Today’s guest is Chris Wright
Chris Wright is Chief Executive of Catch22, the social business driving public service reform. He leads the team of 1,800 staff and volunteers that supports over 60,000 people nationally.
Chris has 30 years' experience across the social care and criminal justice systems. Chris originally trained as a social worker and probation officer, establishing Nottingham’s first multi-agency Youth Offending Team) and policy (as Head of Performance at the Youth Justice Board).
Chris has long advocated the need for radical reform of a wide range of public services. Under his leadership, Catch22 has not only delivered significant frontline impact, but has grown its work supporting others to transform their services; from advising government behind closed doors through to supporting and investing in big ideas and small delivery charities.
Chris is a 2018 Grant Thornton ‘Face of a Vibrant Economy,’ a Fellow of the British Exploring Society, a trustee of Community Links, a trustee of Only Connect, a trustee of Catch22 Multi-Academy Trust and Launch22, a non-executive director at Capacity – the public services lab and a non-executive director at Big Society Capital. Chris’s belief in social justice extends to his commitment to Nottingham Forest one day returning to the Clough glory years. He is also a visiting lecturer at Cass Business School’s Centre for Charity Effectiveness.
In this insightful episode, we will discuss Chris
Early Life and Career
His role at Nottingham city council and Youth justice board
Catch 22 career
leadership and Catch 22 ecosystem
British Exploring Society journey
Big Society Capital Business Impact Challenge experience
“Incubate, Accelerate, Amplify” programme initiative
Visiting lecturer at Cass Business School’s Centre for Charity Effectiveness
Views on probation outsourcing
Key achievements so far
3 things not many people know about him
Response to Covid19
Lockdown diaries and shout outs
Adaptation to new normal
People influence in his life and career
One thing he wish he had known early in his career
One kind or thoughtful thing someone did to him
Kindest person he knows
Best piece of advice he has receive
Few random questions
If you could be an Olympic athlete, in what sport would you compete?
What trait do you like the most about yourself?
When you are having a bad day, what do you do to make yourself feel better?
What random stranger has had the biggest impact on your life?
What song do you sing only when you are alone and what memory does it bring back?
What's the most courageous thing you've ever done?
Which storybook/cartoon character do you like the most?
Who haven’t you seen or talked to in a long time and hope they are doing okay?
Key Nuggets
Third sector as alternative provider of public services
Public sector tend to be compliance led and not focussed on outcomes
Marriage of good commercial discipline with social purpose
You need people who will help you along the way
Lot of people we work with dont benefit from broadband
There is a digital divide in the country
In times of crisis people who suffer most are the poorest and the vulnerable
Nottingham forest is part of me
People have become more introspective and reflective of their lives
Dont let anybody judge you
Time is an important gift
I am always humbled by peoples kindness
Be more bit more patient
Dont assume authority will be ascribed to you
You are what you are and be grateful for your opportunities
Listen in to know kindest social reformist, Chris Wright.
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