We’re delighted to have four new trustees on board to support ThinkForward as we start implementing our new five-year strategy.
Asi Panditharatna is the Divisional Director for Employment Services at the Forward Trust and has spent the majority of his career working in operational, business development and leadership roles in employability, vocational training, apprenticeships, regeneration and economic development. Asi spent ten years working at Catch22 and took them to their first ever Ofsted Grade Good for apprenticeships and vocational training. Asi is a school governor and was a member of the Mayor of London’s inaugural Skills for Londoner’s Task Force. Asi’s family is Sri Lankan in origin and continues to support children’s, young people’s and reconciliation charities in the country.
Kathryn Jack works as an Engagement Manager at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Kathryn is a ‘first generation’ university student and is now on her third apprenticeship since leaving school ten years ago – to qualify as a chartered manager in 2021/22. She is a passionate advocate for young people finding their voice. Kathryn has a lived experience of a more blended pathway into the labour market. She is also an experienced mentor on various SEND projects and is enthusiastic about encouraging socio-economic growth.
Keith MacDonald is a partner with EY, where he looks after the work they do in the Wealth Management sector, including chairing an industry Philanthropy Forum. He has supported the EY Foundation since its set up, is a member of NPC’s Development Committee, and is a member of Hope & Home for Children’s Public Sector Advisory Committee.
Robert Craig is the COO at the Skills Builder Partnership, Robert firmly believes in the potential of skills development to deliver social outcomes. Benefiting from accounting and law qualifications, he is an experienced FRAC chair. Robert also brings knowledge of having developed and managed Social Impact Bonds, with a background in strategy, consulting and impact investment.
Our chair, Charlie Green said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome four new trustees to ThinkForward’s board. As we embark on a new five-year strategy it’s an exciting and important time to join. They bring a broad range of experiences, skills and insights that will support the organisation to deliver on our new objectives and along with my fellow trustees, I’m looking forward to working with them.’
We will shortly be recruiting two young trustees. This is one way we can ensure the voices and needs of young people are heard, and that the decisions made by the board are informed by a broad range of outlooks and experiences.