to some faith or Young People religious body; The Scout Association is part of a worldwide • carry into daily practice what they educational youth movement. The values, profess. which underpin and inspire its work are Attendance at services embodied in the Scout Promise and Law and If a Scout Group, Explorer Scout Unit or in the Purpose of the Association. Scout Network is composed of members of several denominations, religions or beliefs, Within this framework, the Association is the young people should be encouraged to committed to equality of opportunity for all attend services relevant to their own form of young people. Accordingly: religion or belief. a. The Scout Association is committed to
extending Scouting, its Purpose and Chaplains Method to young people in all parts of Chaplains may be appointed as Advisers in society. Scout Groups, Districts, Counties, Countries b. No young person should receive less and Nationally. A Chaplain may be a Minister favourable treatment on the basis of, nor of Religion or a lay person. suffer disadvantage by reason of: In a Scout Group sponsored by a religious • Class or socio-economic status; body the religious leader may be appointed • ethnic origin, nationality (or Group Chaplain. statelessness) or race; National Chaplains may be appointed for • religious bodies represented in Scouting. gender (including gender reassignment); • marital or civil partnership status; • sexual orientation;
49
• disability (including mental or • equal opportunities for all; physical ability); no person volunteering their services should • political belief; receive less favourable treatment on the • pregnancy; basis of, nor suffer disadvantage by reason • religion or belief (including the of: absence of belief) • age; All Members of the Movement should seek to • class or socio-economic status; practise that equality, especially in promoting • ethnic origin, nationality (or access to Scouting for all young people. The statelessness) or race; Scout Association opposes all forms of • gender (including gender reassignment); prejudice and discrimination, including • marital or civil partnership status; racism, sexism, and homophobia. All Scout • sexual orientation; Groups, as independent charities, have a • disability (including mental or physical duty to comply with relevant equalities ability); legislation. All volunteers should make • political belief; reasonable adjustments where possible to • pregnancy; support all young people with disabilities to • religion or belief (including the absence access Scouting. of belief)
Note: Paedophilia is a bar to any involvement Reasonable Adjustments in the Scout Movement. Reasonable adjustments means actions to enable young people with disabilities to Responsibilities within the Equal access Scouting and Scouting activities, as Opportunities Policy far as reasonably possible, to the same level All adults in Scouting have a responsibility for as young people without disabilities. This the operation of the Association's Equal should involve working in partnership with Opportunities Policy. All Scout Groups, as parents/carers, to identify needs and support independent charities have a duty to comply strategies. Reasonable steps should also be with relevant equalities legislation. taken to identify any young people with a. The District Commissioner or the County disabilities in the Section/Group. Commissioner, as appropriate, must be
satisfied that all applicants for Leader or Leaders and other volunteers Commissioner appointments are fully To carry out its work the Association seeks to aware that they will be required by their appoint effective and appropriate Leaders, personal example to operate the and to involve other volunteers in supporting Association's Equal Opportunities Policy roles, all of whom are required to accept fully and support Groups to comply with the responsibilities of their commitment. relevant equalities legislation. The overriding considerations in making all b. They must also be satisfied that all those appointments in Scouting shall be the safety whom they invite to assist them in other and security of young people, and their ways in the work of the District or County continued development in accordance with are upholding the Association's Equal the Purpose and Values of the Association. Opportunities Policy by the personal Accordingly, all those whom the Movement example that they set before the Scouts accepts as volunteers must be appropriate in the District or County as the case may persons to undertake the duties of the be. particular position to which they have been c. Group Scout Leaders must be satisfied appointed (including, if relevant, meeting the that all those whom they invite to assist requirements of the Sponsoring Authority) them in the work of the Group will comply and, where appropriate, the responsibilities of with relevant equalities legislation and membership. uphold the Association’s Equal In making an appointment to a particular Opportunites Policy by the personal leadership or support position it may be example that they set before the Scouts appropriate to consider the gender and/or in the Group. ethnicity of the potential appointee, in d. Appointment Advisory Committees are particular to ensure appropriate composition required to operate the Association's of leadership or supporting teams. Equal Opportunities Policy and comply The physical and mental ability of a particular with relevant equalities legislation in their potential appointee to fulfil a particular role work. will always be a relevant factor to consider. e. The District Executive or the County Within these constraints, and those imposed Executive Committee, as appropriate, by the need to ensure: • must be satisfied that all applicants for the safety and security of young people; appointments in their gift are fully aware • the continued development of young that they will be required by their people; and personal example to operate the
