Our new 5 Million Futures education partner sponsor

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’re learning more about the experiences of colleagues involved in the relationship. Meet James Taylor, a consulting partner in Deloitte’s public sector practice who also recently became our new 5MF education partner sponsor.

A two-way impact

I’ve always believed that business can make a difference in society, especially when it comes to education and social mobility. At Deloitte, there’s a lot of competition for our time and resources, but we have a responsibility to invest in our future workforce. I think it’s a moral obligation.

We’ve got a huge amount to offer – the range of capabilities we have within professional services, everything from cyber to leadership development, are so relevant to the schools and young people supported by Teach First. But there’s a huge amount we can learn too. Getting involved in the partnership is a great way for our people to develop new skills and a better understanding of the challenges facing schools and young people today.

And the impact is also two-way. As a firm, and one of the biggest graduate recruiters, we will also benefit from a fairer education system that gives everyone equal opportunities, regardless of where they’re from.

Committed to education

As education partner sponsor I have overall responsibility for Deloitte’s relationship with Teach First, so I want to make sure we maximise our support. I work closely with the charity’s CEO Russell Hobby and the executive team and sit on the Teach First Business Leaders Council. This brings together senior representatives from corporate funders to build networks within the business community and help the charity grow.

I’ve always been deeply committed to state education, both as a parent and a school governor – indeed, one of my children attends one of our partner schools. Also, outside of Deloitte, I work with social mobility charities to run an annual summer programme that helps talented young people to apply for and thrive at top universities.

So, Teach First’s mission is close to my heart.

A special relationship

A 15-year partnership is very unusual, but at every level I see mutual trust, openness and understanding.

I want to continue building on the wonderful platform we already have and look for new ways to scale and measure our impact. We also need to extend our geographical reach – we’re stronger in some regions than others.

Deloitte and Teach First have a special relationship and everyone who has played a part should feel proud of what they’ve achieved. But we have many more opportunities to explore together and I’m excited about what lies ahead.

Find out more

Through fundraising, volunteering and pro bono work, Deloitte is helping Teach First to create more opportunities for children from disadvantaged communities to succeed and thrive.

Inspired to discover more? You can find further details of our partnership, and read our other 15th anniversary stories by visiting our Responsible Business blog.