Ahead Partnership adds two directors to its board
Caroline Harrison and Emily Large are joining the Leeds-based built environment skills firm as it continues to expand its programmes across the UK.
The social value firm works to reduce the built environment skills gap, working with some of the UK’s most prominent developers, asset managers, and place-makers, including Federated Hermes MEPC, Landsec, Hammerson, Grosvenor, British Land, GPE, and SEGRO.
Founded more than 20 years ago by Stephanie Burras, Ahead Partnership has grown from a small Leeds-based initiative into a national organisation with a network of more than 50 team members.
It works in partnership with built environment employers, educators, and public sector leaders, to improve social mobility.
The appointments come following a series of programme wins and partnership announcements, including a programme with Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust in Leeds, supported by Caddick. This is focused on early intervention to support young people at risk of becoming Not in Employment, Education or Training.
Harrison joins the board with more than three decades of senior leadership experience in the industry, with experience in charity governance, partnership development, and large‑scale community programmes.
She said: “The mission, vision, and values of Ahead Partnership are a reflection of everything I stand for and believe in. We have a shared commitment to building a better future for everyone, whether in schools, business or in communities, by sharing knowledge and creating opportunities. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Currently finance director at Sumo, a provider of end-to-end development solutions to the video games and entertainment industries, Large trained with PwC before progressing into senior finance roles at retail company Wilkos.
Large said: “I’m passionate about Ahead Partnership’s work around social mobility and giving young people the tools and insight they need to succeed in their careers.
“The organisation delivers work that is genuinely transformative for young people and communities, and I’m really looking forward to supporting its continued journey.”
Welcoming both appointments, Stephanie Burras said: “Caroline and Emily both bring outstanding experience, deep personal commitment, and a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people today.
“Their insight will be invaluable as we strengthen our partnerships, increase our reach and continue to support even more young people to build confident, ambitious futures.
“I am delighted to welcome them both to the board and look forward to working closely with them as we continue to grow our impact and ensure that we can support young people to face their futures with confidence for years to come.”
