A switch-around at the Canal & River Trust has seen the departure of one director and changes in the responsibilities of another four
A switch-around in the senior ranks of the Canal & River Trust has seen the departure of one director and changes in the responsibilities of another four – with more changes promised.
In the reshuffle which aims “to simplify how the Trust works”:
• Julie Sharman (formerly head of Asset Management) becomes Chief Operating Officer, responsible for day-to-day operations and maintenance, local waterway teams and boating.
• Stuart Mills (Property Director) will be Chief Investment Officer, taking on museums and fundraising in addition to his existing responsibilities.
• Heather Clarke (Strategy & Planning Director) adds marketing and public affairs to her existing responsibilities, under her new title of Strategy, Impact and Engagement Director
• Simon Bamford (Asset Delivery Director) becomes Asset Improvement Director, responsible for delivering long term works, through contractors and CRT’s own services.
Between them they cover the former role of Ian Rogers (Customer Service and Operations Director) who will therefore be leaving CRT after three years. Three directors remain in the same positions (Chief Executive Richard Parry, Finance Director Sandra Kelly, and People Director – the new title for his existing role of Human Resources Director – Mike Gooddie), which means that following the departure of Sophie Castell earlier this year, the executive team has been slimmed down from nine to seven.
In a letter to staff Mr Parry said that in the coming weeks “the respective directors will lead the work to develop the roles and new structures”, adding that CRT would “commence consultation with the trade unions and other relevant bodies concerning any changes as and when appropriate”. When asked by Canal Boat, the Trust could not confirm whether or not this implied that there would be redundancies among the 1600-strong CRT staff.
