Now based in London, Mervyn is a proud Mancunian whose passion for youth work and social justice began with RSY Netzer at the age of 11. After leading on camps, seminars and tours, he studied Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge, later completing an MA in International Relations and a Diploma in Youth Work.

His career has spanned frontline youth work, senior roles in local government, and national leadership in the charity and social enterprise sectors. As Head of Youth Services in Lewisham, he led major transformation, and as co founder and CEO of Youth First, he built the UK’s first youth and staff owned mutual, securing national recognition. He has advised government, represented the sector in the media, and continues to serve as Trustee of the National Youth Agency and Chair of the Finnart House School Trust.

Mervyn has worked internationally with UN agencies and the FIA Foundation, championing youth voice in global policy, while continuing to design innovative practice rooted in Jewish values of Tikkun and relational leadership.

He is energised to step into the leadership of UJS at this critical moment. For him, UJS is the embodiment of a peer led movement, empowering Jewish students to lead, defend and enrich Jewish life on campus. In a time when respectful dialogue is under threat, he believes UJS has a unique role in modelling courageous, compassionate and hopeful leadership for our community and beyond.