Non Executive Directors

The Hazels - the UK Space Skills Awards enjoys the support of its Non Executive Directors, who provide independent oversight, strategic guidance and constructive challenge.

Together, they offer unbiased

  • Independent Oversight & Governance

  • Strategic Direction

  • Constructive Challenge

  • Risk Management

  • Stakeholder Representation

  • Performance Scrutiny

Elise Lewis

Elise is an experienced Programme Director with over 25 years’ experience leading complex transformation across central government and highly regulated environments.

She has delivered large-scale digital, data and technology programmes spanning defence, education, health, infrastructure, transport and international trade.  Her work has consistently focused on transforming critical services while protecting live operations, operating across multi-supplier ecosystems and working closely with senior sponsors, Boards and delivery teams under significant operational and political scrutiny.

Elise brings particular strength in programme governance, risk management, delivery assurance and whole-life value, alongside a deep understanding of how technology, data and skills development must align with real-world operational needs.  She is known for calm, pragmatic leadership, restoring delivery confidence in complex environments and ensuring organisations are equipped with the capability, structures and skills required for sustainable success.

As a Non-Executive Director of The Hazels, Elise supports the development of future capability across the UK space sector, bringing her experience of large-scale transformation, workforce planning and the establishment of effective governance and delivery structures to help ensure the initiative delivers meaningful, long-term impact.

Paul Johnstone

Paul has been an Education Advisor to the Department for Education (and its partner agencies) since 2011, is a Senior Associate at the Strategic Development Network (SDN), and is the director of an independent consultancy practice specialising in education, training, learning, and development.

Arfan Chaudhry   

Arfan has over 30+ years extensive experience of central government and the space, defence & security sectors, building on a strong background in procurement, secretariat, operational, project management and business development. He has significant experience of policy development at the strategic level, building effective relationships/partnerships whilst drawing on well-developed communication and influencing skills at Ministerial and senior official/Board level.

He has held several key roles at the UK Space Agency and Space Directorate, including Head of International Policy and Strategy, International Director (where he was responsible for developing the Agency’s policy for international interventions which maximise benefits in trade, security, science and wider policy issues) and Deputy Director International Strategy and Regulation.

On joining the Saudi Space Agency as VP Partnerships, he led the development, build-up and operation of Saudi Arabia’s Space program in line with the National Space Strategy and the Saudi Vision 2030.

Since leaving SSA in Mar 25, Arfan has pursued an international portfolio career as a Board Advisor, Non-Exec Director, Trustee and Mentor.