Graduate stories
Almost everyone who participates in Common Purpose programmes say they've been inspired. Some go even further, saying their lives have been changed.
Common Purpose aims to be a catalyst for change. Change can take many different forms. Our graduates come to view the world in different ways. Some manage their businesses differently as a result. Others choose to be more active in their communities or in government.
Very few people emerge from Common Purpose with their prejudices and perspectives untouched.
Read how the Common Purpose experience is inspiring leaders and touching people and organisations around the UK:
Beth Duff, Director, Gentle Leadership
Beth is the Director of a team development, coaching and leadership organisation that uses horses as part of its experiential learning. Beth attended Matrix Aberdeen in 2003 and Profile in 2007 and talks about the experience.
Colin McKerracher, Chief Constable, Grampian Police
Colin regularly sends his employees on Matrix. Here he talks about the positive impact of the leadership programmes on his organisation.
Mike Kelly, European Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, KPMG Europe LLP
KPMG Europe LLP is part of a global network of member firms affiliated to KPMG International. They provide a range of professional services that help clients to meet challenges and respond to opportunities. Mike talks about the benefits from his Matrix programme.
Tim Wigglesworth, Development Manager, Hull Citybuild
Tim attended the Hull Matrix 2006-7, and found it to be “a diverse and challenging series of insights into the key issues facing Hull today and in the future."
Liz Page, Senior Director, British Red Cross
Liz took part in TheKNOW with the aim of updating her understanding of the cultural and political environment of London to help improve the impact that Red Cross has for vulnerable people in the capital.
Neil Barker, Partner, MacKellar Schwerdt
Neil Barker works for an architectural firm and was a participant on the first Common Purpose programme in Newcastle in 1989/90. Here he explains why he joined the programme and what he and his colleagues got out of it.
Baroness May Blood, Board Member, Greater Shankill Project, Belfast
May Blood works with a number of groups across Northern Ireland on issues of sustainability and regeneration. She is also involved in peace and reconciliation work. May was a participant on the 1994 Belfast programme. Read about the impact of Common Purpose on her life.
Olwyn Hocking, Head of Regional and Local Programmes, BBC
Olwyn Hocking is Head of Regional and Local Programmes at the BBC and has put her directors and producers on Common Purpose programmes over the years. She talks about the impact of Common Purpose on reporting at the BBC.
Bill Knight, Senior Partner, Simmons and Simmons
Bill Knight is Senior Partner of the international law firm Simmons and Simmons and a former Chairman of the Law Society's Company Law Committee. In 1995, he was a participant in the Common Purpose North London programme and he sent the firm's Managing Director on the programme the following year. He recounts why he joined the programme and what he - and the firm - got out of it.
Lesley Santiago, former Chair, Garth Residents Association, Hull
Lesley Santiago was Chair of Garth Residents Association on the Bransholme Estate in Hull, the largest housing estate in Europe. She tells how she came to participate on Common Purpose and the difference it has made to her.
Judy D'Albertson, Vice President Marketing, HBOS Card Services
Judy D'albertson is the Vice President Marketing of HBOS Card Services. She explains how being a participant on 20:20 opened her eyes.
Geoff Busby MBE, BCS Disability Group
Geoff Busby MBE works with the BCS Disability Group. He highlights how 20:20 broadened his view.
Deborah Hermer, Press Office, Prime Minister's Office
Deborah Hermer works in the Press Office of the Prime Minister's Office and was a participant on the 20:20 programme in June 2002. Here she explains why 20:20 is not to be missed.
Dal Babu, Chief Inspector, Metropolitan Police
Metropolitan Police Officer, Dal Babu is Chief Inspector of Operations at Enfield Borough police station and was a participant on Common Purpose London in 2001. Here he explains how he benefited.
Joanna Mee, Design Manager (Project), John Lewis Partnership
Joanna Mee is Design Manager (Project) for John Lewis Partnership and was a particpant on Common Purpose Navigator 2002. Here she describes how she recognises commonalities between the sectors
Sharmila Kar, Head of Human Resources, Disability Rights Commission
Sharmila Kar is Head of Human Resources at the Disability Rights Commission and was a participant on Common Purpose Navigator England 2002. Here she details how Common Purpose inspired her to get involved in her community.
