Strengthening Our Support for the Sector: AJC announces leadership changes

The Association of Jersey Charities (AJC) is pleased to announce an important development in our journey to better support Jersey’s vibrant and vital charity sector. As part of our commitment to accelerating the delivery of our new strategy, we are introducing a new part-time leadership role — that of Chief Executive Officer (Interim). We are also announcing that Marcus Liddiard has stepped down as Chairperson to take on this role, with Robert Surcouf nominated to take on the Chairman role, to ensure continuity.

Why Now?

For over 50 years, the AJC has been proud to serve the sector through a highly lean, largely volunteer-led structure. While this model has enabled a great deal of impact and community benefit, it is increasingly clear that the growing demands on charities — and on the AJC as their representative body — require greater professional capacity.

Our new strategy outlines ambitious goals: to better represent our members, build sector capacity, advocate for a stronger operating environment, and ensure Jersey charities can thrive. To deliver on that promise, we need to invest in leadership that can drive this forward at pace — while maintaining the collaborative, member-focused ethos that defines us.

A Role to Support — Not Replace — What We Already Do

The new Interim CEO role is designed to complement and enhance our current operations. It is not a replacement for our volunteer structure, but rather an addition — creating much-needed capacity to implement strategy, engage stakeholders, and support members more consistently and proactively.

We are particularly pleased that this position has been made possible thanks to initial funding from a private donor who shares our commitment to strengthening Jersey’s charity sector. The role is currently funded for a three-year period and is structured as a part-time engagement. Work is already underway to seek further funding to increase the time dedicated to this role and extend it beyond the initial term.

Good Governance at the Core

Marcus Liddiard’s appointment as Interim CEO followed a carefully considered process carried out by the Committee of the AJC, with Marcus excluded from all aspects of the recruitment and decision-making. This process was also informed by the constitution of the AJC as well as advice from the Charity Commissioner’s office, ensuring that appropriate governance standards were observed throughout.

Marcus brings with him deep commercial and operational experience, strong strategic insight, and a clear vision for how the AJC can increase its impact. We believe he is well positioned to help the AJC move confidently into this next phase of development.

Leadership Continuity

As part of this transition, we are also announcing that Robert Surcouf, the current Deputy Chairperson of the AJC, has been nominated to take on the role of Chairperson. Robert has been an active and dedicated member of our leadership team and brings deep understanding and continuity at this time of evolution.

What’s Next?

• Over the coming months, Marcus will begin working closely with the Committee and our members to prioritise early initiatives under the new strategy.
• We will publish regular updates on progress, funding developments, and sector engagement activities.
• We remain committed to transparency, and to engaging with you — our members — as we shape this role and our approach together.

Long-term sustainability

This is an exciting and important step for the AJC. It marks a shift toward greater capacity, deeper sector support, and long-term sustainability — all while remaining grounded in our founding values of collaboration, service, and stewardship.

Thank you for your continued support and trust as we work to strengthen the voice and resilience of the charitable sector in Jersey.

If you have questions, ideas, or would like to connect directly with Marcus or the Committee, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

See here for Q & A regarding this appointment: https://www.jerseycharities.org/members/members-news/315/ajc-ceo-q-and-a