Smart Choices Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
Registered charity number 1156974
Smart Choices
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Trustees’ annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
Contents
| Trustees’ annual report | 3 |
|---|---|
| Review of the year to 7 June 2026 | 3 |
| Financial commentary | 5 |
| Reference and administrative information | 5 |
| Financial statements | 7 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Statement of cash flows | 9 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 10 |
Smart Choices
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Trustees’ annual report and financial statements for final 18 months to 7 July 2026
Review of 1 November 2024 to 7 July 2026
Closure of the Charity
Throughout 2020 the Covid-19 pandemic had a significant effect on our income and therefore our ability to provide to the numbers of young people we had aimed to do so.
In June 2020 we were fortunate to receive a further one-year funding from MOPAC (Mayors Office for Police and Crime) which enabled us to initially work with approx. 420 young people. We had also been given additional funding by MOPAC to work with schools and their communities, to support the reintegration and re-engagement of children and young people following COVID-19.
We provided our programmes to years four, five and six in seven schools. Teachers identified specific children who would benefit from the programmes based on their needs and behaviours. Programmes were provided both online and face to face and reached 200 young people.
As a result of taking part in our programmes, young people had:
-
A better understanding of the emotional triggers, which lead to violent acts
-
Developed new strategies to understand and manage negative emotions and behaviours
-
A better understanding of themselves and their impact on others
-
Developed new strategies, which enable them to make better decisions
-
A new understanding, of how to form healthy relationships with young people and adults.
Unfortunately, at the conclusion of the programme in May 2021, we were informed that MOPAC would no longer be funding Smart Choices or similar initiatives. Smart Choices attempted to secure alternative funding from the Youth Endowment Fund, a £50m pot provided by the Home Office. Despite our strenuous best efforts, the bid to continue our work was not successful.
Given the lack of funding, and the absence of sufficient reserves to allow the Charity time to secure further funding, the Trustees resolved in June 2021 to cease the operations of the Charity effective from 5 July 2021.
Since the cessation of operations, the trustees have been working to close the charity, though this was hampered by personal events outside of our sphere of influence which substantially impacted the process, not least, the ability to access our bank account and deal with creditors. The Trustees are now able to complete the final closure activities and finalise the outstanding annual return and financial statements.
We submitted the TAR for year ending October 2024, 286 days late, in June 2026, for which, we apologise to the Charity Commissioners. This, our final report is extended by six months to embrace the period 1 November 2024 to 7 July 2026 (the date the bank account was closed and the final payment made), so that it includes the actual winding-up of the Charity.
Smart Choices
Trustees’ annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
Bill Griffiths CBE BEM QPM Chair of Trustees Smart Choices
Smart Choices
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Trustees’ annual report and financial statements for final 18 months to 7 July 2026
Financial Commentary for the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
In common with many other charities, Smart Choices was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the previous accounts showed the challenging financial situation faced by the Charity. Consequently, the Trustees resolved to cease operations and are currently overseeing an orderly closure of the Charity.
The Charity’s net movement in funds shown in the accounts is £592, (2024 £22,651).
There was no income from operations received in the year reflecting winding down of activities and as noted Trustees desire to close the charity.
Similarly, there was a small amount of expenditure in the year, £349 (2023-2024 £23,571), as a result of the charity ceasing operation in July 2021.
As at 7 July 2026, the balance sheet is showing net asset/liability position of £nil (31 October 2024, net liability £592) after accounting for closedown procedure and writeback of a final creditor balance of £853 originally included as provision for interest accrued on amount owed to the HMRC now settled. As in previous years, there are no non-current assets to be realised, and no long-term liabilities to be settled as part of the winding-up process.
Going concern and closure of the Charity:
As set out in Note 1 to the financial statements and elsewhere in this annual return, the Trustees have decided to cease operations effective from 5 July 2021. The accounts for 2024-25 (with extension to closure on 7 July 2026) have been prepared on this basis.
Reference and Administrative Information
Charity number: 1156974
Registered office and operational address: 40 Cambridge Drive, London, SE12 8AJ
Previous name: The Jimmy Mizen Foundation (1130228)
Country of registration: England & Wales
Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows: Bill Griffiths CBE BEM QPM, Chair Kerry Nickols, Vice Chair Gethin Davies Knapp Kabba Njie
Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ
Smart Choices
Trustees’ annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 31 June 2026
Structure, Governance and Management
Smart Choices is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), charity number 1156974. Day to day management of the charity was delegated by the trustees to the CEO.
Our Trustee Board includes two honorary positions of Chair and Vice Chair. The Board met at least four times a year.
