Trustee – Compliance and Governance

• Monitor and ensure compliance with charity law, the Charity Commission’s guidance, and any other relevant legislation or regulation (e.g. GDPR, safeguarding, fundraising standards).
• Oversee timely submission of annual returns, accounts, and reports to regulators.

• Support the Chair in maintaining good governance practices, including regular review of the governing document, policies, and procedures.
• Lead on trustee induction and ongoing training in compliance and governance matters.
• Help the board assess its performance and ensure that meetings and records meet required standards.

• Keep the risk register up to date, ensuring that governance and compliance risks are identified and mitigated.
• Advise the board on emerging risks and legal changes affecting the charity.

• Ensure the charity has up-to-date policies (e.g. safeguarding, data protection, financial controls) and that they are implemented in practice.
• Work with staff or volunteers to ensure that compliance policies are embedded throughout the organisation.

• Report to the board on compliance and governance issues, making recommendations for improvement.

Our head office is in Devizes but our operational scope extends from Reading to Bath. However the role is envisaged to be delivered primarily from home.

About Kennet and Avon Canal Trust

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust was formed in 1962 (having been an association since 1951) when the canal had become derelict along most of its 87½ mile length. Having prevented government plans to formally close the canal, the Trust set about restoring it. This was achieved by lobbying, fund-raising, millions of hours of volunteer work and partnerships with British Waterways and the local Councils. The passion was sustained for 28 years and the volunteers were finally rewarded when HM the Queen re-opened the canal in 1990. Work continued in close partnership with British Waterways (now the Canal & River Trust) to complete the work needed to assure the future of the K&A. With the aid of a £25m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, this was achieved in 2003. The restoration has been a huge success and today the canal is used by all members of the community, including walkers, cyclists, anglers, canoeists, boat enthusiasts, and nature lovers.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust now aims to ‘Protect, Enhance and Promote’ the canal. It is organised in 8 branches which together run 5 passenger boats, 4 boats specially designed and built for disabled users, a youth training boat, the historic Crofton Pumping Station featuring the world’s oldest working Beam Engine, 3 cafes, a museum and an archive of the canal’s heritage.

The Trust has 3 staff and around 400 volunteers and there are currently 10 trustees. Total income in 2024 was £564,762 and total funds at the end of 2024 were £1.267m.

Expressed in the language of the Charity Commission, we have 4 objects:
1. promote, facilitate, and assist in the conservation, protection and improvement of the Kennet and Avon Canal and its associated watercourses, towpaths, structures and buildings;
2. advance the education of the public in general of the significance of the Kennet & Avon Canal and its associated structures
3. protect and conserve, objects, sites and buildings of archaeological, architectural, engineering or historic interest on, in the vicinity of, or otherwise associated with the Kennet & Avon Canal
4. promote and facilitate recreational use of the Kennet and Avon Canal by a wide section of the community in order to improve conditions of life for the public

What skills do I need?

Person Specification

• Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, charity law and regulation.
• Experience of governance, risk management, or compliance in any sector (charity, public, or private).
• Ability to interpret and apply complex information such as legal or regulatory guidance.
• Strong communication skills and ability to challenge and support constructively.
• Commitment to the charity’s mission, values, and principles of good governance.

When is this role available?

This is a flexible role available on various days/times.

Details

Time commitment: Attend Trust Council meetings (via Zoom) typically 6 per year, and sub-committees as needed. Time for reading papers, preparing reports, and staying up to date with regulatory changes (approximately 16 hours per month).

Where does this role take place?