Our People
The headquarters staff operates from Castaway House (Portsmouth), and deals with grants administration, finance, public relations and the day-to-day administration of the affairs of the Trust.
Some of Debbie’s earliest memories are associated with the navy. With a dad and friends who served, accepting the role of Chief Executive at the RNBT really is her dream job. Working for most of her career in health and social care, Debbie has significant experience working in senior leadership positions in the Charity sector. Debbie enjoys translating the stories shared by sailors, marines, their families, and our staff into practical help. Always looking to build on the services provided, so that when help is needed, the RNBT is always there. As a mother of four, there isn’t a lot of spare time, but having the support of her family means everything to Debbie.
After more than 32 years’ service in the Royal Navy, Sam wanted to continue giving back to the community that had shaped his life. He first worked with the Naval Families Federation, helping to support serving personnel and their loved ones, before joining the RNBT in March 2015. His passion lies in making a real difference to the lives of the Naval family, ensuring those in need receive care, understanding, and practical support. Away from work, Sam enjoys exploring new places, experimenting in the kitchen, and keeping fit.
Lisa brings over two decades of experience in finance leadership, with a career spanning insurance, consultancy, and the charitable sector. She’s passionate about making finance work for people — whether that’s helping organisations navigate change, improving financial systems, or building strong, supportive teams. Before joining The RNBT, Lisa held senior roles at Aztec Financial Services, Deloitte, HSBC Life Insurance, and served as Finance Director for both the Winchester and Portsmouth Dioceses. She’s known for her calm approach in a crisis, her ability to simplify complex financial issues, and her knack for bringing people together to solve problems. Lisa is a Fellow of the ACCA and holds an MBA from the University of Manchester. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling to new places exploring local cuisine, and spending time with her family.
Chrissie joined the WRNS as a Writer and left the RN 25 years later as a Master At Arms (Crusher!). For the next two years Chrissie was the Association of Wrens’ Assistant Secretary and latterly the Project Manager of Shipmates & Oppos, a Royal Naval Association programme helping Service leavers to make the transition to ‘Civvy Street’. As a Wellbeing Support Advisor, she continues to engage with the Naval Family. When not at work, she maintains strict discipline in the household by continuing to conduct Defaulters, with her Husband, Son and Border Collie making regular appearances.
Tracy is our Senior Grant Executive. Tracy’s career started with 9 years in the WRNS/Royal Navy as a writer, she retrained and gained a BSc (Hons) and MSc to work in various clinical roles within the NHS. Tracy was a trustee for the RNBT for a short while before originally taking up the WSA post. With a former ‘bootneck’, ‘matelot’ and two MAAs in the office Tracy brings a touch of normality, and the average age down considerably! When not at work Tracy is either out and about with her daughters, at the gym, walking or baking.
Lisa works alongside Sue, dealing with all the initial enquiries from Caseworkers and veterans and inputting vital information onto the Caseworker Management System (CMS). Her administration experience spans some 30 years. Lisa enjoys baking and playing tennis and more recently qualified as a Fitness Instructor.
Sue is one of the Administration Assistants and is the longest serving member of staff in Head Office. Sue deals with all the initial enquiries from Caseworkers and veterans and inputs vital information onto the Caseworker Management System (CMS). In her spare time she likes to play bowls, go for walks with her husband, read and watch TV.
Corinne joined the Trust immediately after completing 23 years as a Petty Officer Writer in the Royal Navy. Her role at the Trust takes on many guises, from conducting RNBT briefs for service personnel and charitable organisations, to organising the Summer Events programme and Annual Conferences. Corinne also co-ordinates the recruiting of volunteers across the 3 sites. When not at work, Corinne spends most of her time running around after her teenage daughter, husband and their 2 manic cockapoos.
Emma joined the Royal Navy in 2001, leaving in 2015 and transferring to the RNR where she continues to serve as a CPO MTO. Following her time in the Navy, Emma worked as an Area Manager in contract logistics before joining the RNBT team as the Facilities Manager looking after the HQ, the care homes and the Almshouse. Outside of work, she’s rugby mad and enjoys spending time with her family, mostly her two dogs—one lovely, one sassy!
A former Royal Navy Master at Arms, Simon served for 25 years. On leaving the Navy Simon worked in Supported Housing for many years before joining the team at RNBT in May 2022. When not at work, Simon enjoys sailing and paddle boarding when the weather gives good tides and fair winds.
