THE TEAM
Symbol employs in the region of 150 people across the wide range of activities that we provide. Whatever their role the workforce has one thing in common; a total commitment to enabling people to progress towards and achieve their life goals – they share a mantra that:
“nothing is impossible and no task too difficult!”
The Leadership Team is comprised of:
TESSA Branch
(Managing Director)
Tessa founded Symbol in 1998 and has led the delivery, development and diversification of the organisation with a keen eye on addressing the many unmet needs of people with learning disabilities living in the UK. She initially qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist and has over thirty years of experience of working with people with learning disabilities. Since 1983 in addition to practicing as a Speech and Language Therapist, Tessa has managed community, residential and day services for people with Learning disabilities. Tessa is a Fellow of The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and holds a Post Graduate Diplomas in the Psychology of Mental Handicap and Family Assessment and in Management Studies. Tessa has published two books relating to her fields of practice. Tessa is driven by finding solutions to the many challenges that people with learning disabilities face and this spirit of innovation is born out in the never ending development of creative responses and services that Symbol is becoming known for. Tessa cares deeply and leads from the front acting as a role model and inspiration for those who work for Symbol. Tessa has also spoken on the international stage sharing her expertise and frequently undertakes specialist consultancy tasks on behalf of Symbol.
To find out a little more about working with Tessa, please read:
CHLOE DEEBLE-ROGERS
(Director of Family Support Services)
Chloe Deeble-Rogers is currently the lead Director for Newington Manor Residential Centre. She holds a BA (Hons) degree in Psychology from Bristol University as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Child Studies from Kings College. Chloe has significant experience of working with adults and children with learning disabilities and has worked in a variety of roles and services within Symbol. Chloe brings a high degree of pragmatism to Symbol. She is highly organised, has strong analytical skills and naturally ensures, encourages and embeds on going learning across the organisation. Chloe also has a very clear sense of what excellence should look like and leads with an authority that ensures others share this perspective and strive for it.
To find out a little more about working with Chloe, please read:
FLORENTINA DALTON
(Director of Work, Learning & Leisure)
Florentina Dalton is currently the lead Director for developing the enterprise and employment arm of Symbol. She graduated from Winchester School of Art with a BA in Fine Art. She has significant experience working with people with learning disabilities and played a key role in the development of Symbol's Day Opportunities (Hop Yard Services). She also has recognised expertise in developing and managing specialist support packages around people with complex behavioural needs. Florentina is highly creative and very intuitive. She supports the organisation to be deeply person-centred in all its approaches and is also passionate about ensuring that all who receive support get the very best.
To find out a little more about working with Florentina, please read:
TILLY DUFFY
(Director)
Tilly is the Director for Symbol UK and Creative Director for the Hopshed Theatre Company. A Speech and Language Therapist, Tilly is both an alumni of Greenwich University and Chickenshed Theatre Company. Tilly established the Hopshed Theatre Company, Kent's first inclusive theatre, in 2013 and champions communication at the heart of every Symbol service, working in Symbol’s Down Syndrome Service and Work Employment Projects.
An avid advocate for disability rights, Tilly plays a significant role in the organistation for promoting positive changes for everyone she and Symbol supports. A creative, forward-thinking and articulate communicator, Tilly is dedicated to inspiring and empowering communication rights for all and encouraging all at Symbol to be and do better than before.
To find out a little more about working with Tilly, please read:
PATTI JESSIMAN
(Head of Business Administration & Compliance and PA to Tessa Branch)
Patti sits of Symbol's Board of Directors as Head of Business Administration and Compliance and PA to Tessa Branch. Patti holds a degree in psychology and has worked for Symbol for over 18 years.
Patti and her administration team support Symbol's individual services and corporate areas. Patti champions the Symbol ethos of 'Anything is Possible' with her energy, enthusiasm and 'can-do' attitude.
To find out a little more about working with Patti, please read:
BHARAT THAKERAR
(Director of Corporate Services)
Bharat has worked with Symbol since 2006. Prior to joining Symbol he worked in accounting and other roles in a variety of sectors including advertising and manufacturing, before taking on this finance role within the Social Care sector. Bharat manages the HR and IT functions and is a core member of the back office team. Bharat loves applying his expertise to what he recognises as a very worth while cause and is inspired by seeing the impact of Symbol's work in the lives of so many children and adults with learning disabilities.
To find out a little more about working with Bharat, please read:
NIGEL MITCHELL
(Financial Controller)
Nigel joined Symbol in 2022 as Financial Controller for Symbol Family Support Services and Symbol UK. Pivotal to the development of all financial internal control policies and procedures in both companies, Nigel works alongside the Directors to contribute to the financial strategies of the businesses and responsibility for financial risk management.
Prior to working for Symbol, Nigel worked at Avante Care and Support for over a decade. Known for his exceptional organisation and analytical skills, Nigel feels fulfilled at Symbol as he supports his colleagues in providing services that improves the lives of others.
To find out a little more about working with Nigel, please read: