bridge builders mentoring
Cheltenham
Concern surrounding underachievement of young males was brought into sharp focus
in 2007 by the independent REACH report. Sponsored by The Home Office, The
Department for Communities and Local Government and The Department for Education
and Families, the report explored the costs associated with the problems that
can arise from a disadvantaged socio-economic background, in this case
specifically for young black males. These costs are associated with
over-representation in the Criminal Justice System and reduced gross earnings
and taxes associated with educational underachievement. They are estimated at
£808 million a year and could amount to £24 billion over the next 50 years if
the underlying issues are not addressed. From a working-class background
himself, Clive attributes his corporate career success to hard work and
maintaining a positive attitude. A key finding of the REACH report was a lack of
positive male role models, particularly black male role models, in the media and
the lives of young men. Clive knows from experience that the socio-economic gap
to success can be bridged – he has held a number of senior level HR positions,
is a company director and was awarded an OBE in 2010 for his contributions to
the REACH report and the workplace mediation industry. Thus his involvement in
the REACH report, together with his own personal experience, has inspired the
development of the Bridge Builders Mentoring Scheme.
