RYA Inland Navigation Panel seeks new Chair

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is seeking a new Chair for its Inland Navigation Panel, a sub-committee of the RYA Cruising and Government Affairs Committee.

The Chair is central to the success of this rewarding work. This voluntary position provides an ideal opportunity for someone with a real interest in our inland waterways to build experience in a non-executive role within a friendly and reputable national governing body.

The Panel plays a crucial role in keeping up-to-date with developments on our inland waterways, connecting the RYA with boaters and other relevant organisations and agencies. Our relationships with the Canal and River Trust, Broads Authority, and the

are of particular importance.

The issues that are brought to the Panel include matters of environmental policy, safety, user charges, and inland waterway planning and management policies.

As Chair of the Panel you’ll have:

·       An appreciation of the value of inland boating

·       A willingness to act as a proactive link between the RYA and inland waterway users throughout the UK

·       The capacity to analyse information on local and national policy issues affecting inland waterways

You will need to be able to:

·       Foster positive relationships with colleagues, Association members around the UK, and with our external partners

·       Encourage diversity within the Inland Navigation Panel

·       Enthuse others to engage in issues relating to boating on our inland waterways

·       Work with RYA expert colleagues to determine when and how the RYA should intervene in local or national matters affecting our inland waterways

The appointment is for four years. In addition to the twice-yearly Panel meetings (which may be held anywhere in the UK at the choice of the Committee), the Chair is an ex officio member of the RYA Cruising and Government Affairs Committee; a policy-forming committee of the RYA Board, which meets four times each year, usually in Central London. All expenses are reimbursed.

As an important link between the RYA and its members, the role requires a strong commitment to reach out to the boating community around the UK, to be accessible to them, to listen to concerns, and to determine the handling of issues that arise from this in close co-operation with RYA staff. Most of this work is done by email and telephone.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is keen to gain experience from a non-executive Chair position.

For an informal discussion of the role please contact Howard Pridding (RYA Director of External Affairs, howard.pridding@rya.org.uk, 023 8060 4221) or Philip Aspey (Chair of RYA Inland Navigation Panel, philipaspey@aol.com, 07904 058205).