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9 June 2021

Exposed Magazine

Common Purpose, a global not-for profit leadership organisation, are offering 18-25 year olds living, working or studying in South Yorkshire (Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield) the chance to work with a diverse group of peers on creating a better future for the region.

From 14-18 June for 4 half days online, Common Purpose will run a unique programme for young leaders, helping them build connections and develop their leadership skills as they work on the challenge of making their region a cleaner, greener place to be.

Sheffield150 participants will be set the challenge by Dan Jarvis, SCR Mayor. They will investigate issues, collaborate, hold difficult conversations and work up ideas. They will then test, refine and present these ideas to senior regional leaders.

The programme is free to attend thanks to sponsorship from Sheffield City Council, Sheffield City Region LEP, Westfield Health and Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust.

Sheffield150 is part of a global campaign of Legacy programmes for young leaders by Common Purpose. Everyone who completes Sheffield150 will have the opportunity to connect with their peers from other global Legacy initiatives in the US, Singapore, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Germany, and closer to home in the UK in Newcastle, Lancashire, Bradford and Leeds.


Marie Mohan, Chief Executive of Common Purpose UK said: “Our Legacy programmes pre-dated the pandemic but they are coming into their own now given how important it is that we invest in young people after the year they’ve had – in terms of the damage to their education, employment prospects and social lives. Equally, we need to involve them in shaping the recovery plans for the future of their communities and to let them know that their perspectives are valued. We need a new generation of young leaders to come through who have the commitment and ability to bridge divides and we all need to hear and support our young people with their big ideas and long-term thinking.”

Louisa Harrison Walker, Chair, Common Purpose South Yorkshire Advisory Group added: “I’m delighted Common Purpose is running one of five northern Legacy programmes here in South Yorkshire. It’s an incredible opportunity for 100 18-25 year olds to glean insights from leading lights in local business, charities and public office, as well as each other. They will discover the power of difference and the beauty of collaboration.
I’d really like to see a wide range of applicants, from all walks of life, we can’t change the story if we don’t change the story tellers and today’s young people are tomorrow’s leaders.”

Nicola Hartley, Executive Director for People & Organizational Development of Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust commented: “We are delighted to support the Legacy programme that allows our colleagues to work out of their comfort zone and challenge current practices so that they can make significant improvements in their personal development as well as meet other professionals from across the region.”

The programme takes place over four half days; running from 9.30am to 1.30pm on the 14–15 and 17–18 June. Young people aged 18-25 – in and out of work, studying, campaigning and volunteering – can apply at: https://commonpurpose.org/sheffield150