The trustees of a charity are the people who form the governing body or ‘board’ of a charity. At Merton Mencap our ‘board’ is referred to as the Executive Committee.
Our brilliant team of trustees are responsible for overseeing the charity’s work. We are fortunate that our trustees bring a range of skills, experience and knowledge to our charity, with many having personal experience of learning disability or autism.
All our trustees have a particular area of interest within our charity.
Richard Drummond
Chair of Trustees
I joined Merton Mencap as a trustee as I have a keen interest in the charity’s Mission and Vision.
I am a veterinary surgeon by profession. After a period in general practice, the majority of my career was spent in a central government department until 2016. Since then, I have held roles in a charity, the RNID, the General Dental Council, London Borough of Newham and I currently work for the NHS. Outside of work, I have a busy family life with interests in gardening and learning languages.
Alfredo Benedicto
Trustee
With special interest in improving the health services provided to disadvantaged people in our community.
Following my retirement from an international career in fast moving consumer products and financial services, I have decided to devote my efforts to the voluntary sector. In that regard I’m currently serving in the Programme Delivery Group of Merton HealthWatch and in St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as the Lead Governor.
I joined Merton Mencap 8 years ago as a member of the steering group of Adults First after being involved with Merton Parent Carer Forum for many years since its inception.
I enjoy contributing to the work of Merton Mencap as I have been a long term beneficiary of the services we have received, as a family, for our daughter, Victoria, who has learning disabilities.
I have lived in Merton for over 30 years. I enjoy traveling, languages, gastronomy and performing arts.
Patrick Fraser
Trustee
Having grown up with a sister with autism, I have always been aware of the fantastic work that Mencap does to help people with learning disabilities and autism and their families. I am excited to bring my skills and experience to help Merton Mencap continue to offer impactful assistance to people in our local community.
I started my market research career at NOP (now GfK), ultimately moving on to Ipsos MORI, and becoming Head of Central Government research. Following a degree in Finance, I became Finance director and Board member at Critical Research. I also co-founded Walr, a data creation market research business in 2022.
Caroline Kitto
Trustee
With special interest in the wellbeing of parents and carers.
I am the parent of an adult son who has a diagnosis of autism and I am very aware of the issues families may experience and the importance of accessible and practical help. Merton Mencap have been a great support to both myself and my son over the years.
I trained as a ‘Parent Partner’ an organisation which offered assistance to parents of SEND children and helped facilitate communication with various agencies. I am a shiatsu practitioner and have been working as a therapeutic massage therapist for more than 30 years. Alongside my private practice I have collaborated with many charities providing treatments to service users and clients.
I have given talks and held relaxation and stress management courses and run groups specifically for carers.
Ian Newman
Trustee
With special interest in community engagement.
I joined Merton Mencap as a trustee following my retirement from teaching after nearly 40 years, having worked with largely secondary age students in Lewisham, Kent, Sutton, Madrid, Camden and Merton. I greatly enjoyed my experience in education and relished the varied opportunities to work for the wider communities served by my schools. I am also a trustee of local Raynes Park High School Charitable Trust.
I enjoy contributing to the work of Merton Mencap as I acknowledge the support we received as a family for our youngest son, Ben, who was born with Downs Syndrome.
I have lived in Merton for over 25 years. In my spare time I enjoy watching and still occasionally play football, as well as reading and walking.
Monica Stannard
Trustee
With special interest in support for parents and carers
As a family carer, for many years I have been a member of Merton Mencap’s forums which support carers. I have volunteered for the charity in various ways including helping to arrange outings and activities for carers of adults with learning disabilities and autism.
I am so pleased to have joined Merton Mencap’s Executive Committee as a trustee and I have a particular focus on making sure the voice of parents and carers is heard, and the support the charity can provide for families.
Brian Treadwell
Trustee
With special interest in hearing the views of our beneficiaries
I have volunteered for Merton Mencap in various ways for over 10 years. This has included being on interview panels for recruiting new staff, running an evening social club for adults with learning disabilities and autism, and supporting holiday activities.
As a trustee, I am particularly interested in making sure the voice of local people with learning disabilities and autism is heard so that the charity can respond by offering the help people need. I also like to get involved in our local fundraising events.
I enjoy football and watching my team Coventry City!
Julian Walton
Trustee
I have lived in Wimbledon with my wife since the early 1970s – I have 3 children and 9 grand-children. During this period, I have volunteered with various local charities in the education and social services fields. I practised as a solicitor in the City of London for over 40 years and I now work part-time as a business consultant.
I enjoy most sports and play a bit of golf.
