March 2nd 2020:
Mark Gifford has taken up the helm as Chief Executive Officer at National Citizen Service Trust, the country’s flagship youth programme. Read more.
In addition to a strong operational background, Mark also has a passion for the
development of young people. He is the chair of a school he has helped turn from
Requires Improvement to Good in its Ofsted rating. He has also helped other
schools in the same situation.
Mark Gifford said: "What NCS has achieved in its short history is deeply
impressive. I am delighted to join and lead the next phase of the journey which
will see it embedded as a key national institution. Its mission of inspiring a
generation of citizens through a shared experience that develops character and
bridges social divides is something I am passionate about.
“Making a difference to the lives of young people so they can be the best they can
be inspires me and I am excited that my skills in the private sector combined with
interests in my private life come together in a truly unique role. Our mission isn’t
to leave a better world for our young people, it is to leave better young people for
the world.”
A central part of the CEO recruitment process was the involvement of young
people. Alongside the search committee, Youth Advisor to the NCS Trust Board
Jermain Jackman worked with four NCS graduates to set a presentation task and
pose a series of follow up questions to all shortlisted candidates. The young
people were all former NCS National Youth Board members.
End
About NCS:
NCS is an experience like no other. Designed for 16-17 year olds across England
and Northern Ireland, NCS is a youth programme that runs every summer and
autumn, during school holidays. Teens get the opportunity to mix with a new
crowd, live away from home for a while, take on new challenges and in the
process build lifelong friendships.
The programme is all about emboldening young people – by giving them a taste
of independence and equipping them with essential skills for life. NCSers then
get a chance to take these new-found skills for a test-run in their local
community.
NCS is dedicated to providing a platform to make sure young people are heard
and can engage with their community by completing passion projects, raising
awareness and providing solutions to the issues they care about.
The experience might last just a few weeks, but the impact? That lasts a lot
longer. Since 2009 nearly 600,000 young people have taken part in NCS,
completing over 14.5 million hours of community action, and gaining priceless life
experiences.
NCS costs no more than £50 - with bursaries and support for those with special
educational needs or disabilities also available. NCS’s mission is to give every
young person the life-changing experience.
To find out more visit wearencs.com
Visit NCS social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
About NCS Trust
National Citizen Service Trust is a not-for-profit organisation incorporated by
Royal Charter and established to shape, support, champion and lead a thriving
National Citizen Service.
National Citizen Service Trust is registered in England and Wales with Royal
Charter Body number RC000894. Our registered office is at The Pembroke
Building, Kensington Village, Avonmore Road, London, W14 8DG.
To learn more about NCS Trust visit LinkedIn
To find out more, visit the website, or follow NCS on Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram.
