A Welfare Officer has been appointed by the Canal & River Trust as part of its strategy for supporting “boaters who are finding it harder to cope with life afloat”.
Sean Williams joined the Trust in September on a one-year appointment. He brings experience of supporting vulnerable housing association tenants and enabling them to maintain their tenancy.
His appointment follows criticism from some quarters of CRT’s handling of licensing enforcement cases involving liveaboard boaters seen as vulnerable.
Mr Williams will work with boaters on a confidential basis in partnership with external organisations and provide expert advice on issues involving vulnerable boaters – particularly enforcement cases where the boat owner concerned has welfare needs. He will also provide advice for CRT staff, volunteers and stakeholders on dealing with such cases. He will also assist the Trust in complying with legislation such as the Equality Act.
Mr Williams described his appointment as “a great opportunity to make a real difference” for boaters who “may need more support than they’re currently getting”.
