Canal & River Trust’s Council seeks new members 

Are you passionate about our inland waterways? Could you represent our members’ interests on the Canal & River Trust’s governing Council? If so, read on…

The Canal & River Trust is calling on people to stand for election to the charity’s governing Council, with nominations opening on 11 September 2015, before voting takes place in November.

The Canal & River Trust is the guardian of 2,000 miles of historic waterways across England and Wales, caring for the nation’s third largest collection of listed structures, as well as museums, archives, and hundreds of important wildlife sites.

Policy and perspective 

The Council is made up of 40 nominated, co-opted or elected members as well as the Chairs of the waterway partnerships.  Together they reflect the wide appeal of the waterways – from boating and angling through to walking and conservation. 

The Council is responsible for the appointment of Trustees, helps to shape policies and provides guidance and perspective to Trustees.

This year’s elections will decide four posts representing the interests of private boaters, two representing boating businesses, a post representing the Trust’s staff, and for the first time, elected posts for volunteers and people who make a regular donation to the Trust.

Have your say on boating interests

Our Inland Waterways are treasured by countless members of the RYA.  Many value the unique experience of relaxing aboard narrowboats on the canals and exploring our vast network of rivers and lakes.

RYA Members who are interested in standing for election for the Canal & River Trust Council will need sponsors and to prepare their manifesto.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for people with a passion for the waterways to get involved with our work, and particularly in how the Trust is governed,” explains Tony Hales, chairman of the Canal & River Trust. 

“Nominations open in September, but we’re appealing for candidates now so that people have time to get prepared. We can offer support and advice throughout the election process, so do get in touch if you are interested,” he added.

Next steps

The election process will be run independently of the Trust by Electoral Reform Services (ERS) and it will be an online process. Council members will take up their four-year volunteer post from March 2016. 

Anyone keen to stand for election, or anyone who may have a query about eligibility or the election process, can find out more at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/governance/the-council/

For an informal chat about the opportunity please contact Gus Lewis, RYA Head of Legal and Government Affairs, on 023 8060 4220.