The Association of Jersey Charities has announced that Marcus Liddiard has stepped down as Chairperson to take on the newly created role of Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
This appointment, which was formally announced at the Association of Jersey Charities’ AGM held last week (10 July), follows a carefully considered process conducted by the Association of Jersey Charities (AJC) Committee, in accordance with proper governance. The process was supported by advice from the Jersey Charity Commissioner’s office.
The new part-time CEO role has been created in response to the growing need for the AJC to support its members and the wider charity sector in Jersey. It is initially funded for three years by a private donor committed to supporting the development of Jersey’s charitable landscape. The AJC is actively seeking further funding to extend the role’s scope and longevity. The CEO role is an addition to AJC’s existing operations, not a replacement of any current capacity, and it aims to enhance the support available to member charities and the wider sector.
In line with the leadership transition, current Deputy Chairperson Robert Surcouf has been nominated for the role of Chairperson, ensuring continuity and stability at the heart of the organisation.
In addition, it was confirmed at the AGM that Fiona Le Corre has stepped down from her role as Grants Manager, with Andrew Lewis taking on the role going forward. A number of new committee members were also elected at the AGM, with the new committee now consisting of:
- Chairperson – Robert Surcouf
- Deputy Chairperson – Peggy Gielen
- Secretary – Charlotte Brambilla
- Treasurer – Adrian Franklin
- Officer – Karen Lysiak
- Officer – Jill Ryan
- Officer – Adam Riddell
- Officer – Simon Finch
- Officer – Jonathan Le Maistre
Commenting on the leadership changes, Robert Surcouf said: “The AJC has always delivered impactful support through a lean, volunteer-led approach. This new CEO position will build on that foundation, accelerating our ability to serve members, influence sector development, and implement our agreed strategy.”
Marcus (pictured) also provided an outline of the AJC strategy for the coming years at the event, including:
- Advocacy and Representation: positioning the AJC as a primary voice for charities in Jersey
- Sustainability and Innovation: promoting financial and operational sustainability within the sector
- Capacity Building and Member Support: providing tools, training and resources for member charities
- Public Engagement and Awareness: raising the profile of Jersey’s charity sector and its impact
- Collaboration and Networking: encouraging cooperation among members and with external partners
- AJC Relevance, Sustainability and Excellence: ensuring the AJC remains as a dependable resource and an example of good practice
Commenting on the strategy and the coming year, Marcus added: “With Jersey’s charities continuing to face growing pressures, such as operational costs, declines in fundraising income and increased demand for services, our revised strategy aims to provide providing comprehensive and targeted support, including funding, training, advice, and advocacy. We want to do more to support the development, sustainability, and resilience of Jersey’s charities. We believe the AJC is ideally placed to lead or support initiatives that strengthen the sector as a whole, and our strategy reflects this.”
