About the BLD Foundation The focus of the BLD Foundation is on three strands – diversity, talent management and social mobility. We run an established and respected national programme with a small but dedicated team that has achieved good success with well-known organisations including Barclays, BP, , Matrix Chambers, , Sidley Austin and the Jomati Foundation. We are currently sponsored and supported by leading law firms, ’ Chambers, Law Schools, two FTSE 100 companies and two Trusts and Foundations.

The Aim of the BLD Foundation The BLD Foundation’s charitable aim is the advancement of education of people of African, Asian, Caribbean and other ethnic minorities and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our focus is therefore on diversity, social mobility and talent nurturing among these target groups and in so doing, changing lives.

Our charitable aim is achieved through our flagship Legal Gateway Scheme (LGS), providing access for those aged 13-30 to a wide range of opportunities in the legal industry; including training and information about the available opportunities and equipping participants with the skills to take advantage of these opportunities. The scheme runs nationwide with particular focus on London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

The Legal Gateway Scheme (LGS)

Today’s Children, Tomorrow’s Lawyers (TCTL) Targets select school students and provides them with necessary information, support, and guidance towards achieving their career goals. TCTL events and workshops are for se- lected schools in disadvantaged areas with a high number of ethnic minorities including London, Birmingham, andManchester. The programme is for those in years 9 - 13, typically aged 13-19 years

First Headstart (FH) Launched in July 2013 for First Year Law, Second Year Non-Law Students. It’s Purpose is to provide an insight into what is required to secure a , equip students with information and basic skills about their next steps and to act as an LLP programme “taster”.

Make a Difference Be the Difference (MDBD) Connects a mentee with a mentor (12 month duration) who will provide them with advice, guidance and support in order to enable them to explore options, focus thoughts, make better rounded decisions and take a proactive approach to their career. About the Legal Launch Pad programme The Legal Launch Pad (LLP) programme started in January 2008 and covers London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds (although work placements also take place in Newcastle, Reading and Bristol). The yearly intake is a maximum of 60 participants and selection is by online application form. Successful applicants undertake a series of intensive training seminars, work placements run by sponsoring organisations, and receive one-to-one support including mentoring. Areas covered include different routes into the profession, career planning, career options on qualification, presentation skills, commercial awareness, negotiation, interviews (including mock interviews), and drafting (including drafting CVs, covering letters and application forms).

2013 2014

Total number of beneficiaries 41 40

Ethnicity Asian 27% 45% African/ Caribbean 59% 52.5% Mixed 7% 2.5%

White 5% 0% Other 2% 0%

Gender Female 63% 65% Male 37% 35%

Disabilities Disabled 5% 5% Not Disabled 95% 95% Activities Limited 5% 7.5%

First Generation to receive Further/ University Education Yes 66% 52.5% No 34% 47.5%

School (between the ages of 11-18) UK State 76% 82.5% UK Fee Paying 7% 12.5% Non-UK 17% 5% BLD Foundation Sponsors and Supporters Alison Wetherfield Jomati Sidley Austin Allen & overy Lexis Nexis The University of Law Barclays Matrix Chambers White & Case BP No5 Chambers BPP University DAC Beachcroft Reed Smith DLA Piper Shoosmiths How to support the BLD Foundation Without the generous support of sponsors and donors we would be unable to provide all of BLD Foundation’s programmes free of charge to the participants. We are extremely grateful to our funders and need more support to continue with our work and plan for the future. You can help by becoming a Corporate Sponsor, or Friend of the BLD Foundation by making a corporate or individual donation.

We welcome companies and individuals who would like help us make a difference by sponsoring individual or groups of students through our programme. We are also in urgent need of in kind donations such as:

• Industry mentoring; • Event Venues; • Work Experience Places (TCTL and LLP); • Presenters to deliver our programmes and/or provide training and interview practice; • Support with our printing costs.

For more about getting involved, please visit our website: www.BLDFoundation.org.uk Contact the BLD Foundation Email: [email protected] Website: www.BLDFoundation.org.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 203 773 8187