This is the first step towards creating ‘London’s Future 500’ – 500 jobs and training opportunities in socially responsible businesses for young people aged 18-24 who are not in education, employment or training.

The contract is funded by the Department of Work and Pensions through the Future Jobs Fund.

In delivering the programme SEL will be partnering with members of its 1300 network to enable young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to work for some of the most socially and environmentally progressive organisations in the country.

The aim is to demonstrate to beneficiaries the outstanding impact which can be achieved through social enterprise: and ultimately to create London’s ‘Future 500’ young social entrepreneurs.

Social Enterprise London CEO Allison Ogden-Newton said: “I am delighted that we have won the contract to deliver London’s Future 500. Social enterprise is all about achieving practical, business led solutions to the most complex, deep rooted problems affecting society and the environment.

"Through this programme we will enable some of London’s most disadvantaged young people to find work with businesses which, we hope, will inspire them to become the social entrepreneurs of the future. Its cutting edge stuff and we’re delighted to be involved with it.”