Sue May has over 30 years of experience at a senior level in the HR management sector, particularly within professional services and partnerships. 

Sue was Group Head of HR Operations at Ogier and previously was with Mourant Ozannes for over 13 years. Before, returning to Jersey in 1996 she ran her own successful recruitment business in London.

Sue has particular expertise in employee engagement, operational HR issues in multi jurisdictions, and organisational change including mergers and acquisitions. She is a highly respected HR professional who brings a great deal of experience, skills and knowledge to an organisation. An innovative achiever, able to work to deadlines under pressure, who is versatile, self-motivated and enthusiastic. Sue is passionate about getting it “right” when it relates to the engagement, management and treatment of people. 

Sue is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD) and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI). She represented Jersey on the CMI Southern Board for several years. She was also Chairman of JEND (Jersey Employer’s Network on Disability) which campaigned to provide real and meaningful jobs for individuals with a disability. 

Sue created the Jersey Brain Tumour Charity (the Charity) some 13 years ago, having recognised a genuine gap in the market. This was born from her own experience when in 2010 she suffered a sudden seizure and a brain tumour diagnosis. She subsequently had to undergo craniotomy surgery in Southampton and had a large titanium plate fitted in her head.

She experienced a lonely recovery accompanied by a lack of support from local services and could not drive for 18months. Sue however, took immediate action to turn a negative into a positive and help others. 

In 2011 Sue, independently, created and founded the Charity. Her ambition was simple, to make a difference to Islanders borne out of her own personal and difficult journey. She believed she could help perhaps a few Islanders in need.  Little did she realise her services through the Charity would be impactful, well received and address a much greater need. 

The Charity has developed with speed and strength. Patient numbers far exceeded expectations with a wide age range, from babies to the elderly.  The Charity has developed from her kitchen table in 2011 to her dining room in 2013 to its’ own office in St. Helier in 2015.  

Sue has also focused attention on raising awareness of brain tumours and their symptoms as an early diagnosis can result in better outcomes. She launched educational awareness programmes and has spoken publicly at primary and senior schools, various groups and clubs and many professional organisations with impact, infectious humour and enthusiasm! She has written and delivered educational workshops with Social Security, Hospice and local companies and appeared on radio and television to ensure as far as possible that Islanders realise support was available. 

Sue led the way in organising the first-ever brain tumour conference in Jersey held at the Royal Yacht Hotel in 2016 with distinguished speakers from Jersey and the UK.  

As well as setting up her own charity Sue is no stranger to the voluntary sector having previously been Chairman for many years of JEND (The Jersey Employer’s Network on Disability) where she successfully campaigned and fought to maximise work experience and employment opportunities for individuals with a disability. She has also worked closely over many years with Jersey College for Girls and more recently Beaulieu School chairing its’ Parent Council and facilitating and assisting with many of their projects.

Personally, Sue’s own brain tumour has not been without its challenges and has always been a condition she has lived with. She has (silently) suffered for example with severe headaches, fatigue, and balance issues. Unfortunately, her tumour regrew to the extent that unexpectedly in May 2022 she had to undergo a second craniotomy with a replacement titanium plate fitted in her head once again. Fortunately, she had had an excellent recovery but so understands the brain tumour journey from a patient perspective. 

Sue always just wants the best for others treating them with compassion, understanding and kindness. Her mission was and is to make a difference and ensure that no Islander feels alone in Jersey when facing the effects of a brain tumour diagnosis which can be far-reaching. She has certainly achieved this and is a credit both to herself and the Island of Jersey.

It was therefore wonderful that her charitable work was recognised when she was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List 2023. HRH Princess Ann presented her MBE at her investiture at Windsor Castle on 11^th October 2023 and as much as she was very honoured, she hopes that it will help raise awareness of Brain Tumours and spotlight the work of the charity.