From care leaver to government AI leader: Northumbria graduate's extraordinary journey

A Northumbria University graduate who grew up in the care system in County Durham has been recognised as one of the UK's leading voices in artificial intelligence and digital transformation – just three years after completing his degree.

Sebastian Moore, who graduated in 2022 with a degree in International Relations and Politics at Northumbria University, has been named on the AI 100 UK List (2025), the Government Global AI 100 List (2025), and the Digital Leader Top 100 UK List (2024). He was also a finalist for BusinessIQ North East’s Diversity & Inclusion Award in 2025, and a finalist in the North East Tech Awards’ Rising Star category in 2025.

In his mid-twenties Sebastian secured a role at HM Treasury's newly established Darlington Economic Campus through the Civil Service Care Leaver Internship Scheme, starting just two days after his graduation ceremony. His rapid rise through government ranks has seen him become a champion for digital transformation and diversity in the civil service, while advocating for care leavers and underrepresented groups.

Sebastian, who is an IT Business Relationship Manager at HM Treasury, said: "Education has been so important in allowing me to overcome the challenges I have faced growing up in foster care. I needed it to keep my focus and studying for my degree at Northumbria gave me the self-belief and resilience I needed to achieve success. My childhood was very turbulent, and I attended 15 schools in as many years. By 16-year-old I was living independently, and it took a lot of self-motivation and self-compassion to push myself so I could attend University, earn my degree and shape a career that I’m incredibly proud of.”

“I believe my story can show current students, especially those with care experience, what's possible after graduation. Your background doesn't define your future. With determination, support and opportunity, you can achieve incredible things. I'm passionate about representing underrepresented groups and showing young people from disadvantaged backgrounds that careers in the civil service and beyond are within their reach."

Sebastian's work focuses on leading digital transformation initiatives across government, upskilling civil servants for the future, and ensuring that young people from all backgrounds can see themselves in prestigious careers.

Professor Graham Wynn, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education at Northumbria University, said: "Sebastian's achievements are truly inspiring and demonstrate the incredible potential of our students when given the right support and opportunities. His journey is testament to his determination, resilience and talent. We are immensely proud of Sebastian and delighted that he continues to engage with the University to inspire current students.

“Around 40 per cent of Northumbria students come from widening participation backgrounds. This includes learners with experience of the care system, estranged from their families, those from underrepresented backgrounds, or the first in their family to attend university.

“Sebastian’s story reinforces our commitment to social mobility and ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, can achieve their ambitions."

Northumbria University is committed to supporting care leavers throughout their university journey. The University’s commitment to greater equity of access to higher education is acknowledged in a report by the think tank Civitas called Breaking the Care Ceiling, which commends Northumbria for having a higher proportion of care experienced undergraduate students than almost any other UK institution. The University comes second only to the University of East London in the Civitas Care Leavers League Table.

Northumbria offers a comprehensive package of support including financial bursaries, guaranteed accommodation, year-round housing, dedicated support workers, and priority access to hardship funds. For more information about support for care leavers at Northumbria, visit https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/support-for-students/student-inclusion-and-success/care-leavers/