Bridge Builders Mentoring

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.