ROYAL ALFRED SEAFARERS’ SOCIETY MARKS 160TH AGM

Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society marks 160^TH AGM with record care delivery and remarkable financial recovery. Maritime charity, the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, celebrated its 160th Annual General Meeting at Trinity House in London in May, reflecting on a landmark year of growth, transformation and renewed purpose.

The meeting showcased the remarkable progress made by the Society over the past two years, with significant improvements in occupancy, care delivery, and financial resilience, the result of a disciplined, four-phase modernisation programme now well into its final stages.

The Society has  increased its average occupancy from 37 in 2023 to 57 in 2025 with 80 seafarers supported alongside 19 veterans and their families. The Society was delighted to welcome 35 new residents throughout the year. In total, 502,474 hours of care were delivered in 2025, up from 324,120 in 2023. Behind each of these hours lies a moment of compassion, dignity and reassurance delivered by our dedicated colleagues, whose commitment continues to define the character and quality of Royal Alfred. Sheltered housing occupancy also rose significantly, from 15 to 21 residents, with days of housing delivered increasing from 5,475 to 7,300.

Chairman Lt Cdr Phillip Wake OBE RD* MSc FNI RNR presented the Society’s Annual Impact Report, noting that 2025 had been a year of consolidation and restoration, with the Society increasingly recognised as a specialist in dementia care. A particular highlight of the year was a visit from the Society’s Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, in July, an occasion that provided a tremendous boost to the morale of residents, tenants and staff alike.

CEO Capt. David Dominy MA rcds presented a detailed account of the Society’s ongoing transformation, outlining the progress made since the challenges faced in 2023, when low occupancy, reduced financial resilience and governance arrangements in need of refresh had placed the Society in a vulnerable position.

The results for 2025 reflect a striking recovery from the end of 2023. Total income increased from £3.16 million to £5.26 million, while income from charitable activities rose from £2.70 million to £4.93 million. The operational deficit was reduced from £1.52 million to just £105,608, with payroll costs falling from 98% to 74% of income, demonstrating significantly improved efficiency. Unrestricted cash reserves grew from just £6,000 in February 2024 to £420,000 by the end of 2025. This restoration of resilience aims to assure access for ageing seafarers, veterans and their loved ones to the care they deserve irrespective of their financial means.

Capt. Dominy attributed this progress to the Society’s structured Four-Phase Improvement Programme:

·        Phase 1: Modernise Belvedere House to be compliant, safe and appropriate for dementia care

·        Phase 2: Review governance and financial controls

·        Phase 3: Revise organisational design and increase management capacity

·        Phase 4: Continuous service optimisation

The refurbishment of Belvedere House has expanded Queen Elizabeth Lounge for communal use by all residents and delivered 68 modern en-suite rooms, designed to meet Care Quality Commission standards while also maximising residents’ independence and safety. Digital tools, including digital screens and a new sensory room, have been introduced to promote independence and stimulation, while the Memory Café continues to connect residents with the wider community and attract interest from local stakeholders, including a recent visit from the local MP.

Capt. Dominy said:

“When I look at where we stand today, I am enormously proud of what this team has achieved. Our focus has always been on doing right by the seafarers, veterans and families who depend on us. The numbers tell an important story, but the real measure of our success is the quality of life we can offer to those who come through our doors. I am proud of the progress the team have made and I am confident that the Society will continue to Evolve with Ambition.”

The AGM also marked the retirement of Capt. David Dominy, who steps down as CEO to spend more time with his family. The Board and wider Society expressed their heartfelt thanks to Capt. Dominy for his exceptional leadership, his success in identifying new funding sources, and his central role in driving the Society’s modernisation and recovery. Succession planning is underway, with recruitment for his replacement ongoing.

A highlight of the AGM was the presentation of a lifetime membership to Mrs Dorothy Ross-Tomlin, in recognition of her exceptional and long-standing service to the Society. Mrs Ross-Tomlin was first elected as a Trustee in 2009, having joined in December 2008. She went on to chair the Weston Acres Visiting Committee from 2012 and served the Society with dedication until the present day, including serving as Mayor in 2018/19. Throughout her time with the Society, Mrs Ross-Tomlin has been a tireless advocate, influencing Surrey councils to provide donations to the Royal Alfred and bringing her warm, caring personality to bear in support of residents, staff and fellow trustees alike. She and her husband Jim have been regular attendees at Belvedere House events.

The AGM re-elected several Board Members for a further three-year term, including Dr Richard Reubin, Cdr Susan Lochner, and Mr Andrew Parker. Mr Josh Tasker was newly elected to the Board of Management, and Mr Bernie Watson was re-elected as Honorary Treasurer for a fourth year. Mrs Diana Parker was co-opted to the Safeguarding, Care and Welfare Committee for a further three years.

The meeting was brought to a close by Viscount Cobham, who extended the Society’s warmest thanks to all distinguished guests in attendance and to Trinity House for the use of their magnificent rooms.

Image: Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society