About Us

Ollie Aldrich

Amazon Account Manager

Ollie joined DFN Project SEARCH as the Amazon Account Manager, after working in the Community Engagement Team at Amazon. In Ollie’s previous role as a project manager, he oversaw and implemented programmes such as the Prison Leaver Hiring programme and Refugee Employment programmes. Ollie works alongside our Programme Specialists to ensure consistency across all the Amazon host business sites and will help to share best practices and identify new sites. Ollie has experience in collaborating with charities as part of a large organisation to achieve outstanding outcomes.

Alex Bradley

Portal Adminstrator

I am Alex Bradley, I am currently the Portal Administrator for DFN Project SEARCH, and I help our onsite teams organise their data. Before this role, I was an intern in the Programme, and I have a lot of passion for what we help young people achieve. Contact me if you have any questions about the Portal.

Julie Brennan

Executive Office Manager

Julie joined DFN Project SEARCH following a varied career, which includes Logistics Management, Corporate Training, and working for the leadership team in a Special Needs School.

Courtney Bruner

Programme Specialist

Courtney possesses extensive experience in education, as a class teacher, curriculum leader and senior leader. During her time in education, she developed curriculum, policies, and culture with a focus on inclusivity and wellbeing in order to provide purposefully designed educational experiences for students at every stage of their learning – ensuring that all students with special educational needs experience success and acquire skills to give them the best start to their adult lives. Courtney is passionate about the futures of young people with Learning Disabilities and Autism and will continue to be a voice for change as they leave education and transition into adulthood. She believes that by working together, we can enable our young people to live fulfilling lives whilst enriching workforces and communities across the country. This is why she has joined DFN Project SEARCH as a Programme Specialist for Scotland.

Laura Bladon

Programme Specialist

Laura is responsible for setting up and supporting new DFN Project SEARCH programmes across the UK. Laura comes from a strong background of Leisure and Hospitality and began her work with DFN Project SEARCH as a business Liaison for a unique and exciting programme. Now working as a Programme Specialist for the East Midlands, Laura is keen to get new businesses involved to create opportunities for their young people in their communities.

Vicky Collins

Executive Assistant and Governance Officer

Vicky has over 16 years’ experience of working for a range of different education providers; from apprenticeship providers, sixth form colleges and special needs schools, offering administration support. Her skills and knowledge have developed significantly over the years from receptionist to executive support, taking on a vast array of different administration duties. Vicky started working for DFN Project SEARCH in June 2023 and supports the CEO, SLT, Trustees and all the staff within the organisation.

Isobel Critch

Programme Specialist

Isobel Critch has joined DFN as a Programme Specialist for the North West. She has been a lecturer in FE with QTLS status for the last 8 years, whilst in this role she was the specialist lecturer within the SEN and Level 1 cohorts. She is driven by the change that a Supported internship programme can have on the young people who take part, their futures and their families securing positive outcomes for all. Isobel successfully achieved 91% in the SIQAF accreditation with her NHS partnership site and focuses on a positive collaborative ethic in her work.

Lauren Davies

Head of Advocacy and Engagement

Anna Drake

Programme Impact Coordinator

Based in Derby, Anna was previously a Tutor on a DFN Project SEARCH programme and became immersed in the world of Supported Internships. She is passionate about ensuring the programmes are as successful as possible for the interns and all partners.  She has two active boys and enjoys being out in nature together and encouraging their hobbies, performing on stage, singing, and acting. Anna believes that everyone should be able to do more of what they enjoy and wants to remove barriers for people to be able to thrive and grow.

Charlie Forbes-Nixon

Alumni Relationship Assistant

Charlie joined the Youth Advisory Group in 2022 as an intern on the programme. He is now employed by DFN Project SEARCH as an Alumni Relationship Assistant. Charlie’s role is to ensure that he connects with the members and Interns, so they can speak freely about concerns or challenges, and that they have a point of contact to ask any questions they have.

Charlie regularly attends the Youth Advisory Group Meetings and works with the Youth Advisory and Co-Production Assistant, and everyone gets the opportunity to discuss many topics such as barriers people with disabilities face and how we might address these.

Sian Foster

Head of Operations

Sian has previous experience within the employability sector, specifically specialising in supporting young adults with learning disability and autism. Sian is a former Business liaison on a highly successful DFN Project SEARCH programme in the North of England. As a retired Police officer, Sian is keen to support organisations to become a reflection of the communities they serve, through their workforce.

Harry Georgiou

Youth Advisory and Co-Production Assistant

Harry has fears, but has no fear when he stands up for what is right – Harry believes he can help others and is going to be the one who stands up for equality, justice and fairness for people with learning disabilities
Harry has always had an infectiously positive, can-do outlook and has been breaking down barriers since he was 11 years old. Anyone who meets him witnesses his fierce determination.

Sarah Hamilton

Programme Specialist

Sarah’s background centres around employability and employer engagement, having worked within a specialist provision for young people with learning disabilities and Autism. Sarah worked on a successful pilot programme specifically aimed at getting these young people transitioned from education into employment. She is passionate about engaging with employers, and enabling them to access and utilise a fantastic, untapped talent pool of employees.

