As Trustees’ Week invites us to reflect on governance, our Construction and Operations Trustee, Chris Bailey, shines a light on one of the most vital, and often invisible, parts of our canal restoration work: the systems that keep us safe, accountable, and future-ready.
When we talk about restoring canals, towpaths, and heritage structures, it’s easy to focus on the visible outcomes: the brickwork, the water flow, the community celebrations. But behind every shovel in the ground there is a framework of governance that protects our volunteers, ensures compliance, and strengthens our legacy.
At LHCRT, construction isn’t just about progress—it’s about responsibility.
Risk assessments: planning for safety
Before any work begins, we carry out detailed risk assessments. These aren’t just tick-box exercises — they’re living documents that help us anticipate hazards, adapt to changing conditions, and ensure everyone on site knows what to expect. From uneven terrain to weather risks, we assess, record, and communicate clearly.
Our volunteers play a key role in reviewing these assessments, so we ask:
- Have all foreseeable risks been considered?
- Are mitigation measures realistic and proportionate?
- Is the language clear enough for everyone involved?
This isn’t about bureaucracy, it’s about care. Every volunteer deserves to feel confident that their wellbeing has been thoughtfully considered.
Health and safety: culture, not compliance
We treat health and safety as a shared culture, not just a set of rules. That means:
- Regular toolbox talks and briefings
- Clear information and PPE guidance
- Encouraging volunteers to speak up if something feels unsafe
Governance here means creating space for feedback, learning from near misses, and making sure our policies evolve with the work. Trustees don’t just sign off documents—we listen, observe, and support.
Documentation and oversight
Good governance also means good records. We log incidents, update procedures, and ensure our insurance and legal obligations are met. But more than that, we use documentation to reflect our values: transparency, accountability, and care.
Every brick laid is backed by a (Point of Work Risk Assessment (POWRA) paper trail—and that’s a good thing. It means we can show funders, partners, and the public that we’re building with integrity.
Looking ahead
As we move to new sections of the canal and bigger projects, such as new locks and culverts, our governance must grow with us. That includes:
- Reviewing our construction policies regularly
- Ensuring volunteers have access to training and updates
- Building partnerships with professionals who share our ethos
We’re proud of the canal we’re building, but prouder still of how we build it.
Chris Bailey
Construction and Operations Trustee
Useful links
Construction and operations strategy
Asset maintenance strategy
Construction Design and Management policy
