Expert support unlocked for maritime charities as MNWB announces new partnership with Cranfield Trust
The Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) is delighted to announce a new partnership with Cranfield Trust – providing its 47 member charities access to expert professional support that will build long-term sustainability.
Through the partnership, MNWB members will be able to draw on Cranfield Trust’s network of around 1,300 experienced volunteers, who provide specialist support across strategy, governance, finance, leadership, people management and organisational change.
The initiative will help maritime welfare charities access high-quality expertise to tackle challenges, strengthen operations and plan confidently for the future at a time when many charities are facing increasing financial and operational pressures.
Cranfield Trust is one of the UK’s leading providers of pro bono consultancy for charities, matching organisations with skilled professionals from a wide range of sectors and industries.
For MNWB members, the partnership represents a significant new benefit, providing tailored support from experienced consultants without the high costs often associated with specialist advice.
Stuart Rivers, Chief Executive of MNWB which is the umbrella charity and national association for 47 maritime welfare organisations, said:
“Our members do extraordinary work supporting serving and retired seafarers, fishers, and their families. We want to ensure they have access not only to funding, but also to the knowledge, skills and expertise that help organisations thrive.
“Partnering with Cranfield Trust allows us to connect our members with experienced professionals who can help strengthen governance, develop strategy, improve leadership and build resilience for the future. We’re delighted to bring this opportunity to our network and look forward to seeing the positive impact it delivers.”
Dan Francis, Cranfield Trust CEO, said:
“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the Merchant Navy Welfare Board to help maritime welfare charities become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to support serving and retired seafarers and their families. By combining MNWB’s deep understanding of the needs and challenges of maritime charities with Cranfield Trust’s insight from across the sector and the expertise of our skilled volunteers in providing tailored consultancy and leadership mentoring, we can help charities address organisational challenges, strengthen their leadership and support them to become more sustainable.
“Ultimately, this partnership will help ensure that the organisations supporting the maritime community have the skills, confidence and capacity to deliver the best possible support to those who need it most.”
The partnership was formally introduced to members through a dedicated webinar this week, where organisations learned more about the support available and how to access it.
The collaboration forms part of MNWB’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the maritime welfare sector, ensuring member charities have access to the expertise and support needed to continue delivering vital services to seafarers, former seafarers and their families.
Learn more about the partnership and funding criteria HERE