Pentland Brands is joining mission-led start-up The People to form a new youth advisory board at the heart of its employee experience. 

We’re seeking young people under 30 in our key markets – the UK, USA, India, Vietnam and China – to act as a focus group and inform key strategic decisions. The youth board, now open for applications until Friday 18th August, will shape how our business supports, nurtures and develops our current and potential employees.

The move comes from recent research by the Corporate Counsel Business Journal showing that, while over 50% of the world’s population is under 30, the average age of a Board of Directors is almost 60.

Alongside the young changemakers that form part of The People’s network, the youth board will be made up of employees from our internal D&I networks, including LGBTQ+ communities, Black colleagues and their allies, women and wellbeing. The group will offer diverse perspectives to tackle key business challenges, redefining the employee experience from reward to recruitment.   

The Pentland Collective, co-created by Pentland Brands, The People and young changemakers, was first developed in 2022 to address career barriers faced by young people from underrepresented communities.  

Underpinning this partnership with The People is our goal to support one million people in our communities. This goal forms part of our positive business strategy, which outlines our commitment to take action for people and our planet by our business’ centenary year in 2032. 

Kian Bakhtiari, founder of The People, says: “We are proud to partner with Pentland Brands, a company that is engaged and willing to listen, learn and support a new generation of global talent. The Pentland Collective brings young and diverse voices into the boardroom and delivers fresh-outside perspectives into the business. This is a vehicle for positive social change.” 

Sara Brennan, our positive business director, believes: “Our partnership with The People is designed to make positive changes for the next generation of talent entering the workplace, as well as supporting our current employees to make a real difference. Exploring fresh perspectives allows us to take action in a way that supports, reflects and celebrates the diversity of our teams, both now and in the future.”  

Applications are now open and close Friday 18th August. Find out more and apply here.