David Whelan

Hello, I’m David. I am the Director of the Ecovis London Foundation since its inception. I was instrumental in setting up the Foundation and gaining its approval by the Charity Commission in 2016. Prior to that, I worked with vulnerable adults for over 20 years. In addition, I had a previous career in the hotel and catering industry and a business in the recruitment sector for a number of years. In 1989, I won the UK “Restaurant of the Year” Award.

I have been an advisor to the Scottish and UK Governments since 2008 whilst being a previous member of a number of policy groups in the Scottish Parliament campaigning on behalf of vulnerable adults. I am directly involved in shaping and forming policy legislation and provided direct testimony and evidence to a number of Scottish Parliamentary committees between 2004-2021. I am also a founding member of the Interaction Review group since 2012 led by the Scottish Human Rights Commission. I am also the author of “No More Silence” published by Harper Collins in 2010.

The value of charitable work is sometimes unseen, but within the Ecovis London Foundation annual reports you can see the full range of charitable activities we undertake and the value that brings Ecovis and to the very vulnerable individuals we support who are less fortunate.

For me, the values and ethos of the organisation and individuals within it are paramount in the charitable work that I undertake on its behalf. I have a wicked sense of humour and I like to see people enjoying themselves with a work-hard play-hard type of attitude, while being conscious of others less fortunate.

What are your favourite hobbies?

I enjoy reading history and modern studies. I like playing tennis and cycling in my spare time.

If you could choose an alternative career, what would it be?

Working with vulnerable adults in any sector is a fulfilment of inner being and seeing such people supported who then thrive.

What luxury item would you take on a desert island?

Vanilla ice cream.

What is your favourite meal?

Seafood paella.

What is your favourite music?

60s, 70s, 80s Northern Soul, David Bowie and Modern Talking.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

Beam me up Scotty I could go wherever and whenever I please in the flick of an eye!

What inspires you?

Humanity and all its flaws, but in particular it’s decency.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

You have the ability to succeed – just be yourself.

What languages do you know how to speak?

Fluency in French and a little Spanish.