Our Team
All of the staff at Navigate are qualified and highly experienced in their respective roles. Most of all, we have a heart for helping people.
Our management team ensure that all strategic decision making and delivery of services places the client at the centre.
Our Guru (CEO) – Mel Allen
Mel works full time for Navigate and is driven by her desire to tackle social and financial exclusion. Mel worked for Wessex Resolutions CIC for 13 years, with 10 years as a senior manager for the organisation. Mel was instrumental in the development and implementation of money and debt advice services and has been responsible for all advice activity since its inception including; fundraising, building stakeholder relationships, managing and monitoring performance and developing new products and services in response to the growing needs of people facing social and/or financial exclusion.
Mel is supported by an experienced team of advisers and community development officers. Navigate are committed to delivering high quality, accessible services and all of us are extremely proud to be part of a team effecting positive change and achieving incredible, sometimes life changing, outcomes for the people we work with.
The Team
The Trustees
About Claire …
Claire has worked for Navigate for over six years; she was originally employed as a Money Advice Caseworker and has recently moved into the role of Service Delivery Manager. Claire has over ten years experience in money, benefits and debt advice and is also an Approved Intermediary which means that she can apply for Debt Relief Orders on behalf of our clients.
Claire also holds the Certificate in Money Advice Practice. The Certificate is the only debt advice qualification specifically for free-to-client debt advisers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Awarded by Staffordshire University in partnership with the IMA, CertMAP is a university level course which covers all the main aspects of a debt caseworker’s role.
Claire is instrumental in ensuring that our services remain relevant and efficient and in supporting the team with their money advice casework. Claire leaves no stone unturned when working with our clients or the team to ensure the highest quality service and best outcomes for the people we work with!
About Gayle …
Gayle has been with Navigate since November 2019, initially as a Money Advice Caseworker, but more recently as Lead Tutor for the Navigate the Money Maze project. Gayle has worked in the voluntary sector for around 25 years, so has plenty of experience with the issues faced by our clients.
She enjoys sharing her knowledge of the benefits system and how to better manage finances, especially when it comes to saving money. Gayle delivers all our workshops in a friendly and approachable manner and is keen to ensure the courses are fun and interactive. Gayle is determined to debunk all the myths that surround money and benefits and she knows that coming along to one of our sessions can feel scary and she makes sure that everyone feels safe and welcomed. She especially enjoys the taste test element of the budgeting workshop – seeing who can figure out which are the cheap Jaffa Cakes!
About Nikki …
Nikki has worked for Navigate since 2019 and has a varied role within the charity including compliance, accounts and business support. She is often the first person that clients or referrers speak to which makes the job very interesting.
Nikki has completed various qualifications since starting with Navigate including a qualification in teaching in the lifelong learning sector which has enabled her to deliver our financial literacy sessions, Navigate the Money Maze with her colleague, Gayle.
Nikki says she truly enjoys working with our clients and she hopes that she can give them helpful tips and tools to manage their finances moving forward. Seeing a learner take on some of our guidance and advice is very rewarding as Nikki knows she has played a part in empowering them.
Nikki feels privileged to be part of the Navigate team and our aims and ethos are something she feels very passionate about.
About Roxi …
Roxi is the BGET Partnership Social Policy Lead for the rural areas of mid and north Devon. Roxi is enthusiastic, driven and gregarious with professional passions for building resilience across communities and within individuals. She enjoys connecting people so that collaboration produces effective and efficient outcomes.
Roxi is a mum of 4 young children. She loves to be outdoors, dance, read and is actively involved in her local community in a voluntary capacity. She likes to challenge herself and strive to continually learn – she has recently become a National Numeracy Champion.
About Julie …
Julie joined the team in October 2020 to work for Navigate in the rural areas of Torridge and west Devon within the Transitions project. Julie comes from a background in education, both in schools and adult education. Julie has worked within mental health settings, care homes, learning disability services and social care and has extensive experience of working across Devon in community-based projects, in both an employed and voluntary capacity.
Julie enjoys networking and bringing people together to make positive things happen, and much of her work has been around this. She brings a lot of creative energy to the post, and enjoys thinking outside the box and approaching things in an original way.
About Jan …
Jan has been a valued team member for over four years and works across all of our projects. Jan is an experienced money, debt and benefits adviser and is usually the first port of call for any new referrals into our service. Jan supports clients and referral partners in checking they are eligible for the service and providing immediate advice and support over the phone to ensure there are no emergencies that need immediate intervention. Jan is always willing to go the extra mile to support people and ensure they receive the best possible service!
About Matt …
Matt works as a client liaison officer keeping in contact with clients from referral through to case work with an advisor. He is friendly and knowledgeable whilst always providing that much needed reassurance to those who may be struggling.
About Gill …
Gill originally worked in education as a teacher but felt she needed a change in vocation and moved into Criminal Law. She found the greatest satisfaction in supporting her clients to find ways to improve their situation and increase their self-esteem helping them to reduce the risks of reoffending.
After moving to the West Country she was looking for a fresh opportunity to help people change their lives for the better. Gill started working for the Wisermoney Project in September 2020 as Trainee Money Advice Caseworker across Devon and Somerset. Since her time with Navigate, Gill has become a confident Money Advice Caseworker and through her professional development, Gill has been able to help clients deal with problem debts, budgeting, financial literacy and maximising income.
In May 2021, Gill became the in-reach worker for the Torridge Rough Sleepers Project. She uses her skills obtained through her previous job roles to help newly-housed clients gain the skills required to maintain their tenancy. This wrap around service relies on Gill’s ability to develop trusting working relationships with her clients and finding creative ways to support them. Gill also works as the Transitions Client and Partnership Liaison Officer where she triages clients into the service and focuses on our social policy by highlighting how decision making can sometimes unfairly disadvantage some of our more vulnerable clients.
About Jo …
Jo joined us in 2021 as a Money Advice Caseworker in west Devon and Torridge for the Transitions project. After satisfying a year’s practice and training requirements, Jo has now become an Approved Intermediary meaning she can complete Debt Relief Orders on behalf of her eligible clients.
Jo’s background includes working as a community support worker where she enabled people in the local community to live as independently as possible. She has experience of dementia, complex illness and end of life care, all of which will be of enormous value to her new role. Jo has always been drawn to helping others and she enjoys working with people to build their motivation, confidence and capability to help them achieve their personal goals.
About Becky …
Becky is one of our experienced Debt and Energy Advisers working on behalf of the BGET project in Somerset. Becky also triages our clients, helping to establish those with priority need and identifying any additional barriers or circumstances that they might be facing.
Becky delivers debt and money advice to people who often have additional requirements such as a health condition, disability, communication difficulties or those who might be struggling with mental health issues alongside their financial problems. Becky is an Approved Intermediary which means that she is able to guide her eligible clients towards obtaining a Debt Relief Order.
She enjoys being an advocate for people who do not have a voice as well as encouraging them to take action for themselves. Becky has a very pragmatic approach and with a background in education, she thinks it is important for clients to identify their priorities and to work with the client to find a viable solution. She is enthusiastic about money saving and is a keen follower of Martin Lewis from the moneysavingexpert.com (she loves to find a bargain!).
About Maria …
Maria joined Wiser Money in October 2018 as a Mental Health Caseworker working along side the money advisers. Maria’s background is in the statutory sector, working with a variety of people of all ages with various physical and mental health issues. She quickly became very inquisitive regarding the client work the money advisers were doing and joined us as a trainee money adviser. Maria has now become a confident Money Advice Caseworker working for our EDF project in the Somerset areas affected by the HPC, helping more people work towards their financial goals and deal with their problem debts.
Maria has just completed the Certificate in Money Advice Practice. The Certificate is the only debt advice qualification specifically for free-to-client debt advisers in England. Awarded by Staffordshire University in partnership with the Institute of Money Advisers, CertMAP is a university level course which covers all the main aspects of a debt caseworker’s role.
Maria builds a great rapport with her clients and she often spots other concerns that they might have otherwise kept hidden and will invest the extra time needed to organise specialist agencies and support for them.
About Sheryl …
Sheryl is one of the newest member of the BGET project team and will be working across mid Devon. Sheryl will be supporting people with mental health needs to assist them in navigating their financial situation and difficulties, offering advice and guidance whilst empowering them to become confident in managing their finances.
Throughout her career, Sheryl has worked in supportive services and roles including general housing, tenancy sustainment and managing mental health support services. She is extremely passionate about fairness and equality, growing up in the social care system has given her many tools and great insight into what works well and the struggles of navigating services for people. She enjoys being part of people’s journey to reach their goals and aspirations and is something she finds truly rewarding.
About Martine …
Martine is the Community Health and Social Care Team Voluntary Representative for the Complex Care Teams for Barnstaple, Torrington, Holsworthy, Bideford and Ilfracombe and joined us in November 2021. Previously working for Wessex Resolutions CIC for 14 years where she was instrumental in helping clients achieve a safe, warm and secure home, Martine can now bring all of her skills with her as she joins us at Navigate. Martine is committed to supporting clients by providing information and guidance, identifying provision in their local communities and connecting people to services and partner agencies.
