Patrycja is a passionate and strategic third sector leader with a deep commitment to equity, participation, and systems change. She joins The Robertson Trust from Turn2us, where she led the Edinburgh Trust, developing innovative funding approaches grounded in co-production and lived experience.
Originally from Poland, Patrycja moved to Scotland twenty years ago as the daughter of economic migrants. Her academic background includes a doctorate focused on gender, identity, and social change, themes that continue to inform her values-led approach to leadership and funding.
She has held senior roles with the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Young Scot, and The Young Women’s Movement, where she became the organisation’s CEO. Across her career, she has championed participatory research, policy engagement, and inclusive funding practices that centre dignity, justice, and long-term impact.
She is also a writer, and her first book, written in Polish and shaped by her experiences of migration and belonging, is due to be published later this year.
Patrycja starts on Wednesday, 13 August.
Speaking of the appointment, Patrycja said: “I’m excited to join The Robertson Trust at a time when bold, values-led funding is more important than ever. I’ve seen how powerful it can be when organisations and communities are trusted to lead change, not only through what funding supports but how it’s delivered. I’m looking forward to building on the Trust’s commitment to equity, co-production and lived experience, and to working alongside partners across Scotland to support approaches that tackle root causes, shift power and contribute to lasting, systemic change."
Our CEO, Jim McCormick, added: "I am delighted to welcome Patrycja to The Robertson Trust as our new Head of Funding. Patrycja brings the expertise we need as an independent funder committed to Open and Trusting grant-making.
Her appointment will bring rich insight, creativity and commitment to our funding as we pursue our next three-year Delivery Plan. We know this a time of rising need and financial strain for our partners, and the people and places they serve. Patrycja is deeply driven by the Trust’s values of Ambition, Connection, Integrity, and will help to shape our new value of Equity. We all look forward to working alongside her and Funding Team colleagues as we gear up to do more to prevent and reduce poverty and trauma across Scotland.”