Patrick Hughes
I have been a Trustee of Groundwork East since July 2021, and Chair of the Board since October 2021. I am also a Trustee of Groundwork UK. I am currently a Trustee of Clarion Futures, the charitable arm of the Clarion Housing Group; and until July 2022 was Vice-Chair of Papworth Trust. Alongside my charity work, I offer consultancy advice to organisations in the employability sector through Salientwork Ltd – my own small company.
I have developed this portfolio of activities since retiring from DWP in 2012. During my career, working mainly for the Employment Service and Jobcentreplus, my speciality and career anchor has been tackling unemployment. A personal career highlight was being appointed DWP Regional Director for the East of England from 2004 to 2008.
I wanted to work with Groundwork East as the region is close to my heart, I was born in Hertfordshire and have lived in St Albans for 30 years. As a parent and grandparent, the legacy we leave our children is a central part of what motivates me. I want to be able to look my grandchildren in the eye and tell them that I tried to do the right thing for them. Think globally and act locally seems like a pretty good motto to me. And it fits well with the Groundwork mission.
In other aspects of my life I am a keen cook: a bit of a foodie to be honest. I love trains and wish our region was a bit better served in that respect. And my experience of the ups and downs of life has been sharpened by being a West Ham supporter and season ticket holder.
Patrick became a Trustee for Groundwork East in July 2021
Patrick is Chair of the Board of Trustees and a member of all Sub-committee groups.