Caritas Guernsey is guided by a dedicated board of trustees who bring their experience, passion, and commitment to our mission. Their leadership ensures we continue to provide support and solutions for those facing homelessness in our community. Learn more about the people working behind the scenes to make a difference.
Graham Merfield - Chairman
Graham brings over 30 years of international business experience across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the USA to his role as a trustee of Caritas. Formerly CEO of a global clean water solutions company in Atlanta, he has a strong background in leadership and management. Since moving to Guernsey in 2019, Graham has embraced a more community-focused life and now also serves as Chair of Guernsey Athletics and Business Advisor to Guernsey Water. His passion for tackling homelessness was shaped by witnessing housing insecurity firsthand in the USA and recognising its hidden impact in Guernsey. Outside of his professional life, Graham is a keen long-distance runner and committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of those facing homelessness.
David Stoddart
David has over 35 years of experience in banking across France, the UK, Jersey and Guernsey, including nearly two decades as COO of an international private bank. He is actively involved in the local community, serving as a trustee of Caritas, Chair of Vale Recreation Football Club, and Secretary of the Huanui Music Society. David’s commitment to Caritas is rooted in a deeply held belief in the importance of dignity and compassion, having seen the harsh realities of homelessness while living in Paris. He understands how illness, relationship breakdowns or unemployment can quickly lead to housing insecurity. Through Caritas, he feels privileged to support islanders facing these challenges and to play a part in helping restore their sense of home.
Sandra Crittell
Sandra trained as a Biomedical Scientist and spent her professional life working in hospital pathology and analytical laboratories. Alongside her career, she was actively involved in youth and community work, completing the King George VI youth leadership training programme in the 1980s. Sandra joined the Caritas management team in 2008 and has contributed to many aspects of the charity’s work, including running a weekly craft activity in the prison that continues today. Now retired, she remains a dedicated and active supporter of Caritas. Sandra enjoys gardening, walking and is closely involved in the life of her church.
Philip Marr
Philip is a retired economist and financial services regulator whose career took him to London, Bermuda, Bahrain and Guernsey. He became involved in Caritas during its early development and brings a longstanding commitment to addressing social exclusion and housing insecurity. His interest in homelessness began with a concern for the challenges faced by ex-offenders leaving prison without accommodation—just one of many hidden forms of homelessness in Guernsey. Philip recognises the deep structural issues around housing on the island and is committed to helping Caritas advocate for those most affected. He is an active member of Holy Trinity Church and sings with Festiva Community Choir.
Odette de Garis
Originally from South Africa, Odette moved to Guernsey in 2022 and brings 25 years of experience in financial services, specialising in investments, wealth management and cross-border financial planning. She has a particular interest in governance and supports Caritas through her role overseeing the management of its entities. Odette believes deeply in the importance of helping those most in need, and as a Christian, sees her work with Caritas as part of her calling to serve others. She takes pride in seeing ideas turned into meaningful projects that make a lasting impact.
Rev. Daniel Foot
Daniel is the Rector of St Martin’s Parish and has been a supporter of Caritas since moving to Guernsey in 2018. With a background in both finance and community work, he previously volunteered at a foodbank in Bristol and served for several years as a youth and children’s worker. He brings a pastoral perspective to Caritas, focusing on vision, care and connection. Daniel’s faith inspires his commitment to support those facing hardship and to advocate for a more compassionate society. He lives in Guernsey with his wife Amy and their four children.
Phil Roussel
Phil is a Chartered Architectural Technologist with a long-standing career in housing projects for the States of Guernsey. His work has focused on supporting those able to access housing through the system, but he became increasingly aware of others who were being left behind. Phil’s involvement with church-based youth work opened his eyes to the hidden reality of homelessness in Guernsey—an issue he felt compelled to act on. He joined Caritas to use his professional skills and connections in the construction industry to help create homely, supportive spaces for those in need. Phil is married to Jo, with four grown-up children, and remains an active member of his local church; in his spare time, he enjoys restoring and driving classic cars.