The Access Project welcomes Andrew Johnson as its new Chair. Andrew has enjoyed a successful industrial career as both a business leader and investor. Andrew is a founding Partner at Beaumont Capital, investing in early stage high growth marketing technology and data businesses. He takes over from the current Chair, Mary Curnock Cook, whose term ends after four years.
The Access Project’s work is more important than ever before
As the country emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling educational disadvantage is a more pressing challenge than ever before. The attainment gap between disadvantaged young people and their better-off peers could now be as high as 75%, according to Department for Education statistics.
The Access Project has bold ambitions to meet this challenge. The charity aims to significantly increase the number of young people it works with, transforming the access they have to top universities.
About Andrew Johnson
Andrew brings with him a broad range of experience working as both Chair and CEO in commercial organisations. Over the last few years he has focused on working with high growth businesses in the data and marketing technology areas. He has a good understanding of the challenges created as organisations grow.
Speaking about his appointment, Andrew Johnson said: “I was very impressed by how The Access Project adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organisation rose to the challenge of the pandemic and accelerated its nascent technology plan to support students through learning during the lockdown. The Access Project’s success in moving online demonstrated the strength of the organisation and its potential to continue to grow and meet the educational needs and aspirations of its students in the face of substantial obstacles.”
During the next few months, Andrew will be:
- Working with the leadership team to provide advice and guidance on how to support the charity’s growth
- Meeting with schools, students and frontline staff
- Meeting partners to understand how we can work with them to increase impact.
Andrew continued: “Over the last five years, The Access Project has grown from supporting 1,000 students to nearly 2,000 today. They track their impact with real diligence ensuring donor funds produce a tangible return with The Access Project students being twice as likely to get into a top university. I’m excited to be joining a great team and hope to help The Access Project realise its expansion ambitions.”
Nathan Sansom, Chief Executive, said: “We are excited to have Andrew Johnson on board. Andrew has demonstrated a real passion and commitment to our mission and the young people we serve. He will help take us to the next level.”
“We are now at a new stage of our journey, facing new challenges – particularly around expanding our work into new regions,” Nathan continued. “Our excitement is only tempered by our sadness at saying goodbye to Mary Curnock Cook, our current Chair. Mary leaves us in good shape.”