Waterway Ombudsman

Job Description

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?  

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

The Waterways Ombudsman Committee currently has a vacancy for up to three members to continue the important and independent work of the Waterways Ombudsman Scheme. The Committee is seeking a mix of members that could include at least one for whom this would be their first non‑executive role as they seek to gain experience in this area.

Time Commitment & Travel

Time & Travel Commitments You will be required to attend four formal meetings annually. Three meetings will be held virtually (maximum of half a day each, but normally less than two hours), and one full‑day meeting will be held in person, with the location determined by the majority of Committee members. This equates to circa 20 hours per annum.

Although the role is unremunerated, reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

Role Overview

The Waterways Ombudsman Scheme is in place to ensure the independent handling of complaints made against its navigation authority members, the largest of which is the Canal & River Trust. The Waterways Ombudsman is appointed by a Waterways Ombudsman Committee (WOC), who oversee the working of the Scheme and the remuneration of the Ombudsman on an independent basis. The Scheme is a certified Alternative Dispute Resolution entity and a full voting member of the Ombudsman Association.

Find out more about the Waterway Ombudsman https://www.waterways-ombudsman.org/

Canal & River Trust https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/

Avon Navigation https://www.avonnavigationtrust.org/

Key responsibilities:

You will be responsible, along with other committee members, for ensuring the Ombudsman Scheme meets its purpose. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Attending meetings of the Waterways Ombudsman Committee and helping to set its work programme.
• Providing leadership and expertise to support the work of the Scheme, including ensuring the memorandum of understanding and service level agreements are fit for purpose and that appropriate assurance is maintained.
• Representing the Waterways Ombudsman Scheme in developing beneficial relationships with local organisations and community groups
• Representing the Scheme in contact with current and potential member Trusts, partners and membership organisations.
• Contributing to the appointment of the Ombudsman and additional Committee members.
• Keeping the operation of the Scheme under review, ensuring it meets its purpose and is adequately funded.
• Contributing to the publication of the annual report.
• Upholding the code of conduct and complying with the Nolan Principles.

About You

• Relevant leadership experience demonstrating the ability to work strategically and collaboratively at all levels.
• Experience of committee/board membership or working in similar collaborative environments.
• Ability to work closely with other members from diverse backgrounds to deliver effective, committed and appropriately challenging oversight of the Scheme.
• Experience of working in, and networking with, diverse partnerships to deliver agreed objectives within public, private, charitable or voluntary sectors.
• Excellent communication skills across a range of media and confidence engaging with diverse audiences.
• Enthusiasm for, and understanding of, the Waterways Ombudsman Scheme, its audience and purpose.
• Experience or demonstrable understanding of dispute resolution principles and disciplines.

It is important that members have no current direct or significant involvement in the waterway sector.

Contact & Application

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk.  We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates. Please apply through the APPLY button on our website.

Timelines – It is anticipated that a single interview will be held for successful applicants with the Waterway Ombudsman and nominated representatives of the Committee during February/early March in time to join our April formal meeting.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary role, but reasonable domestic travel expenses will be paid. If you are passionate about canals and waterways and want to contribute your expertise to our cause, we would love to hear from you!

Our values

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us