Little Gate Trustees

I have had the enormous privilege of being the chair of Little Gate Trustees since the charity started over 10 years ago. Little Gate is a wonderfully successful organisation. It is not just a good example locally it is a national exemplar showing what can be achieved by those who are too quickly written off. It helps those with learning difficulties, autism and other vulnerabilities enter the world of open, paid employment (well over 150 so far). Nationally less than 5% of the learning disabled are in employment. This employment transforms lives … as the newly employed person, who has been trained, supported and coached to do their job, so they find a real meaning and purpose in their lives. It gives them a feeling of self-worth and self-esteem and generally enhances the overall quality of their lives not least through feeling they contribute and are the same as others in society.

It is an extraordinary privilege to have a small part to play in this transformative process and I feel so grateful for that. I am also truly humbled by the skilled team that enables it.

What inspired you to become involved in Little Gate?
I have a son with learning difficulties and as such I know the challenges experienced by his peers but also the contribution that they can make to wider society, including business.  LGF supports people to do this and to be paid for their role in the organisation they work for.

Can you share a little about your background and professional expertise?
I am a founder and Managing Director of an UK wide Internet Service Provider, Beaming.  I have a background of working in telecoms and IT and managing teams, as well as growing a business from small beginnings.

Why is the mission of our charity important to you personally?
The work which LGF does can change a person’s life in giving them independence and self-respect, and the fulfilment which we all strive for in life.

Could you outline your specific role and responsibilities as a trustee?
To help set and support the strategy of the organisation through my participation at trustee meetings, to assist the CEO and their senior management team whether at a board meeting or with a specific issue of which I may have some useful knowledge and to promote the goals of the charity by participating in events in the wider community and holding conversations with my own network

Can you highlight any specific achievements or milestones during your time as a trustee?
Two things that spring to mind are the charity celebrating its 10th anniversary this year but also hitting the 100 paid roles target in 2022.

Are there specific projects or programmes within Little Gate that you are particularly passionate about?
I think the programmes which LGF runs all have their role to play, but I am at the moment particularly interested in the work of the Jobs Forum as this supports those in work, and seeking work, to reflect on and develop their own career.  It is not just a matter of getting somebody a job and that’s it.  The charity is also about supporting people to develop to their full potential.

How do you engage with the community or stakeholders in support of our mission?
I am a member of the local business community and have conversations with others locally and further afield about the work of the charity.  My company is an employer for a LGF supported worker and Beaming helps promote the work LGF does, as well as contributing financially through the Friend of LGF scheme.  Through my son, I also know and speak on a personal basis to those whose children may attend LGF.

What advice would you give to individuals interested in supporting Little Gate?
Any contribution made by an individual to LGF will be gratefully received and will not be wasted.  No matter how small, it will make a difference to people’s lives.

Can you share a memorable or touching moment from your time as a trustee?
I attended an event which was a thank you for employers at Hastings Contemporary and listened to a young woman talk about what getting a job with the help of LGF had  meant to her.  It was very moving.  I have also been inspired by staff members who have come to present at our trustee meetings.  Their dedication to their work and determination to meet their goals for the charity can be humbling.

What are your hopes and aspirations for the continued growth and success of the organisation?
I want the great work achieved so far to be built upon so that we are celebrating hitting a target of 200 paid roles, that the charity and the staff that work there are properly funded for the incredible work they do and that wider society recognises the full potential of the community they serve.

As a social worker I have worked within social care or social work for more than 40 years, so have always had an interest in supporting and advocating for the most vulnerable members of society. However, it was not until my wonderful niece was born, that I became aware of the barriers to achieving her full potential as she was growing up. These barriers would require the navigation, advocacy, time and the love of my sister and brother-in-law to support and negotiate to overcome and achieve her goals.

I have known the founder of Little Gate, Claire Cordell, Little Gate’s founder for many years, and had heard of the aims and goals from early in its development. Through my sister (again) I learnt what an utterly amazing place Little Gate is, and the importance of the work that it is in involved in. What I would say to anyone interested finding out more, is to spend time with the staff and trainees as they will give you the best insight into the work that Little Gate does.