OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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Tom Crossman-Kellie

VCN CHAIR

As a proud veteran who served 30 years in the British Army, I achieved the rank of Major and participated in UK and NATO operations in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. Understanding the challenges of military transition, I am dedicated to providing veterans support to those who struggle with adapting to civilian life after service. In my role as the Business and Finance Trustee for the Veterans Community Network, I leverage my extensive experience in business management, finance, and process improvement to ensure that VCN continues to make a meaningful impact for veterans and their families.

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Melanie Giles

VCN TREASURER

I have combined a 40-year career in the financial sector with 19 years of service in the Army Reserves, where I achieved the rank of WO2 and was later commissioned. My spouse, who has served 22 years with an additional 15 years in the Reserves, and I both come from military families, making veterans support a personal mission for us as we are veterans ourselves.

Since 2002, I have operated my own professional practice specializing in personal insolvency and corporate restructuring. This often involves assisting individuals with day-to-day budgeting, identifying their key personal needs and priority payments, and organizing affordable payment plans for their debts. I understand that the military transition to civilian life can be daunting, presenting numerous challenges where a helping hand can be invaluable in navigating benefits, housing and welfare systems, income tax, pensions legislation, and employment law. Additionally, I have experience in mentoring startups and SMEs.

In my role as Treasurer for the charity, I will ensure that every penny of our valued donations goes directly to supporting our veteran service users. I will assist our management team with financial governance while also growing our volunteer network. Furthermore, I will contribute to our efforts in securing new donors, allowing the charity to expand its offerings and continue to thrive in alignment with the vision of its founders, while fulfilling vital trustee roles.

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Andy Collacott

VCN SAFEGUARDING LEAD

Andy served 23 years in the Royal Marines, attaining the rank of WO1 before making a successful military transition into a career as a P3M consultant. With a strong background in leadership, change management, occupational and organisational psychology, coaching, and human performance, Andy has extensive experience in veterans support, focusing on 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, while continuing to serve as a Reservist and Cadet Force Adult Volunteer.

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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 journey included operational tours in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, and Iraq. I look forward to doing all that I can in my trustee role within VCN to support veterans in their military transition, playing any part, great or small, to improve the lives of those experiencing difficulty after leaving any form of service.

The transition to civilian life has been challenging, but the deep respect I gained for everyone and my complete trust in investing time and effort into the development of others drives me to do good.

Additionally, I have extensive experience in senior management and business finance and administration, which I hope to leverage in my efforts to enhance veterans support through VCN. I am honored to take up this role and will do my level best to multiply the efforts therein.

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Dave J Harris

VCN TRUSTEE

Joined the British Army in 1993 and continues to serve. I have undertaken operational tours in Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Iraq, Cyprus, and Estonia, along with numerous overseas exercises. My experience spans all levels within the Army, from teeth arms units to formation headquarters, and I have supported civilian authorities during national emergencies.

As a keen organiser and helper with a forward-thinking ‘can do’ approach, I am always eager to assist others and find solutions to problems, deriving satisfaction from the positive outcomes.

A rugby enthusiast, I coach at the local Rugby Club and manage the Adjutant Generals Corps Rugby team in the British Army. This role allows me to contribute to veterans support by helping children, soldiers, and officers develop not only their playing skills but also personal growth.