Brathay’s Aspiring Leaders Programme Graduate Wins Prestigious Award for Impacting the Cumbrian Community
Brathay is proud to announce that Lisa Scargill, a recent graduate of the Aspiring Leaders Programme (ALP), has become the first recipient of The Hensman Prize. This new award recognises a graduate student who has made a demonstrable impact on the Cumbrian community.
Lisa, who graduated from the University of Cumbria with a BSc (Hons) in Social Enterprise Leadership, completed ALP—an innovative leadership development programme launched by the Francis Scott Trust in partnership with Brathay Trust in 2012. The programme, delivered in partnership with the University of Cumbria offers a fully-funded degree for those in the third sector (charitable, voluntary or community sector) in Cumbria and Lancashire who have faced barriers to higher education.
Lisa, 35, enrolled in ALP in 2021 while working at Inspira after failing to gain a promotion. Reflecting on her journey, she said, "I needed ALP for my own development. Now I’m absolutely thrilled to be graduating. It’s my first degree."
"It’s been a hard three years but an incredible experience. I see the last three years as being a huge catalyst to fulfilling my potential and of what can be achieved. I’ve been fortunate to have had the support of both my employers whilst on the programme."
Lisa
Brathay's Head of Delivery at Ambleside, Frank Clayton said, "We’re extremely proud of Lisa’s achievements. The Aspiring Leaders Programme isn’t just about cultivating future leaders for the third sector, it’s about giving its participants the confidence to make a difference to their communities, using what they learn as a catalyst for change. Lisa has done just that, using ALP as a platform to help many young people build the brighter futures they deserve.”
Lisa's graduation this week coincides with her recent promotion to Regional Social Impact Manager across the North of England for her current employer, Balfour Beatty.
During her time on ALP, Lisa’s achievements have included:
- Planning and implementing a project to support children in Cumbria with reading.
- Hosting Dream Placement students for Balfour Beatty, helping to raise aspirations for young people.
- Securing donations and funding for places on The Mighty Hike, a fundraising challenge in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
- Supporting careers education in local schools.
- Supporting the Whitehaven Health & Wellbeing Festival.
- Volunteering to support youth centre career aspiration sessions, conducting mock interviews with Inspira, and assisting third sector apprentices and trainees.
- Allocating £30,000 in sponsorships to grassroots community causes.
Building on her accomplishments, Lisa has now been accepted to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration at the University of Cumbria.
ALP is a fully-funded degree that transforms the lives of professionals in Cumbria and Lancashire. If you would like to support this programme please get in touch with us.
