Sam Meikle

Founder

Where it all began 

Spark the Difference was set up by founder and social innovator Sam Meikle in 2016.  

Sam’s work has always combined complex system design with gathering stakeholder insight. With a grounding in business, her career has been far-ranging – from central government to household names such as Vodaphone and the John Lewis Partnership – before a role at the Health Foundation ignited her passion for health. 

The near death of a loved one due to medical error cemented her drive to improve the experiences of patients, service users and staff. Sam’s unique mix of skills led to the Spark the Difference formula: an appetite for complexity and analysis, made practical and accessible for people at all levels, all underpinned with heartfelt dedication to improving people’s experience of care.  

Since 2016, Sam and her team at Spark the Difference have supported partners across health and social care – including NHS trusts, local authorities, integrated care boards and voluntary and community sector organisations – to revitalise and humanise services.