The Future Talent Pipeline for Purpose-Led Organisations

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, purpose-led organisations need a strong talent pipeline to drive their missions forward.

We recently held our summer social event -The Future Talent Pipeline for Purpose-Led Organisations. We wanted to bring together thought leaders, industry experts, and aspiring professionals to ignite meaningful conversations, share best practices, and envision the future of talent in the charity sector.

Held at the King’s Fund, which provided us with a stunning setting for the evening – we were able to watch the heavens open above us through the glass ceiling whilst appreciating the cosy ambience surrounding us.

Prospectus CEO, Peter Beeby, kicked off the event, welcoming everyone before introducing the topic of the future talent pipeline of purpose-lead organisations. We then heard from our two distinguished speakers Kawika Solidum, Head of Region (North West) at The CSJ Foundation, and Laura-Jane Rawlings, Chief Executive of Youth Employment UK.

With Director of Executive Search (UK), Linda Griffiths leading the discussion with questions to the speakers, Kawika and Laura-Jane gave a fresh burst of inspiration on what we need to do as a sector to ensure a strong, sustainable talent pipeline.

It was enlightening to hear of their unconventional routes from other sectors into the charity sector and what encourages them to stay. It sparked a strong reminder of why we do what we do. Listening to Kawika and Laura-Jane’s thoughts on who they think will be in the same room in 20 years’ time and how to future-proof this talent was compelling. Laura-Jane shared some significant facts and information on young people taking their first steps on their career ladder, and the ways in which the Covid-19 Pandemic has impacted them. Kawika shared his thoughts on the barriers that need breaking in order to retain talent – the push and pull factors of commercial and charity sectors. ‘The chain of generosity’ was a key takeaway that sparked meaningful conversations for the remainder of the night.

We thank all those who attended and contributed towards the evening, helping to shape the future of the charity sector. Together, let’s continue to inspire, connect, and empower – building a brighter tomorrow for the charity sector, where purpose-driven organisations continue to inspire and change lives.

Find more information on our speakers below, along with photos taken and links to connect with the Prospectus team.

Guest Speakers (and hosts!)

Kawika Solidum
Head of Region (North West)
The Centre for Social Justice Foundation

Laura-Jane Rawlings
Chief Executive
Youth Employment UK

Linda Griffiths
Director – Executive Search (UK)
Prospectus

Kawika is Head of Region (North West) at Centre for Social Justice. The CSJ, an award-winning thinktank, exists to put social justice at the heart of British politics. Kawika uses his role to harness the knowledge of frontline poverty-alleviating charities to ensure CSJ’s policy work reflects the real experiences of the communities in the north west region.

Previously, Kawika was Director of Engagement at London Youth, a membership charity that serves and supports over 500 community youth organisations in London. He has served as the interim Director of Communications Strategy and Engagement at Step Up To Serve, the charity coordinating the #iwill campaign, and also the Chief Executive of BeyondMe, a social enterprise that helped to match pro bono business professionals to charity projects. Kawika’s range of experience spans the public, private and voluntary sectors, including working for Impetus and Clifford Chance.

Kawika joined the Board of Trustees for The Funding Network in 2018 because he believes in the power of small charities, and will always advocate for them to have greater impact and influence. He has since stepped up to become its Chair, leading its Board from January 2023.

Laura-Jane is a passionate campaigner for youth employment and the rights for all young people to access employment and have their voices heard on the issues that affect them. Laura-Jane believes that it is for all of us to create a youth friendly society so that young people can fulfil their potential.

Laura-Jane founded Youth Employment UK in 2012, believing that there was a need to put young people at the heart of youth employment policy and services on a local and national level. Youth Employment UK is a not-for-profit, social enterprise that now supports more than 180,000 young people, employers, educators, third sector organisations and policy colleagues every month.

Recognised as a leading youth employment expert Laura-Jane provides support, insight and expertise to many groups such as the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Youth Employment, Pearson Skills and Apprenticeship Group, The Inspirational Learning Group Enterprise Education and Employability Expert Group, DWP ESF Committees, she also supports the work of the Cabinet Office Inclusive Economy Partnership and the DCMS Youth Charter.

Laura-Jane is a Board Member of the Youth Futures Foundation and has been a secondary school governor for 6 years. Laura-Jane has worked on a number of consultative projects with organisations such as the Department for Culture Media and Sport, Cambridge Local Authority, Northamptonshire Learning Partnership, Chilled Food Association, PiXL and WorldSkills UK.

Laura-Jane has represented Youth Employment UK through a number of media outlets including BBC Breakfast, Channel 4 News, BBC Radio 4, FE News, Personnel Today and others.

Peter’s passion for Prospectus is driven by his belief in the value of professional recruitment services, building careers and enabling the not-for-profit sector to find the best talent. As well as being CEO, Peter is our Chief ‘Purpose’ Champion, responsible for business strategy and governance as well as the continual improvement of how we work and provide a high-quality service to our candidates and clients.

Peter has worked in partnership with charities on several projects covering employability and supporting young people and is passionate about volunteering. Peter is currently a Trustee at Brook, the national charity supporting people with their sexual health and wellbeing. Peter is also a Non-Executive Director of Mentor Mon Morlais Ltd, which aims to benefit local communities, the economy and help tackle climate change by using renewable energy to generate clean low carbon electricity. Peter was previously Chair of Trustees at Timebank, the national volunteering charity, and has participated on the Nationwide Building Society Community Board, awarding grants to housing related charities and projects.

Linda started her career at the charity Arts & Business, working in London, New York and Amsterdam to find and support individuals from large businesses to bring their expertise into cultural and heritage organisations, including supporting boards with their governance. This experience taught her a lot about transitioning people between sectors successfully. She then worked as a fundraiser for arts, charity and media organisations.

Linda moved into Executive Search in 2011, and since joining Prospectus in 2014, has led Director and CEO level searches for Friends of the Earth, Youth Futures Foundation, UK Youth, Scout Association and Stonewall amongst many others. As one of our most experienced consultants at Prospectus, she became Director in 2018 and is responsible for practice and business development across the Executive Search Practice, leading the team of consultants, researchers and business support staff.

Linda is particularly interested in supporting women from all backgrounds on their leadership journey, is Co-Founder of our EDI Working Group and is a Governor at St Johns Primary School.