Thank You For Your Service
Tom Crossman-Kellie
VCN CHAIR
A proud veteran, I served 30 years in the British Army, attaining the rank of Major with deployments on UK and NATO operations in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. With a personal understanding of how transition from the military can be challenging, I am committed to supporting those who find difficulty in their routine and life as a consequence of service. As the Business and Finance Trustee for the Veterans Community Network, I bring extensive experience in business management, finance, and process improvement to help VCN continue making a lasting difference for veterans and their families.
Melanie Giles
VCN TREASURER
I have combined a 40 year career in the financial sector, alongside 19 years serving in the Army Reserves where I achieved the rank of Wo2, later going on to be commissioned. I am also married to a 22 year man, who has 15 additional years of service with the Reserves - so the military is in our blood, we both hail from military families and we are veterans ourselves.
I have operated my own professional practice since 2002, where I specialise in personal insolvency and corporate restructuring. This often involves helping individuals with day to day budgeting, identifying their key personal needs and priority payments, whilst organising affordable payment plans for their debts. The transition from military to civilian life can be daunting, and the period of adjustment brings many challenges where a helping hand can be very welcome to navigate the benefits, housing and welfare systems, income tax and pensions legislation and employment law. I am also experienced in mentoring new-start SMEs.
In my role as Treasurer to the charity, I will ensure that every penny of our valued donations goes to the heart of veteran service users, by supporting our management team with financial governance and by growing our volunteer network. I will also contribute to the effort of finding new donors, so that the charity can expand its offering and continue to thrive in line with the vision of its founders.
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Andy Collacott
VCN SAFEGUARDING LEAD
Andy served 23 years in the Royal Marines, attaining the rank of WO1 before transitioning into a career as a P3M consultant. With a background in leadership, change management, occupational and organisational psychology, coaching, and human performance, Andy has extensive experience supporting the development and well-being of individuals and teams across demanding environments. Passionate about helping people thrive, Andy joins VCN as a Trustee and Safeguarding Lead, whilst continuing to serve as a Reservist and Cadet Force Adult Volunteer.
Geoff Millen
VCN TRUSTEE
A British Army veteran, who was privileged to attain the rank of Major in a fabulous and vastly varied 35 year career. This saw me embarking on Operational tours in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq. Looking forward to doing all that I can in playing any part, great or small, to improve the life of anyone who is experiencing difficulty since leaving any form of service.
Transition to civilian life has been difficult enough, but the deep respect for everyone that I gained and complete trust in the investment of time and effort, reaping reward in the development of others, drives me to do good.
I too have extensive experience in senior management and business finance and administration.
I am honoured to take up a Trustee role within VCN, and do my level best to multiply the efforts therein.
Dave J Harris
VCN TRUSTEE
Joined the British Army in 1993 and still going. Served all over the world with Operational tours in Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Iraq, Cyprus and Estonia with many overseas exercises mixed in. Has worked at all levels within the Army from teeth arms units to formation headquarters as well as supporting civilian authorities during national emergencies.
A keen organiser and helper with a forward leaning ‘can do’ approach; always willing to help others and find problems to solutions with satisfaction coming from the positive end result.
Rugby enthusiast with coaching at the local Rugby Club and managing the Adjutant Generals Corps Rugby team in the British Army helping the children, soldiers and officers to develop not only their playing skills but also themselves.
Very excited to be a Trustee with VCN, meeting the challenge on head and helping Veterans.