Deborah Layde

Deborah was appointed to the role of Chief Executive in July 2022, after successfully leading The Seafarers’ Charity’s grant-making programme for 9 years.

She describes herself as passionate about seafarers and about Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. She has led the charity’s approach to EEDI which started with establishing a staff-led EEDI working group in 2020 and recently saw The Seafarers’ Charity become the first maritime welfare charity to commit to join Maritime UK’s Diversity in Maritime Charter. This commits organisations from across the maritime sector to take a proactive approach to close the diversity and inclusion gaps within their workforce.

Deborah has also led the Charity’s involvement in the 2027 Programme – a 10-year initiative aimed at supporting diversification of grant-makers to ensure the inclusion of lived experience and addressing class imbalance in funding organisations. She is also a member of the Merchant Navy Honours Committee and Chair of the Seafarers International Relief Fund stakeholder group.

Deborah has a very personal commitment to supporting and improving the welfare of seafarers, arising from growing up near Newlyn’s fishing community and her father’s Royal Navy career. 

Prior to joining The Seafarers’ Charity, Deborah held senior roles at The Industrial Society and Childbase and was the Fundraising and Business Development Manager at the Small Charities Coalition.