Welcome to Team Purple!
As a value-led organisation, we make a lot of effort to recruit staff and Trustees who share our outlook and vision. Our team is made up of lots of different kinds of people; we value everyone equally and recognise the contribution they make in their own way. We look for people who can demonstrate a strong commitment to our values of humanity, passion, creativity and authenticity; people who care about what we do and who want to contribute to it.
Our recruitment process is carefully considered, accessible and as kind as it can be. All staff and Trustees receive a thorough induction to the charity, with staff receiving training throughout the year. We are passionate about working to people’s strengths and supporting them with their personal development.
Staff wellbeing is very important to us and we prioritise supporting our team to ensure they are as healthy and happy as possible. We have a number of wellbeing initiatives in place including Wellbeing Action Plans and regular wellbeing-focused supervisions. We work to a Code of Conduct and Management Standards that support all staff and ensure they are managed consistently, fairly and successfully.
What it’s like to work at Purple Patch
“Purple Patch is the most supportive organisation I have ever worked for. There is such a strong sense of community with everyone caring about and supporting each other without judgement. I feel very blessed to be part of Purple Patch.” – Staff Survey Response 2023
“I love working as part of an incredibly supportive and joyful team, who are committed to creating inclusive, fun environments for creative learning to happen.” – Staff Survey Response 2023
What it’s like to work with our participants
“I love the fact that every day I have the opportunity to support other people. It’s so rewarding to see individuals grow and develop over time and that they feel safe and loved at Purple Patch.”- Staff Survey Response 2023
“[Staff know] how important our work is as we see the consequences of it through the eyes of our participants: watching them grow and become more confident as they try out activities and develop new skills is a very special opportunity that makes all of our efforts worthwhile.” – Staff Survey Response 2023
The Office Team
Our office team are passionate and dedicated, and believe wholeheartedly in the impact of Purple Patch. They have vast experience, aren’t afraid of a bit of hard work, and pull together to keep everything running smoothly while maintaining the highest standards at all times.
Fran Rodgers – Consultant
Fran provides support and mentoring to members of the office team and looks after the organisation’s finances.
Hannah Greenwood – Head of Development
Hannah overseas the development of our projects, partnerships and trading work, as well as our fundraising and impact.
Jessica Aldred – Chief Executive Officer
Jessica lives and breathes Purple Patch – she leads our fantastic team and oversees the whole organisation.
Megan Pickering – Outreach Coordinator
Megan manages outreach, marketing and communications across the organisation.
Melissa Kirby – Community Research Manager
Melissa works with the Purple Research Group on a range of inclusive research projects.
Róisín Reynolds – Project Coordinator
Róisín supports the planning and delivery of Purple Patch’s funded projects, trading and training.
Stuart Bannister – Finance and Operations Officer
Stu supports the team with all things financial, and with the general day-to-day running of the organisation.
The Delivery Team
Our delivery team are the people who are out and about delivering sessions across the region. Our Programme Leaders oversee workshops, deliver sessions and undertake monitoring of learner progression. Our Programme Artists deliver fabulous creative sessions as part of the day, and our Programme Supports are the friendly faces welcoming people and making sure talents are nurtured and achievements noted.
Brendan
Brynjar
Eve
Gigi
Julie
Katie
Lara
Lorna
Mati
Marcus
Mel
Rhiannon
The Steering Group
Our Purple Steering Group is a dedicated team of learning-disabled people who attend our Lifelong Learning Programmes and have direct experience of our work. The group use their experiences, skills and knowledge to help us make decisions on behalf of participants at Purple Patch, give us feedback, and advise us on best practice.
Eddy
Eddy is a valued member of the Purple Steering Group
Colin
Colin is a valued member of the Purple Steering Group
Ella
Ella is a valued member of the Purple Steering Group
John
John is a founding member of the Purple Steering Group
Louise
Lou is a founding member of the Purple Steering Group
Tracey
Tracey is a founding member of the Purple Steering Group
The Board
Our Board of Trustees are a fabulous group of people who help to keep us on the straight and narrow! They work closely with the CEO on business planning, financial management, Health and Safety and everything in between, and bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience that’s invaluable to the company.
Andy Clow – Chair
Andy has been the Chief Executive of the Youth Association since 1999.
Hannah Prole
Hannah works as the Head of Impact at Better Connect.
Rhian Isaac
Rhian is Head of Cultural Collections Research Development at the University of Leeds.
Sarah Wells
Sarah is the Community Manager for Bettys & Taylors Group.