meet the team
thrive leadership team
Val Bishop
Chief Executive
Get to know Val
Val began her career teaching English and History before moving into the charity sector. She’s held roles from Administrator to Head of Communications at African Initiatives, and was most recently Programmes Director at Somerset Community Foundation, supporting hundreds of community groups, charities, and social enterprises across the county.
Jane Birch
Head of Programmes
Get to know Jane
Jane has worked in the social enterprise and voluntary sector for over 20 years, supporting people to turn ideas into community impact. She manages all of Thrive’s services and programmes. Outside work, she enjoys Somerset’s countryside, walking, cycling, kayaking, and cooking for family and friends.
Matthew Byrne
Head of Development & Communications
Get to know Matthew
Matthew has worked in the charity sector for over 30 years. As Head of Development & Communications, he leads income generation for the CCS group. He lives in the South West with his family and, when time allows, enjoys comedy, reading, walking football, and keeping an eye on politics.
Greg Rochester
Head of Operations
Get to know Greg
Greg spent much of his career in senior leadership and HR roles in the retail sector. He joined CCS as HR Manager in 2021 after relocating to Yeovil. Passionate about community and growth, he values the work of CCS’s teams in making Somerset a better, more self-sufficient place.
thrive board of trustees
Gary Francis
Chair
Get to know Gary
Gary is a trained accountant with a career in defence and aerospace, including board roles and as Managing Director of Thales Optronics in Taunton. He later ran his own engineering business for 13 years. Now retired, he mentors local organisations, is a Pension Trustee, and lives in Taunton with his family.
Jonathan Braisby
Treasurer
Get to know Jonathan
Jonathan has lived in Somerset for over 30 years and is passionate about community cohesion and youth inclusion through sport. A qualified football coach, he supports young people’s development locally. He’s a Chartered Certified Accountant with an Economics degree and brings broad experience in finance across retail, banking, and manufacturing.
Dr Chhavi Gautam
Trustee
Get to know Chhavi
Chhavi is a medical professional with over 20 years’ experience in clinical and management roles, including work with WHO and HelpAge India. Since moving to Yeovil in 2019, she has championed cultural inclusion, founding the Yeovil Indian Association. As a trustee, she brings healthcare insight and a passion for community.
Martin Kitchen
Trustee
Get to know Martin
Martin spent 13 years as Chief Officer for Surrey Fire Brigade and chaired the national Fire and Rescue Committee. He later held NHS leadership roles before moving to Somerset, where he’s supported local charities and schools. Now a CCS trustee, he lives in Bicknoller with his wife and enjoys retirement.
Rob Lawy
Trustee
Get to know Rob
Rob retired from the University of Exeter in 2012, where he was Associate Professor in Education and led a major teacher training programme. He brings strong analytical skills and a commitment to civic life, having served on several national and local bodies. At CCS, he’s keen to give back locally.
David Taylor
Trustee
Get to know David
David is a qualified social worker who spent his career in local government, including as Director of Children’s Services in Somerset and Shropshire. He holds several non-executive roles and volunteers locally. Living in Somerset for nearly 30 years, he’s married with three children and nine grandchildren.
Rowan Turner
Trustee
Get to know Rowan
Rowan is an Associate Director in the IT consultancy sector. He brings extensive technical and strategic experience to the Thrive Board of Trustees. His career began in the education sector before moving into commercial leadership, giving him a balanced perspective on how technology supports organisational growth. He is passionate about digital transformation and looks forward to ensuring Thrive has the robust infrastructure needed to deliver on its mission. Rowan prides himself on building strong, collaborative relationships and making complex technology accessible. Outside his professional life, he enjoys time with family, gaming, and supporting Leeds United.
Steve Wallace
Trustee
Get to know Steve
Steve is a freelance senior delivery leader who has spent his career improving government services across the public sector. He brings strong governance, planning and assurance skills to his first appointment as a trustee, and wants to use his experience to help Thrive deliver meaningful, lasting change for the community. He and his wife have lived in Somerset since 2018.
Elliot Ward
Trustee
Get to know Elliot
Elliot is a Software Development Manager with a background in IT and is currently studying for an MBA. He brings experience in technology, leadership and problem solving, with a particular interest in helping organisations work effectively and deliver meaningful impact.
Although new to being a charity trustee, Elliot is passionate about the work Thrive Somerset does to support communities across the county. He is keen to use his skills and experience to help the organisation achieve the best possible outcomes for Somerset and the people who live there.
Having lived in Somerset for the past 10 years, Elliot has developed a strong connection to the county and enjoys spending time outdoors exploring everything the area has to offer.