Form the Future CIC are delighted to welcome Jane Paterson-Todd to their Board as Non-Executive Director.
As CEO for Cambridge Ahead, a prominent business and academic member group in the region, she is aware that many organisations are struggling to find and recruit appropriately skilled people locally. This is an acute problem that is felt across all skills areas and industries, not just within STEM.
Jane explained that,
“In supporting Form the Future’s ambitious mission, I want to enable more young people to take up careers that will help our local and national economy. Improving social mobility, will hopefully reduce the number of young people in poverty”.
She is passionate about supporting young people and giving them the opportunity to excel. In particular those from deprived areas, who may not be able to depend on their family units to provide the help, guidance and stimulation they need to succeed.
“It is important to work with them when they are young enough to make these choices and not when they are already demotivated or disengaged.”
By working with students from 8-18 years old, Form the Future hope to catch those at-risk at an opportune time and provide advice, support and inspiration to better prepare them for life after education. With activities like the NatWest Skills & Opportunity-funded enterprise programme, they are able to work directly with disadvantaged students and equip them with important skills in an interesting and engaging way.
Anne Bailey, Co-founder and Director at Form the Future CIC said: “Jane has a deep knowledge of the Cambridge business community and has been actively involved in education through her work at Cambridge Ahead. She also brings experience from the voluntary sector which will be extremely useful to us as we increase our fundraising efforts. We are delighted to have her on our Board.“
We are excited to work closely with Jane as we reach out to as main young people across the Greater Cambridge region as possible. If you are interested in getting involved or would like to find out more about what we do, just get in touch!