About Abbie …
Abbie joined the team in November 2018 as a Debt and Energy Adviser for the BGET project. Abbie works part time and delivers money and debt advice across the Mid Devon district through home visits. Abbie’s background is in housing and homelessness and she has a wealth of experience to support clients with their financial difficulties. Abbie has a “can do” approach to her role and is driven by her desire to help people and effect positive change. Abbie is an Approved Intermediary which means she can guide eligible clients towards completion of Debt Relief Orders. Many of the clients Abbie works with experience very poor mental health which makes their ability to engage with us more difficult. Abbie will customise her approach to ensure these clients are given every opportunity to work with us and she will often provide the money and debt advice alongside the Wellbeing Adviser from Mind who can build in extra time and reassurance to help the client succeed.
About Emma …
Emma is Navigate’s newest Debt and Energy Adviser working with the BGET Somerset project. Emma wanted to be a social worker from an early age but life got in the way and she fell into working within local government including within the council tax recovery team. During that time, Emma experienced setbacks including bereavement and poor health which, she says, helps her understand the needs of our clients as she has plenty of lived experience.
Despite living with a chronic health condition, she made the decision to do everything she could to work again but this time she was going to follow her desire to help others. Emma had worked previously in partnership with Citizens Advice, so she approached them with regards to becoming a volunteer case worker. Emma has also worked for a local credit union which gave her the insight and skills around understanding responsible lending and affordability. These roles strengthened her passion to work within money advice and, now, fast forward 5 years and a path that wasn’t always as straightforward as she would have liked, she finally feels she has the job she wanted to do for so long!
Emma finds the job fulfilling and over the past six months she has been given many opportunities and tools to grow. Navigate as a charity does so much to change people’s lives and she is proud and privileged to be a part of the Navigate family.
About Teresa…
I have worked for the last 8 years supporting people within the local community who have mental health issues, as well as those with learning difficulties and autism. I also have a number of years housing experience. I work alongside people to develop their skills, supporting them to live as independently as possible. Much of the work I have done over the last couple of years has focussed on reducing social isolation and building confidence to access the local community.
I work in a holistic way helping people to look at all aspects of their lives that can help improve their wellbeing. This will invariably include looking at how they manage their money, giving support with budgeting and helping clients to access the welfare benefit system. I am excited to incorporate all my skills and knowledge into my new role as a Wellbeing Advisor where I will strive to build positive relationships with my clients, built on hope and trust so that they can become more resilient and develop a sense belonging to their local community.
About Kim…
I joined the partnership in May 2020 as an energy and debt adviser, after approximately 12 months once I had completed my training and necessary course work, I became an approved intermediary which allowed me access to all debt solutions. My work gives me great self satisfaction, working with people who do not know where to turn and changing their lives is joyful.
Prior to joining the partnership I had always worked in financial services again rolls which helped people achieve their life gaols. I guess I have always been drawn towards helping others and help build their confidence, motivation and capability to enhance their lives.
About Jeremy…
Jeremy is a chartered accountant who has spent most of his career working with small and medium sized fast-growing businesses in a variety of sectors, most of which have been backed by private equity.
Now retired, he is taking a more leisurely pace, enjoying walking and surfing (badly) in Devon and Cornwall, cycling, playing tennis and walking the dog with his wife Sally. With a daughter in the Royal Navy he is also travelling the world vicariously!
Jeremy joined Navigate as a Trustee in August 2022 and became Chair of Trustees in April 2023. He is a strong believer in the values of Navigate and the immense benefit that it brings to people in real need.
About Andrew …
Alongside being a trustee for Navigate, Andy is Chief Operating Officer for Mind in Somerset, a local mental health charity and a trustee for Taunton Heritage Trust, a local almshouse charity.
Married with two children, Andy and his family enjoy playing tennis, cycling and walking on the Quantocks. Andy is also a Green Party Councillor for West Monkton & Cheddon Fitzpaine Ward in Somerset West and Taunton.
Andy is a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer. Navigates work has been of interest to Andy as he helped Mind nationally develop a mental health and financial capability training course, and believes that if we meet people’s basic needs of a safe home, living needs, and fulfilment many mental health issues would be prevented.
About David…
Before taking early retirement in 2017, Dave spent most of his working career as an Independent IT Consultant with varying roles in a variety of blue chip companies, including BP Exploration, Oracle, Glaxo, the DTI, SWEB and Thorn EMI. He had significant experience in design and development of software projects, and later in technical authoring and bid writing. Dave has just completed nine years on the board of a Taunton homeless charity, and is a trustee for the Handcycling Association of the UK (a national charity) as well as their treasurer. He also acts as treasurer for a local church PCC.
