In this edition of ‘Meet the Trustee’ Steven Jones, MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MNM, FNI, FRSA shares insight into his role as a trustee and the part he plays in ensuring the Society not only preserves its remarkable history but also adapts and thrives in the years ahead, reaching new audiences and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
A consummate maritime professional, Steven spent a decade working as a navigation officer, mainly on cable ships. He has a Chief Officer certificate and Masters’ degrees in both Marketing and Communications, and International Relations. After working in a range of shore-based roles across maritime fraud, crisis management, insurance, safety and security, he founded the Seafarers Happiness Index working with the Mission to Seafarers. The aim of the project is to produce data and insight from seafarers, ensuring that the voice of those at sea is heard. Steven is author of a range of maritime publications, a Fellow of the Nautical Institute, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. In 2024, Steven was a recipient of the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.
Why did you become a Trustee?
I discovered the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society (the Society) during a visit to Liverpool’s Royal Liver Building, where illuminated parchments and certificates adorned the walls of the company I was visiting. Initially assuming the Society was a relic of the past, I was delighted to learn it remained active and vibrant.
Though I didn’t pursue it further at the time, my father’s death later drew me back to explore the Society’s history and mission. Their focus on resuscitation and lifesaving took on profound meaning – my father might well have survived his heart attack had someone known CPR.
While the Society’s maritime heritage and history fascinate me, what truly resonates is its recognition of both courage and practical lifesaving skills. The willingness to step forward and save lives is what makes the Society vital, and I’m honored to contribute to its growth and enhanced standing in the world today.
What does Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society mean to you?
To me, the Society represents the finest aspects of our humanity: courage in crisis, selfless intervention, and the practical skills that translate good intentions into saved lives. It stands as a living bridge between Liverpool’s maritime heritage and contemporary lifesaving efforts.
The Society embodies values I hold dear – recognising not just dramatic acts of heroism, but also the quiet commitment to being prepared, trained, and willing to help others in their moment of greatest need. In a world that often celebrates fleeting achievements, the Society honours something timeless and essential: our capacity to protect and preserve human life.
What are you responsible for as a trustee?
As a Trustee, I embrace the fundamental responsibilities of ensuring the Society operates with integrity, prudent resource management, and unwavering commitment to its charitable purpose.
Beyond these standard duties, I’ve taken on a specialised focus working in close partnership with fellow Trustee Sue Henney to revitalise our communications, marketing, and public relations efforts. Together, we’re crafting strategies to elevate the Society’s profile across traditional and digital platforms, modernising how we tell our story, and forging meaningful connections with media partners and community stakeholders.
Our collaborative work aims to significantly expand public awareness of the Society’s mission, extend our reach to previously untapped audiences, and most importantly, inspire more nominations recognising acts of bravery and lifesaving. This targeted initiative supports our core purpose by ensuring heroic actions receive proper acknowledgment while simultaneously honouring and promoting the rich heritage of this historic institution. Which is all the more important as our 200th Anniversary approaches.
Do you have a specific area of interest or expertise within the Society?
Being part of the Society connects me to both Liverpool’s storied maritime past and a mission that remains urgently relevant today.
My specific area of interest and expertise is deeply rooted in maritime history and safety. Having grown up in a family with strong maritime connections, I have always felt a close affinity with Liverpool’s seafaring heritage and the countless stories of courage and resilience that have shaped our city.
One of my proudest contributions to the Society has been my role in conceiving the MV Derbyshire award. The loss of the MV Derbyshire was a tragedy that resonated deeply within the maritime world, and I felt it was essential that the Society create a lasting tribute to honour the memory of those lost and to recognise exceptional acts of courage and commitment in the maritime sphere. The establishment of this award not only commemorates a significant event in maritime history but also reinforces the Society’s ongoing commitment to supporting and celebrating those who risk their lives at sea.
In addition to my work on the MV Derbyshire award, I am passionate about ensuring that the human stories behind our awards are widely shared and appreciated. By combining my maritime background with my experience in communications and public engagement, I with our Board strive to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation—preserving the Society’s heritage while making its work accessible and relevant to new generations.
Is there an award/act of bravery that particularly stands out for you in the history of LSHS?
It’s difficult for me to single out one particular award or act of bravery in the history of the Society, simply because each case is so unique and reflects its own distinct challenges. What stands out most to me is the incredible diversity of courage we recognise—from members of the public who, without formal training or professional experience, step forward in moments of crisis, to those who make the conscious decision to act rather than walk on by.
The special nature of our awards lies in this very breadth: we honour not only the dramatic rescues at sea or acts by trained amazing professionals of the Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance, RNLI crews and mountain rescue, but also the quiet, instinctive bravery of ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations.
Every story is a testament to the human spirit and the willingness to help others, regardless of background or circumstance. That, for me, is what makes the Society’s work so meaningful and why each award, in its own way, is equally remarkable.
What do you think is an important focus for the future of the Society?
Looking to the future, I believe an important focus for the Society should be ensuring that our work remains both relevant and visible in a rapidly changing world. This means not only continuing to honour acts of bravery and lifesaving, but also expanding our reach to engage new generations and more diverse communities. We should embrace modern communication channels and digital platforms to share the powerful stories behind our awards, making them accessible and inspiring to a wider audience.
A key priority is education—promoting awareness of lifesaving skills such as CPR and water safety, and encouraging a culture where people feel empowered to act in emergencies. By partnering with schools, community groups, and maritime organisations, we can help foster in our region a society where ordinary people are equipped and willing to make a difference.
Finally, we must continue to celebrate our maritime heritage while also recognising acts of courage in all settings, whether on land or at sea. By balancing tradition with innovation, the Society can continue to grow to meet its 200th Anniversary, ensuring that the values of compassion, bravery, and public service remain at the heart of our mission for generations to come.
What is your role outside of Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society?
Outside of my role with the Society, I am deeply engaged in the maritime sector on a global scale. I am the founder of the Seafarers Happiness Index, an internationally recognised initiative that measures and promotes the wellbeing of seafarers around the world. In addition, I work with a leading global Classification Society, specialising in crisis management—a role that allows me to support the industry in preparing for and responding to emergencies at sea.
My commitment to the maritime community is further reflected in my past tenure as President of the Propeller Club, where I continue to be an active networker, building connections and fostering collaboration across the industry.
I am also an author, having written several textbooks on maritime security, piracy, and crime at sea, which are used by professionals and students alike. Through these various roles, I strive to improve safety, wellbeing, and professional standards within the maritime world, and I bring this same dedication and expertise to my work with the Society.
Anything else you wish to share?
I would just add how grateful I am to be part of the Society, an organisation with such a rich legacy and a vital ongoing mission. It is a privilege to work alongside dedicated colleagues and volunteers who share a genuine commitment to recognising courage and promoting lifesaving skills.
I am continually inspired by the stories we encounter—each one a reminder of the extraordinary potential within ordinary people. My hope is that, through our collective efforts, we can continue to recognise and reward these acts of bravery and encourage even more people to step forward when it matters most.
Above all, I am proud to play a part in ensuring the Society not only preserves its remarkable history but also adapts and thrives in the years ahead, reaching new audiences and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
