Patchwork Foundation

🏛️ 3 weeks to go until MP of the Year 2026! As we count down to this year’s awards, we’re looking back at some of last year’s winners - starting with Shivani Raja MP, our New Conservative MP of the Year. Shivani said the award reflects “the hard work of my team, the trust of my constituents, and our shared belief in a stronger, fairer, and more secure future for our country.” So... who's taking a trophy home this year? Watch this space 👀 #MPoftheYear #PatchworkFoundation #Countdown

📊 Conference season, by the numbers. In 2026, 53 young people joined our Party Conference Programme across 5 party conferences. They met MPs, councillors and party officials at 24 meet & greets and 5 roundtables, and even had a conversation with the Leader of the Opposition at Conservative Party Conference. The results? 96% said Patchwork made them more engaged with conference, 95% would recommend the programme to a friend, and 94% now feel confident pursuing political opportunities. One participant even joined the electoral roll after taking part 🗳️ Thank you to every politician who made time for our Patchworkers. Swipe through for the full picture 👉 #PatchworkFoundation #GetInvolved #PartyConference

🏈 Patchwork @ NFL! Our Patchworkers swapped the committee rooms for the stands at Wembley Stadium to cheer on the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Houston Texans. What a day it was! 🐆 A huge thank you to @jaguars for having us and giving our community an unforgettable experience 💙 Patchwork isn’t just about politics, policy and masterclasses. It’s also about meeting new people, making friends and sharing memories. Whether it’s Parliament or the 50-yard line, there’s always a seat for you in the Patchwork family 🤝 Want to be part of next year's cohort? Apply via the link in our bio 👆 #PatchworkFoundation #NFLLondon #DUUUVAL #GetInvolved

🏛️ The MP of the Year countdown continues with less than a month to go! Last year, parliamentarians, Patchworkers and friends came together in the heart of Westminster to celebrate the MPs championing diversity, inclusion and young people in politics. From Sir Ed Davey being named Overall MP of the Year to Sir Sadiq Khan reminding us that “diversity isn’t a challenge to be managed, but an asset to be celebrated,” it was a night to remember. Here’s a look back as we get ready to do it all again 👀 #MPoftheYear #PatchworkFoundation #GetInvolved

We were delighted to welcome Karin Sheppard, SVP and Managing Director for Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts, for our latest masterclass. ✨ Karin oversees more than 970 hotels across 40+ countries and has spent over 25 years at IHG leading teams around the world. She’s also a VisitBritain Board Member and Co-Chair of the Tourism Industry Council. Our cohort came ready with brilliant questions, and Karin shared some advice we’ll all be holding onto. Thank you, Karin, for your time, honesty and insight. 💙 Want to be part of next year’s cohort? Follow the link in our bio to learn more about our masterclass programme and apply. #GetInvolved #PatchworkFoundation #Masterclass #YoungLeaders #Leadership

🏖️ New voices, big questions and plenty of #GetInvolved signs. Earlier this month, delegates spent three days at Green Party Conference in Brighton meeting MPs, AMs and councillors. Here's how our Patchworkers made it count 👉 #PatchworkFoundation #GetInvolved

🎓 Masterclass with Paul Drechsler CBE Our Patchworkers spent an evening with Paul Drechsler CBE, a business leader who has been a chairman, chief executive and board member across plcs, private family businesses, public bodies and charities. His global career has taken him to senior roles in Brazil, the USA and the Netherlands. Thank you, Paul, for sharing your experience with us! 💙 Want to join next year’s cohort? Follow the link in our bio to learn more about our masterclass programme and apply. #PatchworkFoundation #Masterclass #GetInvolved #Leadership #Business

There is nothing quite like sitting around a table with Patchworkers, past and present, and hearing in their own words what Patchwork has meant to them. They spoke about growing in confidence, meeting people they never thought they would, and finding the courage to pursue their ambitions. In the busyness of the day to day, it is easy to lose sight of the difference we make. Last night was a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do: opening doors for brilliant young people across the country who deserve a seat at the table. A heartfelt thank you to our Patchworkers, trustees and Development Board for joining us and for everything you give to Patchwork. And on that note, applications for our 2027 Masterclass Programme open today! Alongside our Masterclasses with senior leaders, Patchworkers receive mentoring and take part in practical skills sessions with our fantastic partners. These help them build the confidence, skills and networks to thrive. For the first time, we are also taking Patchwork Foundation beyond London, with sessions across the country. Our Accessibility Fund can help with costs such as travel for those coming from outside the host city, and suitable clothing and shoes, so that finance doesn’t stand in the way of taking part! We’re looking for curious, committed young people who want to understand how change happens, and to be part of it. If you know someone aged 18 to 30 please share this with them and encourage them to apply: https://lnkd.in/enuxsDeJ

📢 Applications for our Masterclass Programme are OPEN! 🎉 The Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP knows first-hand how hard it is to break into politics without the right connections - which is exactly why he's long backed Patchwork's work opening doors for young people who want their voice heard. If that's you, now's the time. Got questions before you apply? Join one of our two drop-in calls 💬 🗓️ Friday 6th November at 12pm 🗓️ Tuesday 8th December 5:30pm Come along to find out more about the programme, the application process and what to expect. No need to prepare anything. Follow this link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/ezrwRKcu #MasterclassProgramme #PatchworkFoundation #GetInvolved #ApplicationsOpen

A delightful end to a long day, dinner with the fabulous Patchwork Foundation. What an amazing group of young people, showing the complete opposite of the apathy often reported. If you have an interest in the future of the UK, take a look at the work of this brilliant organisation. https://lnkd.in/eZbURfcH