OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-08-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 – 2025

Company number 04270652 Charity number 1090451

NURTURING A NEW CREATIVE GENERATION THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

It is with pride and a touch of sadness that I write my final introduction to the Ideas Foundation’s annual report.

When I joined IF nearly 25 years ago, Hackney schools were struggling while the creative industry thrived on bold TV ads—long before smartphones, AI, and algorithms reshaped our world. Today, education faces new challenges: shrinking budgets, staff shortages, and an exam system that sidelines creativity. In Hackney, I can see great improvement over the years. But in disadvantaged areas outside of London, I see some schools that feel like prisons, overcrowded and poorly equipped classrooms, exhausted teachers, and more children struggling with literacy and special needs.

Despite these hurdles, IF has delivered extraordinary work. This year alone, we worked with 4,095 students in 70 schools and colleges, delivering 136 impactful workshops focused on disadvantaged areas. We partnered with iconic brands— Pantene, BBC, Barclays and Canon—and leading universities to help young people discover creativity and develop vital life skills. Our tutors have brought joy and inspiration into classrooms, often against the odds.

Highlights include our Climate Stories resources, now quality-marked by the Royal Meteorological Society, continued Power of Hair workshops, our longstanding partnership with the BBC, and deepening partnerships with The Manchester College, Teesside University, and Queen Mary University of London. Canon provided professional-grade camera equipment, reinforcing our commitment to quality experiences. And for 2025-2026 we are building on these partnerships and designing a new project for MoneySupermarket offering a creative media camp at Global Academy and New Commercial Arts.

Funding remains a challenge. Creativity is still seen as a luxury, not a necessity. That must change. Our children deserve creativity embedded in the curriculum, not as a one-off treat. They need opportunities to express themselves and develop skills essential for life and work.

As I step down, I do so with hope that IF will have an opportunity to celebrate its work and the community it has built, and find a way of continuing to have an impact on the lives of young people and teachers. I am delighted that Helen Poole will take on interim leadership. I will continue to work with IF as a consultant, and I thank our board—especially Ted Smith—our tutors, partners, and funders for their support and enabling me to step back so that I can start my own creative chapter.

Heather MacRae

Chief Executive

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 1

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

“ ” It was wonderful to see all our learners engaged and have positivity - that we all can have the power to make a difference to save our planet. Michelle Turton Cockshut School

2

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

A NEW CHAPTER

As I step into this new chapter for the Ideas Foundation, I do so with enormous respect for everything that has been built over the past 25 years. I have been proud to work alongside Heather and our incredible network of tutors, educators and partners who share a belief in the power of creativity to transform young people’s confidence, skills and opportunities.

This has been a year of change, reflection and resilience. Despite the challenging funding landscape, we’ve continued to deliver meaningful, hands-on creative experiences, from photography to poetry, fashion, and media production. Through programmes with partners such as Pantene, Barclays, BBC and Queen Mary University of London, we have continued to champion young voices and open doors into creative industries that too often feel out of reach.

My focus for the year ahead is to guide the Ideas Foundation carefully through this period of transition, ensuring that the values, relationships and impact that define our work continue to thrive. We will take time to listen, adapt and collaborate, exploring new ways to keep creativity alive in schools and communities where it’s needed most.

To all our partners, funders, and colleagues, thank you for believing in this work and for standing with us as we continue to show that creativity is not a luxury, but a life skill.

Helen Poole

Director

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 3

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

OUR MISSION

The Ideas Foundation is an educational charity bringing life-changing creative opportunities to students across the UK. We were founded in 2001. Our initial focus was on nurturing creativity and driving diversity in the advertising industry. Over time we broadened our work to develop projects that enable young people to discover, develop and share their creative talents in communication briefs that align with climate change, mental wellbeing, health inequalities and racial discrimination. By connecting less advantaged schools and colleges with leading organisations and brands, The Ideas Foundation consistently delivers hands-on experiences that inspire young people to unlock their creative potential.

Through engaging workshops and programmes led by industry professionals, students explore new creative outlets in media, art, design, writing, theatre, film and photography. With expert guidance and access to cutting-edge resources, they are equipped to gain the skills and confidence to thrive.

For college students, The Ideas Foundation facilitates workplace experiences and mentorships, guiding them toward creative careers they might not have otherwise discovered. The Ideas Foundation supports thousands of teachers across the UK with online toolkits and lesson plans, expanding access to creative learning nationwide.

We are committed to making the creative industries open to everyone. As a result, we have helped open the doors to a world of creativity for thousands of young people across the UK who, by virtue of their background, would traditionally have been locked out.

4

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS

----- Start of picture text -----
schools and
4,095 students 136 workshops 70
colleges
free social
volunteers/ curriculum media
81 mentors 61 resources 15209 followers
students reported alumni and
96% a greater understanding of 1.6 FTEstaff 100 creative super group
climate change members
5THE IDEAS FOUNDATIONTHE IDEAS FOUNDATION
----- End of picture text -----

PHOTO: WHITBY STUDENT

“ ”

The Climate Literacy days brought a real buzz to The Whitehaven Academy, they were truly inspiring and enriching experiences. The games design workshops culminated in a dragon's den style pitch of the students' ideas they had been developing, for students to proudly share using their oracy skills.

Abigail Skillen Curriculum Lead, Whitehaven Academy

6

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

THE CHALLENGE OF INEQUALITY

2.2 million children in England come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds—around 24% of all pupils (Education Endowment Foundation, ‘Socio-economic disadvantage in England’, published September 10, 2025).

The most frequently cited barriers to attainment for disadvantaged pupils are: Low literacy skills (83% of schools), Poor attendance (78%), Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs (74%) (Education Endowment Foundation analysis of 1,255 Pupil Premium statements, 2025).

Regional and ethnic inequalities are widening. Pupils from White backgrounds now perform worse on average than many ethnic minority groups. For example, FSM-eligible Chinese pupils achieve a grade 5 or above in English and Maths at 75%, compared with 18% for White British pupils (Social Mobility Commission, ‘State of the Nation 2024’).

At age 16, only 25.2% of disadvantaged pupils achieve a grade 5 or above in English and Maths, compared with 52.4% of all other pupils nationally (UK Government, ‘State of the Nation 2024: Local to National Mapping Opportunities for All’).

The disadvantage gap index at age 16 is now the widest since 2010–11, showing persistent and growing inequality (Social Mobility Commission, ‘State of the Nation 2024’).

