He’s met Superman in real life, supports Brighton and Hove Albion FC, and knows some good (if a little cheesy) dad jokes! 

Find out more about our new Chair of Trustees, Adrian Batchelor, as he takes up the role of leading our board of trustees, and tells us why supporting our vision and mission is so important to him as the parent of an autistic son with learning disabilities. 

How long have you been a trustee for Aspens and what inspired you to become a trustee for Aspens?

I’ve been a trustee for Aspens for around 4 years. I had always said that when I retired I would “give back” and I saw the Aspens role advertised and it hit all the buttons for me.

Tell us about your experiences as a trustee for Aspens so far.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all my time so far. Aspens is a great organisation with wonderful people. The highlights are always when I visit our services and meet our staff, and of course, the people we support.

Tell us about your professional background.

I retired from a long career in financial services. The company I retired from at the end of 2018 was a major Wealth Management company listed in the FTSE 100. I joined it as a start-up in 1991 and it was a really exciting journey. I held a senior management position and had the great joy of building their Academy from scratch in 2011. 

Why is Aspens’ work and our vision for an inclusive society where people on the autism spectrum and those with learning disabilities can thrive as part of their local community so important to you?

I’m a great believer in equality and that everyone should have the opportunity to live a fruitful, enjoyable, and fulfilling life. As the father to an autistic son with severe learning disabilities I understand just how important this is. Aspens is a wonderful example of an organisation that empowers the people we support to achieve this.

What are you looking forward to about being Chair of Trustees for Aspens?

I look forward to working closely with our CEO Robbie and the Leadership Team, our Executive and the Board of Trustees, to help take the organisation forward to achieve our vision. I’m particularly looking forward to spending time at more of our services, meeting the Aspens' community, and getting to put names to faces!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy family time - I have 5 sons! I watch Brighton and Hove Albion FC as a season ticket holder, and I enjoy sports and try to keep healthy. I play tennis, go to the gym and cycle.

What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?

Ok….I’ve met (face to face) Superman, the first man on the moon and the President of the USA.

What's your favourite food?

I like lots of different types of food, including Asian, Indian, Italian and British.

If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why?

Mmmmn….tricky one. Maybe being invisible so I could sneak around and see and hear what people are up to! 😂

Tell us a joke

Here are a few “dad jokes” for you:

What does a pig put on dry skin? ...Oinkment
What do you call a pig that does Karate?...Pork Chop
How did the pig get to the hospital?...In a Hambulance
Sorry for the above….🤦‍♂️
 

We thank Adrian and all of our trustees for their support and commitment to Aspens and for helping us in our mission to provide high-quality care and support to people on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities across the South-East. 

Find out more about all of our trustees, here.