Profile: Fred Turok, founder of TAG

Name: Fred Turok

Job title: Chair, TAG (Transforming a Generation)

Organisation & brief description of what it does
TAG is a youth employment charity which focuses on training18-24 year olds who are not in education, employment or training and helps them secure jobs in the health and fitness industry. To date we have helped over 2,000 young people access the world of work and by the end of 2011 we hope to have helped another 2,000 young people on their way towards a future with better prospects and sustained employment.

Length of time at the organisation: Three years - I set TAG up in 2008, but began operations in Jan 2010.

Key challenge facing your organisation at the moment
As with all charities, funding is our main challenge. When we first set-up TAG, we secured a government contract for £11 million. However, this is coming to an end very soon so we now need to identify and forge relationships with new partners who can help us continue TAG's legacy. We are hopeful that Third Sector, Government and Business will want to partner with us. TAG has proven that on a social and economic level, the model works.

By offering something that works for both employers and young people, TAG is able to reach a simple but incredibly important goal - sustainable employment for young people.

We now need to share our success with potential partners and help them understand the huge socioeconomic benefits that TAG can bring on a nationwide scale.

What motivates you?
There are a few different things that motivate me. Firstly, people. I am passionate about building teams and fostering a commitment to the cause. Secondly, making a difference. We all have a social and moral obligation to do what we can - within our means - to try and make a difference. It's important for me to go to bed at night feeling that what my team and I are doing is making a real, long-term difference. Thirdly, I thrive on a challenge so anything with a problem-solving angle motivates me immensely!

Best piece of advice ever given?
I believe very strongly in the saying "If you do what you did, you get what you got," so I am always striving to broaden my horizons.

Most proud moment?
I find it hard to single one moment out specifically. I actually have proud moments every day. When I am with the team at TAG and the young people that are taking part in our programme, I can't help but feel proud at how they are committed to turning their lives around.

Worst moment?
There have been a couple. I had a serious motorbike accident a number of years ago which left me with pins all over the place. Also, when I was younger my father - who was a member of the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa - actually went to jail for three years. Those were two very difficult times in my life.

Can we really solve the world of all its ills?
No we can't, but we can have a very good go at it! In my opinion, those who have been successful have a moral obligation to help those who are less fortunate. If enough people in privileged positions take this view, then we can go at least some way towards solving the world of its ills.

The C.V.
Date Role/Event
2008-present Chair and founder, TAG
2006-present Chair, LA Fitness
1990-2006 Chief Executive Officer, LA Fitness
1985-1990 Manager, David Lloyd club
1979-1984 PE teacher at Battersea County, William Blake and Walter St Johns schools in Wandsworth.

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