The newly formed Dame Robina Shah Foundation (DRSF) promises to unlock potential and open doors for young people in Greater Manchester with the launch of its flagship programme, Futuremakers: Opening Doors.
Founded by Professor Shah, DBE JP DL, a nationally recognised health and education leader, former High Sheriff of Greater Manchester and non-executive director of the Manchester Football Association and member of The Football Association Women’s Board, and led by CEO and former UA92 learning chief Aaron Saxton, the foundation is dedicated to nurturing young people’s confidence and ambition through trusted partnerships that create new pathways for the future, alongside education, mental health initiatives, and inclusion programmes.
The Futuremakers programme begins this October at Dean Trust Ardwick, a Manchester school at the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant and socially diverse communities. It will support pupils in Years 7, 9 and 10, through:
- World-class digital skills training with partners including CompTIA, Microsoft, and AWS.
- Entrepreneurial mindset coaching with leading business figures.
- Industry immersion through site visits to organisations such as UA92, Hilton, Group55, Microsoft, The FA, Network Rail, John Lewis, Rider Levette Bucknall, ANS, and Softcat.
- Wellbeing and safeguarding support, including First Aid and Mental Health awareness training for all pupils via the Oliver Cookson Foundation.
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A distinctive feature of DRSF is its structured, application-based Honours Framework. Pupils voluntarily apply through their schools and progress through three levels of recognition:
- Bronze Award – recognising commitment to community service and emerging leadership qualities.
- Silver Award – recognising sustained involvement, peer collaboration, and co-created projects with measurable impact.
- Gold Award – recognising those who embody the Foundation’s values, lead others, and create lasting community change.
Each stage is supported by mentoring, skills development, and opportunities with partners across education, business, civic life, and community organisations.
The foundation will be represented by Dame Shah’s personal heraldic badge, formally approved by the Kings of Arms (Letters Patent in preparation). The badge symbolises wisdom, knowledge, and the opening of doors. Its five feathers and golden keys “represent empowerment, collaboration, and courage” – values at the heart of the Foundation’s mission.
Together with the founder’s coat of arms featuring the horse (strength, endurance, freedom) and scales (fairness, balance, justice), these heraldic emblems bring authenticity and gravitas to the Honours Framework, while all use of the badge is dignified, controlled, and guided by the College of Arms.
Dame Shah said: “Every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and known for who they truly are. Too many face barriers and adversity not of their own making, yet within them lies resilience, hope, and ambition. That is why I created this foundation – to stand alongside them, to recognise their strength, and to nurture their belief that they can shape a different future.
“Through Futuremakers, and with partners who share the foundation’s values, we are opening doors together — creating pathways of opportunity and dignity so every young person not only shapes their own future but uses their journey to open doors for others.”
She added: “Manchester is my home and the city that shaped me. It is built on solidarity, courage, and community spirit. At this moment in time, it has never been more important to empower young people, to celebrate diversity, and to nurture inclusion. Our pupils are carers, creators, and leaders and through Futuremakers they will step forward as the next generation of ambassadors for Manchester.”
Aaron Saxton, CEO of DRSF, added: “This is about more than careers – it’s about confidence, aspiration, and identity. By bringing together schools, employers, and role models, we’re delivering innovative, long-term programmes that will change futures across Manchester.”
Image courtesy The FA/thefa.com
