This year marks a remarkable milestone for Martin Drake, who has been part of the Quo Vadis Trust (QVT) family for a decade. His journey to QVT is anything but typical—from a high-flying career in the City to life coaching, and ultimately finding his purpose in the world of supported housing and mental health. Driven by a desire to live and work with authenticity and responsibility, Martin brought with him not only professional experience but also lived experience and deep compassion.
Since joining QVT in 2014, Martin has made a lasting impact—from shaping our Inclusion and Empowerment Services, to leading digital transformation through our CRM system, and playing a crucial role in improving service occupancy. With a passion for data and an unwavering belief in the power of listening and understanding, Martin embodies QVT’s mission of supporting recovery, maximising independence, and building community.
In this special interview, Martin reflects on his QVT journey so far—his proudest moments, biggest challenges and how the charity has evolved to meet the growing and changing needs of the people and communities it serves.
Hi Martin, what inspired you to join Quo Vadis Trust initially?
Looking back on my career, I realised something was missing. After spending over 10 years working in the City as an Account Manager for large investment banks, I noticed that values like authenticity and responsibility were lacking in my life. That was a watershed moment for me, and I decided to change the direction of my life. I pursued a qualification in Life Coaching, set up my own coaching business, and focused on helping others discover their own solutions to life’s challenges.
When QVT approached me in 2014, it felt like the perfect opportunity to use my skills and values to make a bigger impact. The role of Inclusion & Empowerment Services was an ideal fit, allowing me to support clients in a more expansive way than I could on my own.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey with QVT?
For me, the most rewarding part has always been witnessing the success stories of our clients. Seeing people overcome challenges and achieve personal milestones—whether it’s in wellbeing, relationships, education, housing, or other aspects of their lives—is incredibly fulfilling. What’s even more special is when clients personally share their success stories with you.
At QVT, we prioritise creating a safe, non-judgmental space for our clients to express themselves, and this environment is key to empowering them on their journeys. It’s humbling to be part of that process.
How has QVT evolved over the past decade, and how have you contributed to this evolution?
Over the last 10 years, QVT has grown significantly—from supporting around 100 clients in 2014 to 250 today. Alongside this growth, we’ve seen improvements in the professionalism of staff and the quality of the accommodations in our portfolio, which now meet the new standards set by the Regulator of Social Housing.
I’ve contributed in various ways, from introducing the Recovery Model and leading the development of our CRM system, In-Form, to more recently managing Occupancy and maximising revenue for QVT’s future growth. Each role I’ve taken on has helped move us closer to our goals and supported the organisation’s ongoing evolution.
What challenges have you faced in your role, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was managing Occupancy. When I took over, we had over 30 empty bedspaces, which was a significant financial burden on the organisation. By implementing new procedures and fostering collaboration between teams, we were able to streamline the process of transitioning clients in and out of our services. This effort has been key to maintaining financial viability and ensuring QVT can continue to support those who need it.
What are some of the standout moments or milestones that have shaped your experience with QVT?
Designing the build of our CRM system, In-Form, was definitely a standout moment. It took nearly a year from the initial concept to going live in 2019, and it felt like a milestone for QVT entering the digital age. Before In-Form, capturing and reporting on our work was cumbersome and inefficient. Now, our front-line staff have an effective tool for collecting data, and the management team can use that data to make informed decisions and respond to trends in real-time. For me, it was a great achievement not only for QVT but also for my personal passion for numbers and data analysis!
How do you think QVT’s work has impacted the community it serves over the last decade?
The impact of our work is clear in our mission: “Supporting Recovery, Maximising Independence, Building Community.” Over the years, we’ve expanded the range of people we support—mental health clients, rough sleepers, care leavers, refugees, ex-offenders, drug and alcohol misusers, and more. We’re proud to have provided lasting support to all of these groups, with many clients moving on to independent accommodation and rebuilding their lives.
One key success is our “Move On” programme. In 2024-25, 65 clients left our services and accessed independent accommodation, with over 50% securing their own council flats. This is a testament to the transformative impact we have on the community.
What changes have you noticed in how mental health support and housing needs are addressed in the UK during your time at QVT?
The demand for mental health support and housing has risen steadily during my time at QVT, and we’ve worked hard to keep up with these demands. Government policies and funding cuts have made it more challenging, but we’ve managed to remain agile and collaborate with councils, health professionals, and other housing providers to deliver the support that’s needed.
Our role in this ecosystem is becoming even more crucial as funding becomes tighter, and I feel privileged to be part of the solution. It’s all about collaboration, and I believe it will be essential for the future of mental health support and housing.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career within a charity like QVT?
If you’re looking for a career where you can make a tangible difference in people’s lives, QVT is the place to be. The work is incredibly rewarding, and the sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from supporting others is unparalleled. At QVT, we invest in our employees—currently, nearly 20% of our staff are supported to gain further qualifications.
A common misconception is that your past defines your future. At QVT, we believe in transformation, not just for our clients but for our staff too. If you’re looking to redirect your career and make a real impact, QVT offers the platform and support to do just that.
Thanks so much, Martin, for speaking with us!
Martin’s journey at Quo Vadis Trust reflects not only his professional growth but also his dedication to helping others. Over the last decade, his contributions have shaped the way QVT serves its clients and led to meaningful improvements within the organisation. With his unique combination of experience, values, and passion for data and empowerment, Martin’s work continues to inspire everyone around him. We look forward to seeing what the next chapter brings!
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