Dear Colleagues
We have suffered a profound loss, as an organisation and as a sector. Neville was the most caring and compassionate risk manager imaginable. Born in South Africa, where he trained as a financial auditor and accountant, he moved to the UK in 1997. He loved his job and went about it with maximum integrity, attention, and consideration. Everyone who worked with him, loved and respected him – as a professional and as a human being. I certainly did.
I first met Neville at a job interview in 2012. He had worked seven years in Audit and Finance Manager positions at the East Sussex County Council. Neville stood out. His native country of South Africa was being devastated by the impact of HIV and AIDS. He was passionate about the chance to work for an organisation where his skills could help reach the most marginalised communities.
He went on to become a unique addition to what was then called the International HIV/AIDS Alliance. He took on the role as Head of Legal, Risk and Compliance and company secretary. He had to negotiate compliance with independent partners across Africa, Asia and South America, often in complex political and social settings. And from every trip – even when they involved criminal conviction cases – he came back more convinced that the best way to encourage compliance is by being seen to help, and not give orders, and explain what the benefits are. His approach was effective and it helped build a bond of trust in our alliance.
Neville was warm, engaging and supremely competent. We all saw him as a supportive colleague and a team player who thoroughly enjoyed the contribution his work made to a better world. He took immense pride in what was achieved collectively.
Our professional paths separated as we both left the Alliance. I was delighted when they crossed again at IPPF. I knew that in his embrace and understanding of diverse marginalised communities, and through his commitment to sexual and reproductive justice, he would fit in very nicely. And he did. In his time at IPPF he pushed forward our systems and approaches. He was respected by donors and community partners alike.
Cancer has taken him away, at age 48; away from his young family and from his colleagues and friends. It is painful and it is difficult to accept. But Neville did not want us to mourn him. He wanted us to celebrate the time we had together. I know that he will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. We will continue to celebrate the enormous contributions he has made, allowing organisations like ours to be more daring and to manage risk appropriately, and with our humanity intact.
Go well dear Neville.
Alvaro Bermejo