Trustees’ Week runs from 3-7 November 2025, and is an opportunity to spotlight the vital role trustees play in the strength and sustainability of their respective charities.
This year’s theme is good governance — so we’ve invited our Company Secretary, Colin Booker, to share what good governance looks like at LHCRT.
As Company Secretary, a large part of the role is that of ensuring good governance. At LHCRT, good governance isn’t just a box-ticking exercise — it’s the foundation of everything we do. From strategic planning to volunteer coordination, our trustees and officers work hard to ensure that every decision is made with integrity, transparency, and long-term impact in mind.
Guided by strategy and values
Our original memorandum of articles and association sets out our purposes and aims, how trustees are appointed, removed and replaced, how meetings and voting work (AGMs, board meetings, etc.), members’ rights and responsibilities, and rules on conflicts of interest, finances, and decision-making. We have moved on a lot since they were they were first established, but they still hold true and guide our activity.
Our governance framework is built around a clear operational strategy that connects our long-term restoration goals with day-to-day delivery. This includes strategies on day-to-day activities including operations, asset maintenance, finance, volunteering, communications and post-completion.
These strategies are underpinned by our core values: integrity, teamwork, respect, and inclusivity. We welcome people of all backgrounds and abilities, and we value the contributions of every member, volunteer, and trustee.
Transparent reporting and oversight
We believe in being open and accountable to our members, volunteers, supporters, funders, and the wider public. As a registered charity our activities and performance are monitored and overseen by the Charities Commission. As a limited company our activities and performance are monitored and overseen by Companies House. Both of these bodies require regular filings of significant developments in the trust. Virtually all of the information that we file with them is readily available to the general public at no charge.
In addition we:
- Share monthly updates at our volunteer forums and Board of Trustees meetings
- Host an annual public AGM
- Publish an annual report and accounts — both in print and online
- Share progress through our members’ magazine, press, social media, our website and at events.
This transparency helps build trust and ensures that our work remains aligned with our charitable objectives.
Strong project and risk management
Restoring a canal is a complex, long-term project. Our governance includes robust systems for:
- Project management: ensuring each site progresses safely and efficiently
- Risk management: identifying and mitigating potential challenges
- Financial oversight: managing budgets, reserves, and fundraising responsibly
These systems help us stay agile and resilient, even when faced with unexpected hurdles.
Trustees as strategic leaders
Our trustees play a vital role in shaping the future of LHCRT. They bring a mix of professional skills, lived experience, and local knowledge — and they’re deeply committed to our mission. Trustees have the overarching responsibility to:
- Set strategic direction
- Oversee financial, legal and regulatory responsibilities
- Champion inclusivity and accessibility
- Represent LHCRT in partnerships and public forums
Alongside my primary role of Company Secretary I also assist in the development of funding applications, provide support to the Finance Director and, of course, help in various roles in support of our events. So although governance is a key part of my role, I do get involved in other areas too.
So what does good governance look like? Good governance isn’t just about policies — it’s about people. At LHCRT, it means making decisions that honour our community, protect our heritage and biodiversity, and build a legacy we can all be proud of.
By the way, we currently have trustee vacancies and would love to hear from people who share our values and want to help lead the next chapter of canal restoration.
Colin Booker
Company Secretary and Vice Chair
Useful links:
Meet our trustees
Explore trustee opportunities
Read our annual report