The Guernsey Community Foundation has appointed Advocate Jason Green as its new Chair.
Advocate Green is a Senior Partner at the law firm Collas Crill, and is described by the GCF as a highly experienced professional in the charitable sector, having previously been the chair of Autism Guernsey. He’s currently an ambassador for the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation.
A member of the judiciary, Advocate Green has previously held positions such as Lieutenant Bailiff of the Royal Court, and Deputy Judge of the Magistrate’s Court.
Speaking on his appointment as the new GCF Chair, Advocate Green said: “I’ve always been impressed by the work of the Foundation.
“Part grant-giver, part think-tank, funded by philanthropy and fully independent, it’s a unique and uniquely valuable organisation. I’m looking forward to joining an experienced board and a hardworking executive team.”
The GCF’s current chair, Sir Richard Collas is stepping down following his five years in the role.
Advocate Green paid tribute to his predecessor: “Sir Richard steered the Foundation through a period of change and helped broaden its focus. Under his stewardship, it examined the causes of – and proposed solutions to – deep-rooted social problems such as homelessness.”
Advocate Green continued: “I hope to help the Foundation build on its core strengths – promoting philanthropy, supporting charities and acting as a critical friend to government – as it pursues its overall aim of improving the quality of life within the Bailiwick.”
The former Chair, Sir Richard spoke of his time with the Foundation fondly.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Foundation,” he said. “But having served as chair for five years – which is longer than I originally intended – it seemed like a good time to pass the baton to someone new.
“With his background in the private sector and the charitable sector, as well as his deep knowledge of the issues affecting the island, Jason has all the skills and experience needed to progress the Foundation’s important work.”
That work will focus heavily on the GCF’s Quality of Life report, which highlighted areas the Bailiwick needs to do better in to support all those that call the island home.
The resulting report, which compiled a year’s worth of research and survey data from over 3,000 people, claimed that Guernsey is “driving its people away.”
Advocate Green commented on it’s importance: “While the Report acknowledged the positive aspects of living here, its focus, rightly, was on the problems that islanders face.
“The reality is that for some people – especially those on a low income – life in Guernsey can be extremely tough. The Foundation is working with various charities on projects to address these issues.”