What we do

What type of work will I be doing?

In every placement, On Purpose Associates work closely with a senior manager, working either on a discrete project or assisting in the day-to-day running of the organisation. For example, the placement at HCT Group has involved developing a framework and process for measuring the organisation's social impact with the Deputy CEO, and the Associate on placement with O₂ is launching a a website in the education space together with the head of brand strategy.

Who will be my manager?

In each placement, you will work with one nominated manager who will help ensure you and the placement host get good value from the work you do. You will meet this manager at least once a week. In addition, On Purpose provides help with problem solving and peer support.

Can I choose my placement?

Associates will be be able to express a preference, as will the placement hosts. We will try to ensure that you work on at least one of your top preferences, but we can’t guarantee it. We will also take account of our placement hosts’ preferences, as with any standard recruitment process.

Will I be exposed to the placements the other Associates are on?

Yes. During the Friday training sessions, time has been set aside to allow Associates to share their experiences and learn from each other. This is often one of the best ways to learn and we will help and encourage Associates to share their experiences. We will also make sure that you have the opportunity to meet people from all the placement organisations and we plan to visit them as well.

Will I get time off?

Yes. You will get the same holiday terms as a full-time employee at the equivalent level in the organisation providing the placement.

How do I apply?

There is more information about the application process here.

Does On Purpose prefer people with private sector or social sector experience?

No. On Purpose is designed to provide opportunities for anyone who has work experience, regardless of what sector that experience is in. We look for people who have the potential to become leaders. Whatever sector you have worked in, you will bring valuable experience and insights.

How much will I earn? How will I get paid?

You will be paid £20,000 directly by the organisations providing your placements. The organisations will either pay you automatically through their payroll system or after you send them an invoice (which means you may have to become a sole trader). On Purpose will help you with the process of setting yourself up as a sole trader and managing your accounts if needed. 

Why only £20,000, I currently earn more than this?

On Purpose believes that paying a good salary to high-calibre people is not only the right but also the smart thing to do. However, many organisations in this sector are able to attract volunteers and interns who work for free, so £20,000 is a big commitment for them.

To obtain the same kind of experience and training that On Purpose will provide you with, many people would volunteer or even pay to be part of an academic programme.

So we believe that we are striking the right balance by ensuring On Purpose Associates earn enough to live on and not making it too prohibitive for all kinds of purpose-driven organisations to take part.

Where will the projects be?

All of the placements will be in or around London. If you have to travel further afield as part of your work, your costs will be reimbursed by the placement host.

Is this is programme full-time?

Yes. The placements will be full-time jobs, and the training and associated assignments will mean you have a busy schedule.

When does the programme happen?

The second cohort of Associats start in the middle of January 2011 and the programme runs until December 2011.

Why do you have companies like O₂ and charities like Comic Relief in your placements? They’re not social enterprises.

On Purpose aims to develop the next generation of leaders across all kinds of purpose-driven organisations. These include social divisions of profit seeking companies and charities. Also, we believe that the next generation of leaders will need to bring together the best from all sectors. Placements in the private and charitable sector will help you learn and develop the skills you will need to overcome the kinds of challenges that social enterprises and other purpose-driven organisations face.

Who is behind On Purpose?

For more on the On Purpose team, click here. On Purpose is also supported by leaders across the private and social sectors, who are providing placements, training or both.

Is On Purpose a charity?

We are in the process of registering as a charity.

Will you help me find a job after the placements end?

We will certainly help you with finding a job after On Purpose. We hope that it might be in one of the placement organsations or other organisations in the On Purpose network. Obviously, we can’t guarantee you a job, but we do have a wide network.