Home / Updates / County Board of Trustees Meeting: September 2021
Three guests were welcomed to the meeting from HQ Governance and the Scout Association Member Support Team.
The County AGM Minutes for 2021 were approved by the Board.
A #Bounceback update was given to the Board, with us now operating at Green level there is a lot going on and 6 objectives have now been met/completed.
District merger and closure updates were given;
Silchester is now closed with their groups now moved to Basingstoke West and Basingstoke East.
New Forest North and New Forest West will close shortly and reform as New Forest District.
New Forest South and New Forest East will close and reform as New Forest Solent District.
Fareham East and Meon Valley agreements have been reached, they will both close and reform before the end of the year as a new District (name tbc), Mike McHugh will lead the change and be the new District DC.
There is a proposal now for Petersfield Waterlooville and Havant to all close and reform as one big group.
Growth: A snapshot of 7 Districts has showed that we have a 27.4% increase in young people returning to scouting, 5.6% bigger than 2020 census.
Training: The county has now reached 2% noncompliance on safety and safeguarding and need to maintain this vey good level. Wood badges are now at 9%, so heading in the right direction.
DCC Programme: No suitable candidates came forward for the role and so Teresa Ginn has agreed to continue.
Many new Squirrels Groups have now launched, there has been lots of positive media attention and over 20 groups have registered interest.
There have been a large number of WSJ2023 applicants (400 people) - the Leaders have been selected and are forming their teams. The participants selection weekend will take place on 8th - 10th October.
Reports of the successful participation in the CarFest event was given, this was a great opportunity to sell scouting to a wide audience.
The August Budget Report was presented: We are in a better place than budgeted, despite a delayed opening at Ferny Crofts, due to savings having been made, and Government Furlough support received.
County Subscriptions for 2022 was discussed and voted on: The Committee voted and unanimously approved the proposal to apply an 18% growth prediction on 2021 numbers in the Subscription calculations, therefore leaving 2022 fees at the same level as this year with no increase. The committee voted and unanimously approved the proposal to apply District Rebates with surplus.
A paper was presented on VAT review and limiting liabilities following on from concerns raised earlier in the year about Trustees’ liability/risk. This is currently being reviewed by HQ and the Committee voted to put this on hold until the review was completed.
Growth and Development proposed two additional posts for 2x two-year contracts to focus on adult recruitment, to be funded by the County. This proposal will be completed for the next Board.
County Conference plans were given to the Board for October 9th with Carl Hankinson confirmed as the Keynote Speaker. It was agreed to stream this for people unable or unwilling to attend in person.
The County Secretary confirmed all dates for 2022 meetings.
Thanks was given to the organisers of the Gone Home Service for 2021.
