Cowes Town Waterfront Trust (CTWT) is a charitable organisation whose profits are invested back into the business and dispersed, fulfilling the objects of the Trust. CTWT owns Cowes Yacht Haven (CYH) its subsidiary trading company, which operates the day-to-day business of the site, boatyard, events centre and marina. During the season, CYH plays host to some of the largest and most prestigious events in the yachting and boating calendar, as well as numerous smaller regattas and rallies. CYH ranks as a popular marina destination in the UK.

The charity's Objects are to:

• Promote for the benefit of the inhabitants of Cowes and the Isle of Wight the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interest of social welfare and with the object of improving the life of the said inhabitants and to advance sailing and water sports in the waters around Cowes, and in furtherance of this Object to provide facilities for mooring and storage of boats for the benefit of the public at large
• Promote the culture and heritage of Cowes and support the maritime heritage of the Isle of Wight
• Promote the protection and improvement of the environment of Cowes Harbour

An exciting event which CYH hosts is the world-famous premier sailing regatta. Since 1826, Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK’s longest running and most successful sporting events. With over 1,000 yachts participating, from high-tech racing boats to classic day boats, and with around 8,000 people involved, Cowes Week offers a large number of onshore activities. Around 50,000 visitors in addition to all the competitors are attracted to Cowes each year. Having invested over £3.5m in the area, CTWT has promising plans to expand and invest further for the benefit of Cowes and the Isle of Wight in the coming years.

Cowes Town Waterfront Trust is looking for engaged and committed Trustees to join its Board, and play a key role in helping with the commercial strategy of the charity to help spread awareness about its varied and impactful work. The successful candidate will be able to put their marketing, public relations or human resources expertise to use in a new and exciting environment. 

Responsibilities of the new Trustees will include: 

• Being responsible for the management and oversight of the charity's work, as set out in its Objects 
• Providing strategic leadership and help facilitate the development of strategies and plans to help spread awareness about the work of the charity and help maintain the brand image 
• Monitoring and scrutinising the performance of the team to ensure that it meets its strategic objectives and targets
• Promoting the highest standards of propriety, best practice and the efficient and effective use of staff and resources
• Attending and representing the charity at events and acting as an ambassador for the charity 
• Making introductions to relevant networks and contacts that will assist with the charity's activities
• Participating in the full range of non-executive duties, including financial and risk management; succession planning of the Board and Executive team; effective corporate governance 
• Reviewing policies, plans and practices relating to HR, culture and leadership of the organisation. 

Cowes Town Waterfront Trust is looking for Trustees to join its Board who will bring experience in marketing, public relations or human resources.

The charity has a diverse property portfolio with mixed units onsite and throughout the town and there is a big opportunity for it to spread awareness about the work it does. One of the successful candidates will bring marketing or public relations experience and will be able to proactively support the charity's growth plans through effective marketing strategy and decision-making. They will be able to assist in the external engagement and communications strategy to increase the charity's reach and brand awareness. Further, they will advise on potential new revenue streams, whether through capitalising on its visitors, members of the local community or building brand partnership / sponsorship opportunities.

The other Trustee will have a strategic understanding of human resources and will add value by providing oversight as the charity navigates its risks and opportunities related to its customers. With its dynamic and seasonal business model, the charity needs to employ more staff in the summer months and also outsources several of its HR functions. Candidates will therefore ideally have an understanding of UK employment law as well as a sense of current market trends in terms of people and employment practices.

Chair, Jeremy Dale OBE Hon FNI
Michael Greville
David Jaggar
Julian James
Peter Morton
Ross Owen
Jacqueline Riley
Chris Thomas

The Trust is a Company limited by guarantee, established in 1992, whose governing documents are its Memorandum and Articles of Association, the latter of which was revised on 8 November 2021. The Trustees are appointed by the existing Board of Trustees and the minimum number of Trustees is three. One third of the Trustees must retire at each AGM and may be considered for re-appointment. Trustees are individual members of the Company and applications to become a member of the Trust are determined by the Board of Trustees.

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, domestic travel expenses will be covered. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board. Time commitment will include 8 morning Board meetings, which usually last from 9.30am to 11am, and ad hoc regular communication when required. There is also the potential for working groups.

This organisation is based in Cowes, which is easily accessible from the mainland and only two hours from the centre of London by train. In-person Board meetings will be required for this role and the candidates will ideally either be local to the area or have some connection to Cowes.