Inspiring the Future is a new free initiative which will see employees from all sectors and professions volunteering to go into state secondary schools and colleges to talk about their jobs, careers, and the education routes they took. Nearly a third of all state secondary schools have already registered ahead of the launch.

On 2 July, to mark the launch of Inspiring the Future across England, scores of leading employers* and prominent leaders in their fields will take part in a special event at a school in Tower Hamlets - one of England’s most disadvantaged areas - with Freshfields representing the legal profession. The firm provided pro bono legal advice to the Education and Employers Taskforce, an independent charity which is spearheading the initiative, when the charity was set up and continues to provide pro bono advice.

Nick Chambers, director of the Education and Employers Taskforce, says, ‘We believe this initiative has the potential to make a real difference to young people as they contemplate and prepare for their future careers. Its success is dependent on employers like Freshfields committing time and energy to talking to young people and providing crucial insight about their working environment and the education routes they have taken.’ 

‘We are pleased that Freshfields is partnering with us in this venture and grateful for the considerable pro bono support they have provided.’ 

Annette Byron, Freshfields’ sponsor for social mobility says, ‘A crucial first step towards raising aspirations among young people and breaking down barriers to access is offering them the opportunity to meet and hear from employers. We are proud to support Inspiring the Future in a pro bono capacity and as part of our ongoing efforts to help tackle social mobility in the legal profession and enhance employability skills generally.’

Vanessa Knapp, principal consultant at Freshfields, provided pro bono legal advice.

Inspiring the Future uses an online platform, the first of its type, to connect volunteers to schools. It is a free service endorsed by Government (with cross-party support), the UK’s main teacher and employer organisations and many leading employers.