Welcome to the Little Valley Team, where our love for animals is the driving force behind everything we do! Our crew, comprising management, support staff, and around 15 skilled animal care assistants, is a close-knit group of passionate individuals.
What sets us apart? It’s our collective experience, dedication, and genuine care for our animal friends. Each team member brings their own expertise and a shared commitment to ensuring top-quality care for all our furry companions.
Why do we do what we do? Because there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making a positive impact in the lives of animals. Whether it’s a comforting pat or a lively play session, we’re here to ensure every animal feels valued and well-cared-for.
Join us on our journey, where every day brings new challenges and rewards. At the Little Valley Team, we’re not just colleagues – we’re a team united by our love for animals and our dedication to their well-being.
Hugh Lowson, our CEO, brings decades of senior management experience in healthcare charities to RSPCA Little Valley. His passion for animal welfare and strategic vision drive our shelter forward. Hugh’s leadership fosters teamwork and excellence, ensuring every animal receives love and care. Beyond work, he finds inspiration in nature and cherishes time with loved ones.
Jo Blake brings around 20 years of experience in animal welfare and animal related charities in both paid and voluntary roles. She holds an MSc in Animal Welfare, Behaviour, Ethics and Law and continues her studies with a specific focus on animal behaviour and canine rehabilitation therapies. Jo is passionate about driving best practice, innovation, and team development at Little Valley—always with the animals’ welfare at heart.
Rhiannon joined Little Valley at the beginning of 2026. With more than a decade of experience in the animal charity sector covering animal care, intake and rehoming, training, behaviour and rehabilitation, post adoption support and people management, Rhiannon’s key focus is on continual professional development – both personally and within the wider team at Little Valley, – to ensure best industry practice and promote high welfare standards. Rhiannon is currently undertaking a level 5 advanced diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour and enjoys competing in agility with her staffie cross Vespa.
Marcus leads Little Valley’s retail team, bringing over 40 years of multi-site retail management experience, including as a Senior General Manager at Debenhams. Passionate about animal welfare, he also volunteers with the dog team. Based in Exeter, he enjoys fitness, travelling, and exploring the UK in his camper van with his partner and their Labradors.
Rachael joined Little Valley in 2024, bringing with her extensive finance experience from roles at Eagle Investments, Clinton Devon Estates, Pedigree Books, and KTA Architects. She’s AAT qualified, a Mental Health First Aider, and a lifelong animal lover. Based in Exmouth, Rachael shares her home with her husband, two cats, and their dog, Willow.
Fiona is People & Resources Manager at Little Valley, leading on HR, staff wellbeing, and facilities. With a background in events and education, she supports the team and helps keep the organisation running smoothly. At home, she has a Hungarian Vizsla called Tilly.
George leads communications and publications at Little Valley, shaping the charity’s voice, brand, and campaigns. With over 25 years in design, print, and marketing, his role now spans everything from press and content to wider projects across the organisation.
He lives with his rescued Jagdterrier, Mala, who travelled from Hungary, but he’s still a Greyhound person at heart.
Hayley is Little Valley and RSPCA Devon’s Fundraising Manager, bringing over a decade of experience in the charity sector, including roles at FORCE Cancer Charity, Devon Air Ambulance, and Exeter Leukaemia Fund. Based near Exeter with her family and two dogs, she enjoys walking, swimming, paddleboarding, cooking, and crafting in her spare time.
Contact Hayley by email at hhukku@rspca-littlevalley.org.uk or call 01392 690283
Hannah is Animal Behaviour Manager at Little Valley, leading on behaviour and rehabilitation. She holds a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and is an ABTC registered professional, with previous experience at Blue Cross. She is also a member of APBC, APDT, ASAB, and IAABC.
She is passionate about helping animals thrive and building strong bonds between pets and their owners through positive training and behaviour support.
Fiona joined Little Valley in 2022 as our Shelter Supervisor. Her passion for animals resides from growing up on a dairy farm and getting stuck into animal care from a very young age. Fiona has experience supervising in a microbiology laboratory and has an enormous passion for rabbits and their welfare. She loves spending time with her rabbits at home, hiking, and making music
Millie is Community Animal Welfare and Outreach Officer at Little Valley, supporting animals and their owners across the community. Having started as an Animal Care Assistant and worked her way up, she brings many years of experience and a deep understanding of the charity to her role.
She is passionate about improving animal welfare through education, support, and early intervention.
Evelyn is Interim Chair of the Board of Trustees at Little Valley, with a long history of supporting the charity and a background in publishing. She also volunteers as shop manager at the Budleigh Salterton charity shop, giving her a hands on role within the organisation. A former owner of Great Danes, she has a long standing love of dogs.
