The River Restoration Centre – Board Director Profile

The RRC

The River Restoration Centre is the UK's expert information and advice centre for all aspects of best-practice river restoration and catchment management. It champions the view of better rivers and promotes the natural capital and social benefits of restoring our river systems for a sustainable future.

As an independent, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (no. 2904139), RRC funds its activities through membership, grants funded through service level agreements with UK government agencies, and through a variety of advisory project work and training activities.

Management of the RRC and its staff is undertaken by the RRC Managing Director, reporting to the RRC Board.  The RRC office is located within Cranfield University, Bedfordshire.

The RRC employs a Business and Finance Manager to manage its own financial affairs, verified by an independent accountant and overseen by an RRC director with responsibility for finance.  RRC undertakes all filing associated with the statutory requirements of a registered UK company.

The Board

The RRC is governed by a Board of Directors, who meet quarterly, with an executive formed of the Secretary, Chairman and Vice Chair.  Directors are appointed from the academic, business, charity and user communities. The RRC Board and Managing Director are responsible for the actions of the RRC and for determining the staff resource and remuneration (which are implemented under contract with Cranfield University).

The Board of Directors sets the corporate strategy, key strategic objectives, targets and major decisions involving the use of the organisations’ resources. Management responsibilities are delegated to the Managing Director. The Directors are assisted in strategic management planning by the Advisory Board which is made up of representatives of the various UK Government agencies that support RRC’s work.

Director Profile

You will be an experienced leader, providing intellectual, business vision and insight in your area of expertise. You set strategic direction by understanding the high level picture of your market and its national/international setting.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Commitment to RRCs mission and willingness to act corporately;
• Knowledge of, and strong personal interest in, areas of RRC’s work;
• Ability to exercise judgement across a broad spectrum of policy issues;
• Proven leadership skills, and an ability to address difficult issues with energy and diplomacy, and to work with staff in reaching conclusions;
• Ability to work effectively within the public sector’s requirements for accountability and openness, and within financial constraints.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• A proven track record of working at senior level and/or experience in directing/managing organisations;
• Marketing, fund raising and membership;
• Strategic and business planning, governance and risk management;
• Financial strategy and financial management;
• Working with the water environment in third sector or charitable organisations;
• Science and research;
• Flood risk and planning;
• Experience in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland water sector;
• Media and communications.

Duties

As a Director you are bound to ensure that the RRC undertakes the work for which it was established. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining a high standard of governance to:

• Comply with Company Law and ensure that high standards of corporate governance are observed at all times,
• At all times act in the Centre’s best interest, providing balanced advice and ensuring that no personal interest will conflict with the best interests of the RRC,
• Ensure that the business is financially sustainable and meets the financial reporting requirements of Companies House,
• Consider the interests of the employees as well as ensuring that the company complies with all relevant HR, health and safety and environmental protection legislation for their welfare.
• Observe the highest standards of impartiality, integrity and objectivity in relation to the allocation of public and membership funds and strategic management of the organisation.

Commitment

Board members are expected to work for around 8 days a year on RRC business (this includes preparation for meetings). Board members will also be expected to contribute to related business through membership of sub-groups and advisory boards according to their experience and expertise.

The post is held initially for a three year period and Directors may be re-appointed for a further term. The post of Chairman is typically held for two years, acting as Vice Chair for the preceding and following years of office.

Remuneration

These are unfunded voluntary positions for which reasonable travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed.

Please email directors@therrc.co.uk  or call 01234 752979 if you have any questions about this position

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