Board Members in Somerset

The Canal & River Trust is currently seeking a Trustee to join its Board. Founded in 2012, Canal & River Trust is the UK’s largest canal charity, caring for a 2,000-mile network of stunning canals and navigable rivers across England and Wales. Its purpose is to achieve a sustainable future for the nation’s canal network, keeping it open and alive, making it resilient and safe, and maximising its value for people, nature and the economy.

Built over 200 years ago, the network is the largest and oldest collection of working industrial heritage in the UK. The Canal & River Trust makes a huge contribution to the nation’s well-being, to protecting our environment and wildlife and to mitigating the effects of climate change. We have an important role to play in water security and we make connections - between our great urban centres and the peace of the countryside, between the past, the present and the future, and between people.

It is a truly exciting time of change for the Trust. We have cause to be optimistic and need to be ambitious. We have a new Chief Executive Officer, and we are developing a long-term strategy to take on increasing risk but real opportunities for us. We have some challenges ahead, but the Trust has proved already that it can adapt, evolve and rise to challenge.

For this recruitment, we are particularly keen to enhance our diversity as a board. We have a great mixture of skill, knowledge, and expertise but we are aware that we may lack diversity of thinking. We don’t yet fully reflect the diverse communities we work with and the places we work in, either in our workforce or on our board. We are working hard to address and change this.

Successful candidates will have demonstrable experience of supporting large and complex organisations through change; they will bring commercial and business acumen, and the ability to identify and pursue opportunities for income generation and diversification. In addition, they will understand the role of the Trustee and will work constructively with the Executive to inject sharp commercial insight and bold business acumen into a dynamic, diverse organisation as we embark on a period of transformation while continuing to drive the standard for exceptional customer service.

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification to this link. The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on 29th March 2026.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

For a conversation in confidence, please contact Mary Beale via mary.beale@perrettlaver.com. Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Bharti Aggarwal via bharti.aggarwal@perrettlaver.com.

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