50
Association's Equal Opportunities Policy competent persons to carry out the tasks and support Groups to comply with given to them and are aware of their relevant equalities legislation. responsibilities under the Association's Safety Policy. The Safety Policy f. Counties may choose to designate one It is the policy of The Scout Association to or more Safety Co-ordinators to assist provide Scouting in a safe manner without the County Commissioner and the risk to health, so far as is reasonably County Executive Committee in the practicable. implementation of the Safety Policy within the County and shall assist District The Association believes that this Commissioners in operating the policy. responsibility ranks equally with the other g. When District or County Commissioners responsibilities incumbent upon those do not renew, or when they cancel providing Scouting activities and functions. appointments because the holder has not acted in accordance with the It is the responsibility of all those involved in Association's Safety Policy, they must Scouting to seek, so far as is reasonably inform the Vetting Team at Headquarters, practicable, to ensure that: in writing, of the reasons for the • all activities are conducted in a safe termination of the appointment. manner without risk to the health of participants; The Vetting Policy • the provision and maintenance of It is the policy of The Scout Association to equipment and buildings for Members check all adult volunteers to ensure that: only and others is safe and without risk to adults appropriate for a role are permitted to health and adequate for their welfare; undertake responsibilities in Scouting; and • information, instruction, training and that regular reviews are undertaken of adult supervision is provided with the object of volunteers to ensure their continued ensuring the health and safety of all suitability. those involved in Scouting activities or Accordingly The Scout Association is who may be affected by them; committed to: • appropriate arrangements are made to • following a defined process for appointing ensure safety and the absence of risks to adult volunteers that establishes the health in connection with the use, applicant’s suitability taking into account transport, storage and handling of the fundamentals of Scouting; the Child equipment, and substances which are Protection Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, inherently or potentially dangerous. Safety Policy and the Equal Opportunities Policy; Responsibilities within the Safety Policy • Refusing offers from applicants that are a. All persons involved with Scouting are found to be unsuitable; responsible for the operation of the • Putting in place robust vetting Association's Safety Policy. arrangements and ensuring that these b. It is the responsibility of all persons to arrangements are made clear to ensure that: applicants and to the public; • they do not endanger the health and • Taking into account relevant information safety of themselves or others; from The Scout Association’s records, • they observe the rules established police forces, relevant statutory for the safety of those involved in authorities, personal references and Scouting activities. other credible sources. c. The Local responsibility for the As part of the vetting arrangements, The management of the Safety Policy of the Scout Association will undertake a Personal Association rests with the appropriate Enquiry which involves a check made against County, District or Group Executive records at Headquarters for all adult Committee together with the appropriate volunteers and for certain roles a Criminal County Commissioner, District Record Disclosure Check. For foreign Commissioner or Group Scout Leader. nationals or British Overseas Territory d. The District or County Commissioner, as citizens operating abroad in British Scouting appropriate, must be satisfied that all Overseas and Overseas Branches, checks applicants for adult appointments are must be made according to arrangements fully aware that they will be required by authorised by the Head of Safeguarding at their personal example to implement the Headquarters. Association's Safety Policy. e. Group Scout Leaders must be satisfied The Child Protection Policy that all those whom they invite to assist The Scout Association acknowledges the them in the work of the Scout Group are duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and is 51 committed to ensuring safeguarding practice Monitoring reflects statutory responsibilities, government This policy will be reviewed annually and guidance and complies with best practice and revisions recommended to the Board of The Charity Commission requirements. Trustees. This policy may also be reviewed in This policy: the following circumstances: a. applies to all adults including the Board • changes in legislation or government of Trustees, volunteers, paid