Award-winning mentoring charity Urban Synergy alongside prominent business leaders will be forming a Corporate Advisory Board to build a work-ready pool of candidates from a BAME and disadvantaged background.

The diverse Corporate Advisory Board will enable the charity to grow, and help more children across the country by supporting fundraising, idea generation and corporate participation. Companies joining the Board include UK Power Networks, Dynamic Planner, EC1 Partners, DMGT and Refinitiv.

Corporate sponsors of the charity will also provide valuable expertise, mentors and funding. Sponsors include big names such as Morgan Stanley, The International business of Federated Hermes and PwC.

Basil Scarsella, Chief Executive of UK Power Networks and member of Urban Synergy Corporate Advisory Board, said: “Our support for Urban Synergy is another example of our determination to ensure UK Power Networks is an inclusive and diverse workplace. All companies have a responsibility to ensure equal opportunities for all, and a vibrant workforce, from diverse backgrounds, ensures a whole range of fresh ideas and perspectives emerge to reflect the community we serve.”

Urban Synergy helps over 1,000 young people each year between 10-18 years of age reach their full potential through outcome-focused mentoring programmes and seminars. Through financial support, mentorship and career opening for mentees, the Advisory Board will help the charity reach more disadvantaged young people than ever.

Regardless of background, all children deserve a level playing field, says Chair of the Urban Synergy Corporate Advisory Board, Refinitiv CEO, David Craig.

“We owe it to all children, to level the playing field and create opportunities for everyone to thrive according to their abilities. The financial community will benefit enormously from more diversity, and I’m delighted at the range and depth of individuals joining this Board. I know we will make a difference.”

As well as providing sustainable funding to the charity, the Corporate Advisory Board will share their expertise, including PR & marketing, fundraising, and HR. They will develop career learning and pathways for the children served by Urban Synergy into employment through corporate insight days, job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships and other work experience.

“I am excited that business leaders have chosen to commit their energy and resources, to creating a better future for thousands of BAME and disadvantaged young people in London and beyond.” Said Urban Synergy CEO, Leila Thomas.

“Talent is everywhere, but opportunities are not. This support from businesses will help us to change that.  Organisations have been trying to resolve the imbalance of opportunity for decades, and we believe we have a blueprint that will drive change.”