Kylee Bates – Leading the Way as Workpays’ New COO

At Workpays, small changes make a big difference — and the appointment of Kylee Bates as our Chief Operating Officer is a change set to drive a bold new chapter of growth, innovation, and impact.

With a distinguished background in employability, social enterprise, and global leadership in volunteering — including a Churchill Fellowship on employer-led initiatives for people with disabilities — Kylee brings a fresh, dynamic perspective to Workpays. Her career spans sectors as diverse as fire and emergency services, community development, and education, underpinned by a passion for social impact.

“What excited me most about joining Workpays was the company’s commitment to both growth and genuine impact. I’ve always worked in service-oriented roles, and skills and employability are fundamental to people’s economic futures. Workpays aligns with my values and gives me the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to communities.”

— Kylee Bates, COO

Driving Purposeful Growth

Since joining Workpays, Kylee has set her sights on enabling sustainable growth by empowering peope — both our learners and our staff. Her short-term focus is to fully understand the broader skills landscape, contractual drivers, and the strengths within our teams so that we can become “the best we can be.”

“Our success lies in our people. I want us to not only achieve our contract and financial targets, but to build a culture where everyone is invested in each other’s success.”

She describes her leadership approach as “purposeful, professional, and positive,” with a strong emphasis on alignment and shared accountability across departments.

Embedding Our Values into Everything We Do

As a socially driven organisation, Workpays champions inclusion, mental wellbeing, and sustainability. Kylee sees it as essential that we not only promote these values — but live them.

“We must practice what we preach. It’s about being courageous learners, holding high expectations for all our learners regardless of barriers, and working alongside other organisations to offer wraparound support.”

Kylee believes that true social impact happens when communities and individuals thrive together — and that training providers like Workpays have a responsibility to go beyond contract delivery to make that happen.

Global Perspective, Local Change

Having worked in multiple sectors in Australia and beyond, Kylee brings a unique global lens to her work. From studying in various countries to leadership roles in major public or community service organisations, she has seen firsthand how solutions can be adapted, reimagined, and applied in different contexts.

“I’ve found that across the world, the challenges in employability are surprisingly similar. What’s different is how we respond — and that’s where innovation and creativity can thrive.”

A Glimpse into Kylee Beyond the Office

When she’s not leading strategy and operations, Kylee is likely exploring the UK or planning her next adventure. She’s a self-proclaimed lover of cats, country music, Vegemite, and discovering new cultures.

“Having grown up in a military family, I’ve always been used to change — it energises me. I’m excited to be here in the UK where there’s so much to see, learn, and do.”

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Welcome to Workpays, Kylee — where your experience, energy, and values are already making a big difference.

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