We are delighted to introduce Christina Hicks FIEP, Director of Employability & Creative Programmes at Catch22, as an IEP Fellow. She has over 10 years’ experience in the youth employment sector. With a focus on achieving Catch22’s vision of supporting people with complex barriers into sustainable employment or training, Christina oversees the operational delivery of services across England with responsibility for a team of over 90 staff, as well as managing a diverse range of corporate and public sector funders.
Prior to working at Catch22, Christina was Head of Programmes at UK Youth, working across a portfolio of inspiring projects that gave young people the skills they need to lead fulfilling lives. She also spent 5 years as a frontline worker at one of London’s largest housing associations, Peabody, where her career in the charity sector began as a NEET to EET caseworker. In a previous life she worked in both the advertising and publishing industries, before studying for an MA in Youth and Community Work.
Christina is passionate about the development of individuals with barriers as active citizens that have a valid contribution to make to society and aims to use her position as a senior leader in the charity sector to implement new and innovative pathways for excluded people into employment, using this platform to make recommendations for wider policy and political reform.
“I am delighted to have been made a Fellow of the IEP,” Christina said. “Throughout my career, I have spearheaded initiatives that empower young people to successfully navigate significant life transitions, especially those that face multiple barriers to progression.
“Specifically, I have led projects that address barriers to education, employment, and social integration, resulting in measurable improvements in long-term outcomes. My expertise lies in developing strategic frameworks and implementing evidence-based approaches, ensuring programmes are both impactful and sustainable.
“I am particularly drawn to the IEP’s mission to improve lives for all in society and believe that my background aligns seamlessly with that vision. I am eager to bring my strategic insight, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of young people into the role of Fellow.”
Fellows of the IEP are a community of passionate and influential professionals from within the Employability sector. They work to share best practice through the sector, and also to support the vision and mission of the IEP.
