THE Seafarers’ Charity has welcomed five new trustees to the charity following the retirement of three trustees who stepped down at the end of their tenure at the charity’s Annual Meeting; two further trustees will retire at 2023’s Annual Meeting.
The Seafarers’ Charity is governed by a strong General Council (trustee board) made up of trustees who both set the direction and ensure the charity meets its work plan as set out in the strategic plan ‘Thrive’. New trustees, working with existing trustees, will not only provide solid governance of the whole charity but will also work to support staff to drive ambitious, creative, collaborative and evidence-based solutions to identify and target systemic issues which can lead to seafarer adversity.
New trustees include:
Captain Lee Clarke, MN, Managing Director of Isle of Man Maritime, Hon Secretary of KGFS Isle of Man and who works for the maritime technology business Tapiit Group is a strong advocate for seafarers, whose lived experience and connections with cadets and the maritime industry will undoubtedly bring valuable insight.
Debbie Cavaldoro, Chief Executive of Port Skills & Safety, is an experienced leader in the maritime industry and trade union movement.
Skilled in policy, strategy creation and implementation, communications, campaigning and diversity and inclusion Debbie is also currently studying for an MSc in Governance, Economics and Public policy. Debbie brings breadth and depth of valuable experience.
Martyn Gray, Executive Director at Nautilus International, continues the charity’s long association with maritime unions. Martyn is a fully qualified Engineering Officer of the Watch with comprehensive knowledge of the sector from his extensive work at Nautilus International.
His input will be of vital importance in informing both direction and strategy to alleviate the disadvantages of seafarers.
Surgeon Commodore Fleur Marshall RN, Head of the Royal Navy Medical Service, will ensure that the charity benefits from a medical professional with relevant seagoing and senior management experience to help inform our health and wellbeing outcome and vitally broader strategic and governance input through her wide-ranging skills.
Nigel Blazeby brings a mix of skills honed during a career at sea, including as Principal Fishing Vessel Surveyor at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, as a Port State Control Inspector, and most recently as Managing Director of Waterdance, a large UK fishing company.
His knowledge and connections will undoubtedly support the charity’s impact and advocacy work in safety.
