DESPITE PRAISE FROM the prime minister for its work with disadvantaged young people, Fairbridge is one of the latest casualties of the economic crisis in the charity sector. It will cease to function as an independent organisation in April but the Prince's Trust will take over its highly regarded work with 13 to 25-year-olds in inner cities. The merger follows the threat of substantial cuts in local authority funding for Fairbridge's 18 sites around Britain. Fairbridge works with young people that other organisations find difficult to engage, giving them the motivation, self-confidence and skills they need to turn their lives around. Staff believe the charity makes a real difference to the world, recording a positive score of 91%, in second place among the mid-sized bodies in our employee survey. The 300-strong staff, who help clients to contend with drug abuse, repeat offending and homelessness, believe the charity provides a great service (90%, in second place), think their work is stimulating (82%, the top score) and say they love working for the organisation (80%, third). Last year, Fairbridge helped 3,500 young people and its record of encouraging 85% of them to move into education, training or work has won plaudits from David Cameron. It also won the support of Damon Buffini, the former head of Permira, a private equity company, who became the organisation's president. Teamwork is critical to the charity's success and staff say they get a buzz working with their colleagues (75%, the top score) and they have fun doing their jobs (84%, also in first place). Staff have raised funds for the organisation by cycling over the Pyrenees, running the New York marathon and competing in the London triathlon. Andrew Purvis, the chief executive for the past two years, meets staff and clients beyond his London headquarters. Employees say senior managers truly live the values of the organisation (68%). Managers take an active interest in the wellbeing of their staff (78%, in third place) and people believe their jobs are good for their own personal growth (83%, a top score). fairbridge.org.uk
