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MEET OUR TEAM

Simon McNeill-Ritchie

Director   I  Mission Social Value

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Simon McNeill-Ritchie is a highly innovative and resourceful social entrepreneur with a successful track record of creating and leading voluntary organisations The only two-time winner of the National Lottery’s BVC Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the first recipient of the-then Government’s Big Society funding, Simon has helped tackle social issues such as long-term unemployment and community disintegration.

 

A former British diplomat and Corporate Finance adviser, Simon combines the disciplines of the private sector with the ethos of the public sector. Drawing on his extensive experience and training, he is able to analyse complex data and quickly distil them into compelling strategic solutions that deliver meaningful, measurable social impact.

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Director, Mission Social Value (2024–Present) 

 

Simon is responsible for business development within the Defence, Space, Security and Cyber industries, and liaison with the Armed Forces’ and other charities across the South West region.

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KEY STRENGTHS

  

Regional Fundraising Officer, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity (2022-2024)

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All aspects of fundraising for SSAFA in the South West of England, including:

  • Project Innovation: Devised and staged various new fundraising and awareness events.

  • Event Management: Managed all aspects of each event.

  • Social Value Lead: Networked and developed corporate relationships with businesses and other partners within the regional defence industry.

  • Volunteering: Built up and led a growing team of corporate volunteers to support SSAFA at events across the calendar year and the South West region.

 

RECENT CAREER HIGHLIGHTS 

 

Founder and CEO, Radio Bath CIO (2020-Present)

 

Simon co-founded Radio Bath during the Covid pandemic to replace local commercial and public radio services. A charity run entirely by volunteers, Radio Bath broadcasts on DAB 24/7 and creates 100+ hours of original content every week. Now in its fifth year and financially sustainable from the outset, Radio Bath aspires to become a model for other cities and towns that have similarly lost their local radio services.

 

Mayor and Town Councillor (2017-Present)

 

An Independent Town Counsellor since 2017, Simon was elected Mayor of Bradford on Avon in 2019 and again the following year to help lead the town through the Covid pandemic.

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EDUCATION

 

Academia (1984-Present)

 

Simon is currently completing a PhD at the University of Cambridge on The Origins and Role of Military Charities during WW1 and their Influence on the Emergence of the Welfare State after WW2. He has a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from CASS Business School, London (now Bayes Business School), where he later taught International Business Development, and a Masters in Political Science & International Relations from the University of Dundee.

Mark Shelford

Director   I  Mission Social Value

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A highly competent and strategic leader with a proven record of navigating complex public and private sectors to deliver impactful solutions. With extensive experience in government, defence, law enforcement, and community engagement, Mark brings a no-nonsense, efficient approach to governance and management.

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Known for his practical, detail-oriented mindset, he leverages strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, particularly within environments requiring ethical and financial governance. As a neurodiverse individual with dyslexia, he excels at synthesising information amidst competing interests, identifying critical issues, and generating innovative solutions through strategic thinking.

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KEY STRENGTHS

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  • Strategic Leadership: Mark has excelled in roles demanding complex oversight, such as managing Avon & Somerset’s £380 million budget and nearly 7,000-person workforce as Police and Crime Commissioner.

  • Facilitative and Empathetic: Skilled at bringing diverse stakeholders to consensus, with an emphasis on understanding community needs through active listening and practical action.

  • Creative Problem-Solving: Mark’s neurodiversity enhances his capacity for unconventional and effective solutions, particularly in high-stakes environments.

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SPECIALITIES

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  • Leadership and Management

  • Governance in Police, Fire, and Criminal Justice: Developed scrutiny models and public accountability systems.

  • Corporate Ethics and Financial Governance

  • Data-Driven Solutions and Cybersecurity: Directed initiatives like the Cyber Protect Postcard, reaching half a million residents.

  • Cross-Departmental Navigation and Engagement: Delivered solutions through coordinated government actions, including the Prisoners Building Homes Programme and national cybersecurity policies.

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RECENT CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

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Police and Crime Commissioner, Avon & Somerset (2021–2024)

  • Budget Management: Oversaw a £380 million budget, achieving substantial outcomes within highly regulated frameworks.

  • Cyber Crime and Fraud National Lead: Advanced fraud prevention on a national scale, facilitating the establishment of a single agency for cybersecurity messaging (NCSA).

  • Prisoners Building Homes Programme: Chaired this initiative, creating pathways for offender rehabilitation, with the first program graduate employed at £65,000 annually.

  • Community Engagement: Led the National E-Scooters Safety Committee, implementing safety measures and improvements to address public safety concerns.

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Shelford Warren Partnership (2019–2021)

  • Specialised in policy negotiation with local and national governments; notably revised environmental regulations to accommodate advanced waste processing technology.

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Local Government Leadership (2015–2019)

  • Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member, Bath and North East Somerset (BATHNES): Focused on sustainability, resilience, and transport.

  • Data Analytics Leadership: Championed data-informed policing, chairing the Complaints Committee and leading procurement improvements for Avon Fire and Rescue.

  • Infrastructure Board Member: Contributed to strategic regional development plans, including energy, transport, and spatial planning initiatives.

 

Military and Defence (1982–2012)

  • Operational Training and Simulation: Developed high-level training standards within NATO, focusing on coherence and operational readiness.

  • Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Management: Oversaw the UK’s CBRN defence assets and managed multimillion-pound procurement projects.

  • Leadership in Combat-Ready Transformation: Directed logistical and operational training for large units, securing NATO certification for high-readiness deployment.

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EDUCATION

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  • MA, Defence Acquisition Studies – Cranfield University

  • BSc (Hons), Applied Science – Cranfield University

  • City and Guilds Membership Award in Leadership and Management

  • Prince2 Project Management Qualification – 2008

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