Tom Henderson

Tom Henderson

Tom has spent much of his career leading change in the NHS, where he developed a reputation for bringing people together to solve complex problems. What drives him is the human side of this work: creating the conditions for people to collaborate, adapt and make improvements that genuinely make a difference. He’s learned that lasting change depends as much on trust and relationships as it does on strategy and process.

Curious about how innovation can drive social good, Tom went on to work at the Alan Turing Institute, where he supported SMEs with AI adoption and shaped a collaborative research programme with the Met Office. More recently, he guided clinical product development for a med-tech startup, building on his interest in shaping technology to meet real-world needs. These experiences reinforced his belief that progress happens when ideas, people and resources come together around a clear purpose.

What motivate Tom is seeing the real world impact of his efforts — whether responding to urgent needs, shaping long-term strategies or supporting people through change. He thrives in environments that value collaboration, creativity and curiosity, and where bold ideas can be tested and turned into meaningful change.

For Tom, joining the On Purpose Associate Programme is an opportunity to take his skills and experience into new spaces where they can have the greatest impact. He’s excited to work alongside others who are motivated by purpose, to learn from fresh perspectives, and to explore how he can contribute to building a fairer, more sustainable society.