About Us

Karl Seymour
Founder

Karl is one of the founders of Photosymbols with a background in graphic design and photography. He developed an interest in accessible information and communication while working as a carer, and later as an accessible information designer for the NHS in Bristol. 

Pete Le Grys
Founder

Pete is the other founder whose specialisms are co-production, involvement and training. Pete has a wealth of experience in the health and social care sector and also worked for the NHS in Bristol where the pioneering work we do first began.

Dean Milner-Bell
Creative Director

New to the team for 2022 is Dean Milner-Bell, who comes to us with many years of experience building the ‘Easy on the I’ symbol set based in Leeds, Yorkshire. We are really excited about what Dean is bringing to the mix as he takes over responsibility for creating new pictures and easy-read templates.

Holly Yuille
Office Manager and Support

Holly will be joining the team on 25th September 2023.

Martin Wood
Software Engineer

Martin is our Principal Architect and Engineer and is responsible for developing the online experience and technical development of Photosymbols. He lives in Cardiff, Wales.

Michaela Mamara
Expert Adviser

Michaela lives in London and is one of three Expert Advisers with lived experience, who form an important part of our team. She advises on new pictures, access and positive image among other things.

Hayley Burwood
Expert Adviser

Hayley is another Expert Adviser who helps steer our work. She is based in Norwich in the East of England and a member of Opening Doors where she heads up the easy-read design work.

Shaun Webster OBE
Expert Adviser

Shaun is a well known self-advocate with a great deal of experience of making information accessible. He is one of the original members of Change, based in Leeds, who created the Change Picture Bank. He speaks all over the world about advocacy, rights and information.

Stephen Shepherd
Photographer

Stephen has been an important part of our team for over a decade. He brings many years of experience as a press, education and editorial photographer and ensures our images are always of the highest quality. You can take a look at his portfolio here.

Sarah Howard
Shoot Co-ordinator

Sarah began working with us during the pandemic and works on making new contacts and setting up photo-shoots. She has a background in safeguarding and also works for the Brandon Trust.

Joe Fisher
Shoot Co-ordinator

Joe works alongside Sarah to set up photo shoots and works with actors on the day as the director, making sure we get the best from the actors we work with on these important days. He has a background in large event warmups and has self-published two books for children about the pandemic.