Our stories

The stereotype of a leader in the workplace has moved on from a white man in a suit, barking orders at his underlings through a plume of smoke. But what has this image been replaced with? The word ‘leader’ is still likely to conjure up images of...

I used to think of time management as the boring side of work - but came to realise that a good system frees you up to focus your time and attention on more enjoyable, creative tasks. If you’re in a position of leadership, your time management...

“The same procedure as last year?” “Same procedure as every year!” This exchange rings in my mind from endless repeats of Dinner For One – a firm TV schedule favourite for New Year’s Eve, at least in German speaking countries – in which an...

People with disabilities have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID19 pandemic. Three out of five COVID-19 deaths are disabled people, even though they make up 17% of the population. So how can we build a disability-inclusive and...

You are a coach and trainer on the Associate Programme – can you tell us a little bit more about your work with the Associates? I help Associates get the most out of their involvement in the On Purpose Programme – so they can advance their career...

Who cares about toilets? Half of the entire global population do - because they don’t have one. World Toilet Day celebrates toilets and raises awareness of the 3.6 billion people living without access to safe sanitation. Loowatt , one of On...

Why did you decide to join On Purpose as Head of Programme Delivery? I was keen to do something that involved helping others develop and realise their potential. I love the idea of hundreds of people leaving the Associate Programme having been...

Emily (she/they) is an April 2021 On Purpose Associate, currently on placement at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation where she is focusing on achieving health equity in urban environments. Last week, in the spirit of celebrating Pride Month, I went...

Supporting Marcus Rashford’s campaign for free school meals - the story of a family-run business offers lessons and inspiration. Victoria Brookman is an On Purpose October 2019 Fellow, who completed placements at NEL Healthcare Consulting and the...

In spring 2020 Prime Minister Boris Johnson was admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Members of the British government described the virus as a “great leveller” on the basis that it affects people from all walks of life. The fallacy of this claim...

Applications are open for the third cohort of the On Purpose Pathfinder Programme . This Programme is for people who want to make fundamental changes in their lives, but are unsure where to start. Femke van der Veer, expert facilitator, tells us...

Patrick Ellen (he/him) is an October 2020 On Purpose associate, currently on placement at Sustainable Ventures where he is focussing on broadening access to employability and entrepreneurship in the cleantech sector. If you do one thing during...