Meet the Leadership Team

Rob Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Rob Smith was appointed CEO of Improving Lives Plymouth in April 2021. Following an initial 11 years with West Yorkshire Police, he built a 25-year career in the voluntary sector at Chief Officer level, working across innovative public/private/voluntary sector partnerships at regional and national level. These have included heading up services in Victim Support, Youth Justice, Children’s, Carers, Probation and Employment, among others.

Rob sat on the Home Office/Ministry of Justice national voluntary sector advisory panel from 2003 to 2008 and was a member of the national T2A (Transitions to Adulthood) Alliance board from 2008 to 2011. He has given evidence as an expert witness to the Parliamentary Justice Select Committee and was seconded to the National Offender Management Service to design new service delivery specifications for short-sentenced prisoners at a national level. He holds a range of postgraduate management qualifications specialising in the voluntary sector and studied for an MBA through the Open University.

On relocating to Plymouth in 2019, Rob served first as a Trustee and then interim CEO of the Harbour Centre, a substance misuse charity, and was Head of Strategic Development for Devon Mind from 2019 to 2021. He is currently Chair of the Devon Community Mental Health Alliance, sits on the Plymouth Armed Forces Covenant partnership board, and chairs the Plymouth Veterans Theme Group.

Mathew Cunningham

Chief Operating Officer

Mathew plays a key role in shaping the direction of Improving Lives Plymouth, leading work that brings together strategy, operations and partnership development. He is committed to helping people, communities and organisations work together to create lasting change, and is passionate about developing services that respond to local needs.

Before joining ILP, Mathew held a number of roles within the voluntary sector, including with Shelter and on the Changing Futures project, building extensive experience of supporting individuals and communities. Away from work, he is a keen Plymouth Argyle fan.

Chris Yates

Head of Systems, Data and Process Improvement

Chris joined Improving Lives Plymouth in 2012, bringing experience from both the public and private sectors. He has played a key role in developing ILP’s volunteering, workforce and business support functions, building strong partnerships with individuals, businesses and charities across the city. As our Head of Systems, Data and Process Improvement, Chris leads on ILP’s data roadmap, workforce development and business development pipeline, ensuring the organisation is data-driven, people-centred and future-ready. He works closely with colleagues across IT, Finance and Operations to strengthen processes, embed the One ILP culture, and support sustainable growth.

Larissa Milden

Services Director

Larissa joined Improving Lives Plymouth in 2011 as Active for All Manager, later expanding her responsibilities across a range of projects.

Prior to this, she studied at Plymouth University and worked with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers on projects at local and regional levels.

Lee Sewrey

Head of Governance, Quality and Facilities

Lee leads on governance, quality, risk, health and safety, and facilities across Improving Lives Plymouth. His role is about helping the organisation work safely, confidently and consistently, ensuring the right processes, spaces and assurance are in place to support good decision-making and high-quality services.

Having worked across a range of operational and service leadership roles, he brings a strong understanding of frontline delivery — one that keeps his governance and quality work practical, proportionate and connected to the everyday reality of staff, volunteers and the people who use our services.

He enjoys bringing structure to complex pieces of work, improving how things are organised, and supporting teams to feel clear about what needs to happen. Away from work, he enjoys gardening and building Lego, both of which give him plenty of opportunity to plan, problem-solve and occasionally start again when something doesn’t quite fit.

Emma Corkery

Plymouth Wellbeing Hubs Programme Lead

Emma leads the Plymouth Wellbeing Hubs programme, bringing together organisations, communities and partners to improve health and wellbeing across the city. She is passionate about collaboration, prevention and creating opportunities for people to thrive through community connection and creativity.

Before joining ILP, Emma spent 13 years in education, including as Head of Art in international schools across South East Asia and as Wellbeing Teaching Fellow for Nord Anglia Education. Earlier in her career, she supported the Arts in Health Programme at Derriford Hospital. When she’s not building partnerships and networks, Emma can often be found on a yoga mat, guiding retreats and classes and reminding people that sometimes the best solution starts with taking a deep breath.

Sarah Austin

Executive Support & Projects Manager

Sarah’s role sits at the heart of Improving Lives Plymouth, supporting governance, strategic projects, internal communications and organisational development. She enjoys bringing people together, turning ideas into action and helping colleagues stay connected, informed and focused on what matters most.

Having worked with ILP for nearly 13 years, Sarah has held a variety of roles across the organisation, from Project Worker and service management to executive support. Before joining ILP, she worked supporting people to access and manage their own care through Direct Payments and previously supported adults with physical disabilities, mental health challenges and addiction to maintain their accommodation, independence and wellbeing.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys calisthenics and is usually found trying to perfect a handstand. She is passionate about helping people, improving how things work and making information easier to access.