Form the Future strengthens leadership team in response to rapid company growth

Form the Future has appointed Prashant Shah as its Chair. Prashant brings his passion for community and culture to the not-for-profit careers and employment company at a point of rapid growth.

As a lack of skilled staff continues to fuel an ongoing recruitment challenge across our region, Form the Future enables school children and young people with the skills and competencies to flourish in the 21^st Century workplace, and showcases the range of careers and education pathways available.

Anne Bailey, CEO of Form the Future, said: “We are delighted to welcome Prashant as our new Chair and thank Garry Havens for his leadership and his continuing support on the board.”

She continued: “The appointment of Prashant comes at a point when we are in a strong position to strengthen our leadership and delivery teams, continue to expand our programmes, and bring in new partnerships to impact even more school children and young people.”

On his appointment, Prashant Shah, co-founder and co-CEO of o2h, said: “As an Investor in life science and tech companies in Cambridge, I am passionate about building ecosystems that provide real-world interactions to inspire young people on their career path.”

He continued: “With established partnerships across diverse industries and schools, Form the Future is leading the way in early career education and STEM outreach. I’m excited to take on the role of Chair and drive the strategy for the next phase of growth.”

Two new executive roles add to Form the Future’s expanding team, which has doubled in size since England was plunged into lockdown in 2020.

Stepping into a new role, Cinzia Brusini is promoted to Chief Programme Officer. Former Head of Careers within Form the Future, Cinzia, said: “The company’s growth over a challenging time is testament to its robust and impactful programmes. I am delighted to step up to this new position and focus on further development of our outreach and delivery of engaging careers education.”

Cinzia is currently on maternity leave and Form the Future welcomes experienced service delivery specialist and business strategist Kath Austin to the interim position.

Joining as Head of Operations, Steve Thompson will lead day-to-day operations and work with the executive team to develop long term plans that usher in new levels of productivity and success. Steve has vast experience in digital media and publishing, and specialist knowledge in talent development and programme management.

Other recent additions include Kathryn Fladgate as senior programme manager, Ian Swain as Partnerships Manager and David Hawkins who’s joined from Bar Hill Primary School to lead the STEM outreach programmes. With several other roles in careers guidance, finance and project management roles, this brings the team to 27 – a significant increase from the two founders in 2015.

Since Form the Future was founded it has reached more than 88,000 school children and young people through over 850 events across the region. In June this year, the company organised the almost 2,000 students to attend the first ever Cambridgeshire County Day. The day provided an opportunity for the students to be inspired by the county’s vibrant business community.

As managers of Cambridge LaunchPad, a collaboration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) organisations, Cambridge LaunchPad earlier this year expanded its STEM outreach programme and welcomed seven new partners across diverse industry sectors.

The number of partnerships continues to increase, with six new Form the Future and Cambridge LaunchPad partners in the last four months.