Leadership Update
Published: 14th Nov
Daniel Adamson Preservation Society Announces New Leadership Amid Challenging Conditions, Strategic Plan in Development to Reverse Revenue Decline and Build on Educational Success
The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society (DAPS) today acknowledges a period of significant trading and operational challenges while announcing a renewed leadership team committed to steering the charity toward recovery and long-term sustainability.
Facing Adversity in the Heritage Sector
Like many heritage organisations, DAPS has been impacted by mounting economic pressures, including rising operational and regulatory costs. These factors, compounded with income loss due to external infrastructure issues outside our control, have contributed to a decline in revenue, placing strain on the Society’s finances. In response, DAPS launched an online fundraising campaign earlier this year, which has so far raised nearly £18,000 of the target of £150,000 to support continued operations.
The Society’s two staff members and Board of Trustees remain fully committed to transparency and resilience during this turbulent period. The broader challenges facing the sector were highlighted in the Heritage Alliance’s 2024 report, Heritage on the Brink.
Leadership Renewal and Strategic Vision
To address these challenges head-on, DAPS is proud to announce the appointment of Andy King as Chair of the Board. Andy, a naval architect and maritime consultant specialising in maritime decarbonisation, brings 40 years of expertise and a passion for maritime heritage. He is joined by four new Board members:
- Dr Emma Roberts, Programme leader: Museum Studies and History of Art and Reader at Liverpool John Moores University
- Dr Charuni Dissanayaka, STEM Technical Lead, Hugh Baird College and civil engineer
- Councillor Sam Naylor, Town and County Councillor from Northwich
- Lewis Roberts, Political Researcher
The Maritime Heritage – Maritime Futures pilot programme, a two-year Lottery-funded youth initiative, has expanded significantly—from 134 participants in 2024 to 258 in 2025, with 446 taking part in this academic year. It supports and showcases schools, colleges, universities, apprentices and specialist support settings, and recently saw Hugh Baird College win an Engineering Changemakers Award at Liverpool’s Brilliant Festival for their work on the project last year. The programme builds young people’s skills, confidence, and knowledge, especially those outside mainstream education, while promoting careers in Merseyside’s maritime sector. The team is totally committed to ensuring the success of the June 2026 showcase.
Andy King commented “I fully appreciate the challenges ahead and the work required to return the Danny’s financial situation to an even keel. It’s an honour to work alongside such a dedicated team, especially our volunteers who give 110%. We’re laying the groundwork for a robust strategic plan to stabilise the charity and restore confidence among our stakeholders.”
Outgoing Chair Stuart Wood has accepted the honorary role of President of the Society, a position last held by the late Tony Hirst OBE.
Strategic Path Forward
The refreshed Board, staff, and volunteers are undertaking a comprehensive review of operations, with immediate priorities including:
- Enhancing operational efficiency and reducing unnecessary costs
- Reinvigorating service offerings while maintaining accessible education and community programmes
- Exploring new opportunities beyond traditional markets
- Strengthening stakeholder engagement through a refreshed membership scheme
- A focus on grants and award applications to be supported by the Board
“Our priority is to build a resilient organisation capable of weathering external pressures. While ticket sales are down and costs have risen, our education and community work continues to be a beacon of success in the sector.”
Commitment to the Future
DAPS assures all stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to the continued operation and preservation of the 122-year-old steamship, the Danny. Since returning to service in 2016 thanks to generous donations and Lottery support, the vessel has become a symbol of heritage and transformation.
Regular updates on progress and plans for 2026 will be shared in the coming months.
To donate to The Danny’s fundraising campaign please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/thedanny
