Guernsey Employment Trust Strengthens Board as Demand for Employment Support Reaches Record Levels
Guernsey Employment Trust (GET) has strengthened its Board of Directors with four new directors, bringing additional expertise to the charity as demand for its specialist employment support reaches record levels.
Referrals to GET have increased by 25% over the past year, underlining the growing need for specialist support for disabled and neurodivergent islanders seeking employment.
Over the past year, Eleanor Round, Dawn Gallienne, Lorna Pestana and Dr Michael Blyth have joined the Board, broadening its expertise across finance, communications and stakeholder engagement, human resources, fundraising and healthcare.
The appointments follow a review of the skills and experience needed to support GET's strategic goals and strengthen the organisation as it enters its second decade.
Eleanor Round has joined as Finance Director, building on the strong foundations established by former Finance Director Susan Atkinson, and bringing expertise in financial planning, forecasting and governance.
Dawn Gallienne brings experience in strategic communications, reputation management and stakeholder engagement, supporting GET’s work with employers, partners and the wider community.
Lorna Pestana brings extensive experience in human resources, organisational development and fundraising. Her directorship experience at Jersey Employment Trust also provides opportunities for shared learning and collaboration across the islands.
Dr Michael Blyth brings an important healthcare perspective to Board discussions. Having worked alongside GET for many years through his professional role, he brings first-hand understanding of the positive impact employment can have on health, wellbeing and independence.
The new directors join Chairman John Curran and existing Board members Jim Roberts and Karen Martin, bringing together long-standing knowledge of GET with a broad range of commercial, third-sector, HR and governance experience.
The Board is also supported by Company Secretary Shaun Drake, who assists the directors in fulfilling their governance and compliance responsibilities.
Responding to Growing Demand
Having celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2025, GET continues to experience significant growth in demand for its services. The charity received a record 190 referrals in 2025, more than 25% higher than the previous year. Demand has continued to grow throughout 2026 and based on current trends GET is on course to receive around 300 referrals by year end.
Alongside this growth, GET has strengthened its links with education providers, employers, healthcare professionals and community organisations, reflecting the increasing need for specialist employment support and inclusive employment opportunities across the island.
Chairman John Curran said:
"GET is entering an important period in its development. Demand for our services continues to grow and it is essential that the organisation has the right mix of skills, experience and perspectives around the Board table.
I am delighted to welcome such a strong group of new directors. Their expertise will help support GET's continued development and ensure we remain focused on delivering positive outcomes for clients, employers and the wider community."
Chief Executive Nicola Ioannou-Droushiotis said:
“I’ve seen GET grow enormously over the past ten years, not just in the number of people we support but in the relationships we’ve built with employers and the wider community. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, but I also know there is much more we can do.
What excites me about this Board is the energy, experience and genuine commitment they bring. They understand what we’re trying to achieve and, most importantly, why it matters.
Together with our staff team, I believe we are in a strong position to continue creating opportunities, breaking down barriers to employment and creating more opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent islanders.
Supporting the Next Stage of GET's Development
The expanded Board will help support several strategic priorities, including the continued development of GET's Employers' Disability Charter.
Following the release of the Charter's second edition, GET is developing a stronger Charter community, creating more opportunities for employers to network, share good practice, learn from one another and champion inclusive employment across the island.
This increased employer engagement will help create more employment opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent islanders, while supporting businesses to develop more inclusive practices.
For more information about Guernsey Employment Trust and its work supporting disabled and neurodivergent people into employment, visit www.get.org.gg.