We have some big news to share today. Effective Monday, 2 March, John Craven has officially stepped into the role of CEO at Brightside. Previously, John spent years at the heart of the social mobility movement. During that time, he scaled organizations that give young people a chance at success. Ultimately, his work ensures they thrive regardless of their starting point in life.
During John’s six and a half years as CEO of upReach, he took a small team supporting 400 students and scaled it to reach over 3,000 by 2022. He oversaw the complete rebuilding of their platform and secured major partnerships with Bank of America, the Hg Foundation, and the University of Exeter.
More recently, John served as the Director of the Social Mobility Commission. There, he was responsible for the annual “State of the Nation” report and launched new online tools designed to help employers move the needle on diversity and inclusion.
A shared belief in the power of a mentor
At Brightside, we’ve always believed that who you know shouldn’t matter more than what you can do. We connect young people with mentors from top-tier organisations to help them build the confidence and networks they need to thrive.
John completely understands that. In his own words:
“A great mentor is transformational. For young people facing structural disadvantage, it can redefine what feels possible and reshape a future. I’ve long admired Brightside’s pioneering mentoring platform and the impact of its work. I’m excited to lead the next phase of growth, deepening collaboration with leading organisations, and ensuring students from every background can thrive.”
Our Chair, Oliver Borm, echoed that sentiment today, noting that “John’s blend of digital expertise and deep sector knowledge is exactly what we need to reach more people across the UK.”
What’s next? Three core promises
Stronger Connections – First, we will work more closely with partners and policymakers. To that end, we aim to improve systemic support. Consequently, no young person should fall through the cracks.
Broader Reach – Meanwhile, we are identifying neighborhoods we haven’t reached yet. In doing so, we will expand our geographic map. Our ultimate goal is to bring Brightside directly to those who need it most.
Human-Centered Tech – Finally, while we are a digital-first charity, technology is simply a tool. In other words, the “magic” happens through people. Therefore, we will use our platform to spark the personal transformations that only one-to-one mentoring provides.
We’re incredibly excited to have John on board. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome to the team!
