The Patchwork Foundation announces today that after ten successful years with the charity, Chief Executive Imran Sanaullah MBE will be stepping down at the end of April.
Imran co-founded the Patchwork Foundation in 2012, and six and a half years ago stepped up as Chief Executive. During this time, he has overseen the Foundation’s extensive growth, which has supported over 11,000 young people from underrepresented and disadvantaged communities to engage and participate in British politics and civil society.
Chair of the Patchwork Foundation, Farmida Bi CBE said: “After over ten years with the Patchwork Foundation, our co-founder and CEO, Imran Sanaullah MBE, has decided to step down at the end of April. On behalf of the entire Trustee board, we want to express our utmost gratitude for his work over the past decade.
From its conception in 2012, Imran has overseen the Patchwork Foundation evolve to become a leading national charity, which continues to equip young people from underrepresented and disadvantaged communities with the skills and confidence to participate in democracy. With over 600 current and past graduates of the Masterclass Programme, to the thousands of young people who engage with our #GetInvolved initiatives, Imran’s vision has and will continue to shape the lives of so many young people – and in turn, the future of our democracy and civil society.
We wish him all the best with his next venture, and look forward to the new chapter this will bring for the Patchwork Foundation. We have begun the search for his successor, and welcome your support in finding a suitable candidate.”
Regarding his announcement, Imran Sanaullah MBE said: “Although stepping down as Patchwork’s CEO fills me with mixed emotions, I am excited for the future of Patchwork as I go on to pursue a new challenge.
Having spent the past ten years growing Patchwork from an idea to where it is now, it has been the greatest honour to see the transformative work that happens when you give young people the skills and confidence to be the change. I am both proud of and indebted to every Patchworker that has crossed our path, for trusting in us to support them through their journeys, but also for their courage and determination to create a more inclusive and equitable world.
And of course, I want to thank the many others who have helped make our vision a success, especially the volunteers, staff, politicians and funders – but the list is extensive and I am immensely grateful to each and every one of you. I hope that you each recognise the value that this change can bring – the opportunity to build on strong foundations and to widen our horizon. Patchwork is, and has always been more than just the people who run it. Patchwork is a vision of a more inclusive, democratic society – and we each have our part to play in committing this vision to reality.”
Achievements during Imran’s time as Chief Executive include the establishment of:
Recruitment has begun for a new Chief Executive, with COO Niamh Mac Namee stepping up as acting CEO until a successor is found. Further details on this opening can be found here.