staff, guidance (including Working Together as agency staff and anyone working on revised within each nation, relevant behalf of The Scout Association; legislative changes and nation specific b. recognises that the welfare and interests child protection and safeguarding policies of children and young people are and procedures); paramount in all circumstances; and • in the light of learning identified by a c. aims to ensure that all children and Local Safeguarding Children Board; young people have a positive and • as required by the Charity Commission; enjoyable experience of Scouting in a and safe and child centred environment and • as a result of any other significant are protected from abuse whilst change or event. participating in Scouting and otherwise. Responsibilities within the Child The Scout Association acknowledges that Protection Policy some children and young people, including a. All adults aged 18 or over within Scouting those disabled and those from ethnic minority are responsible for the operation of the communities, can be particularly vulnerable to Association's Child Protection Policy. abuse and accepts the responsibility to take b. It is the responsibility of all adults to reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure ensure that: their welfare. • their behaviour is appropriate at all times; The Scout Association will: • they observe the rules established for 1. promote and prioritise the safety and the safety and security of young wellbeing of children and young people; people; 2. ensure that everyone is clear about their • they follow the procedures following roles and responsibilities in respect of suspicion, disclosure or allegation of safeguarding and is provided with child abuse; appropriate mandatory learning • they recognise the position of trust in opportunities to recognise, identify and which they have been placed; respond to signs of abuse, neglect and • in every respect, the relationships other safeguarding concerns relating to they form with the young people children and young people; under their care are appropriate. 3. provide all children and young people on c. The ‘Young People First’ (yellow card) joining the organisation with information sets out a Code of Behaviour, which is for themselves and their parents or essential for all adults in Scouting to carers covering The Scout Association’s follow. Adults who fail to implement the safeguarding arrangements; Code of Behaviour or procedures issued 4. widely promote The Scout Association’s by Headquarters may have the matter safeguarding policies and procedures; drawn to th e attention of the relevant 5. ensure that trustees, staff and volunteers Commissioner who must take appropriate take seriously all concerns and disciplinary action. allegations of abuse and respond d. Adults must not consume alcohol when appropriately; they are directly responsible for young 6. securely maintain and store confidential, people on a Scouting activity and must not detailed and accurate records of all permit young people (aged under 18 safeguarding concerns; years) to consume alcohol on Scouting 7. prevent the use of unsuitable individuals activities. The Association issues further through the robust use of Disclosure and advice on Alcohol and Scouting, which is Barring arrangements as they apply in available from the Information Centre. each nation within the UK, and the e. The use of illegal substances on Scouting application of best practice in the safe activities is unacceptable and appropriate recruitment of staff and volunteers action should be taken where necessary working with children and young people; by responsible Commissioners. 8. ensure that robust safeguarding Headquarters issues additional guidance arrangements and procedures are in on request. operation; and f. Counties must designate one or more 9. address without delay any failure to Safeguarding Awareness Co-ordinators, comply with this policy. following consultation with Headquarters.
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They shall have the responsibility of Head of Safeguarding may issue advising the County Commissioner and mandatory advice regarding the the County Executive Committee on the management of such situations. implementation of the Association's Child o. Commissioners must consult the Protection and Anti Bullying Policies within Safeguarding Team at Headquarters as the County. They shall also have a soon as possible in the event of any specific remit for monitoring compliance incident, concern or allegation of abuse with these policies within the County and being made. In any event this must occur reporting their findings to the County within 24 hours of the incident being Executive Committee and Headquarters. reported. g. Safeguarding Awareness Co-ordinators p. Headquarters may appoint a situation shall provide general guidance to the manager to be responsible for the various Districts and Groups in the Association’s response to any allegation Counties to which they are appointed, but or suspicion of abuse. Situation managers should not be involved in responding to appointed by Headquarters shall have full allegations or suspicions of abuse. powers to act. h. The role of Safeguarding Awareness Co- q. Where urgent issues of safeguarding are ordinator must not be combined with an involved the Chief Commissioner has the appointment as a Group Scout Leader or authority to suspend the membership of Commissioner