Dave Smith
Chef Executive Officer
As Chief Executive Officer of Bridging the Gap Islington (Bridging-Mentoring.org.uk) and an accomplished adviser, I transform charitable organisations by combining commercial acumen, strategic insight, and strong community engagement. My leadership focuses on delivering sustainable impact, fostering lasting partnerships, and advancing organisational values and vision.
With extensive Board and trustee experience, I have guided non-profits in governance, mentored leadership teams, and driven strategic direction to achieve tangible results. My expertise in strategic leadership and non-profit governance ensures boards meet their objectives through clear business strategies and robust accountability. I am committed to fostering inclusion, safeguarding, and diversity at all levels.
Certified in both technical and commercial domains, I continuously pursue professional development to support organisational excellence. I connect with CEO-level peers on LinkedIn to exchange best practices and drive innovation in the non-profit sector.
Earlier in my career, I managed project delivery at IBM Global Services e-business for corporate and government clients, served as Technical Director at a technology start-up, and led large-scale technical consulting projects. More recently, as Co-Chair for Citizens Advice Broxbourne and Chair of Rehabit, I have led service delivery and organisational development, contributing to cultural and operational transformation.
My passion is empowering people, strengthening communities, and driving positive, measurable change through strategic leadership
Greg Foxsmith
Trustee and Chair of board
Greg is a freelance criminal defence lawyer and Crown Court Advocate. He specialises in civil liberties and protest cases. He was an Islington Councillor from 2006 until May 2014. He has been mentoring ex-offenders for fifteen years. One of his mentoring projects was the subject of an acclaimed BBC2 fly-on-the-wall documentary called “Make me honest”.
Robin Latimer
Trustee & Retiring Coordinator
BA Hons Engineering; MSc Development Studies
Robin has set up and run development projects in Africa. Returning to England, he managed services for people with drink problems and worked on national drug and alcohol policy. He worked as Drug and Alcohol Development manager with London Probation for 10 years establishing new drug treatment programmes until he took voluntary redundancy in 2011.
Sharmila Rajaratnam
Trustee
Works for the Prison Service legal department, previously ran Offending Behaviour Programmes in prisons
Ruth Hayes
Trustee
Islington Councillor and former director of Islington Law Centre
Lee Wakefield
Trustee
Trustee
Lal Lumley
Lived Experience Advocate / Supervisor / Trainer
Lal knows from her own experience the importance of group and one-to-one support. She has first-hand experience of some of the difficulties of those who are supported by the charity.
Lal has previously worked as a psychotherapist in the NHS and has a Masters in the field, as well as working with vulnerable children and adolescents in various settings. Alongside her work with Bridging the Gap Mentoring, Lal volunteers as a peer mentor in other charitable organisations.
She believes those who are struggling with mental health, addiction and/or adjusting to life after prison need support to guide them towards the future they want, and is determined to use her voice and experience to advocate on their behalf.
Hayley Samuels
Outreach