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 7

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

“ ” It’s been so nice that the children haven’t used computers. They have had a chance to make things and be creative in ways that they wouldn’t normally do whilst being able to spend a day getting into a task.

Teacher Whitby School

8

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

CHALLENGES FOR THE CREATIVE SECTOR

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 9

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

THE CHANGES WE WANT TO SEE

WE BELIEVE THAT ALL YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO CREATIVE EDUCATION AND CREATIVE CAREERS

We are working to achieve this by:

n Running creative workshops in schools and colleges with external experts n Supporting teachers with high-quality creative resources

n Facilitating workplace experiences and mentorships in the creative industries

10

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

OUR GEOGRAPHICAL REACH

OUR PRIORITIES:

We prioritise hard to reach, geographically isolated, underserved communities. We work with schools who are supporting young people with high numbers of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and schools and colleges supporting less advantaged students. We also work in areas that have been identified as priorities by our funders.

11

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

OUR IMPACT

WE CAN SEE THE IMPACT WE ARE MAKING THROUGH:

And through the willingness of our past students to support others in their early careers.

WE ALIGN OUR IMPACT WITH FRAMEWORKS SUCH AS SKILLSBUILDER AND GATSBY BENCHMARKS

In past projects:

“ ”

We have been learning about climate change and preparing to make posters about climate change. We took our pictures with a ball to be able to represent a team that won because working individually isn’t as good as working as a team. And it is going to take a team of people working together to tackle climate change.

Graham School Student

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 12

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

CREATIVE COMPASSION AN EVOLUTION OF OUR PROGRAMMES

Hackney
Learning Trust,
anti-bullying
health and
wellness brief
GlaxoSmithKline,
Raising
awareness of
the importance
of hand washing
Change4Life,
encouraging
young people
to cut down on
junk food
Publicis
Healthcare,
supporting
recruitment for
‘The Lab’ scheme
Space To Earth
Challenge,
encouraging
young people
to get ft
McCann Torre
Lazure,raising
awareness of
male suicide and
mental health
Prostate
Awareness
month,raising
awareness of
prostate cancer
2007
2011
2012
2014
2016
2016
2016






2021-
QMUL,
raising
awareness
of pre term
birth
RAENG and
Tik Tok, Digital
storytelling
dispelling
misconceptions
about engineering
Stephen
Hawking
Foundation,
Vaccine
confdence and
awareness
Nationwide,
‘Together
Against
Hate’mental
health brief
Cancer
Research
UK,raising
awareness of
the dangers
of tanning
Nutritroops,
healthy eating
brief based
on sugar tax
Festival
Bridge
& Thrive,
encouraging
wellbeing
2021
2021
2019
2018
2018
2017
2017		 Hackney
Learning Trust,
anti-bullying
health and
wellness brief
GlaxoSmithKline,
Raising
awareness of
the importance
of hand washing
Change4Life,
encouraging
young people
to cut down on
junk food
Publicis
Healthcare,
supporting
recruitment for
‘The Lab’ scheme
Space To Earth
Challenge,
encouraging
young people
to get ft
McCann Torre
Lazure,raising
awareness of
male suicide and
mental health
Prostate
Awareness
month,raising
awareness of
prostate cancer
2007
2011
2012
2014
2016
2016
2016






2021-
QMUL,
raising
awareness
of pre term
birth
RAENG and
Tik Tok, Digital
storytelling
dispelling
misconceptions
about engineering
Stephen
Hawking
Foundation,
Vaccine
confdence and
awareness
Nationwide,
‘Together
Against
Hate’mental
health brief
Cancer
Research
UK,raising
awareness of
the dangers
of tanning
Nutritroops,
healthy eating
brief based
on sugar tax
Festival
Bridge
& Thrive,
encouraging
wellbeing
2021
2021
2019
2018
2018
2017
2017
2007
2011
2012
2014
2016
2016
2016
Hackney
Learning Trust,
anti-bullying
health and
wellness brief
GlaxoSmithKline,
Raising
awareness of
the importance
of hand washing
Change4Life,
encouraging
young people
to cut down on
junk food
Publicis
Healthcare,
supporting
recruitment for
‘The Lab’ scheme
Space To Earth
Challenge,
encouraging
young people
to get ft
McCann Torre
Lazure,raising
awareness of
male suicide and
mental health
Prostate
Awareness
month,raising
awareness of
prostate cancer






2021-
QMUL,
raising
awareness
of pre term
birth
RAENG and
Tik Tok, Digital
storytelling
dispelling
misconceptions
about engineering
Stephen
Hawking
Foundation,
Vaccine
confdence and
awareness
Nationwide,
‘Together
Against
Hate’mental
health brief
Cancer
Research
UK,raising
awareness of
the dangers
of tanning
Nutritroops,
healthy eating
brief based
on sugar tax
Festival
Bridge
& Thrive,
encouraging
wellbeing
2021
2021
2019
2018
2018
2017
2017
Story Futures,
Immersive
storytelling
to inspire
engineers
Platinum
Jubilee
Pageant,Digital
storytelling
exploring
health in
communities
Royal Academy
of Engineering,
celebrated the
contribution of
engineers to
solving
healthcare
problems
Onepointfve,
Product
launch for
Listerine
UCB
Exploring
wellbeing
through digital
storytelling and
copywriting
Power of Hair,
brand
experience
exploring hair
discrimination
Queen Mary
University of
London
Digital
Storytelling
exploring the
effects of
pollution on
fertility
2021
2022
2022
2023
2023
2025
2025

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 13

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

CLIMATE STORIES: RAISING AWARENESS OF THE CLIMATE CRISIS

In partnership with Barclays LifeSkills, the Ideas Foundation launched Climate Stories, an ambitious creative education programme helping Year 7 students explore climate literacy through the power of creativity.

With imagination at its heart, the project encouraged young people to understand the causes and impacts of climate change, while empowering them to see themselves as agents of positive change.

Through creative disciplines including poetry, photography, fashion, game design, and visual art, students explored the realities of the climate crisis and discovered practical ways that individuals and communities can take action. The tone throughout was realistic but optimistic, showing that there are many ways to slow climate change and reduce our collective footprint. Delivered in rural and urban schools across Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Manchester and Birmingham, the programme engaged over 1,000 Year 7 students through 40 workshops in eight partner schools, focusing on communities that are often underrepresented.

