ORT UK appoints new CEO as student demand hits record high

ORT UK has appointed a new chief executive as the charity faces unprecedented demand for its flagship mentoring and employability programmes, with the organisation warning that hundreds of students could miss out if it does not receive additional support.

Jude Jackson, who joined ORT UK last month, told guests at Monday’s scaled-back annual dinner in Marylebone that more than 550 young people applied for the ORT JUMP Mentoring this year – exceeding current capacity across 14 schools.

“Without additional funding, some of those young people will have to be turned away,” she said. “Every single application represents a young person full of potential.”

The event – limited to around 80 supporters due to the cost-of-living crisis – maintained a focus on directing funds “straight into empowering the next generation”, according to organisers.

Chair Annette Kurer said ORT’s mission, established in 1880, has always been about “bridging the gap between ability and opportunity”. She added: “Over the past 16 years, the programme has shaped the futures of over 3,700 students. We are relying more than ever on the generosity of our donors as we expand our offerings.”

Youth voices were central to the evening. Year 13 Yavneh College student Sam Rose-Isaacs, who hopes to become a teacher, said mentoring “helped me understand what employers look for and gave me the clarity I needed about my future goals”.

Fellow participants Molly and Liberty, both in Year 11, said the ORT JUMP employability skills challenge taught them “teamwork, communication and confidence you don’t learn in a classroom”, adding that the experience helped them “think beyond GCSEs to real careers”.

Schools warned the support is now essential. Hasmonean Girls’ Head of Sixth Form Charlotte Valencia said: “The transition from education to employment is more complex than ever. ORT JUMP gives students a sense of professionalism and aspiration schools simply cannot replicate.”

ORT UK also fundraises for global World ORT programmes across more than 40 countries, including Ukraine. World ORT’s Gaynor Collins said she had seen first-hand the “resilience and determination” of pupils learning “under constant missile attacks”, adding: “We are not just educating – we are building connections that will last a lifetime.”

Guest speaker Ronel Lehmann, Founder and CEO of employability organisation Finito, said careers support has never been more critical for young people facing tougher routes into work.

“Today’s young people face some of the toughest recruitment challenges we’ve ever seen,” he said. “Helping them build confidence and resilience isn’t optional – it’s essential.”

He urged supporters to lean in further: “Nothing gives us greater pleasure than helping a young person find a meaningful career. If you’re not doing it, you should be – and if you are, you should do more.”

Jackson praised the charity’s “exceptional reputation” and said her priority is ensuring no school leaver is left behind: “The work being done here is transformative – and I invite everyone to be part of what comes next.”