Future Leader Initiative
Recognising excellence in future leader initiative.
Category: Programme Excellence
Does your organisation lead in Future Leader Initiative?
We’re searching for employers who are shaping the future of STEM through innovation, inclusion, and meaningful early-career impact. This award celebrates organisations who are investing in the next generation — through outstanding programmes, creative hiring, or inspiring outreach.
More than just an award, this is a platform to showcase your leadership in early careers. You’ll gain recognition across the UK STEM community, connect with outstanding young talent, and shine a light on the initiatives that set your organisation apart.
To enter, you must be:
– A UK-based organisation recruiting or supporting early careers in STEM
– Able to evidence real impact, innovation, or inclusive practice
In partnership with:
Who Should Enter
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In partnership with:
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The Free Association
The Free Association started in 2014 with a small group of hungry Improvisers lead by Graham Dickson, Max Olesker and Ivan Gonzalez (Pictured Right). They approached a new East London Theatre (Now The home of the FA) and it’s owners Jonny Collis and Ryan Dench, looking for a night to showcase their skills.
Shortly after the first show, Mike Orton-Toliver joined the crew to start our school. With early support from LA’s finest Jim Woods - Graham, Mike, Jonny and Ryan built The Free Association from the ground up.
…
Lots of other stuff happened… and a decade later, here we are!
What Could You Win?
A half-day workshop for a team of up to 14 people
drawn from our corporate training curriculum
This can focus on:
Communication & Collaboration,
Confidence in Presenting,
Or building an idea-friendly team environment
(whichever best fits the winner’s organisational priorities).
Judging Process
Each student submission will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts and early career professionals.
Entries will be scored against key criteria: impact, innovation, inclusivity, and evidence of results. Finalists will be announced and invited to a celebration event, where the category winners will be revealed.
STEM students bring their curiosity, creativity, and lived experience to help assess which employers truly stand out to the next generation.
Student Voice
1
Early careers professionals use their recruitment expertise and deep understanding of the STEM landscape to spot genuine innovation and impact.
Early Career Peers
2
A powerhouse panel of respected STEM leaders brings strategic insight, sector knowledge, and a keen eye for excellence to the judging process.