Statement of responsibilities of the trustees
The trustees 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 England and Wales 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 incoming resources and application of resources of Smart Choices for that period.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate 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 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the charity’s constitution. They 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 charity and financial information included on the Charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Bill Griffiths CBE BEM QPM Chair of Trustees Smart Choices
Smart Choices
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Trustees’ annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 31 June 2026
Statement of financial activities
For the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
| Note Income from: Donations & Legacies 2 Other fundraising activities Trading activities Charitable activities 3 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Trading activities Charitable activities Total expenditure 4 Net expenditure Other recognised gains and losses Writeback of creditors Net movements in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
18 Months to 7 July 2026 12 Months to 31 October 2024 Unrestricted Total Unrestricted Total £ £ £ £ 85 85 922 922 - - - - 3 3 - - - - - - |
|---|---|
| 88 88 922 922 |
|
| - - - - - - - - 349 349 23,571 23,571 |
|
| 349 349 23,571 23,571 |
|
| (261) (261) (22,651) (22,651) 853 853 - - |
|
| 592 592 (22,651) (22,651) (592) (592) 22,059 22,059 |
|
| - - (592) (592) |
All income and expenditure related to operations both ceased on 7 July 2026. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Restricted funds are disclosed in Note 12 to the financial statements.
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Trustees' annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
Balance sheet
As at 7 July 2026
| Note Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Investments Total fixed assets Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Liabilities Creditors: amount falling due within one year 10 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net asset Funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds General funds Total charity funds |
18 Months to 7 July 2026 12 Months to 31 October 2024 £ £ - - - - |
|---|---|
| - - |
|
| - - - 1,406 |
|
| - 1,406 |
|
| - (1,998) |
|
| - (592) |
|
| - (592) |
|
| - (592) |
|
| - (592) |
|
| - (592) |
Approved by the trustees on 25 August 2026 and signed on their behalf by
Bill Griffiths CBE BEM QPM Chair of Trustees Smart Choices
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Statement of cash flows
| Statement of cash flows | ||
|---|---|---|
| For 18 months to 7 July 2026 Cash flows from operating activities Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period Reconciliation of net income / (expenditure) to net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities Net income / (expenditure) for the reporting period (as per statement of financial activities) (Increase)/decrease in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities |
2026 £ (1,406) |
2024 £ (31,502) |
| (1,406) 1,406 |
(31,502) 32,908 |
|
| - | 1,406 | |
| 2026 £ 592 (1,998) |
2024 £ ( 22,651) -19,149 (28,000) |
|
| (1,406) | (31,502) |
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Trustees' annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
Notes to the financial statements
For the year final 18 months to 7 July 2026
1. Accounting policies
a) Statutory information
Smart Choices is a charitable incorporated organisation, registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales.
b) Basis of preparation
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) (Effective 1 January 2019).
Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy or note.
c) Public benefit entity
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
d) Going concern
The Trustees have reviewed the financial position of the charity, including forecast cash flows, liquidity position and existing and potential funding commitments at the end of the 2019 financial year. Whilst acknowledging challenges with funding from grants at the time, the charity introduced some diversification to its income stream whilst continuing to closely monitor planned expenditure for the coming year, and the Trustees will only agree to commit to fund charitable activities when they are confident that these obligations can be met. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier in 2020 had a significant impact on outstanding grant applications in the pipeline severely hindering the charity's ability to raise funds. As a consequence, the Trustees believe that, given the huge effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the charity's income and low level of reserves available, there will not be adequate resources to continue in operation. The Trustees decided to cease operations effective from 5 July 2021. Accordingly, the financial statements are prepared on a basis other than going concern
e) Income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and that the amount can be measured reliably. Grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which the charity becomes entitled to them. Income from charitable activities as well as fundraising and sponsorship is recognised in the period to which it relates.
f) Expenditure
Liabilities and related expenditure are recognised in full in the financial statements as soon as an obligation arises.
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Trustees' annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
Costs of generating funds include fundraising expenses.
Charitable activities relate to the cost of providing support to different youth organisations and providing resources for young people and have been allocated directly to functional headings as shown in the Statements of Financial Activities and also note 4 to the accounts.
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include independent examination fees, legal and professional fees and bank charges.
The support costs are costs which are required to run the charity on a day-to-day basis, they consist of office costs and staff travel, training and governance.
g) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated as cost less depreciation and the threshold for capitalisation is £500. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Plant and machinery 33% Straight Line Fixtures, fittings and equipment 20% Straight Line Motor vehicles 25% Straight Line
h) Investments
Fixed asset investments are stated at cost less any provision for impairment.
i) Taxation
The charity is not subject to Corporation Tax or other taxes on income and gains arising from its charitable objectives.
j) Funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
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 and provisions
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.