Co-designed with subject experts and educators, including Professor Sylvia Knight (Royal Meteorological Society), Professor Karen Salt (Manchester Metropolitan University), and contributors from Climate Outreach and Sustainability First, the project combined scientific understanding with creative exploration.

By collaborating with industry professionals, poets, artists, and photographers, students not only deepened their awareness of environmental issues but also developed essential creative, communication and problem-solving skills, learning that creativity can be a force for both expression and action.

14

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

POWER OF HAIR: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY, IDENTITY AND CONFIDENCE

The Ideas Foundation commissioned creatives to look at the subject of identity and hair discrimination using creativity and employer engagement. Young people worked alongside industry professionals and leading poets, photographers, artists and other creatives to explore this emotive and topical issue through workshops that were designed to get young people thinking and developing their creative skills. By celebrating diversity and identity, it empowered young people to take pride in their cultural heritage and equipped them to challenge biases both within and beyond the school environment. Special thanks go to Programme Manager Anna Forsström Morris, whose commitment and coordination have been instrumental in supporting the successful delivery of the programme across the UK.

Following its success, Pantene extended the funding for two further years, with a refreshed focus launched in 2025. This next phase deepens the conversation, exploring themes of identity, self-relationship and connection with others, linking confidence and creativity to broader wellbeing and inclusion.

Through imaginative workshops and curriculum-aligned resources, the programme has reached over 12,000 young people from over 200 schools across the UK since its inception in 2022, engaging students from Year 4 to Year 13 in conversations about hair, identity and confidence.

Over 330 workshops have been delivered nationwide, alongside a suite of free teaching resources hosted on the TES and NATE websites to extend the programme’s reach.

15

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

HIDDEN POLLUTION

HIDDEN POLLUTION: REVEALING THE INVISIBLE

In partnership with Queen Mary University of London, 60 students from schools in Hackney and Hertfordshire took part in Hidden Pollution, a creative science and storytelling project exploring the unseen pollutants that affect our everyday lives.

Working with photographers Michael Cockerham and Eliska Sky and inspired by the pioneering research of Dr Tina Chowdhury and her team, students learned about the high-level scientific research uncovering invisible pollutants in our homes, outdoor spaces and products, and how our choices and behaviours can make a difference.

Through workshops combining photography, storytelling and science communication, students created powerful poster campaigns that visualised the impact of hidden pollutants. They also interviewed Queen Mary scientists, producing portraits that challenge stereotypes about who scientists and engineers are and what they look like.

The project has been recognised nationally and will be featured at the Health Educator NET Conference 2025 in Manchester, with the paper Towards an Equal Future – Empowering a Healthcare Community Through Storytelling highlighting its approach and impact.

16

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

THE MANCHESTER COLLEGE: CREATIVE CAREERS IN ACTION

Our long-standing partnership with The Manchester College continued into its 10th year, providing employability and industry engagement opportunities for over 80 students across Creative and Media, Film and Television, and Animation T Level courses.

Throughout the year, students took part in 16 hands-on workshops, tackling live briefs and creative challenges set by industry professionals. Projects included a live brief on Saving the Salford Lads Club in collaboration with Dentsu and Robin Wight, animation challenges with Mighty Giant, and work visits to TBWA and the BBC. Students also attended networking events with Lead North and received mentoring through our partnership with Lander Associates, which trained 20 volunteer mentors to support students’ professional development.

Our partnerships with ScreenSkills and the Manchester Publicity Association continue to grow, strengthening the employer engagement that underpins the success of this programme. Together, these experiences are helping students develop confidence, creativity, and the practical insight needed to step into the creative industries.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 17

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

BBC CREATIVE MEDIA CAMP: BRINGING IDEAS TO LIFE

Now in its ninth year of collaboration with the BBC, the Ideas Foundation delivered a Creative Media Camp giving 19 young people a unique insight into the world of television and campaign creation

Working to a real brief for the BBC series A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, students developed integrated campaign ideas including a trailer, out-of-home advertising, experiential stunt and social media content, all underpinned by a single big idea and a clear logline.

Throughout the week, students were mentored by BBC professionals who provided creative consultancy, helping them to refine their ideas and build confidence. They also took part in ‘careers speed dating’, gaining practical advice and inspiration from industry experts.

As part of the experience, participants visited The Picture Shop in Manchester, where they explored sound and post-production, watched a live voiceover session, and toured the facilities to see how campaigns are brought to life. The week culminated in a final pitch to a judging panel of BBC creatives in the studio’s viewing suite, giving students a true taste of professional industry practice.

This immersive experience not only built skills in teamwork, pitching and creative problem-solving but also offered a rare opportunity to connect classroom learning with the fast-paced world of media and entertainment.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 18

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

OTHER ACTIVITIES

IMPACT ON SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

We are proud that many of the schools and colleges have highlighted our work with them as evidence of their commitment to engaging with a more creative curriculum and bringing employers into the classroom. Several of our teachers have indicated that this has been noted in their Ofsted inspections as evidence of good practice.

VOLUNTEERS

We have increased the number of volunteers working in the schools and colleges. This has been alongside our expert facilitators and has enabled our volunteers to experience and contribute to our workshops in a supported way. Volunteers from Barclays, BBC, onepointfive, Cap Gemini, Queen Mary University of London, Munich Re and others brought additional expertise and insights into the classroom. This is in addition to the 20 volunteers who have been trained as mentors for the Manchester College employability programme.

SHADOW BOARD

This year, we recruited and supported new Shadow Board members, with the aim of helping them gain experience and confidence to take up board-level positions—both within the Ideas Foundation and elsewhere. Their diverse perspectives and ideas have enriched our work, providing valuable support, challenge, and insight.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and advice on the charity sector. It helped me gain a deeper understanding of the world of charities and supported me in securing my first trustee role.

Gulveen Bagri

PARTNERSHIPS

We have continued to strengthen our partnerships with Canon, the Manchester Publicity Association, the Primary Science Teaching Trust, the National Association for the Teaching of English, Teesside University, Queen Mary University of London, The Amos Bursary Trust, McCann London, One Point Five and the London Bridge the Gap stakeholder groups.

Additionally, we have begun working with Capgemini to explore opportunities for involving Frog in our programmes.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUB-GROUPS

Working with Holly Ferguson of Well Versed—one of our former Nike clients who has since launched her own business—we revisited our case for support and pitch materials. Together, we streamlined our messaging and simplified our pitch documents to make them more effective and accessible.

