Management Team – spacescot.org

Our Management Team

Meet the members of our management team, who oversee the range of services we provide at Space:

Central Services

Neil Hay

Chief Executive Officer

Neil Hay

Chief Executive Officer

Neil became CEO of Space in 2021, joining from Cyrenians, where he gained significant experience of building community as Head of Enterprise.

Neil’s role at Space is all about creating opportunities that will make a positive difference for the lives of people in our communities. He intends to use his passion and experience to drive the organisation, leading and learning from the team using food at the centre of Space’s vision for social cohesion.

In his spare time, Neil loves everything sport. For the last six years, he has been an enthusiastic volunteer and cheerleader for the Homeless World Cup, travelling to host countries worldwide to lend a hand. However, now well past his playing prime, he has been relegated to the side lines to watch his children play, or to do a spot of goalie coaching when his knees hold up.

Email:neil.hay@spacescot.org

Kathryn Reilly

Head of Central Services

Kathryn Reilly

Head of Central Services

Kathryn joined Space in February 2023, bringing with her significant experience in the industry at a senior, strategic level. She is passionate about people and ensuring everyone is treated fairly.

An accountant to trade (CIMA), Kathryn has for many years worked in roles which, as well as financial acumen, require wider skills across corporate or central services, including: human resources, health and safety, data protection, IT, property, and facilities management. All of these developed with a focus on risk management. She also has experience in staff Learning and Development, fundraising, and marketing and communications.

Prior to joining Space, Kathryn worked for 10 years at Cyrenians as Director of Finance and Corporate Service. Before that, she worked in the private sector in science and technology, as well as the textile manufacturing and engineering sectors.

When not working, Kathryn enjoys cycling, walking, (watching) football, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Email:kathryn.reilly@spacescot.org

Hazel Bell

People Manager

Hazel Bell

People Manager

Hazel joined Space in 2020, having spent the three years prior working in counselling and wellbeing services. Before that, she had more than 20 years’ experience managing hospitality venues.

Hazel is the lead on the support services for the organisation. She works alongside all of our projects and the Board of Trustees to create a healthy and nurturing workplace for the staff team and volunteers, whilst keeping us organised and compliant.

Hazel is local to the area, with family roots in Broomhouse. When she is not in work her passions include foreign travel, walking her dogs, cooking, tending to her plants and keeping fit.

Email:hazel.bell@spacescot.org

Martin Allen

Relationships & Fundraising Manager

Martin Allen

Relationships & Fundraising Manager

Martin gained extensive experience in communications and marketing for large corporations and events before moving into fundraising.

Driven by a desire to make a difference, Martin provides support to all our internal services, looking for funding and supporting partnership opportunities, as well as linking with external organisations on joint working, funding bids, and CSR-driven initiatives that provide benefits for the whole community.

Outside of work, Martin is a volunteer community football coach and, hailing from Yorkshire, very much enjoys the outdoors.

Email:martin.allen@spacescot.org

Alexis Ciani

Facilities Manager

Alexis Ciani

Facilities Manager

Originally from Argentina, Alexis joined Space in 2024 as Compliance Officer. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Safety, as well as a NEBOSH qualification, and has some knowledge of data protection.

He has been living in the UK for six years, and this is his first role within the third sector. He enjoys bringing a practical and structured approach to his work, helping to ensure the organisation runs safely and effectively while supporting staff and the wider community.

Outside of work, Alexis enjoys travelling and getting to know new cultures, walking in the mountains with his dog, reading, playing Sunday league football, and making a bit of noise with the guitar.

Email:alexis.ciani@spacescot.org

Andy Hunter

Finance Manager

Andy Hunter

Finance Manager

A Certified Chartered Accountant since 2012, Andy joined Space in May 2022, having previously volunteered with the charity.

Andy obtained his qualification during a 10-year period at EY, where he worked in their Audit and Advisory divisions. He has since held roles specialising in finance risk and controls; an AfID placement in Cambodia triggered his desire for a move from the corporate world to the third sector.

In his spare time, he enjoys most things music-related, as well as travelling to dark corners of the world.

Email:andy.hunter@spacescot.org

Community & Connections

Andrew Ainsworth

The Beacon Club Manager

Andrew Ainsworth

The Beacon Club Manager

Andrew has worked in the third sector for more than 15 years across a number of paid and voluntary roles, including community support, social research, and fundraising.

He is passionate about tackling isolation and loneliness, helping people make connections, and ensuring that people feel valued and heard.

He has a degree in Criminology and Psychological Studies from the Open University, and is a keen trail runner and mediocre footballer.

Email:andrew.ainsworth@spacescot.org

Kerry Smith

Carers Services Manager

Kerry Smith

Carers Services Manager

Kerry joined Space in May 2021 after 10 years working at Edinburgh College as Prince’s Trust Team Leader.

She started in Space as an Employability Worker, before becoming a Young Carer Project Worker. Fast forward three years and Kerry is now the Carers Services Manager, supporting Carers Project Workers.

Kerry is local to Broomhouse, having grown up in the area. She enjoys walking, cooking, and reading, and loves travelling; she spent most of her 20s travelling and working in other countries around the world.

Email:kerry.smith@spacescot.org

Gordon Thomson

Youth Befriending Project Manager

Gordon Thomson

Youth Befriending Project Manager

Gordon started at Space in 2025.

Email:gordon.thomson@spacescot.org

Enterprise & Learning

Daryn Cochrane

Head of Service for Enterprise & Learning

Daryn Cochrane

Head of Service for Enterprise & Learning

Daryn joined Space in October 2024. This is his first role working in a charity setting, but has sat on an urban sports charity board in Glasgow since January 2023.

After a lifetime working in the sporting world—first as a PGA Professional, then moving into management of sports clubs—Daryn has refined his thinking around community hubs and how important they are to the wider locale.

Outside of work, Daryn is a Glasgow Warriors season ticket holder, an active (but slow) runner, and a taxi driver to two daughters.

Email:daryn.cochrane@spacescot.org

Lyndsey Fischer

Space Community Learning Manager

Lyndsey Fischer

Space Community Learning Manager

Lyndsey is passionate about helping people not only develop life and work skills, but also confidence and self-belief in order to reach their full potential. She strongly believes in the power of community, connection, and purpose to foster wellbeing and personal growth.

Lyndsey has worked in the charity sector for 15 years, across a number of paid and voluntary roles including marketing, youth work, adult learning and development, employability, and mental health. She is a trauma-informed professional and holds a range of qualifications including a COSCA counselling qualification, a history degree, and two professional marketing diplomas.

Lyndsey is busy outside work with two little ones to manage. In her downtime, she loves yoga, running, and spending time in nature.

Email:lyndsey.fischer@spacescot.org