Meet the Rise volunteers unlocking the nation’s potential

By taking part in our workshops for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, you’re not only building their skills and knowledge, you’re also strengthening your own.

Rise has become a powerful force for social mobility since its launch in 2021, engaging more than 40,000 young people through the delivery of more than 688 workshops across the UK.

These two to three-hour workshops, specifically designed for 11-16 year-olds from low socio-economic backgrounds, help attendees build crucial workplace skills such as teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. And through interactive challenges and professional mentorship, students gain perspective on various career paths and opportunities they might not otherwise consider.

The participation of volunteers from Rise’s partner companies is essential to the success of this initiative. We met three volunteers to discover how taking part has helped them grow personally and professionally.

Volunteer voices: making a difference

Fiona Hollands FCA

Fiona Hollands, Director of Finance at The Architectural Heritage Fund, has found her volunteer experience deeply rewarding. She has witnessed firsthand how Rise workshops transform student confidence within just a single workshop.

“Young people are so energetic and enthusiastic – it’s infectious. And their take on things is interesting. When working through the workshop challenges, their perspective is often different from mine,” Fiona explains. She observes how students evolve during sessions, too: “They come in and some are quite cheeky – they’re good fun – but some are quite shy and reticent. You see them start to become more confident.”

Having volunteered in London and Norfolk, as well as taking part in online sessions, Fiona feels a profound sense of purpose in her involvement. “Volunteering for Rise has also made me feel pride in being a member of an Institute that is trying to tackle social mobility,” she explains.

“The programme is not about becoming an accountant but giving young people the tools to pursue the life they want to lead. Ultimately, it will benefit all of us.”

John Dunne

John Dunne, Senior Manager in Digital, Data & Technology at Grant Thornton UK Advisory & Tax, brings his own journey of social mobility to his volunteer work with Rise.

“Volunteering for Rise is an amazing experience, and I would recommend it to anyone. I was a child of blue-collar parents and a 1980s state school kid,” John explains. After beginning his career as a chef, he found his way into business and has now spent 30 years in professional services, including cyber security.

Having supported approximately ten workshops across England and Wales, John values the enthusiasm he encounters. “You can be galvanised by these kids. They’re so enthused and they want to learn and understand,” he reflects.

“There is a vast resource of untapped talent that would revolutionise the way we work if given the chance.”

Chris Edgar ACA

Chris Edgar, Assistant Audit Manager at Grant Thornton, has volunteered at workshops in Liverpool, near where he grew up, which enables him to bring a personal understanding to the importance of social mobility.

“Volunteering for Rise has given me a chance to explain a little about my own background and have a new experience of visiting a school and talking to students,” Chris shares, noting that volunteering has helped develop his public speaking skills.

Chris sees education as fundamental to breaking cycles of disadvantage. “There are so many people who just don’t know that these career paths are available to them. The workshops are a chance to influence even just one person to start thinking about their career,” he explains.

“Children growing up in poorer areas need to know the kinds of careers that are possible for them.”

Broader impact: transforming society

By seeking to address challenges to social mobility in the UK, Rise is helping to diversify talent pipelines and break down stereotypes about professional careers.

“By supporting social mobility in this way, volunteers can contribute to a more positive future through the support and development of people who would not necessarily consider certain professions as a career,” John Dunne emphasises.

Fiona agrees that Rise workshops help demystify different career paths. “Finance is still misunderstood,” she explains. “I really enjoy telling people all the different things I do in my job, many of which have nothing to do with calculators, but all to do with communication and teamwork.”

The initiative also benefits firms by enabling them to tap into a diverse talent pool. “When you work for a big firm, you’re surrounded by privilege, and so it’s important to take a step back and acknowledge that. Bigger firms do have a responsibility to try and support where they can,” Chris reflects. “It’s good for them, too, not just from a box-ticking, cynical perspective, but because they are reaching a pool of talent they wouldn’t otherwise.”

Looking forward: building on success

By showcasing professionals from diverse backgrounds and sharing their experiences and knowledge, Rise is not only building skills among students but also changing perceptions about career pathways and opportunities. The initiative exemplifies ICAEW’s commitment to social mobility and showcases how volunteering can create meaningful change for both students and volunteering professionals alike.

For those inspired by the stories of Fiona, John, and Chris, volunteering with Rise offers an opportunity to make a tangible difference in young people’s lives while gaining new perspectives and skills. The more professionals who join this important work, the more Rise will continue to expand its impact, creating pathways to success for students regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Join us in building a brighter future. Become a volunteer today and help us transform lives.