Next in the spotlight of our ‘Meet the Trustee’ series is Vice Chair of the Society, Sue Henney. Sue brings more that 25 years experience in maritime marketing to the role and is passionate about making conditions better for those working at sea and driving change for safety at ports, waterways and beaches across Merseyside, Wirral and the wider North West.
Why did you become a Trustee?
I’ve spent my entire career in the maritime industry, and becoming a trustee felt like a natural and meaningful way to give something back to the maritime and local community. When I was invited to join the board, I was already familiar with the Society’s longstanding reputation for recognising bravery and selflessness and I was honoured to play a role in sustaining and modernising that legacy.
What does LS&HS mean to you?
LS&HS is a unique institution, deeply rooted in Liverpool’s heritage, but still absolutely relevant today. For me, it represents the best of our community: courage, community spirit, and quiet acts of heroism. It’s also a testament to how we, as a city and a region, continue to honour and remember those who go out of their way to help others.
What are you responsible for as a trustee?
I serve as the Vice Chair of the Society, and I see my role as offering both strategic direction and a sounding board for new ideas. I also try to bring a marketing perspective to our work, thinking about how we present ourselves to the public and how we can raise awareness of what we do to ensure our work continues for the next generation.
Do you have a specific area of interest/expertise at the Society?
I think my strengths lie in communications, organising, networking, and strategic development. While I am involved in the broad breadth of decisions and general trustee matters, I’m particularly focused on how we can grow our profile, tell our story more effectively, and build stronger connections with other networks in Merseyside and beyond.
Is there an act of bravery that particularly stands out for you in the history of the Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society?
There are so many powerful stories, but I tend to get drawn into the quieter, unsung acts, like ordinary people diving into the Mersey to rescue someone in trouble, often without a second thought for their own safety. There are also several fascinating award citations from the Victorian age, which really highlight how people lived back then, e.g. we distributed several awards in that period for people saving others from runaway horse and carts!
What do you think is an important focus for the future of the Society?
Our 200th anniversary is on the horizon (relatively), which is both a huge milestone and an opportunity. We need to ensure the Society is not only preserved but renewed, growing awareness, increasing award nominations, attracting new supporters, and making our awards more visible to the public. We want people across the city and maritime world to know who we are and why we matter.
What is your role outside of Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society?
I work for a ship inspection and intelligence business as marketing director, and have held various senior marketing roles within maritime, particularly at the intersection of shipping, safety, and digital transformation. My work has always centred on making maritime services more understandable, accessible, and valued.
Anything else you wish to share?
I feel incredibly proud to be part of this Society. It’s a small charity, but the impact is real and heartfelt. It’s a privilege to be able to help tell those stories and keep that tradition alive.
