Trustees

Trustee

John joined the Board of Space as a trustee as it was formed and has enjoyed learning and contributing to the development of the Board during the initial contract period. John has worked in the NHS in Devon since 1997 having previously worked and trained in the newspaper industry. He is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Torbay and South Devon NHS FT. An accountant by background, John has worked across most sectors within the NHS; Acute, Community, Adult Social Care and across both Commissioning and Providing sectors. John enjoys the outdoors, cycling and walking and values precious time with family and friends.

Trustee

I’m Lara, and I joined Space in 2023 as an Independent Trustee with a focus on Finance. As a mum with two young children ensuring all children are provided with the best start in life and the right support to reach their full potential is something I feel passionately about.

I’m currently a Senior Leader within the financial services industry, am a Chartered Management Accountant and am currently studying for a Masters in Strategic Leadership.

In my spare time I complete Ultra Challenge walks, coach goals football and enjoy spending as much time as possible with my family.

Trustee

I am Kate and I joined SPACE as an independent Trustee in February 2021 with a focus on fundraising, strategy and marketing. I am a passionate believer that every young person deserves to have the best chances in life, no matter what their background or circumstances.

I started my career as a fundraiser at Sue Ryder and spent 11 years in various roles which led to being responsible for UK Hospice fundraising. I moved to Devon in 2012 to take up the role of Director of Income Generation at Hospiscare in Exeter. I was responsible for growing income sustainably from a wide range of income streams and developing the brand and marketing. I am currently a Director at I Wish – an innovation agency where my role is to lead on strategy and innovation for the Third Sector.

I am married with two young children who keep me on my toes. In my spare time I enjoy sea swimming, gardening, making soap and learning to DJ.

Trustee

I'm Oli Lovell and I joined Space in 2023 as an independent trustee. I joined because I wanted to use my spare time contributing to the society and area I live in - And Space offered such an incredible opportunity to do both.

I'm currently working in Enterprise Design at the Met Office as the most recent stage of a 21 year career across the civil service. Where I've focussed on delivery and change. Alongside crisis management and roles as Chief of Operations.

Chair of Trustees

Melanie was appointed Chief Executive in 2014. A nurse by background, Melanie has worked at all levels and in all settings in the NHS. She has a long history of working in mental health services and has also been a commissioner. Melanie was formerly Chief Executive of Newham Primary Care Trust and came to us from her role as Chief Executive of The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in Harlow, Essex.

Melanie is a trustee and board member for NHS Providers, representing mental health trusts across the country.

Melanie received an MBE in 2019 for services to the NHS.

Trustee

Sue retired in 2016 from her post as Head of Education for Devon County Council and has had many roles and posts during her career including Head Teacher, inspector and primary phase adviser. She has a MSc in Educational Research from Exeter University and was awarded an OBE in 2011 for Services to Education. Sue is also a governor at Exeter College.

CEO

I believe in people, especially young people and their unwavering ability to surprise and impress me with their resilience and determination. I'm incredibly proud of the professional work that colleagues do on a day to day basis and it continues to be a privilege to share Space's journey as CEO.