November 17, 2025
The Seafarers’ Charity Chief Executive Sworn in as Younger Brother of Trinity House
Deborah Layde, the chief executive of The Seafarers’ Charity, has been sworn in as a Younger Brother of Trinity House.
The Corporation of Trinity House was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1514 to regulate pilotage on the River Thames and provide for aged mariners. Predating this is its charitable duties, which emphasise training for prospective Merchant Navy officers and care for aged or distressed mariners and their dependants.
Deborah’s swearing in ceremony was alongside Chief Officer Stuart Smith and Trinity House's Captain Des Donworth. She becomes one of more than 400 Younger Brothers drawn from across the maritime community who contribute their expertise to support the work of the Corporation.
“I have worked closely with Trinity House for many years, from joint funding of key seafaring projects, membership of Maritime Charities Group to our organising of the Annual National Service for Seafarers at St Paul's Cathedral. It is a complete honour to have been accepted to the Brotherhood, and I hope I do it proud.” - Deborah Layde, Chief Executive at The Seafarers' Charity
Trinity House’s charities disperse over £5 million annually to meet its goals; this includes providing almshouses for retired seafarers and their dependants in Walmer, Kent, and sponsoring cadets through the Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme.
Trinity House is also the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar. HRH The Princess Royal serves as its master
