Gavin MacFadyen, a strong supporter of investigative journalism.

Gavin MacFadyen, director of the Centre for Investigative Journalism and adviser to the Bureau, has died after a short illness.

An investigative journalist for many decades, Gavin who died on Saturday October 22 at the age of 76, used his experience in later life to mentor and encourage those entering the profession.

Gavin was a strong believer in investigative journalism and was heavily involved in founding the Bureau in 2009. He was a committed supporter of the organisation and a long-serving member of its Editorial Advisory Committee.

But it was as the founder and director of the Centre for Investigative Journalism, a training and advocacy organisation that he was best known.

Through this role he trained and mentored many journalists working in difficult environments. He also worked with whistleblowers and became a powerful voice supporting the right of those prepared to leak information.

Before founding the CIJ Gavin was a documentary maker who produced and directed more than 50 films mainly for Granada Television’s World in Action.

At the Bureau, Gavin pulled on his years of experience to offer tireless support and was an important influence in the direction of the organisation.

Rachel Oldroyd, Managing Editor of the Bureau said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of Gavin. He was a generous supporter of the Bureau and his passionate belief in the ability of journalism to change the world was an inspiration to many who worked here.

“Gavin constantly challenged us to do the best journalism we could and to seek out the stories that really held those in power to account. His infectious energy and spirit was a true force for good, which will be missed. ”

James Lee, Chair of the Bureau’s board said: “It was Gavin that had the idea that sparked the creation of the Bureau. He was a source of inspiration to us all, the likes of which we are unlikely to find again.”