BDO and Enactus expand social mobility partnership

BDO has expanded its partnership with Enactus UK and Ireland to support the Next Gen Leaders programme. 

The initiative aims to help secondary school students in areas of low social mobility build vocational skills and confidence.

The project-based learning programme allows young people to work in teams on social and environmental challenges within their communities. It is designed to develop problem solving, teamwork, and communication skills through school-delivered modules.

Enactus has operated the programme in the North of England since 2017. The expanded partnership seeks to scale the project across all UK regions over the next three years to reach students in areas where access to opportunity is limited.

BDO has worked with Enactus across UK universities for four years, providing mentoring and skills workshops to more than 1,800 students. The firm offers employees up to 10 paid days per year to participate in community projects.

Last month, 110 students and 10 BDO volunteers attended an event in Pudsey, Leeds. Almost three-quarters of the students engaged with a BDO employee, and 92% reported an increase in confidence following the session.

Head of people, culture and purpose at BDO Louise Sayers, said: “Social mobility is about more than careers – it’s about confidence, aspiration and helping young people see what’s possible for them. At the heart of Next Gen Leaders is a belief that every young person has the potential to lead. It gives students the space and confidence to explore issues that matter to them, develop their ideas and realise the value of their own voice.

“We’re proud to support the roll out of such an important initiative to target the UK’s social mobility ‘cold spots’ and help deliver a programme that puts young people at the centre and helps them build skills and self-belief that will stay with them, whatever path they choose.”

Audit trainee at BDO in Leeds Andrew Bezzina also volunteered at the Pudsey event, and added: “I wanted to give something back to young people in my area and help them believe they can achieve things they might not have thought possible. I wasn’t sure what I could offer at first, but being there, listening and encouraging them made a real difference. Sometimes your time is the most valuable thing you can give.”