19

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

OTHER ACTIVITIES

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL CHANNELS

We simplified and refreshed our website content and successfully migrated to a modern WordPress platform. This upgrade enables easier maintenance, improved user experience, and greater flexibility for future updates. Working with Charlotte Manns from Font and Fable we made regular posts about our activity to our online communities of over 15000 followers.

FINANCE

With pro bono support from Roshani Pereira, we have updated and streamlined our finance systems using Xero. All financial reports can now be generated directly from the system, improving transparency and efficiency. We also conducted a comprehensive review of our contracts to ensure compliance and consistency.

SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding continues to be a top priority. This year, staff completed Designated Safeguarding Lead and Sexual Harassment training. We are pleased to report zero safeguarding incidents during the year.

COMMUNITY

We have maintained strong connections with our community of supporters—including students, mentors, and Super Group members—by creating opportunities for them to share their expertise, mentor others, and inspire new participants. Many of our supporters have been involved with the Ideas Foundation for nearly 25 years, and we deeply value their ongoing commitment and encouragement.

STRATEGIC AND SUCCESSION PLANNING

During the year, Heather MacRae announced her decision to step down as CEO to pursue personal projects, including travel and new educational initiatives. She continues to support the charity in a consultancy capacity.

Significant time and effort have been invested in succession and strategic planning to ensure a smooth transition and a strong future direction for the organisation. This process has been supported by Garfield Weston funding and valuable insights from Sharon Davies at Good Place Co. Helen Poole has been appointed and comes with a wealth of experience of IF systems and programmes from her eleven years with the charity, providing both creativity and stability for the next phase of the IF’s history.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 20

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

OTHER ACTIVITIES

CURRICULUM RESOURCE DESIGN AND DISTRIBUTION

----- Start of picture text -----
WHITBY SCHOOL YORKSHIRE 2025 ROCHDALE & MANCHESTER 2025 GRAHAM SCHOOL YORKSHIRE 2025
1 1 1
----- End of picture text -----

Our commitment to creating high quality and well designed resources continues. The Climate Stories resources were the product of detailed scoping sessions with contributions from subject matter experts from Royal Meteorological Society, Climate Outreach, Manchester Metropolitan University, National Association for the Teaching of English, Primary Science Teaching Trust and Sustainability First.

Input from Lydia Thornley Design and Amanda Hayward has made them an attractive resource that can be used over time and is now kitemarked by the Royal Meteorological Society. This joins over 60 resources that are freely available to teachers via TES Online and others that are housed on the National Association for Teaching of English website. Schools received Climate Stories ezines to share with their communities.

----- Start of picture text -----
21
climate literacy
teamwork digital literacy
problem solving
communication
creative thinking
Impact
lifeskills in
The project supported
If we act now, we can limit
global warming and protect the
planet for generations to come.
n English Science n Design and Technology through linking careers with the curriculum, employer engagement and n Geography n PSE n Religious Education n Information Technology
Gatsby benchmarks 6
It also contributed to higher education student role models.
advertising
Climate stories through
Whitehaven Academy
Year 7 students in
Climate change affects
everyone but we all have the
power to make a difference.
Covering subjects such as:
1 day
1 workshop
4 creative experts
13 students
Global warming is reversible
but only if we act now.
STUDENT WORK
Solutions exist.
Hope is still very real.
33 5
----- End of picture text -----

FINANCIAL REVIEW

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

We are confronted with increased costs of travel, subscriptions, accountancy, insurance and sub-contractor costs. This has meant that we are now looking closely at options for the future including mergers, emergency fundraising and a planned closure.

Our costs for the year were £372,854 . This shows a significant reduction from the previous year, when we spent £473,931 . But we are facing increasing costs of travel, subscriptions, accountancy, insurance and fees for sub-contractors and tutors in 25/26, which means we need to increase the contributions we receive from organisations to run our events, just as they are trying to reduce their own budgets.

As a result of keeping our costs in check, we have maintained our reserves above the minimum required level. The commitment of our staff and contractors, improved efficiencies, and increased voluntary working have made a huge impact, but there is now nothing left to be cut or reduced.

n Total funds held in the bank: At the end of the financial year, total funds in the bank stood at £81,975

n Restricted funds: £33,398

n Unrestricted funds: £65,897

Heather stepped down as CEO at the end of the financial year, which has reduced our fixed costs. Still, we will require some consulting support from her as we consider alternative models for the future, since the current situation is unsustainable in the long run, especially if corporate funding and charitable grants continue to be frozen or limited.

Our hope that the new climate literacy resources would be a source of further investment haven’t been realised for this year with some companies moving away from climate related education projects because of concerns about perceptions of greenwashing.

RESERVES POLICY

To fulfil contractual obligations, the trustees strive to maintain minimum unrestricted funds to cover three months PAYE and any potential costs relating to closures. Even with the changes in staffing, the Board felt it prudent to leave the amount of reserves required at £50,000.

The reserves held in unrestricted funds at 31 August 2025 were £65,897. This is above the target set by the board but with no clear pipeline of further funding, means that we need to continue to monitor finances closely to ensure we are a going concern and to make appropriate decisions if we fall below the reserves.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 22

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

FUTURE PLANS FOR 2025 - 2026 & BEYOND

n To deliver our existing funded programmes to a high quality, inspiring young people and children in areas of disadvantage and to build up a new programme with MoneySuperMarket.

n To consider longer term options for the Ideas Foundation and its work – this could include emergency fundraising, partnership and acquisition with another charity or planned closure.

n To identify succession planning options for our Chair who would like to step down this financial year.

n To ensure the leadership transition is smooth, with Helen’s appointment combining stability, creativity and continuity.

n To develop partnership conversations with organisations that

have shared values – and identify opportunities to work together to disseminate resources, develop shared funding applications, support school communities, and potentially look at merger.

n To continue to support our community of schools, alumni, tutors, and consultants who are key to the delivery of our exceptional programmes.

n To share our resources more widely especially the kitemarked climate stories resources widely and to seek funding for the continuation of projects in collaboration with Sustainability first.

23

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

CHAIR REPORT

When I first met Heather, she was working in the careers service at Stevenage. Her personality, her ability to connect, and her determination to make the world a better place made her stand out from the crowd. We achieved a lot and both moved on with our careers. Years later, she asked me to help out at IF by taking on the role of Interim Chair…. And just what a privilege it has been.

