Our Trustees

Malvern Special Families charity is governed by a volunteer trustee board made up of dedicated individuals from the local community, with a variety of backgrounds and expertise.

Margaret Buchanan, Chairperson and

Ofsted Registered Person for the Charity

Margaret has retired from a career in teaching, she remains in touch with the profession by being a school governor. Margaret has been a short break carer for children with special needs for over 25 years, as well as enjoying her role as a trustee since 2004, and now Chair of Trustees for Malvern Special Families.

Chris Stephens

Chris Stephens has worked for 35 years in industry in commercial and non-commercial organisations. Over last 8 years he has worked in education and learning and in public finance Board roles with City & Guilds Group and CIPFA helping to commercialise these organisations in their evolution as social enterprises. Chris is the Treasurer for Malvern Special Families’ Trustee Board and a member of the Finance Committee.

Ceri Bannister

Ceri worked as a Playworker for Malvern Special Families and is now a qualified teacher within a small unit for pupils with Special Educational Needs. She is proud of the quality of our provision, our dedicated staff, our close collaboration with families and our charity’s vision.

Judy Gudgeon

Judy brings a wealth of experience to the MSF Trustee board from her time at Fort Royal Special School. She grew up with an older sister with learning difficulties, so knows what a difference family support can make. Judy visits the Clubs and Playschemes regularly, meeting the children, and their families and observing the quality provision first hand.

Dave Palmer

Dave Palmer has over 30 years experience working with children with learning disabilities as Head Teacher of Manor Park and Fort Royal Schools. He is also Grandfather to a child who attends our Clubs. Dave is renowned, by children and staff alike, for his wonderful guitar and sing-along performances at our Poolbrook club.

John Aiton

John is a retired businessperson who, after qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, spent his career in the construction and property industries. The reduction in his business commitments has allowed John to offer his time and experience to the third sector. John is a member of Malvern Special Families’ Finance Committee.

Clive Fletcher

Clive is a Chartered Accountant who currently works for Worcester University. Clive is also a member of Malvern Special Families’ Finance Committee.

Katy Hollingworth

Katy is mum to 3 boys, Charlie has attended Malvern Special Families for the last 6 years. MSF is a very special place for Charlie as he loves socialising with his friends and being included in all the fantastic activities MSF provides.