Peter Neville, who dedicated over five years to establishing Guernsey Community Savings, has retired as chair. The charity, which launched in September 2020, aims to provide banking access to those excluded from mainstream financial services.
Former banker James Ellis has taken over the role. Neville praised Ellis's blend of financial expertise, charitable work, and community knowledge. The charity has helped around 200 people obtain accounts and debit cards, and offered financial guidance to many more.
Neville said, "The initiatives now being discussed, together with the additional features offered by the new money‑transmission platform, reassure me that James's vision aligns perfectly with the aims we set in those early days."
Ellis responded, "The creation of Guernsey Community Savings in 2020 was only possible because of Peter's unique set of qualities... I was delighted when he asked me to continue with his work and further expand his vision." He added that Neville will remain involved as life president.