Rachel is our HR Manager and joined our team in 2024. Having spent the early part of her career in defence and healthcare recruitment before diversifying into Human Resources, Rachel joined the RNBT to lead our central HR function. CertRP and CIPD qualified, Rachel is responsible for supporting our teams in both Portsmouth and Gillingham and is passionate about developing our brand, culture and expanding the capability of our people team. Although not from a naval background, she hails from a military family and understands the immense work of our armed forces and is passionate about working in the not-for-profit sector. When not at work, she is a ‘mum of boys’ and enjoys city breaks, exploring new places, cooking and trying not to kill plants!
Niki works closely alongside the HR Manager to provide consistent HR support across all three sites, Pembroke House, Admiral Jellicoe House and Castaway House. Niki is a key point of contact for both managers and staff offering guidance and day-to-day support on a wide range of people-related matters. Outside of work, Niki enjoys spending quality time with her family making the most of her holidays especially relaxing beach front getaways, soaking up the sun.
Joining the Finance team in June 2024, Louise is our Finance and Payroll assistant with a mix of duties for the 3 locations Castaway House, Pembroke House, and Admiral Jellicoe House. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her partner and always has an art/crafts project on the go. New trend: Crochet!
Emma works in the Grants Team as the Outreach and Engagement Caseworker for Scotland. Emma attends events and activities promoting The RNBT and completes casework for the RN/RM family in her area. Emma served in the Army Intelligence Corps for seven years in the 1990s and has worked in the Third Sector supporting the Armed Forces Community for a number of years, having held roles with Defence Medical Welfare Service, Blesma – The Limbless Veterans and The RAF Benevolent Fund. Outside work Emma enjoys travelling with her partner (who is former Danish Airforce), wild swimming and walking her dog.
Kate is based in Plymouth and manages the RNBT’s Casework Service. She is an advocate of multi-agency working and can often be found at hubs promoting The RNBT's support for RN and RM beneficiaries. Kate also provides individualised casework to serving personnel, veterans, and their families in times of need and distress. She joined RNBT in 2025 and has served 12 years in the Royal Navy. Outside of work, Kate enjoys shopping, you can never have too many bags or shoes!
Sam joined The RNBT in 2025 and looks after everything Marketing and Communications. With a background in photography and graphic design, he has spent his career in various communications roles in the private, charity and volunteering sectors. Outside of work, Sam enjoys cinema, going for long hikes, getting his hands dirty with DIY or a craft hobby and attending at least one quiz night a week!
Kev served in the Royal Navy for 33 years’ and has been an Ordinary Member Trustee at The RNBT from 2018 to 2024. He has stayed close to his naval roots to continue his passion to provide timely and effective support to those in need. Kev feels privileged to become a Regional Wellbeing Caseworker covering South-East of England. He looks forward to making a real difference to beneficiaries as part of the RNBT team, where he promotes collaborative working to provide person-centred support. Away from work Kev enjoys quality family time, where he attempts to keep up with his two Grandson’s.
Kevin started his accounts training at 18 years old and hasn't looked back. He is both AAT and ACCA qualified, becoming a fellow of the ACCA in 2017. At The RNBT, Kevin supports the charities aims and oversees the day-to-day finance functions using a wide variety of experience from working in Accounts and Tax functions in Accountancy Practices for over 22 years. When not working, Kevin loves spending time with family and friends. He's a keen follower of Tennis, Formula 1 and Boxing. A keen motorcyclist, Kevin is often out on his bike come rain or shine!
As the RNBT Caseworker for Cornwall, Georgie provides compassionate, person-centred support to serving and former Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel, as well as their families. Bringing five years of experience with Aggies, Georgie draws on extensive knowledge of the naval community, combining practical insight and pastoral understanding to meet the unique needs of beneficiaries across the region. You can find Georgie at local events promoting what RNBT can offer. Georgie is committed to helping individuals navigate financial, emotional, and practical challenges. With a calm, empathetic approach Georgie works closely with beneficiaries to understand their circumstances and empower them to build stability and wellbeing. Georgie strives to ensure every person supported feels heard, respected, and genuinely cared for. Georgie also loves to spend time with family and friends, baking and at the beach.
As part of the Marketing & Communications Team, Aimie coordinates The RNBT's digital and social media channels. With 12 years of administration and marketing experience and husband in the Royal Navy, Aimie is well place to promote the work of The RNBT out to the world. Originally from Portsmouth, Aimie has lived in Cornwall for the past 10 years, with her husband, 2 children and hectic border collie. Aimie loves to read, sing, dance and draw and can be found wherever there is anything artsy going on!