News and updates
Read our latest news, opinion pieces and top tips.

Young boys are crying out for relatable role models
As a charity working to provide young people with relatable role models, we know first hand that you can't be what you can't see. In light of recent reports and online discussions on the achievement gap between boys and girls, we look at how we can all play our part in showing young people what "someone like me" can achieve.

Tips for taking on an internship
Starting my internship felt overwhelming, but I quickly learned that embracing challenges, asking questions, and staying open-minded made a huge difference. From overcoming imposter syndrome to adapting to a professional work environment, my experience at Future First has given me invaluable insights into the charity sector and beyond. Read on for key lessons and reflections from my journey

The Gatsby Benchmarks: what school senior leadership teams need to know
With the recent review of the Gatsby benchmarks set to become compulsory by September 2025, there is plenty to be done to ensure careers education is implemented throughout the schools curriculum. Here's a quick guide for Senior Leadership Teams.

15 pieces of advice for 15-year-olds
Do you remember what it was like being 15?As Future First celebrates its 15th anniversary, we asked 15 of our staff and trustees to share the advice they would give their 15-year-old selves. It’s a moment to reflect on our individual journey of growth, learning, and career development, especially as we continue to support young people in discovering their own.

Future First is 15!
Future First turns 15 this month! Our CEO, Sue Riley, reflects on what this means for the charity and introduces our "Give 15" campaign.

From school outreach to business impact: what’s in the news
For those working in early career HR and CSR school outreach is often a key activity. We explore how recent national developments will help you move school outreach to intake –supporting your early career pipeline activity and making a positive impact on workplace diversity.

Ensuring impact for the next decade – the updated Gatsby Benchmarks and relatable role models
The updated Gatsby Benchmarks have just been published and in this blog, Sue Riley, our CEO takes a closer look at what has changed and how schools can leverage their alumni network to meet the benchmarks.

Building a Supportive Alumni Network: Key Tips for Engaging Alumni Volunteers
Shanice Nartey is an alum and a member of the Future First Hub who regularly volunteers for her old school. In this blog, she shares her top tips on how to keep your alumni engaged.

DRD Partnership offers young people a unique experience in the world of strategic communications and public affairs
For the second year running, our partners, DRD Partnership (DRD), have opened their Summer School programme to eight young people. They were offered an insight into the world of public affairs and strategic communications and given behind the scenes access to public institutions as well as, some training to develop their employability skills.

Your alumni network is just about to grow!

The power of connection

Using your alumni network to meet the Gatsby benchmarks

Harness the Power of Alumni: Show your students what 'a job' looks like
Harness the Power of Alumni: Show your students what 'a job' looks like

How LinkedIn can be a time-saving solution for building your alumni network
Discover how alumni can be a catalyst in believing that 'someone like me' can succeed in life.

Levelling the playing field in education – why role models matter
Discover how alumni can be a catalyst in believing that 'someone like me' can succeed in life.

Over 84% of Future First volunteers are in careers they didn't see themselves in when they were at school
Discover how alumni can be a catalyst in believing that 'someone like me' can succeed in life.

Explore the world of physics with new work insight pack
Discover how alumni can be a catalyst in believing that 'someone like me' can succeed in life.

Alumni apprentices share inspirational advice for National Apprenticeship Week
Discover how alumni can be a catalyst in believing that 'someone like me' can succeed in life.

Shawbrook Bank offers Forest Gate students insight into apprenticeships