in the same County. any adult or youth Member. i. The Head of Safeguarding at r. The suspending authority must ensure Headquarters is the Association’s ultimate that the Vetting Team at Headquarters is source of advice on all safeguarding informed immediately. matters, subject to any direction from the s. When District or County Commissioners relevant sub Committee. do not renew, or when they cancel j. The District Commissioner or the County appointments because the holder has not Commissioner, as appropriate, must be acted in accordance with the Association's satisfied that all those whom they appoint Child Protection Policy, or has breached are appropriate persons to carry out the the code of behaviour, set out in the responsibilities of the appointment. They Young People First guidelines, they must must ensure that all applicants inform the Vetting Team at Headquarters demonstrate an understanding of and a in writing of the reasons for the termination commitment to the principles and of the appointment. procedures supporting the Association's t. Nothing in the rules of the Association, or Child Protection Policy. any guidance produced by it, may be k. Group Scout Leaders must be satisfied construed as permitting an adult to take a that all those whom they invite to assist young person away on an activity alone. them in the work of the Scout Group are No activity may take place where only one (a) appropriate persons to carry out the adult and one young person are present. tasks to be given to them, (b) are aware of their responsibilities under the Anti-Bullying Policy Association's Child Protection Policy and “Children have the right to protection from all (c) if required, maintain a current valid forms of violence (physical or mental). They disclosure. must be kept safe from harm and they must l. In cases where there is an allegation or be given proper care by those looking after suspicion of child abuse the District them.” [The United Nations Convention on the Commissioner or County Commissioner, Rights of the Child, Article 19] as appropriate, must immediately take The Scout Association is committed to this steps to ensure that no Scouting situation ethos and seeks to ensure, as far as is arises which could cause further concern reasonably practicable, the prevention of all and that no adult or youth Member is forms of bullying among Members. To this placed in a position which could cause end all Scouting activities should have in further compromise. To this end, place rigorous anti-bullying strategies. suspension of membership may be necessary. Responsibility within the Anti-Bullying m. Headquarters may, from time to time, Policy issue procedures detailing the reporting It is the responsibility of all adults in Scouting arrangements for suspicions or allegations to help develop a caring and supportive of abuse. Group Scout Leaders and atmosphere, where bullying in any form is relevant Commissioners must follow these unacceptable. procedures. n. The Safeguarding Team at Headquarters Adults in Scouting should: has a remit to advise Commissioners of • be aware of the potential problems the actions required in the event of a bullying may cause; suspicion or allegation of abuse. The • be alert to signs of bullying, harassment 53
or discrimination; rural areas, and among the minority ethnic • take action to deal with such behaviour communities. when it occurs, following Association It also works in collaboration with other policy guidelines; agencies to support those disadvantaged • provide access for young people to talk young people who might benefit from its about any concerns they may have; programme and ethos, and who may never • encourage young people and adults to become full Members of the Movement. feel comfortable and caring enough to The Regional Development Service supports point out attitudes or behaviour they do local Scouting in a number of different ways: not like; • through the production and distribution of • help ensure that their Group/Section has development material; a published anti-bullying code. • through the sharing of experience and models of good practice; Development Policy • through support and advice from Subject to the Rules governing age ranges Headquarters staff, volunteer and and mixed membership the Scout Movement professional; is open to all young people of whatever • through recommendations to the National background. Development Grants Board for financial The Scout Association recognises, however, support. that access to Scouting is not equally Those seeking help in this field should available to all groups and communities contact the Regional Development Service at across society as a whole. Headquarters in the first instance. The Operations sub-Committee of the Trustee Board and the Regional Development [Whilst Regional Development Managers and Service at Headquarters support the Officers support the development of Scouting Movement in its work in making Scouting in England, the Head of Development works available to all. closely with Scottish Headquarters, the In particular, through the use of innovation Scouts Cymru Office and the Northern Ireland and experiment, it supports local Scouting in Scout Council on development matters.] meeting the needs of young people in areas of urban disadvantage or priority, in highly
