Management Team

Lesley Davidson

BA (Hons) Psychology, MCIPD - Director

Lesley joined Care first in 1996, with a background in human resources for a major PLC.  In 1990 Lesley was a founding member for the first corporate EAP provider in the UK where she gained extensive experience specialising in the delivery of services to high risk, high stress workplaces such as offshore gas and oil platforms. Lesley also developed a programme of national and European service delivery, where her customers included major road haulage companies complying with Drug & Alcohol Policy, through to major UK financial organisations.

Keith Osborne

HND Leisure management -  Sales Manager

Keith Osborne is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in senior leadership roles. As the current Head of Sales, he specialises in creating custom mental health wellbeing solutions for businesses. His industry knowledge and expertise make him a valuable asset in crafting effective strategies tailored to each company's unique needs.

Before taking on his current role, Keith spent most of his career in the leisure industry, owning and directing businesses. His decision to diversify in 2022 allowed him to explore a new industry and showcase his adaptable skills. Keith is known for his results oriented approach, and he thrives in building mutually beneficial relationships.

Outside of work, Keith is a British Triathlon coach and an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoys triathlon, golf, and maintaining a fit lifestyle. He also has an interest in cooking and dreams of participating in Master Chef. Keith is also a fan of Volkswagen camper vans.

On a personal note, Keith has been happily married for 25 years and is a proud father of two grown children, aged 23 and 25. His varied interests and commitment to his family and career make him a well-rounded individual.

Andrew Wood

MA(Oxon), MBA, MSc, FCA, MCMI, MBACP(Accred), MNCIP -  Clinical Director

Before training as a therapist, Andrew worked in the financial services industry for over 25 years, holding various senior finance and business management positions within large multi-national organizations in the UK and overseas. During this time, he gained extensive experience in business administration, team leadership, project management, coaching and training. After returning to the UK to complete his MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Andrew worked as a therapist with several well-known organizations including Mind and Relate, and as a workplace counsellor for two NHS Trusts. He also set up his own private practice, providing coaching, counselling and therapy to individuals and couples, and clinical supervision to other therapists. Before joining Care first, he was the Counselling Service Manager for TalkingSpace Plus, the NHS’ IAPT (Increased Access to Psychological Therapies) service in Oxfordshire.

Melissa Barnes

BA (Hons) Sociology & Criminology -  Head of Quality & Process

Melissa joined Care first in 2014 as a Key Contract Service Manager and has developed extensive experience in a variety of sectors specialising in NHS Trusts, Education, Group Income Protection, and Local Authorities, as well as managing many of our key Broker accounts.

With a key focus on our quality standards, process driven user experiences and business development; Melissa was appointed as Care first’s Quality and Process Audit Manager in 2019, a role which included full audits of our operational and clinical processes, the development and implementation of new innovative service elements and platforms, as well as designing and launching a new CRM system and imbedding this within our business functions.

Melissa is now Head of Quality and Process with a particular focus on the integrity of processes and procedures across the business operations of Care first, compliance, project management and bespoke work for our Customer organisations.

Delivering the service

Our Service Managers, Telephone Counsellors, Information Specialists and Consultants are all permanent staff who, together with our Associate Counsellors, are trained, managed and clinically supervised by Care first.