Board of Trustees

With a career in the Civil Service for over 30 years Sarah worked for the Department of Employment and Education supporting people into work. Managing Employment Service Jobcentres in Devon and Cornwall before moving to Government Office for the Southwest where she was responsible for developing and managing the European Social Fund Programme for the South West Region, ensuring those most disadvantaged gained funding through projects to access or remain in employment.

Following this Sarah moved into the further education sector using her knowledge of funding to help secure support for a wide range of projects including from small revenue projects, such as The Savoy Trust to large multi partner infrastructure projects to develop new facilities for the College.

Having retired this year Sarah wanted to be able to use her knowledge to continue to support young people into employment and education, the opportunity to help Lifeworks as a Trustee seemed a perfect match.

Sarah is married with two grown up children, living in the South Hams and her other passions include Endurance Horse riding and playing cricket for a local ladies team.

Andrew is a highly experienced safeguarding professional with over 25 years of service in the Police, specialising in complex investigations involving child protection and vulnerable adults. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in handling sensitive and challenging cases, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.

With a deep understanding of safeguarding frameworks and legislation, Andrew has developed expertise in investigating cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. His work has involved collaborating with social services, healthcare providers, and other agencies to ensure a coordinated response. His ability to navigate complex, multi-agency environments and manage sensitive cases with compassion and professionalism has been central to his success.

Beyond his police work, Andrew has held safeguarding lead roles within various voluntary organisations, where he has been pivotal in developing and implementing safeguarding policies and procedures. His experience in these roles has further honed his ability to safeguard children and vulnerable adults in a wide range of settings.

Andrew’s determination to safeguard the vulnerable is evident in his relentless drive to advocate for those at risk, ensuring they receive the support and protection they deserve. His career reflects a deep-rooted passion for making a positive difference, and he continues to be a strong advocate for safeguarding at every level.

Brian has had a somewhat cosmopolitan career ranging from the merchant navy to manufacturing microchips, from working for local authorities to senior management in charities, then starting and leading a church prior to holding the role of CEO at Lifeworks until May 2021.

He brings experience of supporting a wide range of people, including those socially excluded through disabilities, homelessness, addictions or mental health problems. He has extensive experience of leading services for people with learning disabilities and has a clear conviction that all our services should enable people to hold socially valued roles in their local communities.

He has worked in senior management for over 30 years, including holding CEO positions at two previous charities. Every organisation he has worked in has grown in scope and size to support a greater number of people. Through this, he brings experience of implementing vision and strategy, development of teams and individuals, and change management including culture and values.

Brian retired from the position of Lifeworks CEO in May 2021 and counts it a privilege to continue to serve the Board, the team and the people we support in his role as a trustee.

Paul brings over 20 years of experience in managing services both in the statutory and independent sectors to the board.

His previous appointments include Clinical Development Manager for a community trust which included supported living, residential and inpatient services, and Development Manager with a strong focus on service improvement.

This was followed by a senior position within a Higher Education establishment with the remit for education development in social work and nursing courses in respect of learning disabilities. Paul then held successive roles as Registered Manager of a nursing home for learning disabilities, Registered Manager of a hospital for people with learning disabilities, and General Manager for specialist learning disability services providing residential, health and supported living services.

Paul has acted as Responsible Person for hospital services and been on secondment to oversee development for health provision outside of the UK.

Over 30 years of experience in public policy and political analysis, strategy development, leadership and advice.

Experienced project and contract manager on high visibility/politically sensitive projects

Skilled fundraiser with community organising experience

Expertise in Participatory Budgeting

Delivers development of democratic principles and procedures including constitutional development
An experienced public speaker with strong communication skills

Specialities: Public policy ( including economic development, elections, environment and transport) governance and constitutional development, elections and voting systems, project and contract management, fundraising, political campaign/advocacy/advice)