About Future First

Introduction

If the UK is serious about reducing inequalities, increasing inclusion and driving system change then we need to place young people - especially those who need the most help and are at greatest risk of disempowerment - firmly at the heart of the solution.

At Future First we are now seeking to welcome a new Chair and CEO to lead the next phase of our organisation's growth and development so that we can do more for young people.

We specialise in connecting today’s pupils with former students and other relatable role models so they develop the knowledge, confidence and motivation to succeed when they leave school and have a network that can help them. We want every young person, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to believe “people like me” can succeed. Alumni and relatable role models empower young people and show them a world beyond their own and give them the knowledge and connections they need to get there. We provide schools and colleges with the technology, tools and support needed to mobilise their past pupil networks.

“I thought that people like me never got anywhere but now I know that I can succeed.”
Student feedback

We are a small education charity with a big ambition: to see every state school and college in the UK - and every pupil - supported by a thriving alumni community who can help them. We have a three-year growth plan and are doing well, in spite of the impact of the pandemic, thanks to the generous support of our partners and funders. They have been inspired by the power of our work, our track record and the potential offered by our new technology for them to make a transformative difference to the lives and life chances of young people. In 2020/21 we worked with around 70,000 young people, over 300 schools and had nearly 270,000 volunteers signed up. We aim to be working with 25% of state secondary schools within three years, so we still have some way to go. But we have a plan, a determined workforce, and a strong Trustee Board to help us get there.

Building on our achievements 

Our next CEO

Building on the strengths of the existing model, an expert knowledge base and our reputation for excellence, our next CEO will develop and grow our current programmes to ensure impact, conceive and deliver a strategy to achieve scalability, and evolve a funding model that is sustainable, flexible and which enables innovation. The new CEO will be ambitious, driven, fearless and ready and able to lead both strategically and at the grass roots.

Our next Chair

Now in her ninth year as chair of Future First, Dame Christine Gilbert is standing down at the end of the year. She has very much enjoyed her time as chair but believes now is the right time for someone else to bring a fresh perspective. Christine continues to believe passionately in the work the charity does and the difference that alumni networks can make to schools and young people. She will remain an enthusiastic ambassador for the work of Future First.

As our next Chair, you will ensure that the charity fulfills its mission and vision. You will Chair the Board of Trustees, ensure purpose and direction are clear, provide support and challenge to the Chief Executive, and by enabling each trustee to deliver their duties successfully, ensure effective governance of the charity. Acting in partnership with the Chief Executive you will be a positive ambassador and figurehead of the charity.

If you share our passion for social justice and believe you could help us to grow, please get in touch.