Pioneering Cradle to Career initiative launches in the West Midlands

The Right to Succeed charity have launched the Cradle to Career programme to transform outcomes for children, young people and families in the most left behind communities across the region.

Currently, 36 per cent of children in the West Midlands live in poverty - the highest level in the UK.

This is being launched alongside local authorities, and partners, including the Mayor of the West Midlands, The Rigby Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, UBS Optimus Foundation and the Swann Foundation. 

The West Midlands Cradle to Career initiative builds on the transformative success of the original project, in the Liverpool City Region, which was adopted by the district’s six local authorities and described in an evaluation by the University of Manchester as a “blueprint for community transformation nationally”. 

Cradle to Career brings together residents, professionals, and leaders to collectively define and deliver the change they need and want for their communities. This has previously included raising literacy levels, improving school attendance and engagement, localising greater multidisciplinary family support, increasing participation in youth and community activities, and improving access to education, employment and training post-16.

This is done through broad collaboration among residents, professionals and leaders from across the community, its services, education settings and community & youth organisations.

As of September 2025, the West Midlands Cradle to Career programme has commenced discovery work in Blakenall, Walsall, and Bordesley Green, East Birmingham, and will be rolled out to four further wards in September 2026.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Every young person in the West Midlands should have the chance to get on in life. That’s what drives me. When we back our young people, we’re backing the future of our region - building on their talents with strong support, education and care.

 "Programmes like Cradle to Career are showing what’s possible when schools, families and local leaders work together to open up opportunity for every child.”

Steve Rigby (pictured), chair of The Rigby Foundation and co-CEO of Rigby Group, said:
“I was born and raised in the West Midlands, Rigby Group is based here, and my family and I are deeply committed to supporting the local community. That’s why The Rigby Foundation is so proud to partner with Right to Succeed, the Mayor of the West Midlands, and others to help improve the lives of our local children and young people.

“The future holds tremendous promise for our youngsters, and thanks to everyone involved, I know that Cradle to Career West Midlands will ensure that every young person in the region has the chance to thrive.”