Mr Walter Merricks

Biography

Walter is the UK's Financial Ombudsman, heading an organisation of 950 staff that deals with consumer complaints about financial firms. He has a legal background, having qualified as a solicitor, worked as a legal academic and as assistant secretary-general of the Law Society.

He and his wife have two children conceived by donor insemination, after having discovered that he was infertile. Together with other families they founded the Donor Conception Network in 1993, a self-help charity that supports parents of donor-conceived children and those contemplating treatment. The network has over 900 members.

Appointment until: 30 November 2008

Personal interests

Consultancies and/or direct employment: Chief Ombudsman, Financial Ombudsman Service

Fee-paid work other than that associated with the HFEA: None

Shareholdings: A portfolio of shares managed by Heartwood Wealth Ltd

Other Public Appointments: None

Other:

• Secretary and treasurer of Donor Conception Network