The Social Investment Fund has announced a change in leadership, with Steve Sharman succeeding the Very Reverend Tim Barker as Chair of the Board.
The transition comes at the conclusion of Reverend Barker’s six-year tenure, ahead of his retirement this summer.
Reverend Barker joined the SIF Board at its inception in April 2020 and served as Chair from 2023.
SIF has distributed more than £8 million through its various grant programmes, including more than £550,000 specifically allocated via a 2020 appeal to assist charities impacted by the pandemic.
“It has been a huge privilege to serve as a Director of the Social Investment Fund for six years, and as Chair for the past three years,” said Reverend Barker.
“I have enjoyed working with a great team of colleagues and learning about both the diversity of the charitable sector in the Bailiwick and how Guernsey’s voluntary organisations enhance so many different areas of our life.
“The islands would be much poorer without the enthusiasm of the committed staff and volunteers. The work of SIF is to assist in resourcing their work, which requires board members to make some difficult decisions in each funding round.”
Steve Sharman, who became a SIF Director in 2024, said he intends to maintain the fund’s focus on supporting organisations that improve quality of life within the Guernsey community.
“It is with great pride and a real sense of excitement that I become Chair of the Social Investment Fund.
“I am acutely aware of the importance of the charitable sector to the Guernsey community and want to ensure SIF continues to support organisations who contribute to making people’s lives measurably better.”