Victoria Havard

Programme Impact Coordinator

Victoria has first-hand knowledge of living with a learning disability and how it can be a barrier to the work environment. This has made her passionate to provide resources to young people with disabilities and autism to minimise barriers that they may face in their work and personal life, with the aim to provide better accessibility in the community. She has experience working in the employability sector, specifically working with young people with disabilities and autism and has a strong desire to assist people live more independent lives by helping them build on their own strengths and finding meaningful employment. When she is not working, she spends her quality time walking her dog, Bailey.

Leanne Hirst

Programme Specialist

Leanne is a qualified FE teacher and has extensive experience working with people with SEN. Leanne has worked in a variety of settings which include the local authority, secondary schools, and colleges. Leanne started her journey with DFN Project SEARCH as a tutor launching Cumbria’s first DFN Project SEARCH programme. Leanne is now a Programme Specialist in Yorkshire and Humber.

Jemma Humphries

Development Officer for DFN Project SEARCH

I am the Development Officer for DFN Project SEARCH, working to support our fundraising strategy by talking to funders about the many challenges facing young people with a learning disability and/or autism when trying to find employment. I am passionate about showcasing the life-changing impact a DFN Project SEARCH-supported internship can have for many young people.

I have been in the charity sector since 2021, with experience in developing case studies and fundraising. I am also an experienced academic researcher, spending 5 years examining military strategy and irregular warfare. In my free time I enjoy exploring local nature reserves.

Claire King

Head of Quality Assurance

Claire has previously worked as a Behaviour Analyst and has extensive experience working with young people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions across London and the South. Claire is passionate about being ambitious for the young people we serve and helping them to realise their aspirations. Claire is Head of Quality Assurance for DFN Project SEARCH and is dedicated to supporting our fantastic sites to develop and deliver high-quality programmes with outstanding outcomes.

Roberta Kirosingh

Head of Digital Marketing and Governmental Affairs

Roberta joined DFN Project SEARCH in 2022 after spending over 5 years across Whitehall working on disability and equalities policy. Roberta has worked on public affairs and communications campaigns for Parliamentarians, NGOs, and non-profits. 

John Lobato

Head of Impact and Learning

John Lobato – Head of Impact and Learning
John is a social and data scientist with 15 years of experience in impact analysis and monitoring and evaluation. He has worked in several projects for the UN, the World Bank, Greenpeace, Marie Stopes and other organisations. John leads on our research and evaluation.

Bethany Madigan

Programme Impact Coordinator

Beth is supporting sites to raise employment outcomes. Beth has extensive experience working as a Tutor and Facilitator at the award-winning St George’s DFN Project SEARCH site in London after previously working within an SEN Education. Beth is excited to focus on sharing best practise, celebrate success and empowering sites to build upon their solid foundations.

Sarah Palmer

Programme Specialist

Sarah is a qualified FE teacher and originally started her journey with DFN as a tutor at our Pinderfields Hospital site in Wakefield. Sarah then worked as an associate for DFN where she helped write and develop the international curriculum with teachers in the US and the UK. Sarah is now a Programme Specialist for DFN where she brings key partners together to launch thriving programmes within businesses to ensure we can offer our programme to as many deserving young people as we can across the country.

George Pickersgill

Programme Specialist

George has experience in a variety of settings which include the local authority and senior leadership roles within specialist SEN schools and colleges. George has a master’s degree in autism spectrum disorders, with a particular interest in how young people with SEN transition into the world of meaningful and competitive employment. George has actively worked on projects such as the national autistic strategy and published work for department of education in Czech Republic regrading adolescents and autism. George is passionate about creating a society that gives young people with SEN every opportunity to achieve their aspirations. As a programme specialist, George seeks to develop new programmes and support existing programmes to achieve the best outcomes for all stakeholders.

Kelly Ridge

Programme Specialist

Kelly is an experienced tutor and job coach who has worked in education and supported employment for over ten years. While assisting young people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions, Kelly has also had the opportunity to work directly with employers, providing training to develop more inclusive practices in the workplace. In her role as Programme Specialist, Kelly will continue to support businesses and bring together partnerships, creating new opportunities for future supported interns.

Glenn Swindell

Programme Specialist

Glenn has 29 years’ worth of experience working for the NHS, Local authorities and in the voluntary sector. His last two roles have concentrated on helping young people as a Community Recreation Officer with Kirklees Council and as the Post 18 Development Officer (SEND) in Calderdale. Glenn is passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities and autism to achieve their dreams including paid employment.

Zena Verney

Finance Administrator

Zena has a varied background in administration and accounting support roles, transitioning into full-time Finance 6 years ago. Having worked mostly within the Construction and Electronics industries, and having faced difficulties herself as a young person, she is happy to be involved in something that can make a difference to the young people now entering the world of work and trying to find their place and passions in the world.

Molly Williams-Leer

Programme Specialist

Molly first joined DFN Project SEARCH as a Development Officer in June 2022. In this role, she helped potential supporters understand the harsh employment landscape faced by young people with a learning disability and/or autism and how the Project SEARCH model empowers them to secure full-time, paid employment. Molly is excited to help more young people access this vital opportunity by building new programmes in her region. Molly is passionate about disability rights and sees our work through this framework.