Patrick Despard

Member since 2013

Patrick deploys his professional and extensive knowledge of the property sector to support several of SMV’s charitable objectives. For example, he advises SMV’s committee responsible for the property portfolio owned by the St Monica Trust.

Currently providing care for over 5,000 older people and those who are particularly vulnerable, it’s vitally important that the St Monica Trust has a stable financial base. As the endowment trustee, SMV’s role is to manage the endowment so that it delivers financial security for the long-term.

Patrick is also a member of the Down’s Committee, where he works alongside representatives from SMV and Bristol City Council to develop and secure a sustainable future for 441 acres of open green space in the city.

Patrick is particularly focused on supporting education. He was previously a governor of Merchants’ Academy in Withywood, where he served the maximum of two terms of office; and he is the current chair of the Oxford Science Park, a leading centre for science, technology and innovation in the UK.

Educated at Eton, Patrick studied Mediaeval History at Oxford before going on to build a successful career in commercial property as both a developer and an investor. With his family, Patrick moved to the South West 15 years ago where he spends much of his time supporting charitable organisations, both financially and in voluntary positions of responsibility.