Rob Parkinson – Chair of Trustees

This post is a part of a series on meet our people

My life has always been about more than building a career in IT. It’s about making a positive difference and building a legacy.

That’s why, when my children were still in primary school, I went part time at the Access Group and spent three years teaching coding at their school. It was an amazing experience helping 250 children from all backgrounds in Years 3–6 gain a solid introduction to coding.

I want my legacy to reflect not just professional achievements, but a genuine commitment to giving back to the communities and countries that have helped me thrive.

I have been with the Access Group since 1993 and believe that giving time can be just as powerful as giving money. That’s why I helped create The Access Foundation: to build something that will continue to do good for many years to come with values that live on and make a lasting impact.

Over the years, I’ve seen how digital skills can transform lives and open doors to incredible opportunities. Sadly, not everyone gets that chance. I’m passionate about helping those who might otherwise be left behind, so we can all enjoy a fair shot at success.

The strength of The Access Foundation comes from its roots—our people. By supporting employees at The Access Group, we create a family that’s stronger together than we could ever be alone. Collaboration and shared purpose are what make real change possible, and it’s inspiring to see how technology and philanthropy can work hand in hand to improve lives.

For me, this isn’t just about today—it’s about building something that will keep making a difference for generations to come. That’s the legacy I hope to leave.