James Barrack is director of Knight Property Group and founder of the Barrack Charitable Trust which has given sizeable donations to a number of charities.
A gold patron of The Prince’s Trust, James sits on the board of the Prince’s Trust Scottish Advisory Council. He tells Your Job why it’s important for business figures to support their wider community.
“I’ve been involved with The Prince’s Trust for a number of years because I have always believed that education and support, both financial and practical, are crucial factors in getting young people out of difficult and destructive situations.
“The Trust works to give youngsters a second or, in some cases, a first chance in life. Almost one in five young people are struggling to find a job, many having never worked. Research from The Prince’s Trust shows long-term unemployed young people are more than twice as likely as their peers to believe they have nothing to live for.
“Of those young people supported by the Trust, many have a history of homelessness, crime or mental health issues. The same research showed 40% of jobless young people have faced symptoms of mental illness – including suicidal thoughts, feelings of self-loathing and panic attacks – as a direct result of unemployment.
“For young people with patchy education or who don’t have the benefit of supportive parent figures, stepping forward into training or education can be a difficult choice. For some, it means rethinking how they have always viewed themselves and daring to believe they can become a success.
“The Prince’s Trust encourages these young people to take responsibility for themselves, to build a life they have chosen rather than the one they’ve ended up with, whilst providing them with a wide range of support throughout their journey.
“Being on The Prince’s Trust Scottish Advisory Council means I am at the forefront of supporting a number of initiatives and programmes which go towards developing key skills, confidence and motivation, enabling young people to move into work, education or training.
I regularly meet those the Trust supports and spend time with participants at the beginning and the end of programmes. The programmes really are a life-changing process for the young participants and it is hugely satisfying to have played a part in enabling this.
“Knowing monies raised and donated will help young people within my community is something I am passionate about
“In addition to donations, we look to work with young people on the apprentice programmes, supporting youngsters to reach their full capabilities and to apply themselves to the commercial property industry. Financial support enables the Trust to run schemes but just as important is the backing of the many companies who offer their time and expertise to give young people advice, encouragement, experience and hope.
“These companies can benefit hugely too. By working with charities to run programmes that bring young people into their workplace and work with their staff to build their confidence, skills and experience, companies often reap the rewards.
“The economy in Aberdeen is proving different to the rest of the country and while youth unemployment is lower here than elsewhere, we are still seeing the negative impact the skills gap amongst our young people can have, especially in sectors such as oil and gas.
“A recent programme organised by the Trust, Get into Oil and Gas, gained financial and practical support from a number of Aberdeen-based businesses. The six-week programme was based in the north-east and gave local youngsters the opportunity to learn key skills for use in the oil and gas sector. A number of participants have since secured roles in the industry.
“By working with 16–24-year-olds who have faced long-term unemployment, employers are often able to train them up from scratch, equipping them with the specific skills that are needed for their workplace, instilling a working ethos which carries over no hang-ups from previous employment.
“What’s more, when speaking to young people, I’ve routinely seen the loyalty and commitment they show towards their employer. The enthusiasm they have for working for a company that was the first to give them a chance leads to them being more engaged with the job and the employer, fostering a positive working environment that can only benefit the young person in their future career as well as the general morale with other staff.
“Staff at Knight Property Group are encouraged to be involved in charitable activities, taking time out to design flyers, participate in events and brainstorm fundraising activities – it all counts. I believe it is important for each individual team member to feel pride in what we, as a company, are doing.
“In the six years, we have worked with the Prince’s Trust, it has, in some ways, become part of our business, and we look to continue this ethos as we grow as a company.
“I firmly believe that those of us with the financial capacity or who can spare the time or the resources, have an ethical obligation to give to support the next generation to fulfil their potential.”