Leading social enterprises help lever new talent into the sector

A leadership programme comprising some of the biggest social enterprises in the UK has been launched to lever new talent into the sector.

On Purpose, launched at the Hub in King's Cross on Monday, offers graduates a one-year programme of paid work experience in purpose-driven organisations complemented by half a day a week of training.

The programme's first year's worth of placements will be at Coin Street Community Builders, HCT Group and the Young Foundation, as well as the social enterprise supportive O2 and charity Comic Relief.

These 'associates' were selected by a 'rigorous' selection process, according to On Purpose founder Tom Rippin, a social entrepreneur and former management consultant, who once worked for Red, the social business set up by U2's Bono.

The training will be delivered by UnLtd, Venturesome, the Young Foundation, Bain & Company and McKinsey & Company and covers areas such as commercial basics, social sector know-how, professional skills and personal development. The placements are paid at the equivalent of £20,000 per year.

Rippin, who has previously worked for McKinsey & Company and Comic Relief, said: 'I founded On Purpose to enable tomorrow's leaders to access world-class training today. Business as usual is no longer good enough for an ever-increasing number of graduates. Through On Purpose social enterprise can harness the talent, enthusiasm and hard work of the best of them from an early point in their careers.'

Paul Cheng of CAF Venturesome Social Investment Fund added: 'As a social investor, Venturesome is always looking to support great people with great ideas. On Purpose participants will hopefully become leaders of our future clients.'