I asked to visit some of the schools and joined her on trips to Cumbria, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and Whitby. I witnessed the transformation of young children: at the start of the day they believed that if they could follow in their parents' footsteps (and work at the local factory or call centre), they would fulfil their destiny: by the end of the day they had TRANSFORMED into curious, creative, inspired young people who now wanted to try their hand at photography or copywriting or design or set creation. They discovered themselves and abilities they didn’t know they had, in just one day.

The experiences provided to the teenagers were the inspiration of Heather, who tirelessly worked to ensure that as many disadvantaged children as possible had experiences they would never forget, experiences that would help them realise just how creative they could be. She has shaped IF into what it is—she is an exceptional and amazing woman.

Back then, these creative boot camps and related programmes were funded by forward-thinking brands like Burberry and Pantene, who wanted to give something back, with in-kind support coming from brands like Canon (lending us high-end cameras) and agencies like McCann (rooms for meetings) and grants from much bigger charities to help with the running costs of the charity.

BUT the world has changed, and Heather’s legacy is now under threat. We survived covid by temporarily moving online. However, we are struggling to survive the impact that Brexit, wars, and tariff changes are having on the economy. Companies are freezing their ESR budgets, either because their profits are impacted or because they don't want to look woke when selling into the USA. Bigger charities are reducing the size of grants they give out (because their own investments are being squeezed), and more organisations are competing for those fewer grants.

On the other side of the equation, our expenses are rising. Travel, supplies, tutors, photographers, hotel costs, and the cost of administration and staffing are all rising as fast as the donations are dropping.

The perfect storm. We need the government, larger charities, and companies to step up and commit to the many charities that are struggling now, before they cease to exist, and we return to a system where the rich get richer and the rest lead poorer lives.

As we move into the 2025/6 academic year, the board of trustees looks forward to supporting Helen as she takes over as our interim executive, working alongside a phenomenal cast of contractors, tutors, administrators, project managers, and superstars, many of whom have been working with IF for ten years or more.

Ted Smith Chair, Ideas Foundation

24

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

Ideas Foundation

Reference and administrative details

For the year ended 31 August 2025

Company number 04270652
Charity number 1090451
Registered offce C/O Godfrey Wilson Limited
Chartered accountants and statutory auditors
5th Floor Mariner House
62 Prince Street
Bristol
BS1 4QD
Trustees Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during the
year and up to the date of this report were as follows:
Edward Smith - Chair Simeon Quarrie
Naomi Desalegene Jennifer Wilkins
Charles Mawer Will Worsdell
Company secretary Angela Conway
Chief executive offcer Heather MacRae
Bankers Coutts & Co Virgin Money
440 Strand London 7 Gold Street
WC2R 0QS Northampton NN1 1EN
Independent examiners Godfrey Wilson Limited
Chartered accountants and statutory auditors
5th Floor Mariner House
62 Prince Street
Bristol
BS1 4QD

Structure, governance and management

The Charity is structured so that the board of trustees, who meet at regular intervals, deal with the policy and overall control of the Charity’s activities. Day to day management is in the hands of the Chief Executive, who reports to the board of trustees and those people who are appointed by the CEO.

The Charity is assisted by an advisory group consisting of experts who advise the IF on a range of issues from education, creative policy, and systems. The IF also benefits from insights from an alumni group. Both the advisory group and alumni group share information via WhatsApp and of Zoom meetings. The work programmes are supported by a strong network of freelance consultants and tutors who have specialist skills in finance, IT, communication strategy, programme delivery and in creative skills.

The charity was incorporated on 15 August 2001 and has a memorandum and articles of association.

Ideas Foundation (the word “Limited” being omitted by licence from the Board of Trade) is registered as a company limited by guarantee and not having a capital divided by shares. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10. The company was registered as a charity on 6 February 2002 under registration number 1090451.

New trustees are recruited through an application process and are chosen on the basis of their knowledge of creative industries, business systems and education. We reserve one place on the board for an alumnus who has taken part in our programmes. Potential trustees are invited to attend and observe meetings and then are voted onto the board.

Our board is 50% female, 40% Black and Minority Ethnic.

Our staff and key consultants are 75% female, 57% Black and Minority Ethnic.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 25

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 August 2025

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees 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 income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The trustees 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 trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

Independent Examiners

Godfrey Wilson Limited were re-appointed as independent examiners to the charitable company during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 15 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by

EMR Smith

E M Smith - Chair

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 26

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Ideas Foundation

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Ideas Foundation (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 August 2025, which are set out on pages 28 to 41.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitable company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the charitable company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Date: 15 January 2026 Robert Wilson FCA Member of the ICAEW For and on behalf of: Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 27

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account)

For the year ended 31 August 2025

For the year ended 31 August 2025
Restricted Unrestricted
Note
£
£
Income from:
Donations
3
-
79,308
Charitable activities
5
267,348
9,900
Total income
267,348
89,208
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
-
6,114
Charitable activities
275,232
91,508
Total expenditure
7
275,232
97,622
8
(7,884)
(8,414)
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
41,282
74,311
Total funds carried forward
33,398
65,897
Net
expenditure
and
net
movement in funds		 2025
Total
£
79,308
277,248
356,556
6,114
366,740
372,854
(16,298)
115,593
99,295		 2024
Total
£
101,902
190,865
292,767
17,556
456,375
473,931
(181,164)
296,757
115,593

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 15 to the accounts.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 28

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Balance sheet

As at 31 August 2025

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
13
Net current assets
Net assets
Funds
15
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds
Total charity funds		 £
21,335
81,975
103,310
(5,087)		 2025
£
1,072
98,223
99,295
33,398
65,897
99,295		 2024
£
3,318
27,345
99,272
126,617
(14,342)
112,275
115,593
41,282
74,311
115,593

The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

Approved by the trustees on 15 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by

EMR Smith

E M Smith - Chair

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 29

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

1. Accounting policies

a) General information and basis of preparation

Ideas Foundation is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is C/O Godfrey Wilson Limited, 5th Floor Mariner House, 62 Prince Street, Bristol, BS1 4QD.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Ideas Foundation meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

b) Going concern basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

c) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Income received in advance of provision of services is deferred until criteria for income recognition are met.

d) Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item, is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 30

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

e) Interest receivable

f) Funds accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

g) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

h) Grants payable

Grants payable are recognised as expenditure on the earlier of a) when the charity has a present obligation to transfer resources; and b) when the charity ceases to control the resource (e.g. via transferring the funds to the grant recipient).

