Rachel Bendall (Chief Executive Officer)
Rachel Bendall has been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Connect South West Ltd since April 1st 2008.
During this time she has led the organisation through a period of significant change including a split in service provision in partnership with the Local Authority involving the restructuring of the company, the TUPE transfer of a large proportion of staff and a reduction in the company’s main funding stream. Prior to being appointed CEO in 2008 Rachel worked for Connect South West Ltd for three and a half years as the Head of Partnership Development. She has held a wide variety of management and senior management roles as well as being a trained additional inspector for Ofsted, NVQ assessor and internal verifier and EFQM assessor, giving her a wealth of experience and knowledge, all of which have contributed to her ongoing success as Chief Executive Officer.
Mark Gritten (Chairman)
Mark was appointed to the board of Connect South West Ltd in May 2007.
Mark left the Army in 1990 as a Lieutenant Colonel and joined the NHS. Following three years as General Manager of all the health services in Hartlepool, Mark went on to become chief executive of acute hospital NHS Trusts from 1994 to 2007. Unfortunately following a ‘lucky to be alive’ event Mark had to retire in 2007. In 2009 he completed a PGCE during the course of which he voluntarily taught numeracy and literacy to adults and students over 16 years old. Mark is also a member of the National Clinical Audit Advisory Group.
Jill Youds (non executive Director)
Jill was appointed to the board of Connect South West Ltd in February 2011.
Jill serves as the Executive Director for Resourcing, Talent, Leadership and Learning at Virgin Media. Previous roles include HR director, head of OD, and head of learning & development for large organisations in the retail and financial service including Lloyds TSB and Clarks Shoes. Jill also spent time in the construction sector as a main board director of a medium enterprise in a turnaround situation. Jill’s key focus in these roles has included providing opportunities for employment, training and qualifications.
Mike McEvoy (non executive Director)
Mike was appointed to the board of Connect South West Ltd in February 2011.
Mike started his career as a fully indentured apprentice in the telecommunications industry. His career progressed into management during which time he took an MSc degree in Manufacturing Management and Technology. After this he took directorships in high technology UK Companies before becoming involved in the management buyout of a troubled business. This was successfully turned round and sold and since then Mike has worked as a consultant, specifically aimed at businesses that are distressed.