Meet the Team
Here at Play Torbay we have an amazing team of people. Between us we have all the skills to keep Play Torbay running smoothly.
Some of us you will know well as you see us out and about but others not so well. So we thought you might like to meet the team!
Dan - Operations Manager
My role is all about keeping things running smoothly so that we can support play opportunities for children and families all year round in Torbay. It’s a busy, varied job that sees me juggling everything from finance and governance to HR, IT, and project development — and I love the challenge!
I’ve been involved in the world of play for over 20 years, working as a playworker, community play ranger, trainer, and project developer. I’m really passionate about children’s right to play and how we design spaces that inspire creativity and adventure. Over the years, I’ve helped develop and promote outdoor play projects across the UK, including leading work with play rangers and playing a big part in the Scrapstore PlayPods programme, which transformed how schools approach playtime.
When it comes down to it, I believe every child deserves the time, space, and freedom to play — and I’m proud to be part of an organisation that makes that happen.
Sam - Services Manager
I mainly looking after our Alternative Provision and EOTAS programme. I love Play Torbay for a variety of reasons! I have seen the magic of play and the work we do, transform the lives of young people with SEND across Torbay and feel passionately that our work improves the local SEND offer and the lives of the young people and families we are dedicated to. In my spare time I can be found looking after our foster children and walking my Newfoundland (Nana). You may even spot her on session sometimes.
Chris - Maintenance Manager
Chris looks after our playground sites and development, managing projects across the organisation and supporting our junior placements too.
He’s the shyest member of our team — you have to be quick to catch him for a photo, as he’s far too busy to stop and pose!
Chris makes sure our sites are safe, welcoming spaces to play, keeps everything running smoothly, and is always ready to tackle the complex (and often long-winded!) processes that keep things moving behind the scenes.
Our junior play workers know him well — he supports them throughout their training and mentors them while they’re on placement.
In his (rare) spare time, Chris is probably still thinking about how to make things better, easier, and more efficient. He might not switch off often, but he does have a soft spot for a Tunnock’s Teacake.
Lesley - Operations Support
I came to Play Torbay as a a play enabler in 2019. Since then have done several jobs within the organisation. You don’t often see me around now but I’m always there in the background helping to keep things running smoothly. Most of my working life is now spent at a computer. Training due to expire? Expect a call or email from me. If you phone Play Torbay it will most likely be me who answers the phone.
I believe passionately that children have the right to play, to be heard and seen and to feel safe. I love everything that Play Torbay stands for.
In my spare time I am either singing, sewing or out walking.
Chloe - Deputy Alternative Provision Lead and Play Enabler
I’m Chloe, the Deputy Alternative Provision Lead and Enabler at Play Torbay. In my role, I support our team of Enablers to feel confident, prepared, and supported so we can offer the very best experiences for our young people. Together, we create safe, engaging, and nurturing spaces where every child can thrive.
As Deputy Safeguarding Lead, I’m here to help keep everyone safe and happy. If you’re ever worried, upset, or unsure about something, please know that you can always come and talk to me I’ll listen and do my best to help.
As an Enabler, I love helping young people grow in confidence through play, creativity, and adventure. Whether we’re exploring outdoors, engaging in activities, or experiencing something new, I’m there to encourage, support, and celebrate every step. My biggest hope is that every child I work with feels safe, valued, and proud of who they are.
What I love most about my job is seeing young people grow in confidence and start to believe in themselves. Watching them laugh, learn, and discover their strengths makes every day so rewarding.
So there you are, that’s the core team at Play Torbay. We hope you enjoyed meeting us all. If you see us out and about please come and say hello - we’d love to meet you too.