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Trustees' annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
2. Donations and legacies
| General Donations 21 Bridges Donations Charity of the year awards Corporate Donation Gift Aid Total |
2026 2024 Total Total £ £ 85 922 - - - - - - - - ~~85~~ ~~922~~ |
|---|---|
All donations and legacies are unrestricted
3. Income from charitable activities 2026
| Grants - other Total Grants - other Total |
Restricted £ - |
Unrestricted Total £ £ - - 2024 Unrestricted Total £ £ - - ~~-~~ ~~-~~ ~~-~~ ~~-~~ |
|---|---|---|
| ~~-~~ | ||
| Restricted £ - ~~-~~ |
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Trustees' annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
4. Analysis of expenditure
| Raising funds Costs of generating funds Trading activities Cost of trading Charitable activities Activities undertaken directly Support costs Office costs Recruitment expenses Total charitable expenditure Total expenditure Raising funds Costs of generating funds Trading activities Cost of trading Charitable activities Activities undertaken directly Support costs Office costs Recruitment expenses Redundancy pay Total charitable expenditure Total expenditure |
Staff costs Other costs Allocation of governance costs 2026 £ £ £ £ - - - - - 349 - 349 - - - - - - - - - - - - |
|---|---|
| - - - - |
|
| - 349 - 349 |
|
| Staff costs Other costs Allocation of governance costs 2024 £ £ £ £ - - - - - 237 - 237 - 23,334 - 23,334 - - - - - - - - - - - - |
|
| - 23,571 - 23,571 |
|
| - 23,571 - 23,571 |
Smart Choices
Trustees' annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
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5. Net income / (expenditure) for the year
This is stated after charging:
| This is stated after charging: | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Depreciation | - | - |
| Operating lease rentals | ||
| Property | - | - |
| Other | - | - |
| Independent examiner's remuneration: | - | - |
6. Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses, and the cost of key management
Staff costs were as follows:
| Salaries and wages Social security costs |
2026 2024 £ £ - - - - |
|---|---|
| - - |
There were no employee during the period.
The charity trustees were neither paid nor received any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year (2024: £nil). No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2025: £nil). No expenses were reimbursed to trustees during the year (2025: £nil).
The average weekly number of employees during the period was as follows:
| The average weekly number of employees during | the period was as follows: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2024 | |
| No. | No. | |
| Total employees | - | - |
7. Tangible fixed assets
Plant and Fixtures, Motor Totals machinery fittings and vehicles
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Trustees' annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
| equipment Cost £ £ At the start of the period 2,524 687 Disposals At the end of the period Depreciation (2,524) (687) At the start of the period 2,524 687 Disposals At the end of the year Net book value (2,524) (687) At the end of the period At the start of the period - - 8. Fixed assets investments Cost at 1 November 2024 Acquisitions at cost Impairment 9.Debtors Other debtors 10. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
equipment Cost £ £ At the start of the period 2,524 687 Disposals At the end of the period Depreciation (2,524) (687) At the start of the period 2,524 687 Disposals At the end of the year Net book value (2,524) (687) At the end of the period At the start of the period - - 8. Fixed assets investments Cost at 1 November 2024 Acquisitions at cost Impairment 9.Debtors Other debtors 10. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
£ 18,250 (18,250) 18,250 (18,250) - 2026 £ - - - |
£ 18,250 (18,250) 18,250 (18,250) - 2026 £ - - - |
£ 21,461 (21,461 21,461 (21,461) - 2024 £ - - - 2024 £ - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | ||||
| 2026 £ - |
||||
| - | - | |||
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Trustees' annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
| Taxation and social security Social Investment Business loan 11a Analysis of net assets between funds (current year) Investments Net current assets Long term creditors Net assets at the end of the year 11b Analysis of net assets between funds (prior year) Accruals Investments Net current assets Long term creditors Net assets at the end of the year |
Restricted funds £ - - - Restricted funds £ - - - |
Restricted funds £ - - - Restricted funds £ - - - |
2026 2024 £ £ - 354 - - Unrestricted funds £ - - - Total funds £ - - - - 1,644 Unrestricted funds Total funds £ £ - - (592) (592) - - - 1,998 (592) (592) |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | (592) | ||
12a Restricted funds (current year)
At the start
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Trustees' annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 7 July 2026
| Restricted funds Total restricted funds Unrestricted funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Total funds |
of the period £ - (592) - (592) (592) |
Income £ - |
Expenditure £ - |
Writeback £ - |
of the period £ - - - |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | |||||||
| 88 | |||||||||
| 88 | (349) | 853 | - | ||||||
| 88 | (349) | 853 | - |
12b Restricted funds (prior year)
| Restricted funds (prior year) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted funds Total restricted funds Unrestricted funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Total funds |
At the start of the period Income £ £ - - 22,059 922 - - 22,059 922 22,059 922 |
Expenditure £ - |
Transfers £ - |
At the end of the period £ - |
|||
| - | - | - | - | ||||
| 922 | (23,571) | (592) (592) (592) |
|||||
| 922 | (23,571) | - | |||||
| 922 | (23,571) | - |
13. Related parties
There are no donations from related parties which are outside the normal course of business and no restricted donations from related parties.
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Trustees' annual report and financial statements for the final 18 months to 7 July 2026