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They shall have the responsibility of Head of Safeguarding may issue advising the County Commissioner and mandatory advice regarding the the County Executive Committee on the management of such situations. implementation of the Association's Child o. Commissioners must consult the Protection and Anti Bullying Policies within Safeguarding Team at Headquarters as the County. They shall also have a soon as possible in the event of any specific remit for monitoring compliance incident, concern or allegation of abuse with these policies within the County and being made. In any event this must occur reporting their findings to the County within 24 hours of the incident being Executive Committee and Headquarters. reported. g. Safeguarding Awareness Co-ordinators p. Headquarters may appoint a situation shall provide general guidance to the manager to be responsible for the various Districts and Groups in the Association’s response to any allegation Counties to which they are appointed, but or suspicion of abuse. Situation managers should not be involved in responding to appointed by Headquarters shall have full allegations or suspicions of abuse. powers to act. h. The role of Safeguarding Awareness Co- q. Where urgent issues of safeguarding are ordinator must not be combined with an involved the Chief Commissioner has the appointment as a Group Scout Leader or authority to suspend the membership of Commissioner in the same County. any adult or youth Member. i. The Head of Safeguarding at r. The suspending authority must ensure Headquarters is the Association’s ultimate that the Vetting Team at Headquarters is source of advice on all safeguarding informed immediately. matters, subject to any direction from the s. When District or County Commissioners relevant sub Committee. do not renew, or when they cancel j. The District Commissioner or the County appointments because the holder has not Commissioner, as appropriate, must be acted in accordance with the Association's satisfied that all those whom they appoint Child Protection Policy, or has breached are appropriate persons to carry out the the code of behaviour, set out in the responsibilities of the appointment. They Young People First guidelines, they must must ensure that all applicants inform the Vetting Team at Headquarters demonstrate an understanding of and a in writing of the reasons for the termination commitment to the principles and of the appointment. procedures supporting the Association's t. Nothing in the rules of the Association, or Child Protection Policy. any guidance produced by it, may be k. Group Scout Leaders must be satisfied construed as permitting an adult to take a that all those whom they invite to assist young person away on an activity alone. them in the work of the Scout Group are No activity may take place where only one (a) appropriate persons to carry out the adult and one young person are present. tasks to be given to them, (b) are aware of their responsibilities under the Anti-Bullying Policy Association's Child Protection Policy and “Children have the right to protection from all (c) if required, maintain a current valid forms of violence (physical or mental). They disclosure. must be kept safe from harm and they must l. In cases where there is an allegation or be given proper care by those looking after suspicion of child abuse the District them.” [The United Nations Convention on the Commissioner or County Commissioner, Rights of the Child, Article 19] as appropriate, must immediately take The Scout Association is committed to this steps to ensure that no Scouting situation ethos and seeks to ensure, as far as is arises which could cause further concern reasonably practicable, the prevention of all and that no adult or youth Member is forms of bullying among Members. To this placed in a position which could cause end all Scouting activities should have in further compromise. To this end, place rigorous anti-bullying strategies. suspension of membership may be necessary. Responsibility within the Anti-Bullying m. Headquarters may, from time to time, Policy issue procedures detailing the reporting It is the responsibility of all adults in Scouting arrangements for suspicions or allegations to help develop a caring and supportive of abuse. Group Scout Leaders and atmosphere, where bullying in any form is relevant Commissioners must follow these unacceptable. procedures. n. The Safeguarding Team at Headquarters Adults in Scouting should: has a remit to advise Commissioners of • be aware of the potential problems the actions required in the event of a bullying may cause; suspicion or allegation of abuse. The • be alert to signs of bullying, harassment 55
20 Bridge Road South Helen's Bay Co.Down N.Ireland BT19 1JT Tel.No. 028 9185 3307 [email protected]
ACTIVITIES I WILDFLOWERS & POND
J CAMPFIRE CIRCLE A K ZIP LINE BUILDINGS TRAINING B FIELD GO KARTS A THE CHALET L P GRASS SLEDGING B HEASLEY CHAPEL M ABSEIL C CEDAR LODGE N C ARCHERY D TRAINING CABIN P O P BEAVER TRAIL E WARDENS D CHALLENGE COURSE F MAIN COMPLEX Q I E P R CAVING G ALL WEATHER CENTRE CAMPING PODS (1-4) J S 3G GRAVITY SWING STORES L K T CLIMBING
F P P M
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N WIGHTMANS PLANTATION MAIN FIELD R
WIGHTMANS PLANTATION S G T
Northern Ireland Scout Centre CRAWFORDSBURN 0 25 50 100 METRES Roymacmap August 2016
The Scout Association Northern Ireland Scout Council, 109 Old Milltown Road, Belfast BT8 7SP. T: 028 9049 2829 F: 028 9049 2830 E: [email protected] W: www.scoutsni.org