Baachu Talk - Episode 7 Chris Wright, Chief Executive, Catch 22

Today’s guest is Chris Wright Chris Wright is Chief Executive of Catch22, the social business driving public service reform. He leads the team of 1,800 staff and volunteers that supports over 60,000 people nationally. Chris has 30 years' experience across the social care and criminal justice systems. Chris originally trained as a social worker and probation officer, establishing Nottingham’s first multi-agency Youth Offending Team) and policy (as Head of Performance at the Youth Justice Board). Chris has long advocated the need for radical reform of a wide range of public services. Under his leadership, Catch22 has not only delivered significant frontline impact, but has grown its work supporting others to transform their services; from advising government behind closed doors through to supporting and investing in big ideas and small delivery charities. Chris is a 2018 Grant Thornton ‘Face of a Vibrant Economy,’ a Fellow of the British Exploring Society, a trustee of Community Links, a trustee of Only Connect, a trustee of Catch22 Multi-Academy Trust and Launch22, a non-executive director at Capacity – the public services lab and a non-executive director at Big Society Capital. Chris’s belief in social justice extends to his commitment to Nottingham Forest one day returning to the Clough glory years. He is also a visiting lecturer at Cass Business School’s Centre for Charity Effectiveness. In this insightful episode, we will discuss Chris Early Life and Career His role at Nottingham city council and Youth justice board Catch 22 career leadership and Catch 22 ecosystem British Exploring Society journey Big Society Capital Business Impact Challenge experience “Incubate, Accelerate, Amplify” programme initiative Visiting lecturer at Cass Business School’s Centre for Charity Effectiveness Views on probation outsourcing Key achievements so far 3 things not many people know about him Response to Covid19 Lockdown diaries and shout outs Adaptation to new normal People influence in his life and career One thing he wish he had known early in his career One kind or thoughtful thing someone did to him Kindest person he knows Best piece of advice he has receive Few random questions If you could be an Olympic athlete, in what sport would you compete? What trait do you like the most about yourself? When you are having a bad day, what do you do to make yourself feel better? What random stranger has had the biggest impact on your life? What song do you sing only when you are alone and what memory does it bring back? What's the most courageous thing you've ever done? Which storybook/cartoon character do you like the most? Who haven’t you seen or talked to in a long time and hope they are doing okay? Key Nuggets Third sector as alternative provider of public services Public sector tend to be compliance led and not focussed on outcomes Marriage of good commercial discipline with social purpose You need people who will help you along the way Lot of people we work with dont benefit from broadband There is a digital divide in the country In times of crisis people who suffer most are the poorest and the vulnerable Nottingham forest is part of me People have become more introspective and reflective of their lives Dont let anybody judge you Time is an important gift I am always humbled by peoples kindness Be more bit more patient Dont assume authority will be ascribed to you You are what you are and be grateful for your opportunities Listen in to know kindest social reformist, Chris Wright. Support the show Tune in to Baachu Talk Equity Matters and be inspired by our guest's tireless dedication to championing social justice and compassion: https://baachu.com/baachu-talk-equity-matters-podcast/