Chris leads the team’s operations, building employer and provider networks, and overseeing supported apprenticeships. He also works with businesses and charities to develop inclusive hiring programmes.

With extensive experience across apprenticeship providers, education and employers, Chris specialises in supporting people with learning disabilities into work. He is a qualified Assessor Coach and Job Coach, and has supported over 30 inclusive apprenticeships and traineeships, alongside delivering national pilot programmes.

His work has been recognised with awards from Smart Training and Recruitment and Portsmouth’s Man of the Year. Outside of work, he is a Non-Executive Director at Shaping Portsmouth, where he leads on community programmes.

Diana supports recruitment, delivers workshops, builds employer relationships, helps create placements, and builds CV and interview skills. She also works closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to identify suitable candidates.

She holds a Masters in Public Health and a Level 3 qualification in Teaching and Education, and brings a background in project management, including running her own social care business for 10 years and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs.

Diana has long supported Minstead Trust, previously volunteering as a cookery teacher at Furzey Gardens and Hanger Farm. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, tending her allotment, learning Italian and live music.

Hayley provides workplace support, job coaching and builds relationships with businesses to create employment opportunities. She also supports apprentices in Bournemouth and within Minstead Trust’s social enterprises.

She holds a diploma in psychodynamic counselling and has extensive experience as a Job Coach in supported employment, alongside work in the voluntary sector and the NHS. Her career has focused on empowering people to make informed choices that improve their well-being and quality of life.

Outside of work, Hayley enjoys hiking, mindfulness and meditation, as well as spending time with family and friends, reading, podcasts and theatre.

Elliot is an Employment Mentor based in Portsmouth, providing workplace support, job coaching and building relationships with businesses to create employment opportunities. He also leads the Portsmouth City Council Supported Internships programme and supports supported apprenticeship graduates.

He holds a BSc in Geology with Physical Geography and an MSc in Crisis and Disaster Management, and is a BASE trained Job Coach. Elliot brings experience from the hospitality sector, where he trained staff, and has volunteered supporting people with learning disabilities.

Outside of work, he enjoys reading, playing chess and running.