Cabinet Secretary Announced as Patron of the Patchwork Foundation

The Patchwork Foundation proudly announces that the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service has been appointed its new Patron. The role of the Cabinet Secretary, the UK’s most senior civil servant, comes with a deep commitment to public service and good governance, making this appointment a significant moment in the Foundation’s efforts to empower young people from underrepresented communities in this new role.

As Patron, the Cabinet Secretary will support the Foundation’s mission to promote, encourage, and inspire the participation of young people from underrepresented communities in British democracy and civil society. The Patchwork Foundation has a long-standing reputation for empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping them gain confidence, skills, and opportunities to engage with political and civic processes.

Commenting on this appointment, the Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case, said:

“I am delighted to become a patron for the Patchwork Foundation, an organisation that has also been supported by many of my predecessors over the years. The Foundation’s work is vital in contributing to a vibrant and inclusive democracy by encouraging active participation from young people from diverse backgrounds and ensuring their voices are heard.”

Since its establishment, the Patchwork Foundation has empowered over eight hundred young people from under-represented and diverse backgrounds by equipping them with the skills and opportunities to engage in key policy areas that directly shape their communities.

Patchwork Foundation Chair Farmida Bi CBE, welcomed the announcement:

“The Cabinet Secretary’s wealth of experience and deep understanding of the workings of government make them an ideal Patron for Patchwork. We are thrilled to have Simon Case on board as we work to ensure that young people from every background have the opportunity to participate in public life and shape the policies that impact them most.”

The Foundation looks forward to working closely with the Cabinet Secretary to advance its mission and ensure that British democracy remains accessible, inclusive, and representative.

Notes for Editors

Current patrons of the Foundation include 

• Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE
• Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP
• Sir Martyn Lewis CBE
• John Pienaar

Media Contact

Sajidah Patel, [email protected]

About the Organisation

Patchwork Foundation was founded in 2012 to promote, encourage, and support the active participation of young people from underrepresented, disadvantaged, and minority communities in British democracy and civil society. The Foundation widens and deepens the involvement of young people from diverse backgrounds across the UK. 

The Foundation delivers its mission through several key outputs

1. The Masterclass Programme offers a cadre of selected candidates a ten-month syllabus that develops their personal and professional skills, increases their political skills, and provides a unique opportunity to learn from and interact with leading practitioners from British politics and public life.
2. The #GetInvolved programme gives young people the chance to participate in the campaigns shaping the country’s future by providing opportunities and skills training from the grassroots to the top of British politics.
3. The Political Internship Programme works closely with major political parties and democratic institutions to offer life-changing work experience programmes at the heart of politics and political decision making.
4. The MP of the Year Awards celebrates those who successfully engage with under-represented communities.