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CHARITY - Chris Askew OBE OM'84
What is your profession and current position?
I’ve worked in a variety of charities over the last 23 years and am currently Chief Executive of the charity, Diabetes UK.
How did Monkton get you ready for the world of work?
Monkton’s culture built around values and pastoral care has certainly been an influence in my decisions about where and how I have wanted to work. I arrived at my career via time spent in the armed forces and in commerce previously and I think Monkton also left me with a sense of wide opportunity and the chance to explore, in the years after I left, where I might best use my talents and find the most job fulfilment.
What is your biggest professional achievement?
Steering the charity Diabetes UK through the last 2 years. People living with diabetes have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic; stepping up the charity’s work to provide all the advice, support and campaigning which that has meant, whilst also ensuring the charity remained well-funded and well-resourced, has undoubtedly been the biggest challenge and achievement of my career to date.
What has been your most challenging professional moment?
I was involved in taking a large charity I led into a merger with another charity, to form what is now Breast Cancer Now. Whilst this was undoubtedly the right thing to do, the process of merging two charities, both with strong track records of achievement and with distinct cultures, into a merger was a true professional challenge.
What inspires and motivates you at work?
I am lucky to be able to say that not a day passes in my work when I am not motivated by the opportunity to bring about positive change in people’s lives. That's not to say there aren’t difficult days at work, or times when the job can leave you despondent or exhausted, but at its heart, the purpose of charity is to work with donors and supporters to bring about a better world, in whatever area of cause, and that is a constant motivating force for me and for my colleagues at work. It follows from this, that what inspires me, is the chance to work with and support brilliant colleagues and volunteers, to use their talents, skills and time to effect change.
What is one piece of advice you would like to share with pupils or OMs about getting into your profession?
My one piece of advice to anyone considering working in the not for profit sector, is to get closer to the work and ethos of the sector in whatever way you can, whether as a volunteer, or Trustee, or fundraiser, to learn more about its culture and structure. From there, there are some good qualification options if you are looking for professional development - or equally look for job opportunities to get hands on experience. I started out as a Fundraiser, which gave me a great grounding in understanding how to communicate the purpose and impact of our work, with good opportunities for professional advancement.