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Having jumped out of the bed he shared with British Waterways, Inland Waterways Association Chairman, Clive Henderson, seems only too eager to jump straight back in again, writes Allan Richards.
Whilst it is the waterways minister's responsibility to make appointments to BW's Board (under an act of Parliament), it seems that BW have now taken this role upon upon themselves without the formality of a ministerial blessing. BW's arrogance is astounding!
Long time
A popular saying has it that a week is a long time in politics. Four weeks must be a lifetime! It was just a month ago that the IWA left the cosy bed shared with BW saying in a press release (which now seems to have gone missing!) ‘In principle, what IWA doesn't want to end up with is a ‘rebranding' of BW in a third sector guise, IWA sees the third sector as an opportunity to radically address the way in which our waterways are managed and to seek to improve their husbandry'.
However, it seems that our Clive now has cold feet, for a recent BW press release is headed 'Clive Henderson to take up new role on BW Board'. Reading further, it seems that BW are graciously allowing IWA's chairman to be an observer and not actually take part in Board meetings. What use is that!
Special advisers
BW's press release goes on to say that Clive's appointment is a prelude to the possible creation of 'two new positions of special advisers to the Board in order to support the proposed transition of BW's canals and rivers into civil society'. The positions will be unpaid but will have full Board member status.
Would it not have been better for all concerned if IWA's chairman politely refused the invitation, pointing out that it is not within BW's remit to make interim Board appointments.
Boater on the Board
For over a year, NbW has led a campaign to get a boater on BW's Board. Perhaps we should be congratulating ourselves because Clive is a boater! However, this interim appointment is a non-job as Clive will have no powers. It is simply show-boating on behalf of both IWA and BW and makes the assumption that the minister will appoint Clive as a Board member at a later date.
David Fletcher
BW's bloated Board has ten members. Terms of office for three of them, Maggie Carver, Eric Prescott and Pommy Sarwal, expire in September this year. The names will mean nothing to most. However, some may recall Maggie Carver, as chair of BW's remuneration committee attempting to convince the public that BW's non executive directors were underpaid by 15%. Perhaps she would like to convince the prime minister.
Reading between the lines it seems that these three Board members will not be reappointed, but instead the minister will appoint two 'special advisor' Board members with full powers but no pay. Good for him!
Certainly, Clive Henderson should be one of the special advisers. However, we should also remember that organisations such as the National Association of Boat Owners came into existence due to IWA's inability to represent and campaign for boating interests properly. Hopefully, the second appointment will reflect that.
May we suggest NABO's Chairman David Fletcher?
Allan Richards
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