Trustees and Patrons
Trustees
David Mellard
David is Acting Chair of OTF and founder/director of Bedrock HR Ltd, with 30 years of HR experience. He lives in Petersfield, is active in St Mary Magdalen C of E, and enjoys sailing, walking, school sports, and watching Arsenal with his teenage son.
Matt Weir
Matt Currently works as a Maths teacher, having spent 25 years in the finance sector. He loves golf and Brighton & Hove Albion and attends Bishop Hannington Memorial Church.
Simon Ritchie
Simon is the founder and CEO of Blox, a FP&A tech company. A chartered accountant and data enthusiast, Simon has over 15 years of experience in planning and is recognised for product-focused leadership, optimism, and team-building skills.
Max Mkandwire
Max moved here from Zimbabwe some years ago and has built a family and a business in Hove. He is a qualified electrician and travels across Sussex working as a contractor. He has a wife and three sons and is a passionate supporter of the charity.
Janet Cheng Shelley
Janet is a Partner at Siblings & Lead with 14 years of experience in London’s residential real estate market. She holds an LLB from the University of London and a postgraduate specialisation in Advanced Property and Commercial Law, and enjoys cross-country running and sewing.
Patrons
Our patrons are much valued ambassadors with long experience in local government, national politics, charity work, sport and the entertainment world. They support us with publicity, advocacy and by association.
Peter Kyle MP
Peter has been the MP for Hove and Portslade since 2015. Before this, he overcame difficulties with severe dyslexia to return to school aged 25; going on to complete a PhD. He has also worked as an Aid worker and for ACEVO, the umbrella body for the voluntary sector.
Graham and Rachel Potter
Graham and Rachel Potter are long-time Off The Fence patrons who have hosted and supported many fundraising events. Graham continues to champion football clubs and players taking an active role in their communities.
Cllr Dee Simson
Cllr Dee has supported Off The Fence’s mission as a Councillor and as Mayor of the City in 2018-19.
“I have always admired, supported and promoted the amazing innovative work and education carried out by Off the Fence and Gateway Women’s Centre. I am proud to be a Patron.”
Bruno Saltor
Ex-player and club captain at BHAFC and now a member of the coaching staff. Bruno has a heart for the work of OTF and is able to help us access support and funding from a variety of sources.