i) Allocation of support and governance costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated in full to expenditure on charitable activities which is deemed to be reflective of the activities of the charity in this period.

j) Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows:

Fixtures and fittings 4 years

Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £500.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 31

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

k) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

l) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

m) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

n) Financial instruments

The charitable company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

o) Pension costs

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the SOFA.

p) Accounting estimates and key judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

The key source of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements is depreciation as described in note 1(j) above.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 32

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

2. Prior period comparatives: statement of financial activities

Income from:
Donations
Charitable activities
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net expenditure
3.
Income from donations
Gifts in kind (note 4)
Other donations		 Restricted
£
£
-
101,902
190,865
-
190,865
101,902
-
17,556
207,737
248,638
207,737
266,194
(16,872)
(164,292)
2025
Total
£
79,200
108
79,308
Unrestricted		 2024
Total
£
101,902
190,865
292,767
17,556
456,375
473,931
(181,164)
2024
Total
£
94,300
7,602
101,902

All income from donations in the current and prior period was unrestricted.

4. Gifts in kind

The following gifts in kind were received during the period:

Accountancy
Advertising
Consultancy
Equipment loan
External venue hire
Office rent
Trainer materials		 2025
Total
£
6,000
-
36,200
15,000
10,000
6,000
6,000
79,200		 2024
Total
£
-
2,000
36,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
11,300
94,300

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 33

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

5. Income from charitable activities

Income from charitable activities
Grants:
Barclays
BBC
Manchester College
Procter and Gamble
Teesside University
Contracts		 Restricted
£
£
105,000
-
28,000
-
18,000
-
112,200
-
4,148
-
-
9,900
267,348
9,900
Unrestricted		 2025
Total
£
105,000
28,000
18,000
112,200
4,148
9,900
277,248

All income from charitable activities in the prior period was restricted.

Prior period comparative

Prior period comparative
Grants:
BBC
Canon Europe
Manchester College
Procter and Gamble
Teesside University
Garfield Weston		 2024
Total
£
27,500
14,375
20,000
18,000
106,990
4,000
190,865

6. Government grants

The charity received no government grants in the current or prior period.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 34

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

7. Total expenditure

Total expenditure
Staff costs (note 9)
Fundraising costs
Advertising
Trainers, materials, programme
development and delivery
Travel
Printing, postage and stationery
Subcontractors
External venue hire
Consultancy
Office rent
Insurance
Premises costs
Other office costs
Sundry expenses
Professional fees
Subscriptions and memberships
Depreciation
Independent examination
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Allocation of support and governance
costs		 Raising
funds
£
4,242
1,872
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,114
-
6,114		 Charitable
activities
£
101,095
-
250
21,000
28,614
4,907
83,793
10,049
60,035
6,000
-
-
1,732
-
-
-
-
-
317,475
49,265
366,740		 Support and
governance
costs
£
4,242
-
-
-
1,195
11
14,100
-
11,885
-
1,608
-
5,296
486
2,220
3,336
2,246
2,640
49,265
(49,265)
-		 2025 Total
£
109,579
1,872
250
21,000
29,809
4,918
97,893
10,049
71,920
6,000
1,608
-
7,028
486
2,220
3,336
2,246
2,640
372,854
-
372,854

Total governance costs were £2,640 (2024: £3,000).

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 35

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

7.
Total expenditure (continued)
Prior period comparative
Staff costs (note 9)
Fundraising costs
Advertising
Travel
Printing, postage and stationery
Subcontractors
External venue hire
Consultancy
Office rent
Insurance
Premises costs
Other office costs
Professional fees
Subscriptions and memberships
Depreciation
Independent examination
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Allocation of support and governance
costs
Trainers, materials, programme
development and delivery		 Raising
funds
£
15,456
2,100
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
17,556
-
17,556		 Charitable
activities
£
57,608
-
2,210
32,475
13,976
4,361
66,041
15,171
47,795
10,000
-
-
500
-
-
-
-
250,137
206,238
456,375		 Support and
governance
costs
£
67,442
-
1,351
-
5,748
590
48,367
-
49,239
-
1,627
982
14,422
5,602
5,140
2,728
3,000
206,238
(206,238)
-		 2024 Total
£
140,506
2,100
3,561
32,475
19,724
4,951
114,408
15,171
97,034
10,000
1,627
982
14,922
5,602
5,140
2,728
3,000
473,931
-
473,931

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 36

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

8. Net movement in funds

Net movement in funds
This is stated after charging: 2025 2024
£ £
Depreciation 2,246 2,728
Trustees' remuneration Nil Nil
Trustees' expenses and reimbursed expenses 186 91
Independent examiners' remuneration (excluding VAT):
Independent examination 2,200 2,500

Trustees' reimbursed expenses comprise of subsistence for one trustee (2024: travel expenses for one trustee).

In common with other charities of our size and nature we use our independent examiners to assist with the preparation of the financial statements.

9. Staff costs and numbers

Staff costs were as follows:

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2025
£
100,291
6,612
2,676
109,579		 2024
£
129,015
8,462
3,029
140,506

No employees earned above £60,000 during the current or prior year.

The key management personnel of the charitable company comprise the trustees, the Chief Executive Officer, and the Programme Director (2024: the trustees and the Chief Executive Officer, and the Programme Director). The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £118,682 (2024: £115,169).

Average head count 2025
No.
2.0		 2024
No.
3.5

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 37

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

10. Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.

11. Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 September 2024
Additions in year
At 31 August 2025
Depreciation
At 1 September 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 August 2025
Net book value
At 31 August 2025
At 31 August 2024
12. Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments
13. Creditors : amounts falling due within 1 year
Trade creditors
Accruals
Pension payable		 £
10,914
-
10,914
7,596
2,246
9,842
1,072
3,318
2025
2024
£
£
20,500
25,540
835
1,805
21,335
27,345
2025
2024
£
£
1,478
7,492
2,640
6,850
969
-
5,087
14,342
Fixtures and
fittings		 £
10,914
-
10,914
7,596
2,246
9,842
1,072
3,318
2025
2024
£
£
20,500
25,540
835
1,805
21,335
27,345
2025
2024
£
£
1,478
7,492
2,640
6,850
969
-
5,087
14,342
Fixtures and
fittings
10,914
7,596
2,246
9,842
1,072
3,318
2024
£
25,540
1,805
27,345
2024
£
7,492
6,850
-
14,342

