Social enterprise charity chief to step down

A charity leader who helped support more than 100 jobs for Islanders with disabilities and long-term conditions is stepping down.

Penelope Shurmer has been the Jersey Employment Trust’s Executive Officer since 2022, having joined after 12 years working for the government.

She will be stepping down in November “to focus on her health and wellbeing”, according to the charity.

Announcing her departure, the charity praised her work supporting 516 client referrals just in 2025, sourcing 114 new jobs and 52 new work experience placements.

JET helps islanders with disabilities or long-term health conditions find work and work experience – with staff working alongside a range of employers who can offer placements.

I am grateful also for the public support for JET and Acorn

outgoing ceo penelope shurmer

Mrs Shurmer said it had been “a privilege to lead JET and Acorn Enterprises and to work alongside such a dedicated team, our clients, our Abassadors and our many partners across the island.”

She added: “Together we have helped hundreds of Islanders secure and sustain meaningful employment, and we have shown the real difference that acceptance, adaptation and good leadership can make.

“I am grateful also for the public support for JET and Acorn.”

Mrs Shurmer oversaw the creation of an ambassador programme for the charity as well as the growth of its in-house “commercial and social venture” Acorn Enterprises to generating £1.3 million in sales in 2025.

Acting Chair of the Board of Trustees Dan Perkins said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank Penny for her outstanding dedication and commitment to JET.

“She has led the organisation through a demanding period and has been a passionate advocate for Islanders who have a disability or long-term health condition. We wish her every success for the future.”

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