The Association of Jersey Charities highlighted the progress it has made in delivering on its strategy to support local charities at its 55th annual general meeting recently.
Held last month and attended by representatives from across Jersey’s charity sector, the AGM coincided with the publication of the AJC’s Annual Report and Impact Statement and provided a forum for the AJC to outline its achievements from the past 12 months and priorities for the coming year. Highlights from 2025/26 included:
- Holding a Charity Sector Exposition to put charities at the heart of Jersey’s 2026 General Election
- Delivering the Power of Partnerships report, with the Government formally accepting most recommendations
- Approving £1,258,619 in new grants, to 36 applications large and small
- Holding the eighth Jersey Charity Awards at Government House
- Delivering 24 training sessions to member charities
- Building greater engagement with High Value Residents, corporates and advisers to support local charities
Pointing to how the AJC was now moving from a phase of strategy development last year to now delivering on that strategy, AJC CEO Marcus Liddiard (pictured) also provided an update on the AJC’s key priorities, 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 a dependable resource and an example of good practice
Annual updates were also provided at the AGM by the Chairman while AJC committee officers were confirmed. With former officers Jill Ryan and Karen Lysiak standing down, officers for the coming year are:
- Chairperson – Robert Surcouf
- Deputy Chairperson – Peggy Gielen
- Secretary – Charlotte Brambilla
- Treasurer – Adrian Franklin
- Officer – Adam Riddell
- Officer – Simon Finch
- Officer – Jonathan Le Maistre
- Officer – Emma Veitch
- Officer – Dennis Howard
The contribution of Lyn Pullen, who is retiring from the role of AJC Administrator in 2026, was also recognised. Lyn has worked for the AJC for more than 20 years, has been at the heart of everything the AJC has done, and is frequently the first port of call for AJC members.
Commenting after the AGM, Chairman Robert Surcouf said: “Our AGM this year provided a platform for us to outline how we are now moving decisively from paper to practice in delivering our strategy. This represents a step change in what the AJC does for its members, and the most significant enabler of that step change has been the appointment last year of our dedicated Chief Executive Officer. Over the past twelve months, Marcus has put in place an extensive programme of one-to-one outreach, established new partnerships and provided real energy to convert long-held ambitions into delivery. We are excited about what we can achieve over the coming year.”
Marcus added: “In my first year as CEO, I have listened carefully to members to really understand their challenges and what more we could do for them. Three needs came through consistently in those conversations – support with fundraising, support with collaboration and efficient back-office functions, and support with training. In response, we have spent the year converting our strategy from a document into delivery to respond to those needs, and we’ve been encouraged by the results.
“Of course, the challenges faced by the sector remain significant but we remain committed to continuing to champion and advocate for the sector to ensure it continues to thrive and make a real difference across our island.”
