ThinkForward identifies young people who face challenges on their paths to employment and provides them with a dedicated, long-term coach who supports them to build the skills, independence, and confidence they need to succeed in the world of work.
ThinkForward & Impetus
Founded by Impetus in 2010, ThinkForward has grown from an idea, taking evidence of 'what works' in supporting young people most at risk of being out of education, training or employment (long-term trusted adult relationships, employer engagement, parental-school involvement), to a highly respected, intensive, long term programme, supporting 1,400 young people per year across London, Kent and the Midlands.
During this time, ThinkForward have also been critical to the development of Impetus’ Driving Impact approach, donor retention, organisational strategy and development of our EDI strategy.
Their programme beats national benchmarks - 80% of young people on Pupil Premium involved with ThinkForward transitioned into education, employment, or training.
Our work together in numbers
Since 2010, we have invested a total of £1.5 million in direct grants, £925k in co-investment, and £1.7 million in pro bono support.
Through the expertise of our dedicated Investment team, we supported ThinkForward with strategy development, impact measurement, leadership coaching, income generation.
In 2013*
2022/23 (Compound annual growth rate)
Income
£1.03m*
£2.6m (10%)
Reach
100*
1,356 (30%)
*ThinkFoward was incorporated in 2012 after being founded by Impetus in 2010. We have used numbers from the end of the organisation's first full year so we can calculate CAGR.
Donor and pro bono partnerships
None of this work would have been possible without the support of our wonderful donors and their commitment to deep, lasting partnerships with Impetus and our charities – providing not just funding but practical and strategic guidance through their pro bono networks.
ThinkForward has been supported by a range of donors and pro bono partners, including CD&R, which committed to a co-investment deal running until September 2025.
ThinkForward have recieved support from our world-class pro-bono network 90 times, with a combined value of £1.7m.
In their words
We are hugely grateful to Impetus for their partnership since our inception.
As a result of their support, we have transformed the way we measure and manage the impact we have on young people’s lives. This is essential for a sustainable future.
It has been great to participate in their peer support forums for CEOs, fundraising, impact and communications, providing an invaluable opportunity to network and share best practices and knowledge with other charities in the youth sector.
Impetus have also provided us with access to important funding, allowing us to cultivate relationships with valuable partners.
This funding has allowed us to provide coaching for even more young people, supporting them to gain the confidence, skills and independence they need to successfully transition from school to sustained employment.
Ashley McCaul, CEO, ThinkForward
ThinkForward has helped me a lot. I used to get into trouble at school and get kicked out of lessons, but my coach helped me see right from wrong. Without ThinkForward I don’t know what would have happened to me. I never understood what I was doing was wrong, but my coach helped explain it to me in a way that made me understand my actions and want to change my actions.
My coach also explained the different options for my next steps like apprenticeships, sixth form or college. He helped me with applications for college. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be in college. If I have problems I can call my coach any time and he will pick up. He’s always there.
Everyone’s seen a change in me and it makes me really happy. My friend told me he’s proud of me for staying out of trouble. My family would now describe me as someone who is confident, humble and intelligent.
I am now in my last year of my level 3 engineering course. Hopefully when I’m finished I’ll go to uni to study aeronautical engineering. I’m focused on my main goal of becoming a pilot. I’m also looking forward to buying my first car.
Elias's ThinkForward Coach, Ash, helped him to navigate school and work towards his dream career.
Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are 40% less likely pass English and maths GCSEs than their better off peers. We’re focussed on supporting young people to develop social and emotional skills; championing tutoring; and shining a light on chronically underserved young people excluded from school pass English and maths GCSEs, compared with 69% of all other pupils. With the right support, we can make life after school fairer.
Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are twice as likely to be not in employment, education, or training (NEET) as their better of peers. As co-chairs of the Youth Employment Group, we work to ensure these young people are not forgotten through the ups and downs of the economy.
