Our Day one story
Founded in 2020, Day One began as the brainchild of Sharla-Jaye Duncan who was frustrated by the lack of diversity and representation of Black professionals, women, and those from low-income households in the workplace.
As a Black woman from a low-income background, Sharla-Jaye has always had the lifelong desire to see individuals from a similar background succeed and thrive in their chosen career. She first began this journey by creating Team Up, an award-winning charity that supports young people to access additional tuition from university students who are looking to increase their work experience.
However, Sharla-Jaye noticed that, while most were able to attain the necessary grades to progress in their education and career, young people from underrepresented backgrounds often did not share the same strong career trajectory.
Since founding, Day One focuses on 4 key areas:
Our focus areas
First steps
We offer unwavering support to school leavers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, who encounter hurdles to securing that crucial 'Day One' opportunity.
Gender, class and race diversity
We recognising historical discrimination against underrepresented groups in the past, and we're all about shaping the future. We actively empower school leavers from underrepresented social backgrounds.
Strategic programmes as interventions
Sure, events are cool for meeting people and feeling that quick connection, but we're all about making a lasting impact on your journey. Our programmes offer continuous support which have a sustained impact, resulting in permanent employment in rewarding careers.
Our community - we can’t do it alone
We see the worth in every single person, whether you're a champion for diversity, a trailblazing professional, or even a big-shot in the C-Suite who wants to give back.
our vision
Our vision is to create a world in which your gender, class, and household income do not dictate your career destination.
our mission
Our mission is to improve the career progression of black, female or low-household-income school leavers by helping them to take their first steps into rewarding and well-paid careers.
We do this by delivering programmes, in partnership with ambitious UK businesses and philanthropists, to give our young people the best chance of entering competitive and well paid careers.
our board
our team
Join our team
We aren't hiring at the moment but would still like to hear from you if you're interested in working at Day One. Send us a note telling us more about you and we'll be in touch.
How can you make an impact?
Keen to learn more but unsure how you can help, book a short call with us to find out more