Dave has had multiple voluntary roles over many years. With a keen interest in kayaking he qualified as a paddlesports coach and taught many people canoeing and kayaking, for fifteen years, was chair of a local wheelchair sports club for people with physical and learning disabilities, is a qualified cycle coach and helps run sessions at the local children’s cycle club, and runs coaching sessions at Stoke Mandeville for disabled people trying handcycling for the first time. In his spare time Dave does a lot of handcycling, including acting as occasional ride leader for a local cycle club, is a keen competitor in Blokarting (a form of land sailing), runs a monthly singers and musicians circle, sings and play the guitar, makes things from pallet wood and is a keen DIYer.
About Andrew…
Andrew spent the first 23 years of his career working for HSBC Bank, undertaking various lending and operational management roles in the Bank’s branch network. A growing dissatisfaction with the culture of retail banking led Andrew to the conclusion that it was time to find a more ethical career path. Andrew was privileged to have the opportunity to create and establish a new Home Improvement Loan Scheme with what was then Wessex Reinvestment Trust. The business grew and diversified over time but as Chief Executive and Managing Director, Andrew was able to lead a team of gifted people who succeeded in making Wessex Resolutions one of the leading Community Finance providers in the South West. Navigate Charity grew from within this setting, led so ably by Mel Allen, and Andrew is excited to be part of the continuing story of success.
In his spare time, Andrew undertakes exam invigilation duties for a local school and also serve as a Magistrate. He also enjoys reading and spending time with his grandchildren.
About Darren…
Darren grew up in Barnstaple,North Devon and gained his Psychology Degree in London before returning to the South West where he has worked in commercial recruitment, apprenticeships and employability for the past 20 years across the West of England.
Having worked in perm recruitment across Bristol working with corporate clients and job seekers for 10 years before making a move into education and employability working with young people during his time with Interserve and Babington training to guide them into apprenticeships and enabling employers to offer funded apprenticeships and making use of their levy spend to develop staff. He is passionate about supporting others to reach their potential, understanding careers and helping to sell themselves in the best way possible. He has worked with unemployed people (some with complex barriers) during his time with Seetec and Shaw Trust helping to recognize barriers, breaking them down and creating action plans to help them become work ready.
Joining Navigate in September 2023 he will be focused on Community Engagement across Somerset promoting the exceptional work the charity does and offering a first class service in the community for those affected by money issues.
Darren enjoys watching Rugby, mountain biking, swimming, walking and travelling.
Fun fact Darren accidentally gate crashed Tamzin Othwaites birthday party in London and had an evening with the cast of eastenders and two pints of larger and a bag of crisps. Fun night!
Contact us to find out more about working for Navigate.
About Claudia….
Claudia Mcvie is a dedicated advocate for grassroots development and community empowerment and has spent most of her career in the third sector starting may years ago with Oxfam in their retail division. With a passion for driving positive change at a local level she has committed her personal and professional life to making a difference in communities. She has first hand experience of developing projects that have transformed individuals and neighbourhoods the most notable being the launch of mobile chemotherapy units.
In addition to her passion she has a wealth of skills and attributes including strong analytical skills and a keen ability to think critically all no with clear thinking and logical reasoning.
Claudia lives in London with her partner and their black Labrador Nisha. She has two children and 6 grandchildren 4 of whom sadly live in NZ. She loves travelling ,is a member of her local rock choir and works as a volunteer for several charities.
About Dawn …
Dawn is volunteering as a trustee for Navigate alongside her current role as Director of Fundraising and Communications for The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, an equine welfare charity improving the lives of horses, ponies and people. She’s been fortunate to build skills across fundraising and marketing communications disciplines in the charity sector over the past 20+ years.
More recently, Dawn has qualified as an equine assisted learning facilitator with a specific purpose certificate in life and workplace coaching and is a Mental Health First Aider. It’s the combination of helping animals and improving people’s wellbeing and helping them see the best in themselves that is of great interest to Dawn.
She’s drawn to Navigate for the individual and expert support offered to individuals and families facing financial hardship and how they’re given the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their money.
Dawn lives in East Devon and considers herself to be an artist-in-training, practising mindfulness while attempting oil paintings of landscapes, seascapes and animals! She’s married and has one child and two cats. When not painting, Dawn enjoys walking, mountain biking and kayaking as often as possible.
About Kim…
I joined the partnership in May 2020 as an energy and debt adviser, after approximately 12 months once I had completed my training and necessary course work, I became an approved intermediary which allowed me access to all debt solutions. My work gives me great self satisfaction, working with people who do not know where to turn and changing their lives is joyful.
Prior to joining the partnership I had always worked in financial services again rolls which helped people achieve their life gaols. I guess I have always been drawn towards helping others and help build their confidence, motivation and capability to enhance their lives.
