Kirsty Robertson

Chief Executive

Kirsty initially joined Motiv8 in November 2009, from the education sector. Kirsty was part of the team, established the Gosport and Fareham team for Motiv8, and eventually took on the role as Gosport and Fareham Services Manager supporting a large team with funding, partnerships and community development. In 2021 Kirsty became Motiv8’s Head of Operations and became responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and finances of the organisation, ensuring compliance with statutory and contractual requirements, and leading all operational teams across Gosport, Fareham, Havant and Portsmouth. Kirsty has also played a key role in developing and implementing strategic plans, securing funding and partnerships, and overseeing the evaluation and impact measurement of our projects.

Today, and with over 24 years of experience in a variety of settings including education, youth and community sector, Kirsty is the Chief Executive Officer at Motiv8. Kirsty has a keen interest and is trained in the following; Youth Empowerment, Youth Leadership, Attachment and Trauma, Leadership and Management, Mentoring and Coaching and Youth Engagement to create a positive and supportive culture that fosters innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

Marina Tuck

Head of Resources

Marina joined Motiv8 in 1999 and she has developed her skills and professional experience through a Post Grad Diploma in Human Resources and is now MCIPD qualified. Marina is responsible for all recruitment, training and resources at Motiv8.

Joe Weston-McDowell

Head of Fundraising & Marketing

Joe has worked in a variety of engagement, fundraising, and commercial roles across business support, Higher Education, and Philanthropy leading numerous award-winning programmes. Joe specialises in new audience engagement, curating engaging multi-channel programmes, and facilitating mutually beneficial relationships – particularly between the private and third sectors.

Joe’s immediate previous role was as Events Programme and Partnerships Manager for Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, working to encourage investment in to the county, develop enterprise confidence, and forge effective skills pathways.

Joe holds a BA Political Science (University of Birmingham) and several professional qualifications, including a QNUK Level 2 in Mental Health at Work.

Sam Cofie

Operational Support Manager

Sam has worked for Motiv8 for 20 years in a range of roles. Initially joined as a support worker after relocating from London having previously worked for the local authority supporting elderly and disabled service users. During Sam’s time at Motiv8 he has developed service provision and led on key contracts such as the Wessex Appropriate Adult Service. Sam is currently the Service Manager for Portsmouth with operational oversight of these areas, and takes a lead role for Health and Safety including premises and vehicles. Sam has an NVQ Level 5 management and leadership qualification.

Sarah Goodwin

Havant Services Manager

Sarah has worked with children, young people and families for 20 years. She joined Motiv8 in 2009 as a Senior Support Worker in the Gosport Team and then worked in both Portsmouth and Havant as the Coordinator before developing and leading the multiagency Intensive Family Support Service (Transform). She has a NVQ Level 3 in Leadership and Management and has completed the Supporting Families with Complex Needs training and Parenting Puzzle training. She has a love of the outdoors and nature and uses this as tool to support and engage with young people and families. She is a trauma-informed practice champion and oversees the delivery of the family support work across the organisation, alongside the youth support operational delivery in Havant.

Victoria Llewelyn

Gosport & Fareham Services Manager

Vicki started working with children and families over twelve years ago, originally working with under 5’s in Children’s Centres after gaining my BSc degree in Psychology and Masters degree in Forensic Psychology. She joined Motiv8’s intensive family support team in 2013 and then became a senior worker taking on lead responsibilities for the project across Hampshire. Vicki then moved over to the Gosport and Fareham office in 2019 with the aim of embedding family work and developing the parent support strand within the community team. She has completed leadership and management qualifications and recently completed an advanced diploma in counselling. Vicki’s currently role is the service manager for the Gosport and Fareham team.

Sophie King

Portsmouth Services Manager

Sophie has been working in the youthwork field for over 20 years. Sophie started working with young people as an Outdoor Education, IT and Multi Activity Instructor on the Isle of Wight. After taking some time to go travelling (to South America, Australasia and Asia) Sophie returned to youthwork as a personal adviser and participation officer with the Youth Offending Team and Connexions, working in Portsmouth and Hampshire.

After this, Sophie moved into the role as City Wide Project Leader for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Portsmouth City Council and then joined Motiv8 in the role of Portsmouth Coordinator. Sophie has extensive knowledge and experience in working with young people and is now the Service Manager for the Portsmouth team.

Laura Vincent

Family Support Manager

Laura has been working within Family Support and the charity sector for over 13 years after completing a BSc Honours Degree in psychology and criminology. She is Family Links trained and has a real passion for empowering families and helping them to thrive. Laura joined Motiv8 in September 2023 to manage the Family Support Team.

Emily Condley

Corporate, Community and Events Fundraising Manager

Emily joined the Motiv8 fundraising team in January 2024. She has been working in the charity sector since 2016, gaining a wealth of experience in fundraising through different streams including individual giving, community, events and corporates. She also has experience in digital content management and marketing and in the past has led on projects to launch websites and develop CRM systems for charities. Emily is responsible for corporate and community giving and leading on the Motiv8’s events programme.

Karen Yeung

Finance Manager

Karen joined the organisation in 2004, joining the Head Office Administration Team in Portsmouth. In 2006, Karen joined the Finance Team. In 2008, for a short period of time, Karen was seconded to Gosport to help support the team in setting up of the Youth Inclusion Programme. Karen will often talk about those days fondly, working alongside young people in Gosport to develop the community.

Throughout her time at Motiv8, Karen has completed a number of qualifications and training programmes including MAAT and has her full membership in and professional status in Accounting and Finance. In her spare time, Karen enjoys spending time with family.