It is my pleasure to share our new Annual Report and welcome new CEO Leon Ward.
Many things have happened in the last year that have shaped us as a charity. The cost-of-living crisis made teaching money survival skills to young adults entering independence even more important. Similarly, school children became aware of the impact of the cost of living on their parents and carers and were keen to better understand money to build their own confidence and skills.
What we did last year
- We reached over 22,500 young people in schools and youth organisations across the UK, taking the total to almost 315,000 since 2007.
- We refreshed our charity with “Vision 2026”: MyBnk becoming the most influential, specialist financial education charity in the UK.
- We expanded our youth homelessness prevention programme by opening new Money Houses in Scotland and the Midlands.
- We appointed regional managers, and reorganised and invested in central functions such as monitoring and evaluation, human resources, business development and communications.
- We leveraged impact and evidence towards systemic change, including appearing in front of All Party Parliamentary Groups, investigating the financial education provided to care leavers by local authorities and welcoming Rishi Sunak MP to a MyBnk session in his constituency.
Plans for the future
- We work with 5-25 year olds, but will further concentrate on relative need, children in primary education and all young people entering independence.
- We will invest in reaching young people directly, digitally and through social media.
- This year we plan to deliver 40% more programmes, to reach approximately 35,000 young people. This will include a new training hub in Manchester.
- We plan to grow 20% more per year thereafter, continuing to invest in our systems and staff.
New CEO
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome and introduce MyBnk’s new CEO, Leon Ward, who takes over from me on 6 March. Leon brings a wealth of leadership experience from both various non-executive and directors’ roles across the third sector, most recently at Future First. With a background in charity governance, innovation and programme design, Leon has more than ten years’ experience as a change maker and is a champion of social justice and positive youth movements across the UK. One of his many career highlights includes creating the Young Trustee Guide in partnership with CAF. He currently sits on board committees of Refuge and The Children’s Society and is the former Deputy Chair of Brook.
Leon joins at an exciting time as MyBnk expands and innovates. I am confident that he will be bold and empathetic, leading MyBnk in our mission to create a financially capable generation of young people.
A huge heartfelt thank you for all your support.
