Keith Bates, Head of Employment

Keith has worked for the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities since 2007 and his role as Head of Employment specifically involves leading the Employment Programmes that support the development of more and better employment opportunities for people with a learning disability. His work also includes running the In-Business programme which supports people with a learning disability to explore the option of self-employment and small business ownership.

Having supported people with disabilities in to work for nearly 20 years, Keith has a particular interest in using enterprise and trade to develop opportunities for people with learning disabilities. He has extensive experience of working in supported employment, developing social enterprises, developing social firms and supporting people to set up co-operatives.

Prior to joining the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, Keith spent a number of years running a development consultancy specialising in the creation of employment opportunities for people with a disability or disadvantage in the workplace. This involved work on a national, regional and local level, supporting local authorities and other voluntary sector organisations.

Keith continues to support a number of small social enterprises set up to create employment support. He works with a number of local authorities to develop and implement employment strategies and a range of specific employment initiatives.

In addition to his DipHE in Social and Environmental Problems and BSc (Hons) in Geography, Keith has achieved Diplomas in Small Business Financial Management and Franchising Theory and Practice. Keith is the Founding Director of BOSS Employment Community Interest Company, Director of Jigsaw Catering Co-Op Ltd, and until recently Keith was also a Trustee of Social Firms UK.