Two important changes open a new chapter for the charity as the White Ensign Association (WEA) continues to grow its support for the Naval community.
Admiral Sir Philip Jones, a former First Sea Lord and a trustee of the WEA since 2019, has just been appointed as the new Chair of the Council of Management (the WEA board of trustees). He brings extensive senior leadership experience across defence and maritime strategy and succeeds Lance Batchelor who retires having served as a Council member of the WEA since 2014.
Sir Philip said:
“I am hugely honoured to take over as Chair of the WEA. The charity, and the incredible people it serves, are very close to my heart. I also want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Lance Batchelor. On his watch the charity has gone from strength to strength, providing support to thousands more members of the Naval community each year.”
At the same time Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, another former First Sea Lord, has succeeded Admiral Sir Jock Slater as the President of the WEA. Sir Jonathon has served the charity with distinction, first as a trustee, then as its Chair between 2013 and 2015 and, on stepping down as a Council member, as one of our Vice Presidents.
Sir Jonathon said:
“It is an immense privilege to assume the role of President of the White Ensign Association. First as a trustee, then as its Chair and latterly as a Vice President, I have been passionate about the role it plays in supporting the Naval community. I have big shoes to fill in taking over from Admiral Sir Jock Slater and am delighted that he has now become our President Emeritus in recognition of his long and devoted service to the WEA.”
Paying tribute to the outgoing leadership
Lance Batchelor steps down after 12 years of service to the WEA, including the last two as Chair.
During his tenure, he provided strong and steady leadership to both the Council and executive team, helping to strengthen the WEA’s financial position, sharpen its strategic direction and expand the reach and impact of its services. Many of the developments now central to the WEA’s future – including increased beneficiary engagement, stronger corporate partnerships and investment in digital capability – were delivered under his stewardship. He also played a central role in shaping and delivering the current strategy, during which time the WEA has grown significantly in both scale and impact.
Admiral Sir Jock Slater’s contribution to the WEA spans many years and multiple roles.
He first served as a trustee before becoming Chair between 2002 and 2005, later continuing his support as a Vice President. Following the untimely passing of Admiral of the Fleet The Lord Boyce in 2022, he stepped into the role of President, providing continuity, experience and leadership at an important moment for the WEA.
In recognition of his long and distinguished service, he has been appointed the WEA’s first President Emeritus.
A tribute to departing Trustees
The WEA also marks the departure of two longstanding members of the Council.
Admiral Sir George Zambellas has been an active trustee since 2016, bringing strategic insight, thoughtful challenge and a deep commitment to the Naval community. His contribution to the Council, and to its Finance and General Purposes sub-committee, has been both distinctive and highly valued.
Adam Gosling has contributed more than two decades of service as a WEA trustee, offering wise counsel, sound judgement and a consistent focus on strengthening the charity’s support to its beneficiaries.
Through the Gosling Foundation, Adam and his family have also provided longstanding and generous support to the WEA, enabling it to expand and strengthen its services. This support has had a lasting impact on the lives of many across the Naval community.
The WEA extends its sincere thanks to both Sir George and Adam for their outstanding service and continued support.
