Fellow Spotlight: Jim Riddiford

We are constantly inspired by the remarkable ways our community is creating impact and bringing about positive change. This month we're thrilled to shine a light on Jim Riddiford, April 2013 Fellow, who is currently the Director of Operations at Voice 21.

I joined the On Purpose Associate Programme over a decade(!) ago and have stayed in the social impact space since then, with a particular focus on education, first at Head of Programmes at Challenge Partners and currently as Director of Operations at Voice 21.

My time at Voice 21 has been a massive learning experience, as we have scaled the number of schools we work with from 100 to 1,000, increased our headcount from 10 to 60, and put oracy at the centre of the national conversation. I’m constantly amazed at how frequently the skills and knowledge I picked up during On Purpose have come in useful during this time and have provided me with the confidence to grapple with interesting and complex challenges.

Outside of work, I spend most of my time attending toddler birthday parties and trying to be a good dad to my daughter, Iona. Having a child has made me reflect on my purpose in the world, and I am proud to be a part of a community full of such interesting and impactful people. On Purpose will always remain a big part of my identity and I’m very glad I took the plunge 10 years ago!