Enfield Council is proud to announce that Mervin Cato, Head of the Council’s Secondary Inclusion Support Service and Anne Stoker, Director of Children’s Services Transformation have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours.
Mervin has been awarded an MBE for services to education and Anne an OBE for services to social work.
Mervin has spent decades helping young people stay in education and thrive. Under his leadership, permanent exclusions in Enfield’s secondary schools have fallen by 86% – from 57 pupils in 2017/18 to just 8 in 2022/23 – making Enfield one of the best in the country for inclusion. He also created the award-winning NEXUS community project, linking schools with over 30 community partners, mentors, and sports groups. Since 2018, NEXUS has supported more than 41,000 students and helped Enfield achieve the third lowest exclusion rate nationally.
Anne has devoted more than 38 years to improving the lives of children and families. Her focus on early interventions have supported over 1,300 families in the past year alone, while securing £5.8 million in external funding to help expand Enfield Council’s Family Hubs and Youth Services. Anne has been at the helm of pioneering initiatives in Enfield that have directly reduced the number of children on protection plans and entering care.
Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Ergin Erbil said: “These honours reflect Mervin’s and Anne’s tireless work with children and families in Enfield. Supporting families, children and young people and giving them the opportunity to thrive is a top priority for this Council. Their impact will be felt for generations and we thank them for their years of service.”
Mervin’s approach brings together schools, families, and community leaders to give every child the chance to belong and succeed. This MBE celebrates his commitment to inclusion and Enfield’s vision of a fairer education system. Mervin said: “First and foremost I thank God for this award. This honour is a profound testament to the collective effort of our incredible schools, community partners, and my dedicated team. While I am deeply grateful, it is the success of every young person we have supported together that is the true award; this MBE is for every child in Enfield who has been given a second chance and a brighter future."
Commenting on her award, Anne said: “I am proud and honoured to be awarded OBE for services to Enfield’s children and families. Our focus is very clear - to ensure the best outcomes for families who come to us and to drive positive change to make a real and measurable difference.”
Former student Rhys Lanahan, now a successful film company CEO and actor/Director said: “Mervin has been a pillar and one of the many reasons I have found success. His constant want to assist a young person’s development is what is needed in every community. People like him are great role models for the next generation.”
Tony Theodoulou, Executive Director of People at Enfield Council, said: “I would like to congratulate both Anne and Mervin for their tireless work and compassion, ensuring that all the people they have encountered and worked with feel valued and supported. It has been an honour to have them in my team.”
Mervin Cato at the LGC Awards 2025 holding his award
Anne Stoker at the Social Worker Awards 2025
