Dagenham mum ‘humbled’ by new job linking businesses with charities
Catherine Ahorituwere is working as a business connector in the borough. - Credit: Archant
A mum-of-three has swapped tax with trade after landing a role to help companies support others in the borough.
As “business connector” for Barking and Dagenham, Catherine Ahorituwere is tasked with helping businesses forge stronger links with charities.
Catherine has been seconded from her job managing tax inspectors at HMRC for the year-long role with charity The Prince’s Responsible Business Network.
“I am so excited at the opportunity to work within my home borough, championing community issues and making real life changes,” explained Catherine, who moved to the borough in 2001.
Catherine is now using her knowledge of the area to link up businesses with charities, to help them to make improvements in employment, enterprise, education and community cohesion.
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“I’m very passionate about the improvement of the borough,” explained the Dagenham resident. “I try to make businesses more self-critical of what their corporate responsibility is,” she explained.
Based all around the borough, Catherine is hoping to achieve as much as she can in the 10 months remaining.
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“I thought I was very involved in charity in my last job, I thought I did my bit,” said Catherine.
“But since coming to this role I’ve been totally inspired and humbled by the businesses I’ve met and the companies I’ve connected.”
Catherine hopes to create a full database of links between businesses and third sector organisations in the borough – but it’s they who have to maintain those links and develop them.
“When I go back to my department I will definitely see things through different lenses,” she added.
Email catherine.ahorituwere@bitcconnect.org to get in touch.