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 38

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

14. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets
Net assets at 31 August 2025
Prior period comparative
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets
Net assets at 31 August 2024		 £
-
33,398
33,398
£
-
41,282
41,282
Restricted
funds
Restricted
funds		 £
1,072
64,825
65,897
£
3,318
70,993
74,311
General
funds
General
funds		 Total
funds
£
1,072
98,223
99,295
Total
funds
£
3,318
112,275
115,593

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 39

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

15. Movements in funds

Restricted funds
Manchester College
Canon Europe
Procter and Gamble
BBC
Teesside University for POH
Garfield Weston
Barclays
Total restricted funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
Unrestricted funds		 £
-
1,389
877
20,906
1,800
16,310
-
41,282
74,311
74,311
115,593
At 1
September
2024		 Income
£
18,000
-
112,200
28,000
4,148
-
105,000
267,348
89,208
89,208
356,556		 £
£
(18,000)
-
(1,389)
-
(109,230)
3,847
(20,906)
28,000
(4,397)
1,551
(16,310)
-
(105,000)
-
(275,232)
33,398
(97,622)
65,897
(97,622)
65,897
(372,854)
99,295
At 31 August
2025
Expenditure		 £
£
(18,000)
-
(1,389)
-
(109,230)
3,847
(20,906)
28,000
(4,397)
1,551
(16,310)
-
(105,000)
-
(275,232)
33,398
(97,622)
65,897
(97,622)
65,897
(372,854)
99,295
At 31 August
2025
Expenditure
33,398
65,897
65,897
99,295

Purposes of restricted funds Manchester College For delivery of an employability bootcamp programme.

Procter and Gamble For the delivery of an education programme related to hair and identity.

BBC For delivery of creative media camp at the Manchester College.

Barclays For the design, delivery and evaluation of the climate stories project.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 40

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

Ideas Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

15. Movements in funds (continued) Prior period comparative (restated)

Restricted funds
Manchester College
Canon Europe
Procter and Gamble
BBC
Creating Connections
King's Coronation
Teesside University for POH
Garfield Weston
Total restricted funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
Unrestricted funds		 £
-
4,073
15,598
20,003
11,207
7,273
-
-
58,154
238,603
238,603
296,757
At 1
September
2023		 Income
£
18,000
14,375
106,990
27,500
-
-
4,000
20,000
190,865
101,902
101,902
292,767		 £
(18,000)
(17,059)
(121,711)
(26,597)
(11,207)
(7,273)
(2,200)
(3,690)
(207,737)
(266,194)
(266,194)
(473,931)
Expenditure		 £
-
1,389
877
20,906
-
-
1,800
16,310
At 31 August
2024
41,282
74,311
74,311
115,593

Prior year movement in funds has been restated to combine all restricted income provided by the same funder.

16. Related party transactions

During the year, the charity paid £500 to Simeon Quarrie for photography and videography services provided to the charity, which were not related to their role as a trustee. The payment was made under a contract approved by the board (2024: No related party transactions).

In addition to the transactions disclosed above, one trustee donated £23 to the charity. The donation was made without conditions and on normal terms.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 41

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

“ ” Thank you once again. We are keen to use the photos and create a narrative about each one a bit of information about how climate change has impacted the businesses/ landscapes and they are going to try and be more climate aware. We are planning to have an exhibition of work over the year and would be great to include these there and in our online gallery

Katherine Sedman

Old Farm School

42

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

THANK YOU TO

CORPORATE PARTNERS

Our programmes are made possible thanks to support in cash and in kind support from a range of companies across the UK. Barclays, BBC, Canon Europe, Canon UK, The Creative Floor Awards, Dentsu, Frog, Fuji, The Manchester College, Manchester Publicity Association, McCann, MoneySuperMarket, New Commercial Arts, One Point Five, Procter and Gamble, Queen Mary University of London, Red Bee, Teesside University.

EDUCATION PARTNERS

The commitment of the teachers and the co-operation of our school and college partners is vital to our work. The following schools and colleges who have worked with us:

Alice Ingham RC Primary, Rochdale Our Lady of Saint Paul's RC Primary All Saints Primary Outwood Riverside Academy, Teesside Barnsole Academy, Gillingham Pontarddulais Primary, Wales Bede Sixth Form, Stockton-on-Tees Porters Grange Primary, Southend-on-Sea Bentfield Primary School, Stansted Mountfitchet Porth community school, Wales Bryn Bach primary, Wales President Kennedy School, Coventry Cockshut Hill School, Birmignham Prince Avanue Primary, Wales Co-op Academy Blackley, Manchester Southbank College, London Cranford Community School, London Space Studio West, London Eastbury Community Primary School, London St Ethelbert's Primary, Slough Falinge Park, Manchester St Gregory's RC Primary Fochriw School, Wales St Kentigerns Academy, Falkirk Fulham Cross, London St Michaels Primary, Stansted Mountfitchet Global Academy, London St Michael’s catholic Academy, Stockton-on-Tees Graeme School, Falkirk Summercroft Primary, Stansted Mountfitchet Graham School, Scarborough The Downley School, High Wycombe Hallsville School, London The East Manchester Academy, Manchester Heolddu School, Wales The Manchester College, Manchester Highgate Hill City of London Academy, London The Ruth Gorse Academy, Leeds Litchard School, Wales Trerobart primary, Wales Llanharri Primary School, Wales Walker Riverside Academy, Teesside Lyndon School, Birmingham Westcliff Primary, Whitby Macclesfield College, Macclesfield Whitby School, Whitby New Horizons Children's Academy, Chatham Whitehaven Academy, Whitehaven Ninestiles Academy, Birmingham Woolwich Polytechnic for Girls, London Oakridge Primary, Whitby Ysgol Penderyn, Wales Old Farm School, Saltburn Ysgol Tref Yr Rhyg, Wales

OUR STAFF

The passion and commitment of our staff has been instrumental to delivering programmes across the country. Thanks to: Angela Conway[n ] Anna Forsström Morris[n ] Heather MacRae[n ] Belinda Peach[n ] Helen Poole

THANKS TO OUR TUTORS AND ASSOCIATES

Abdullah Adekola[n ] Adisa the Verbaliser[n ] Peter Bakare[n ] Michael Cockerham[n ] Nathan Dua[n ] Clare Dudeney Giovanni Esposito[n ] Shafia Fiaz[n ] Christabel Forbes[n ] Amanda Hayward[n ] Kulvinder Johal[n ] Alastair Johnstone-Hack Emilie Lauren Jones[n ] Kate Lander[n ] Rachael Lightowler[n ] Tom Martin[n ] John Mounsey[n ] Toni Peters[n ] Rachel Rands Eliska Sky[n ] Peter Thomas[n ] Lydia Thornley[n ] Ben Worth[n ] Emma Wride

THANKS TO OUR TRUSTEES

Our trustees volunteer their time to ensure that the charity meets the governance requirements of the charity commission. We have said good bye to some long standing trustees and welcomed new trustees through an open competitive recruitment process. We have also established a shadow board to build capacity for new trustees.

