June 11, 2026
The Seafarers’ Charity Annual Meeting 2026
On Wednesday 10 June 2026, The Seafarers’ Charity welcomed delivery partners, supporters and representatives from across the maritime sector to its 109th Annual Meeting, held at Lloyd’s Register Foundation's headquarters, London.
Chaired by Paul Butterworth, Chair of Trustees, the meeting reflected on the charity’s work and achievements during 2025, addressed governance matters, celebrated partner contributions, and looked ahead to emerging challenges for seafarers and their families worldwide.
Reviewing a Year of Impact
The formal business of the meeting included the approval of The Seafarers’ Charity’s Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31 December 2025. The motion was proposed by Paul Butterworth and seconded by Julie Tankard, Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, who also provided an overview of the charity’s financial position and stewardship.
Members approved the Trustee Board’s composition, recognising Natalie Shaw MBE and Guy Platten as they stepped down and welcoming Simon Gillespie OBE and Petra Wilkinson CBE to the Board. The motion was proposed by Fleur Bassett, Deputy Chair, and seconded by Nigel Blazeby.
A third motion confirmed the appointment of Sayer Vincent LLP as the charity’s auditors for the forthcoming year, proposed by Captain Lee Clarke and seconded by Peter French.
Supporting Seafarers Through Global Challenges
In her address to attendees, Deborah Layde, Chief Executive of The Seafarers’ Charity, reflected on the strong and long-standing partnership with Lloyd’s Register Foundation and the importance of collaboration in improving safety at sea.
Highlighting the increasingly complex and often volatile operating environment faced by seafarers, Deborah pointed to recent global disruptions, including tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, as examples of the pressures placed on those working in shipping. She emphasised that seafarers continue to operate in conditions of uncertainty, where safety must be understood not only in physical terms, but also in relation to wellbeing, dignity and psychological support.
Deborah outlined how the charity continues to fund programmes that improve welfare, safety and resilience across the maritime community, and stressed the importance of collaboration, targeted grant-making and advocacy in responding to both immediate crises and long-term challenges affecting those who work at sea.
She also introduced the charity’s seafarer abandonment work, highlighting the launch of a new animated film series designed to raise awareness and provide practical guidance. As part of the presentation, she showcased the trailer for the series, which is available to watch here.
Engineering a Safer World
The meeting's keynote address was delivered by Dr Ruth Boumphrey, Chief Executive of Lloyd's Register Foundation. Reflecting on the Foundation's mission to engineer a safer world, Ruth explored the complex and evolving risks facing those who work at sea. She highlighted the continuing security concerns affecting global shipping, including recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of supporting the people who keep international trade moving under increasingly challenging conditions.
Ruth also drew attention to the fishing industry, which remains one of the world's most dangerous professions. With an estimated 39 million people working in fisheries globally and thousands of fatalities occurring each year, she stressed the need for greater investment in practical safety measures, training and risk reduction initiatives.
She highlighted the International Fund for Fishing Safety (IFFS), a global initiative funded by Lloyd's Register Foundation and delivered in partnership with FISH Platform. Managed by The Seafarers' Charity, the fund supports practical, locally led projects that improve safety, reduce injuries and help save lives in fishing communities around the world.
Support from URNU Bristol
One of the highlights of the meeting was a cheque presentation from the University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) Bristol, which generously donated funds raised through its annual raffle in support of The Seafarers’ Charity.
The charity is grateful to the officers and students of URNU Bristol for their fundraising efforts and continued support of seafarers and their families. Their contribution reflects the commitment of the next generation of maritime professionals to improving welfare across the maritime community.
Looking Ahead
Closing the meeting, Paul Butterworth thanked Dr Ruth Boumphrey and Lloyd’s Register Foundation for their hospitality and contribution to the event. He also expressed gratitude to the charity’s delivery partners, Vice Presidents, URNU Bristol, supporters and volunteers whose commitment continues to help improve the lives of seafarers and their families.
He concluded by reflecting on the collective nature of the charity’s work, describing it as a wider ecosystem of trustees, staff, funders, fundraisers and partners all contributing to maritime welfare.
As The Seafarers’ Charity enters its 110th year, the organisation remains committed to advancing maritime welfare, strengthening safety at sea, supporting seafarers facing hardship and working with partners across the sector to create lasting, positive change.
