New CEO to bring "fresh eyes" to equality and diversity charity

Wednesday 10 January 2024

The Channel Island's equality, diversity and inclusion charity Liberate has announced its first change of Chief Executive since the organisation was founded a decade ago.

Vic Tanner Davy, the founder and CEO of Liberate Jersey, is stepping down on 1 March after almost 10 years in the role.

Current Vice-Chair of the Jersey Community Relations Trust Kaye Nicholson will succeed him, working closely with the CEO of Liberate Guernsey – which makes up Liberate CI along with Liberate Jersey.

Mr Tanner Davy said he will remain a voluntary member of the Jersey charity's board to ensure a smooth transition.

He said it had been an "absolute privilege" to hold the role for nearly a decade, adding: "I would like to thank my colleagues in Liberate Guernsey, who tapped me on the shoulder in June 2014 to ask if I would be interested in setting up the charity in Jersey."

Pictured: Vic Tanner Davy MBE recently spoke at the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce conference, on which he served (Rob Currie).

He thanked people who had given their support and his wife, Paddy Haversham-Quaid, whom he met whilst on the board.

The Liberate founder has dedicated his spare time to the charity since 2014. He was one of seven islanders to be named in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2022, receiving an MBE for his services to inclusion and diversity in the island the following March.

Mr Tanner Davy continued: "After nearly 10 years in the role, it is time for a change of voice on these issues.

"I have met and worked with so many interesting and talented individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, who I will miss hugely, but it is important for the work that Liberate does that people don't turn off from what we talk about because they hear the same voice delivering that message.

"I am delighted that I will be handing over to Kaye in the next couple of months as she will bring fresh eyes to the charity with her passion, drive and creativity to take the work to the next level."

Pictured: Kaye Nicholson (left) previously worked on a project to bring books celebrating diversity and inclusivity to island primary schools.

Kaye Nicholson said she was looking forward to joining the team and to continue working on "creating a truly inclusive society in our island".

Ellie Jones will remain Chief Executive Officer of Liberate Guernsey – along with Liberate Jersey, these two bodies make up Liberate CI.