THANKS TO OUR SHADOW BOARD MEMBERS

Adrian Sladdin[n ] Ben Conway[n ] Christina Thakor-Rankin[n ] Milan Desai[n ] Rachel King

WE ALSO HAVE A WIDER COMMUNITY OF ADVISORY AND SUPER GROUP MEMBERS AND OUR ALUMNI GROUP. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO IS SUPPORTING US.

INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE TO UNLOCK THEIR CREATIVE POTENTIAL

Visit ideasfoundation.org.uk to learn more Contact info@ideasfoundation.org.uk

@ideasfoundation

THE IDEAS FOUNDATION

~~For the year ended 31 August 2025 Company number 04270652~~

~~Charity number 1090451~~

Administrative office address: Ogilvy Group UK Sea Containers, 18 Upper Ground London SE1 9RQ finance@ideasfoundation.org.uk www.ideasfoundation.org.uk Charity: 1090451 Company: 04270652

Robert Wilson Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

15 January 2026

Dear Robert

Letter of Representations on the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025

We confirm that the following representations are made on the basis of enquiries of the trustees, management and staff with relevant knowledge and experience (and, where appropriate, of inspection of supporting documentation) sufficient to satisfy ourselves that we can properly make each of the following representations to you:

  1. We have fulfilled our responsibilities as trustees, as set out in the terms of your engagement letter dated 11 October 2024, under the Companies Act 2006 for preparing financial statements, in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

We confirm that in our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view and in particular that where any additional information must be disclosed in order to give a true and fair view that information has in fact been disclosed. We confirm that the selection and application of the accounting policies used in the preparation of the financial statements are appropriate, and we approve these accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025.

  1. We confirm that all accounting records have been made available to you for the purpose of your examination, in accordance with your terms of engagement, and that all the transactions undertaken by the charity have been properly reflected and recorded in the accounting records. All other records and related information, including minutes of all management, trustees’ and members’ meetings, have been made available to you. We have given you unrestricted access to persons within the charity in order to obtain evidence and have provided any additional information that you have requested for the purposes of your examination.

  2. We confirm the charity has satisfactory title to all assets and there are no liens or encumbrances on the assets, except for those disclosed in the financial statements.

  3. We confirm that significant assumptions used by us in making accounting estimates, including those measured at fair value, are reasonable. We confirm that we have no plans or intentions that may materially alter the carrying value and where relevant the fair value measurements or classification of assets and liabilities reflected in the financial statements.

  4. We confirm that the charity has no liabilities or contingent liabilities other than those disclosed in the financial statements.

Registered Office ● Ideas Foundation c/o Godfrey Wilson Limited ● 5th Floor Mariner House, 62 Prince Street, Bristol, BS1 4QD Registered in England 04270652

2

  1. We confirm that all known actual or possible litigation and claims whose effects should be considered when preparing the financial statements have been disclosed to you and accounted for and disclosed in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.

  2. We confirm that there have been no events since the balance sheet date which require disclosing or which would materially affect the amounts in the financial statements, other than those already disclosed or included in the financial statements.

  3. We confirm that we are aware that a related party of the charity is a person or organisation which either (directly or indirectly) controls, has joint control of, or significantly influences the charity or vice versa and as a result will include: trustees/directors, other key management, close family and other business interests of the previous. We confirm that all related party relationships and transactions have been accounted for and disclosed in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.

  4. We confirm that the charity neither had, at any time during the year, any arrangement, transaction or agreement to provide credit facilities (including advances and credits granted by the charity) for trustees, nor provided guarantees of any kind on behalf of the trustees except as disclosed in the financial statements.

  5. We confirm that the charity has not contracted for any capital expenditure other than as disclosed in the financial statements.

  6. We confirm that the charity has complied with all aspects of contractual agreements that could have a material effect on the financial statements in the event of non-compliance.

  7. We confirm that we are not aware of any possible or actual instance of non-compliance with those laws and regulations which provide a legal framework within which the charity conducts its activities and which are central to the charity’s ability to conduct its activities, except as explained to you and as disclosed in the financial statements.

  8. We acknowledge our responsibility for the design, implementation and maintenance of internal controls to prevent and detect fraud. We confirm that we have disclosed to you the results of our risk assessment of the risk of fraud in the organisation. There have been no deficiencies in internal control of which we are aware.

  9. We confirm that there have been no actual or suspected instances of fraud involving trustees, management or employees who have a significant role in internal control or that could have a material effect on the financial statements. We also confirm that we are not aware of any allegations of fraud by trustees, former trustees, employees, former employees, regulators or others.

  10. We confirm that, in our opinion, the charity’s financial statements should be prepared on the going concern basis on the grounds that current and future sources of funding or support will be more than adequate for the charity’s needs. In reaching this conclusion, we have taken into account all relevant matters of which we are aware, and have considered a period of at least one year from the date on which the financial statements will be approved.

  11. We confirm that in our opinion the effects of uncorrected misstatements are immaterial, both individually and in aggregate, to the financial statements as a whole.

  12. We confirm that we are not aware of any matters of material significance that should be reported to regulators. We confirm that all correspondence with the Charity Commission has been made available to you.

Registered Office ● Ideas Foundation c/o Godfrey Wilson Limited ● 5th Floor Mariner House, 62 Prince Street, Bristol, BS1 4QD Registered in England 04270652

3

  1. We confirm that all grants, donations and other income, including those subject to special terms or conditions or received for restricted purposes, have been notified to you. There have been no breaches of terms or conditions during the period regarding the application of such income.

Yours sincerely

EMR Smith

E M Smith – Chair

For and on behalf of the trustees of Ideas Foundation

Registered Office ● Ideas Foundation c/o Godfrey Wilson Limited ● 5th Floor Mariner House, 62 Prince Street, Bristol, BS1 4QD Registered in England 04270652