Thank you for your interest in the role of Chief Executive at The Young Foundation.
This is an exciting moment.
Our five-year strategy, The Power of Participation, launched in 2023 and inspired by our founder, the social entrepreneur Michael Young, sets out a bold vision: to build a fairer, greener future through collective action and a reimagined social contract between communities, businesses, and the state. We’ve aligned all of our resources and the full capabilities of the team to deliver this ambition — and it’s working. From securing major funding (including for the Centre for Joined-Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) and UK-wide Community Research Network), to the growing demand for our social innovation work, national policy engagement, and the influence of our thought leadership – we are busy, and momentum is strong.
We have an energetic, creative and committed team, backed by a strong and diverse Board of Trustees drawn from public, private, and community sectors. While the Board respects the clear boundary with executive responsibilities, we work as one team — supporting and challenging each other to be our best. I am supported by trustees who chair our finance and risk, and people and culture work. Financially, we’re in a relatively strong position, while operating as a boutique consultancy in a highly competitive environment that demands both agility and commercial acumen. Internally, we’ve made real progress on staff engagement — most recently agreeing Trade Union recognition and establishing a joint staff-trustee strategy and policy forum. Across the organisation, there is a shared commitment to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. This is at the hear of our work to create a more just society.
Our outgoing CEO, Helen Goulden, has led the organisation with vision and purpose for the past eight years, helping build a stronger foundation focused on impact. We will be sorry to see her leave. We are, though, very excited to welcome a new leader who will bring their particular energy, insights, and experience to guide us through the next phase. There is so much important work ahead.
Come join us!
Kersten England CBE
Chair