Patchwork Foundation Announces New Chair and Vice Chair
Jonathan Freeman MBE to assume Chair role in January 2026; Patchwork alumna Makedah Simpson appointed Vice Chair with immediate effect
The Patchwork Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Jonathan Freeman MBE as Chair of Trustees and Makedah Simpson as Vice Chair of Trustees.
The Foundation wishes to thank Farmida Bi CBE, founding Chair of Patchwork, for her exceptional leadership and dedication over many years. Farmida will continue to support the organisation in her new role as Patron. The Foundation also extends warm congratulations to Farmida on her recent appointment to the House of Lords.
Jonathan Freeman MBE, currently Chief Executive Officer of the Charity for Civil Servants, will assume the role of Chair in January 2026. Jonathan’s appointment marks a homecoming of sorts, as he has been involved with Patchwork from its inception, providing crucial guidance during the charity’s registration process and contributing to its strategic development since the Foundation’s establishment in 2012.
Jonathan brings extensive experience across the charitable, private and public sectors. He founded and led the CareTech Foundation, the leading corporate foundation in the social care sector, and previously served as Managing Director of Mosaic, then HRH The Prince of Wales’s mentoring charitable initiative. Before moving in to the charitable sector, Jonathan served as a Senior Civil Servant in a number of government departments. He was awarded an MBE in 2021 for services to the community.
Makedah Simpson assumes the role of Vice Chair with immediate effect. A graduate of Patchwork’s 2017 Masterclass Programme, Makedah has been a trustee of the Foundation since 2021, embodying the organisation’s mission to support young people from underrepresented communities in engaging with British democracy and civil society. She has played a significant role in the Foundation’s work, including co-presenting the prestigious MP of the Year Awards at the Palace of Westminster in 2018.
Makedah currently works in the public sector. Her journey from Masterclass participant to Vice Chair demonstrates the transformative impact of Patchwork’s programmes and her commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation.
Sajidah Patel, Chief Executive Officer of the Patchwork Foundation, said: “I am delighted to welcome both Jonathan and Makedah to their new roles. Jonathan’s longstanding connection with Patchwork, dating back to our very beginning, combined with his exceptional leadership across the charitable sector, makes him ideally placed to guide our strategic direction. Makedah’s journey from Masterclass graduate to Vice Chair is testament to the power of our programmes, and her insights will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach. I look forward to working closely with them both as we enter this exciting new chapter for the Foundation.”
Jonathan Freeman said “In an era of profound change across our democratic institutions and deeply worrying levels of disengagement and disenchantment of so many young people in many communities, Patchwork Foundation’s mission has never been more important. It is a deep privilege to have been appointed as Chair of Trustees. My fervent hope is that I can help the charity to continue to inspire young people to channel their talents and desire for change in positive ways for the good of all society.”
Makedah Simpson said: I am deeply honoured to be selected as the first Vice Chair of the Patchwork Foundation, an organisation that has profoundly impacted my career. My appointment is a testament to the charity. Having started my journey with Patchwork as a Masterclass participant, I continue to be grateful for the opportunities and community that Patchwork provides and wish to use my role to inspire and support others. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the Trustee Board, the executive team and most importantly, Patchworkers.
The Patchwork Foundation, established in 2012 and registered as a charity in 2018 (charity number 1177576), works to promote active participation of young people from disadvantaged and minority communities in British democracy and civil society. The organisation runs flagship programmes including the Masterclass Programme, which connects young people with senior political figures, internship placements, and the annual MP of the Year Awards ceremony at Speaker’s House in the Palace of Westminster.
