The Seafarers’ Charity Annual Meeting 2025

Moored on the Thames Embankment in the heart of Westminster, HMS Wellington, the only surviving 'Battle of the Atlantic' ship on the east side of the Atlantic, provided a historic setting. We were honoured to welcome the Lord Mayor of Westminster to the occasion.

Our Standard Bearer on the day was Frederick Onono, our Finance Business Partner and a former Royal Navy serviceman, who led attendees into Wellington’s Court Room. Paul Butterworth then formally welcomed guests and delivered his opening remarks, after which the meeting moved promptly to key motions central to the charity’s governance and future direction. These included:

• Approval of the 2024 Annual Report and Accounts, presented by Paul Butterworth and seconded by Duncan Bain FCA, Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, who also provided valuable insights into the charity’s financial performance and stewardship.

• Confirmation of the Trustee Board, expressing gratitude to outgoing Trustees Duncan Bain and William Lawes for their dedicated service, and welcoming the appointment of new Trustee Julie Tankard, whose expertise is set to strengthen the board’s governance.

• Approval of amendments to the Royal Charter and Byelaws, reflecting the charity’s commitment to maintaining governance that is both robust and responsive to the evolving needs of the maritime sector.

Chief Executive’s reflections

The Seafarers' Charity’s Chief Executive, Deborah Layde, delivered an overview of the charity’s impactful work throughout 2024. She reaffirmed our dedication to supporting seafarers and their families through targeted grant-making, strategic collaboration, and driving systemic change that addresses hardship at sea and onshore.

Keynote address on seafarer mental health

Nusrat Ghani MP, Vice President of The Seafarers’ Charity and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, was our keynote speaker. In her address titled “Seafarers’ Mental Health Maintenance,” Ms Ghani highlighted the critical importance of mental health support for those working at sea.

Drawing on her long experience advocating for improved wellbeing in the sector, she called on everyone across the maritime space — from the IMO and ILO to trade unions, shipowners, and charities — to go further and faster in ensuring that seafarers’ needs are truly met.

The 2025 President’s Awards

A key moment of the afternoon was the presentation of The President’s Awards, conferred by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, President of The Seafarers’ Charity.

We were delighted that His Royal Highness was able to find time in his busy schedule to attend in person, and it was a privilege to see the royal standard raised on board to mark the occasion.

These awards celebrated exceptional impact within the maritime welfare community. This year we recognised three organisations for their outstanding contributions:

• UK P&I Club: Corporate Partnership category
  Awarded for championing inclusive practices and advancing psychological safety for women at sea through a ground-breaking Allyship Campaign delivered in partnership with The Seafarers’ Charity and ISWAN. The award was graciously accepted by Sophia Grant, Crew Health Programme Director.
• UK Sailing Academy (UKSA): Collaboration category
  Recognised for their leadership in addressing welfare challenges among professional yacht crew, including the launch of a dedicated welfare hub in Antibes and fostering collaborative working groups. Amy Sweeting, Director of Development and Impact, accepted the award.
• Lloyd’s Register Foundation: Visionary Funder category
  Honoured for establishing the International Fund for Fishing Safety, which has already enhanced safer working conditions for over 65,000 fishers worldwide. Dr Daryl Attwood, Project Director, received the award on their behalf.

Closing remarks

Paul closed the meeting with heartfelt thanks to Nusrat, the charity’s delivery partners, and the Wellington Trust for generously hosting the event aboard HMS Wellington. His remarks reflected the enduring spirit of collaboration, dedication and gratitude that continues to define The Seafarers’ Charity’s vital mission.