Hot 50: THE SORRELL FOUNDATION

The charity set up by Sir John and Lady Frances Sorrell (pictured) has made it into the Hot 50 before. Its work with schools and colleges through the Joined Up Design for Schools initiative is exemplary and it has engaged schools in crime-related issues, staging a presentation by students at the Home Office to the then Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith.

Last October, it extended its work into youth centres. Under its Joined Up Design for My Place initiative, led by Will Sorrell, it is seeking to build 15 youth centres in the UK. As with the schools venture, young people will work with designers and architects to create facilities in their local area.

The Sorrells also set up a scheme for Saturday art courses for young people. The National Art and Design Saturday Club initially involved art colleges in Hereford, Leeds, Plymouth and Cleveland.

In December Sir John Sorrell was appointed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a British Ambassador to champion the UK’s creativity abroad.