Our strategy 2026 - 2031
Every young person deserves access to the people, experiences and opportunities that help them see a future that feels possible.
Over the next five years, Future First will strengthen the communities around young people by bringing together schools, alumni, volunteers and employers to help young people see what is possible and build the confidence, skills and experiences to get there.
Our strategy sets out how we will build on more than a decade of impact and work alongside partners to ensure that more young people can access the networks, insights and opportunities that help shape positive futures.
Why this matters
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn't.
Too many young people's futures are still shaped by the opportunities, networks and experiences available to them. And potential shouldn't be limited by who you know, where you grow up or the opportunities you happen to encounter.
We know that access to relatable role models, professional networks, workplace experiences and trusted sources of advice can influence how young people see their future and the choices they make.
That's why our strategy is built around one simple belief:
Who young people meet matters.
The people around young people can help make futures visible, achievable and accessible.
Our ambition
Our ambition extends beyond delivering individual activities or one-off interventions.
We want every school we work with to become part of a thriving community that helps young people succeed. In doing so, we help more young people broaden their horizons, access new opportunities and fulfil their potential, regardless of their background.
We want to create a world where:
Every young person has access to meaningful role models, networks and opportunities.
Every school is connected to a thriving community of alumni, employers and volunteers.
Employers actively support social mobility and future talent development.
Young people feel confident, connected and optimistic about their future.
Opportunity is determined by potential, not background.
Our five strategic priorities
Build strong foundations
We will help schools become hubs of opportunity, connected to thriving communities of alumni, employers and volunteers.
Grow strategic partnerships
We will build partnerships that create shared value for young people, employers and communities.
Mobilise people
We will grow and enable a vibrant community of volunteers, alumni and supporters who contribute their skills, experience and networks.
Shape futures
We will help young people see, access and shape positive pathways to their future, regardless of background or circumstance.
Enable impact
We will build a resilient, evidence-led organisation with the capability and resources to achieve long-term impact.
How we create change
When schools, alumni, volunteers and employers come together around young people, powerful communities of support can emerge.
These communities help young people:
See a wider range of possibilities for their future.
Develop the confidence to pursue them.
Build the skills, networks and social capital needed to succeed.
Access opportunities they might otherwise never encounter.
Believe that their background does not define their future.
What this means for our partners
For schools
We will help schools build stronger communities around their students, creating sustainable networks of alumni, volunteers and employers that support careers education and future pathways.
For employers
We will develop deeper, more flexible partnerships that connect employers' people, expertise and opportunities with young people who can benefit from them.
For alumni and volunteers
We will create more ways for people to share their experiences, insights and networks, helping young people see what is possible.
For funders and supporters
We will continue building the infrastructure, partnerships and evidence needed to create lasting opportunities for young people and sustainable impact for communities.
