The Sorrell Foundation fact sheet

• The Sorrell Foundation was set up by Frances and John Sorrell with the aim of inspiring creativity in young people and improving the quality of life through good design.
• It creates and prototypes new ideas and initiatives to explore their potential and to dilute the risk in their development. It seeks effective new ways to join up public sectors such as education and health with the skills and expertise of the UK's world-class design community. It believes in fast track activity to deliver impact and benefits in the short term, whilst creating models, which have long-term implications.
• John Sorrell and Frances Sorrell (née Newell) were previously co-chairs of Newell and Sorrell (later Interbrand Newell and Sorrell) for 25 years. John has been the Chairman of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) since 2005. Frances has many pro bono appointments, including work with Mencap and as a Member of the British Council Design Advisory Group. John founded and chairs the London Design Festival and was chairman of the UK Design Council from 1994 to 2000.
• Fifteen common issues that young people have with their schools have been identified through Sorrell Foundation programmes are Social Spaces, Learning Spaces, Dinner Halls Toilets, Communication, Reputation & Identity, Sustainability, Sixth Form Spaces, Colour, Storage, Uniform, Receptions, Inclusion, Furniture, Safety & Security
• Ten concepts were delivered during the five-year programme due to the effort and enthusiasm of the schools and designers involved. A further 20 concepts were offered match-funding by the DfES for delivery.
• A fully illustrated, 192-page book about joinedupdesignforschools by John and Frances Sorrell was published by Merrell in February at £29.95. The book is available at good bookshops and through Amazon.com

*All details were checked and true on the 7th November 2008

For further press information and images please contact Lizzy Tinley on:
0207 845 5866 or lizzy@thesorrellfoundation.com