In Citadel’s 20th anniversary year, the temptation is to reminisce and reflect on the past. Taking on board lessons from the past can help navigate the uncertainties of government and turbulent world events. However, it’s an opportunity also to look forward, and take a view on what we can expect and hope for in the months and years ahead.
In all that we do and in the lives we lead, there are constant challenges that seemingly will never end. For those we work with there’s often no single solution or simple answer, or one-off campaign. Two charities we support are great examples of that.
Forward Trust empowers people to break the cycle of addiction and crime, to move forward in their lives: “We believe that everyone can live a fulfilling life, whatever their past.”
While Drive Forward Foundation helps young adults leaving foster or residential care to achieve their full potential, from care to careers: “Regardless of background and circumstances, we’re here to help young care leavers make some momentum, find their way in the world.”
As Drive Forward Foundation is also celebrating an anniversary this year, marking 15 years of supporting over 4,000 care experienced young people into careers, we spoke to Director Juno Schwarz about her role overseeing thefundraising strategy, policy engagement, and manage communications.
“We have worked with over 200 employers and brokered around 2,000 jobs for young people, across London. Our work with Citadel has helped to align all areas of the charity’s work to amplify our advocacy for care-experienced young people, ensuring consistent engagement with key stakeholders, from policymakers to supporters and potential donors.”
“In particular, our Care Experienced Policy Forum, with 25 engaged members, is passionate about creating the conditions for looked-after children and care leavers to thrive in work and life. This ensures youth voice and lived experience is at the heart of all that we do.”
Juno continues, “From a two-person, founder-led charity, we’ve grown to a 22-strong team, and we’re now launching a bold movement to close the employment gap over the next 15 years. This includes long-term strategic goals such as developing a care-experienced apprenticeship model, a nationally recognised Employer Centre of Excellence, and a sustainable community leadership network.”
“We’ve worked with Citadel over the last year to support and elevate our policy efforts, particularly in navigating the pre- and post-election environment and building connections with key stakeholders. Jonathan has been instrumental in guiding us through policy strategy, facilitating crucial political relationships, and opening doors to invaluable opportunities like last year’s Labour Party Conference where some of our young people spoke and met with senior politicians and sector leaders.“
“Public affairs has a massive impact on shaping policy landscape and driving this change to help young people. With Citadel’s guidance, we’ve been able to amplify our impact in the political arena. This has been a key factor in our continued work to influence policy changes benefiting care-experienced young people, and we look forward to achieving even greater results together.”
What we learn from public affairs for such outstanding charities as Drive Forward Foundation and Forward Trust is to fix your eyes on the horizon and keep moving forward even when situations dictate a change of tack. Set clear goals for what the world can be. Be bold and ambitious in your strategy on how to bring about change. Plan how to get there, which parts we can affect now and who we need to get on side to secure change, step by step.
Citadel 