The Rigby Foundation: Empowering Young People Through Education and Employment Initiatives
The Rigby Foundation, founded by Sir Peter Rigby in 1992, operates on the principle that business success should go hand-in-hand with giving back to society and communities. As a registered charity (No. 1011259), the Foundation works independently of the Rigby Group, although it receives funding from the Group to support its activities.
As a family business, philanthropy remains a core value, and over the past 30 years, the Rigby Foundation has supported numerous charities and causes, focusing particularly on those that resonate with the communities in which it operates. Its key areas of interest include lifelong learning, health, and education.
Recently, the Foundation joined the Network and attended its first meeting, the Quarterly Members Roundtable Exchange. Sonia Chhatwal, Executive Director, shared insights into the Foundation's current approach in the West Midlands, informed by recent research commissioned from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).
The CSJ report, titled ‘A New Deal for Young People in the West Midlands’, highlights challenges faced by young people in education, employment, and training. It also identifies successful interventions that could be implemented to address these issues. The Rigby Foundation plans to use the findings of this report to shape its funding strategy, aiming to empower young people to excel academically and secure meaningful employment. The full report can be downloaded here.
This report marks the beginning of the Rigby Foundation’s commitment to the region. As the Rigby Group prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025, the Rigby family is reassessing the purpose of their charitable support. Future funding will concentrate on programmes designed to help children and young people succeed in education and improve their chances of obtaining sustainable employment.
The Foundation’s new ‘Inspiring Futures’ programme will focus on supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds aged between 11 and 25. This initiative will emphasise evidence-based charity programmes that facilitate educational success and employment opportunities. Sonia is currently establishing the programme, which will involve nine secondary schools and one further education college in Birmingham, alongside 11 carefully selected charity partners.
In a significant commitment to the community, the Rigby Foundation has announced an investment of £600,000 to support at least 300 young people in pursuing careers in technology within the West Midlands. This funding will back initiatives managed by Generation UK, a charity dedicated to helping young people secure technically skilled and well-paid jobs.
For those interested in current job opportunities that will assist the Executive Director in implementing this new strategic direction, please follow the links below.
Partnerships Manager:
Foundation Administrator: