Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 1

Date Wednesday 25 March 2015 Venue Copthorne Hotel, Merry Hill-Dudley - West Midlands Waterway Present Ann Farrell, Private Boating Representative Brian Fender, Chair London Partnership (present in part) Brenda Harvey, Chair North Wales & Borders Partnership Bob Pointing, Chair North West Partnership Peter Brown, Railway & Canal Historical Society Clive Henderson, Private Boating Representative Danny Brennan, Chair East Midlands Partnership David Gibson, Ramblers Association David Hagg, Chair South Wales & Severn Partnership David Kent, The Angling Trust Ivor Caplan, Private Boating Representative Jim Harker, Local Government Association John Best, Chair South East Partnership John Yates, Institute of Historic Building Conservation Mike Palmer, Waterway Recovery Group Nigel Stevens, Boating Business Representative Paul Wilkinson, The Wildlife Trusts Peter Hugman, Co-optee, Freight Peter Mathews, Chair West Midlands Partnership Tasmin Phipps, Chair Kennet & Avon Partnership Tony Hales, Chair Trustees Vaughan Welch, Private Boating Representative Apologies Alison Ward, Welsh Local Government Charlotte Atkins, Chair Central Shires Partnership Charles Trotman, Country Land & Business Association Chris Bailey, Employee Representative Chloe Donovan, Co-optee, National Council for Voluntary Youth Services Mark Lang, Chair All Wales Partnership Mark Penny Chair North East Partnership Martyn Brunt, Sustrans Paul Owen, British Canoeing Rafid Al Khaddar, Society for the Environment Tony Matts, Boating Business Representative Walter Menzies Chair Manchester & Pennine Partnership In attendance Trustees Lynne Berry John Dodwell Frances Done (present in part) Tom Franklin

Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 2

Executive Directors and Management Team Richard Parry, Chief Executive Philip Ridal, Finance Director Simon Salem, Marketing Director Stuart Mills, Property Director Vince Moran, Operations & Asset Management Director Ruth Ruderham, Head of Fundraising (present in part) Dominic Papineau, Corporate Partnerships Officer Ed Fox, Head of Communications Tim Eastop, Arts Development Manager Jo Bell, Canal Laureate Caroline Killeavy, Head of Community Engagement Annette Simpson, Education & Interpretation Manager (present in part) Roger Hanbury, Head of Governance Services Yetunde Salami, Assistant Company Secretary Brenda Adams, Administrator Governance Services The Council meeting was preceded by an optional site visit hosted by the Dudley Canal Trust, including a boat trip through the Dudley Tunnels. 1. Welcome & Introductions. At 1115, Tony Hales welcomed everyone, particularly Councillor Jim Harker, the newly

nominated member representing the Local Government Association; Brenda Harvey, Bob Pointing and David Hagg, newly appointed Chairs of the North Wales & Borders, North West, and South Wales & Severn Partnerships respectively. TH also welcomed Yetunde Salami, the Trust’s Assistant Company Secretary.

Apologies were noted as above. 2. Notes of the 7th Council Meeting (24 September 2014). The Notes were agreed. It was noted that the Matters Arising have been included as

agenda items. 3. Trustees & Council Appointments Committee. 3.1 Committee Update Report. Lynne Berry, Chair of the Appointments Committee, introduced the paper previously

circulated. LB introduced members of the Committee and explained the Committee’s functions.

Partnership Chair Appointments: LB outlined the open recruitment process, undertaken

by the Committee, of three new Chairs now appointed to the North Wales & Borders, North West, and South Wales & Severn Partnerships.

LB then explained the process for the six Partnership Chairs whose first terms will end on

28 March 2015. All had indicated their willingness to complete a further term. On the basis of satisfactory annual appraisals conducted by the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Trust, the Committee had decided to recommend the re-appointments as set out below. Under the Trust Rules, these reappointments would be subject to approval by the Board of Trustees at their next meeting on 26 March. The Committee recommendations were to:

Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 3

reappoint Charlotte Atkins (Central Shires), Danny Brennan (East Midlands), Brian Fender (London), Mark Penny (North East) and John Best (South East) for a further term of 3 years from 28 March 2015

reappoint Mark Lang (All Wales) for up to 6 months pending a review of the All Wales Partnership which is the subject of a later paper at this meeting

In concluding this item, LB noted that in the Trust’s journey over the last 3 years, the

Partnerships have made extraordinary contributions to the Trust. Nominated Member of Council: LB noted the nomination of Councillor Jim Harker,

nominated as Member of the Council by the Local Government Association. Boater representation on Council: LB reported that the Appointments Committee

considered Ann Farrell’s proposal at the last Council meeting for an increase in Boater representation on the Council. The Committee had considered carefully the balance of representation on the Council now and in the context of changes that would take effect from March 2016. The Committee concluded that no change should be made beyond those already agreed in the Rules approved by the Council at their meeting in September 2014. The matter would be kept under review and considered as part of the Governance Review due to take place no later than 2019.

Election Regulations: LB outlined the draft 2015/16 Election Regulations circulated with the

paper. LB explained that the Regulations, which are the responsibility of the Appointments Committee, set out the eligibility criteria for participation in the elections to be held between September and December 2015 for the Council that would take effect from March 2016. These elections would include a member to be elected from amongst the Friends of the Trust and another from Volunteers registered with the Trust. LB noted also that the Regulations provide for the elections to be run online - including nomination, sponsorship of candidates and voting.

In discussion, Council members suggested that the nomination period as stated in the

timetable should be extended by one week into October 2015 in order to accommodate people who may be on holiday in September. It was agreed this would be considered and the revised timeplan incorporated into the Regulations as follows:

Event Date

Election website available by link from www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Friday 10 April 2015

Nominations open Friday 11 September 2015

Nominations close Wednesday 14 October 2015

Publication of candidates standing for election and their manifestos

Friday 23 October 2015

Last date for candidates to withdraw their candidature 1700 Friday 30 October 2015

Voting opens Friday 13 November 2015

Voting closes Friday 11 December 2015

Results announced Monday 14 December 2015

First meeting of the new Council Wednesday 16 March 2016

A copy of the Regulations with this revision and in the form to be published for the elections

is included as Annex 1. 3.2 The Trust in Wales. LB outlined the paper previously circulated, describing a review of our engagement in Wales

and the proposal for a new Wales Board – Bwrdd Glandŵr Cymru – to replace the All Wales Partnership.

Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 4

LB explained that over the last three years, under the leadership of Mark Lang, the Partnership has enjoyed significant achievements including the establishment of an MoU with Welsh Government, a long-term partnership with Cardiff University, dialogue with Public Health Wales and Natural Resources Wales, and completion of a 10-year strategy for the Waterways of Wales.

In this time, the Welsh Assembly has seen a significant increase in its primary legislative

powers and the establishment of a Welsh Treasury function. In the next few years, we may see further development of the devolution model.

It had also been noted there has been the propensity for some confusion over the

relationship between the All Wales Partnership and the two Waterway Partnerships – South Wales & Severn and North Wales & Borders. This has been particularly so for the Trust’s partners, including Assembly Members, where they are engaged in both a national and local role.

To give greater clarity, it was therefore proposed that the new Board would be chaired by a

Trustee with current connections with Wales. The Board would act as a support and sounding board for the Executive and Senior Management Team on Welsh matters. It was expected that the new Board would have up to 10 members working to terms of reference set out in the paper. Additionally, there would be a requirement for the Board to regularly engage with the Chairs of the North Wales & Borders and South Wales & Severn Partnerships, to support their work and ensure alignment.

In order to retain representation for Wales on the Council, the Trust Rules would be revised

at the next opportunity to create a new nominated seat on the Council. The new Bwrdd Glandŵr Cymru is expected to be in place by the end of September 2015. In discussion, it was suggested that the Board should include members with expertise in

both natural and built heritage. Council members were appreciative of the work undertaken by the All Wales Partnership

and thanked the Chair, Mark Lang, and Members for all they had achieved in creating a voice for the Trust in Wales.

The Council endorsed the recommendation that the new Bwrdd Glandŵr Cymru is

established and that the Trust Rules should be revised at the next opportunity to create a new nominated seat to provide continuing representation for Wales on the Council.

3.3 Governance Report. Roger Hanbury presented the Governance Handbook which had been circulated previously. RH explained that the Handbook, which was initially considered by the Council in 2012, is

intended to be an explanatory and reference source that collates and consolidates the various governance provisions of the Trust and its structures, both formal and informal. It

will serve as a guide to the Trust for staff, volunteers and those involved or considering involvement in all levels of the governance of the Trust. The Handbook would be made available on the Trust website and can be found here.

The Council noted the Handbook.

Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 5

3.4 Canal & River Trust Update: Richard Parry, Chief Executive Richard Parry talked through his presentation, stating the headlines for 2014/15, including:

increased usage of the waterways and towpaths

improved safety performance

income: year-end forecast at £183.8m against budget of £170.9m

total charitable activities expenditure: year-end forecast at £123.7m against budget of £118.2m

projected surplus: £1.4m – an improvement of £7.4m on the plan figure

repairs: £93m spent on waterway maintenance and repair, up 10%

emergency works were carried out in Birmingham aqueducts in close liaison with Network Rail, and at Dutton where the contractor accepted responsibility for the fault

customer service works: £7m spent on dredging in 2014/15, and an additional £2m on offside vegetation clearance

£45m spent on 175 stoppages between November 2014 and March 2015

Volunteering hours are on target to reach the planned 400,000 hours this year

Canal adoptions: 85 in place ahead of the target of 80

Public engagement: 16 Open Days held, c.9,500 people attended in total

Over 35,000 children have taken part this year in the education programme RP then gave a brief overview of the proposed 2015/16 Business Plan which would be

considered by Trustees at their meeting following the Council, adding that the 2015/16 budget is linked to the Trust’s 10-year strategy and it builds-in local priorities and customer needs. It also takes into account the Trust’s long-term financial projections.

RP further outlined other areas:

A Better Towpaths policy, which sets out the 9 principles for towpath use for all users, had been launched

New boat license terms and conditions have been issued and a new approach taken on boats without home moorings and visitor mooring framework

New partnerships with the Desmond Foundation and Rolls Royce

Fundraising successes with grants from the Wolfson Foundation and HLF, and £13m for towpaths from DfT

The Ombudsman Committee has been newly reconstituted with 3 independent members

The Trust had excellent and positive media coverage during the year. A communications strategy is being drafted

RP noted organisational changes made to increase focus on customer service and

community engagement, and to establish a national approach to asset management/work planning. He also outlined a number of new appointments being made.

In discussion, it was suggested that:

the Trust would benefit from better information on the age and disability profile of users of the waterways

there is a need to give a higher profile to the Trust’s good works in getting third parties to improve our waterways. The social value of the Trust’s work needs to be measured; this can be used to demonstrate the value of grant funding to Government and other funds. A paper on the social value of the Trust’s work would be considered for a future meeting

Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 6

The Council commended management and staff on a successful year. Richard Parry’s presentation can be found here. 4. Property & Investment. Stuart Mills introduced his presentation.

He explained that the Group Investment Policy sets out how the Trust’s investment portfolio will be managed to comply with the Grant Agreement. SM set out the challenge faced in growing income over time to contribute more to the cost of looking after the waterway network, identifying 3 areas each to be grown ahead of the rate of inflation (CPI):

capital value of our investments

investment income

utility income

SM outlined that our investment portfolio incorporates property assets, non-property assets (managed by Partners Capital), and joint venture investments. He explained that Trustees had agreed an investment policy and had established an Investment Committee to support and scrutinise investment planning. As part of the DEFRA grant agreement, a Protector had been jointly appointed by DEFRA and the Trust to give independent assurance on the management of the endowment portfolio transferred to the Trust. SM noted that our investment property performance was benchmarked against the Investment Property Databank (IPD) which was an industry standard benchmark. The Trust has consistently exceeded IPD over the last 5 years. SM then went on to review investment performance and noted that capital growth was comfortably ahead of CPI + 1 target since 2010/11. He described the utilities business which generates a sizeable part of our income – £25m per annum from, amongst other sources, rights to lay cables on our land, surface water drainage, sale of surplus water and innovative green and sustainable energy. SM explained that the total income from all our investments can be lumpy from year-to-year and, for example, in the current year 2014/15, a sizeable one-off receipt had inflated income as noted in earlier presentations. Overall, however, the smoothed trend was growth in income at roughly 4 times the rate of CPI. SM then reviewed the highlights:

Asset value growth is well above inflation rate and the plan is to grow at roughly four times CPI. £109m of property investments had been made in the last 5 years at an average yield of 7.3% (income), replacing stock earning less than 4%

The strategy is to continue to dispose of lower income and low value assets and invest in better-returning assets with long-term sustainable income. There will be a move away from estates management to strategic asset management

The Trust will continue with its joint venture relationships with private sector partners to create high quality places which would showcase our waterside, eg, Brentford Lock

Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 7

On non-property investments, SM stated that the Trust’s non-property investment strategy is to invest c. £100m over 3-5 years with Partners Capital LLP, a top-rated funds management company. This investment is a mixed portfolio of private equity, global equities, credit, fixed income, etc – assets not directly correlated to property. It is targeted to generate 9% total returns per annum, and currently this looks achievable. The investment programme has been accelerated as surplus cash has been generated from property disposals and the non-property portfolio will have £80m by 2014/15 year end. Our utilities strategy is to continue to maintain and develop long-term strategic relationships with the major utility companies and other utility customers, as well as explore innovative new ways the Trust could generate income. The team had performed exceptionally well in driving income growth in this area. In discussion it was noted that:

the Trust has a policy not to invest in projects that conflict with our charitable objects and the Trust is also careful about the partners that it does business with. The Fundraising team have an ethical policy which the property team replicates

the Trust is tax exempt for its charitable activities and non-charitable activities take place in trading subsidiaries where pre-tax profits are gift-aided to the Trust. Most investments are carried out within the charity so it benefits from stamp duty exemptions. The joint ventures are also tax transparent which allow profits to be passed to the charity pre-tax

The returns from investments noted above were net of all costs of running the portfolio and there was an objective to drive non-charitable costs down to c.9%

The Trust’s Isis joint venture partnership has a sustainability policy and it scores high on environmentally sustainable developments

The Council commended the work done by the Property team and Tony Hales summarised that the primary objective is to make money for re-investment into the waterway network.

Stuart Mills’ presentation can be found here and his paper here. 5. Corporate Fundraising: Ruth Ruderham and Dominic Papineau.

Prior to the Council meeting, a paper had been circulated. Ruth Ruderham then talked through a short presentation with Dominic Papineau. RR explained that the Trust’s fundraising ambition within 10 years is to have 100,000 Friends, raise at least £10million per annum, be a top 100 fundraising charity, and to be seen as a partner of choice for socially-minded companies. 2014/15 had been a strong year across fundraising. RR noted that the face-to-face fundraising was now progressing well and we are fast approaching 10,000 active Friends, the majority recruited face-to-face by our fundraisers. Typical gifts are £5 per month and rates of retention are good. We are also developing other propositions to engage, for example, the Naturewatch Guide, which had secured nearly 700 Waterside Watch supporters. The “Readymade Waterway Days Guide” to our top destinations had secured 430 Friends. Both campaigns were estimated to have a reach of about 20m people and will have contributed to more waterway visits. RR confirmed that the Desmond Foundation had made a major pledge to support England’s first Coast to Coast Canoe Trail. £1.3m is committed and this project is expected to engage more than 10,000 young people.

Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 8

Three major donors are also supporting the Stratford to Stratford Youth Arts Project and private donors were funding the installation of The Line, a world class sculpture, along the Meridian Line in London. In the corporate arena, M&S had confirmed a third year of support through their Big Beach Clean-up in April. The People’s Postcode Lottery have doubled their annual donation to the Trust to £250,000. Our work with Google will extend to their cultural institute which will include our digital archives in their virtual museum. RR also confirmed that Rolls Royce is going to support the development of a new education programme – Brindley Brainwaves – to be delivered by youth volunteers to 7-14 year olds, and Sport England will fund a 2-year post for a Sports Participation Manager to attract more people to sport on the waterways in the South East. DP introduced the corporate membership programme adding that research has shown that companies want products that will associate them with charities as well as provide employee volunteering opportunities. The Fundraising team will focus on national partnerships but the product has been designed to work at a local and regional level too, giving partnerships and senior volunteers the resources to fundraise locally. By offering more than just volunteering, we hope to build stronger relationship with companies. DP requested Council members’ assistance in promoting membership and by signposting the Fundraising team to local companies who may be interested. RR agreed to contact Cllr Jim Harker to arrange for her to present the programme on a local government platform. Tony Hales commended the team for work done.

Ruth Ruderham’s presentation can be found here. 6. Arts on the Waterways: Tim Eastop, Ed Fox, Jo Bell. Ed Fox outlined the Trust’s arts programme, its origins and the benefits it delivers to the

Trust and waterway visitors:

Programme inspired by the early restoration campaigners

Backed by Arts Councils in England and Wales, the programme has grown from a pilot of six, to more than 50 projects delivered or in the pipeline

Waterways are being used as a cultural space. The programme has opened access to new funding partners. It allows engagement with individual artists who in turn inspire communities

Independent research carried out showed that 75% agreed or strongly agreed that they’d be more likely to visit if there was contemporary art on site, and 98% agreed or strongly agreed that it’s a good idea to have art activity on the waterways

In 2015/16 there are 10 major projects confirmed which are expected to raise £1m external funding (of which c.£400,000 will not pass through our books). This includes Super Slow Way – a major £2.3m 3-year arts programme along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, led by local communities and professional arts producers

A short video was shown outlining the programme Tim Eastop then gave a presentation on the 2015 programme for Arts on the Waterways

before introducing Jo Bell, Canal Laureate, who introduced herself as a poet, boater and archaeologist.

Jo Bell set out her personal experience of being Canal Laureate from her perspective as a poet, boater and archaeologist. She set out how her work with the Trust has led to multiple opportunities for her and for the Trust to promote the waterways, from a debate on the

Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 9

impact of LTC Rolt’s Narrow Boat at Hay Literary Festival, to press coverage and appearances on BBC Radio’s “Poetry Please” and “Mid-Week” programmes and collaborations with other artists. She stated that the project is a subtle and ambitious campaign to bring canals to the centre of English and Welsh culture, while at the same time creating national exposure and good stories which reach an audience who would not normally consider the canals. JB rendered two of her poems to the Council.

The Arts presentation can be found here and a short paper here. 7. Education – Activity & Aspiration: Caroline Killeavy and Annette Simpson. Prior to the Council meeting, a paper had been circulated. Caroline Killeavy introduced her

co-presenter, Annette Simpson, and her presentation which showcased the Trust’s educational offer and activities.

CK stated that canals offer great learning opportunities for children and it contributes to

children’s appreciation of their environment and communities. CK explained the context of the offer which is based on the Trust’s objective to promote and facilitate for public benefit awareness, learning and education about inland waterways. AS explained that learning outdoors

contributes to raising standards and improving personal, social and emotional development

has a powerful motivating effect on young people and beneficial impact on behaviour

develops appreciation of arts and culture

helps personal and social development, eg, confidence, communication, social skills, self-discipline

has beneficial effects on well-being, and meets learners’ needs

It was noted that the Trust has a long-term target to engage 500k children each year. The

Trust’s Children Explorer Programme targets Key Stage 2. AS outlined the current impact of the programme:

Delivered quality learning for nearly 40,000 children to date this year – up from 3,600 in 2012

Recruited, trained and supported 148 education volunteers with further recruitment ongoing at new sites

Over 1,500 named teachers on the marketing database and circulating half-termly newsletters

The STEM learning programme (provisionally named ‘Brindley’s Brainwaves’) for Key Stage

3 is for fostering an interest in engineering and science and curriculum areas are Maths, Science, Design & Technology.

It was agreed that the questions raised by CK in her presentation would be included in the

note of the meeting (see below) and could be considered at a future meeting.

We currently measure the volume and quality of our work. Do the Council have views/experience/advice on where we should start in measuring the social impact of our educational work?

As we move into new areas of education such as skills development in young people and the secondary STEM curriculum, what do you think are important factors we should consider?

Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 10

Is it the right approach for the Trust to deliver programmes directly or should it favour partnership working with established education providers?

Much of our educational offer is delivered free of charge and available to all who request our services, subject to availability. What is the Council’s view?

What do the Council think of our plan to extend our educational offer to different markets? Are there other markets where Council would wish to see us explore, not already identified?

Some volunteers of the educational programme gave Council members demonstrations of the types of learning experience offered to schools.

Caroline Killeavy’s presentation can be found here, and a short video here. 8. Closing Session. In bringing the meeting to a close, TH asked members to provide any feedback on the

meeting suggestions for future topics to him or RH. TH thanked all for attending the meeting. The meeting closed at 1615. Date of Next Meeting: Wednesday 23 September 2015, 1000 at Church House, Dean’s Yard, Westminster, London, including the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Trust, followed by the Annual Public Meeting of the Trust. Roger Hanbury/Yetunde Salami 16 April 2015

Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 11

ANNEX 1

CANAL & RIVER TRUST (The Trust)

2015/16 Council Electoral Regulations

1. The Elections 1.1 Current members of the Trust Council come to the end of their term of office in March 2016.

1.2 A new Council will then take office from the date of the Council meeting in March 2016.

1.3 The new Council will be formed under the Trust Rules dated 24 September 2014. A copy of

the Trust Rules can be found here.

1.4 Elections for those members to be selected by election will take place between September

and December 2015.

1.5 These Regulations agreed by the Joint Trustees and Council Appointments Committee set how the Council elections will be run.

1.6 The election will be conducted online.

1.7 A secure dedicated website, accessible directly or by a link from the Trust main website will provide for all stages of the election including nomination and sponsoring of election candidates, candidate manifestos, election communications and support, and voting.

2. Constituencies Under Rule 1.2 the election constituencies and the numbers of members to be elected are

as follows:

Constituency Number to be elected

Private Boating 4

Boating Business 2

Volunteers 1

Friends of the Trust 1

Employees 1

3. Time Plan The Time plan for the Council Elections will be as follows:

Event Date

Election website available by link from www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Friday 10 April 2015

Nominations open Friday 11 September 2015

Nominations close Wednesday 14 October 2015

Publication of candidates standing for election and their manifestos

Friday 23 October 2015

Last date for candidates to withdraw their candidature 1700 Friday 30 October 2015

Voting opens Friday 13 November 2015

Voting closes Friday 11 December 2015

Results announced Monday 14 December 2015

First meeting of the new Council Wednesday 16 March 2016

Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 12

4. Eligibility

Eligibility criteria for those who may stand for election, sponsor candidates, and vote in the elections in each constituency are as follows:

4.1 Private boating

To be eligible to stand for election, sponsor an election candidate and vote in the election in this constituency, you must hold a 12-month canal or river boat licence on 14 October 2015. To stand for election your nomination must be supported by 10 sponsors who each meet this criterion. To serve on Council, you must continue to hold a valid 12-month canal or river boat licence throughout your term of office. Employees of the Trust are not eligible to stand for election, sponsor candidates, or vote in this constituency.

4.2 Boating Business

To be eligible to stand for election and serve as a Council member in this constituency, you must satisfy one of the following criteria: Criterion 1. You must have one of the following with the Trust:

Marina Connection or Network Access Agreement

Property contract for a boatyard, hire boat base, mooring site or other boating business use

Business Boat licence

Freight vessel registered with the Trust Or

Criterion 2. You must be an officer or employee of a trade association or an individual

that represents the interests of boating businesses

To stand for election your nomination must be supported by 5 sponsors who each satisfy Criterion 1 above. To be eligible to vote in the election in this constituency, you must satisfy Criterion 1.

Employees of the Trust are not eligible to stand for election, sponsor candidates, or to vote in this constituency.

4.3 Volunteers

To be eligible to stand for election, sponsor an election candidate, and vote in the election in this constituency, you must have registered as a volunteer with the Trust. In addition you must have volunteered directly for the Trust in the 12 months immediately preceding 14 October 2015. This volunteering time must have been recorded on the Trust’s database and must be in addition to any time volunteered as a member of an Advisory Group, Partnership or the Trust Council.

Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 13

To stand for election your nomination must be supported by 5 sponsors who each meet these criteria. To serve on Council you must, throughout your term of office, continue to be registered as a volunteer with the Trust and continue to volunteer regularly, such hours to be spent directly on work for the Trust and in addition to any time volunteered as a member of an Advisory Group, Partnership or the Trust Council. Employees of the Trust are not eligible to stand for election, sponsor candidates, or vote in this constituency.

4.4 Friend of the Trust

To be eligible to stand for election, sponsor an election candidate, and vote in the election you must have supported the work of the Trust by means of an active Direct Debit for at least 4 months on 14 October 2015. Your direct debit payment must be for at least £3 a month or equivalent amount if paid on a quarterly, bi-annual or annual basis. To stand for election your nomination must be supported by 5 sponsors who each meet these criteria. To serve on Council you must, throughout your term of office, continue your direct debit payment of at least £3 a month or equivalent amount if paid on a quarterly, bi-annual or annual basis. Employees of the Trust are not eligible to stand for election sponsor candidates or vote in this constituency.

4.5 Employees

To be eligible to stand for election, sponsor an election candidate, and vote in the election in this constituency, you must be a Trust employee on 14 October 2015.

To stand for election your nomination must be supported by 5 sponsors who each meet this criterion. Executive Directors are not eligible to stand for election, sponsor candidates, or vote in this constituency. Agency staff and others contracted but not on the payroll of the Trust are not eligible to stand for election, sponsor candidates, or vote in this constituency. To serve on Council you must continue to be an employee of the Canal & River Trust throughout your term of office.

5. General Provisions

5.1 Candidates may withdraw their candidature from the election at any time up to 1700 on Friday 30 October 2015.

Canal & River Trust Council Meeting, 25 March 2015 – Notes of the meeting 14

5.2 Electors may not stand for election in more than one constituency. 5.3 Electors may vote in all elections in which they meet the eligibility criteria. 5.4 Each election candidate will be provided with space to publish a 150-word message or

‘manifesto’ on the election website to support their election candidacy. 5.5 Election candidates are required to declare any committee membership, officer,

trusteeship, directorship or other official position held with any inland waterway organisation during the 12 months immediately preceding 14 October.

5.6 Any organisation (meaning a company, partnership, unincorporated association or other

collection of two or more people) which is eligible to vote in any of the elections will only have one vote for each election in which it meets the eligibility criteria.

5.7 The electoral method will be the Single Transferable Vote. 5.8 The election managers will be Electoral Reform Services. 5.9 In the event of any dispute arising from the application and interpretation of these

Regulations, the matter will be considered by the Appointments Committee and their decision will be final.

16 April 2015