March 2020

Responding to The Guardian article by Future First Advisory Council member Fiona Millar on Mansfield College, Oxford, admitting 96% of its students from state schools, (24 03 2020,) Justin Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Future First said:

‘Mansfield College’s outreach work has redressed the entry inequality between state and private schools and is to be applauded but more work must be done to rebalance access to higher education nationally.

‘Future First’s partnership with the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP) aims to increase the number of young people from underrepresented backgrounds in higher education by 2020 in areas where take up of higher education is low.

‘By helping schools build thriving alumni communities and bringing back former students with experience of higher education as positive role models, the current generation is more motivated, confident and equipped to benefit from the opportunities higher education can offer and more aware of a world beyond their own.’

For more information visit www.futurefirst.org.uk or call 0207 239 8933.

18 March 2020

Following the outbreak of the coronavirus and subsequent government advice against non-essential travel, the below outlines our approach at this time:

At Future First, our number one priority remains the safety of those we work with, including staff, volunteers and young people. We would like to share an update on our activity over the next few weeks which we will keep under review as the situation develops. We are taking steps to mitigate any risk of infection and further spread of the virus.

Our events

The health and welfare of our young people, volunteers, and wider network is always our utmost priority. All of our in person workshops, events and school meetings scheduled through March are cancelled or postponed, with remote support options offered where possible. Schools and volunteers have been contacted about this. Please contact your Alumni Programme Officer to discuss ways alumni may be able to support your school from afar.

Our schools

While schools and colleges remain open, we will continue to work with you through phone and video support and our online portal. We are continuing to build alumni networks and engage with your volunteers on your behalf so that your alumni are ready to support once restrictions are lifted.

Please continue to contact your Alumni Programme Officer or members of the team if you need anything. Like many other organisations we are available through conference call and video facilities to maintain contact with you.

Our staff

Effective Tuesday 17 March, all our staff will work remotely; all meetings will be conducted online or by phone call. Staff are being advised to follow recommended steps provided by the NHS and only travel if essential to best protect themselves. All our staff work from laptops and our IT set up ensures maximum data security and protection, which is maintained regardless of working location.

You can still reach us on our main office telephone number and all email and social media channels will continue to function as normal.

Our Executive Board is monitoring the situation daily and its impact on our schools. We will communicate any changes you should know about as soon as possible.

For further information, please contact info@futurefirst.org.uk or call 020 7239 8933.