About

About the Trust
We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Job title: Co-Opted Member of the Infrastructure Committee, a formal sub-committee of the main Board at the Canal & River Trust.
Time Requirement:  Approximately 4 days per annum which is split into 4 x 3 hour committee meetings annually with some preparatory time spent between meetings. Meetings are held around the country visiting active projects consisting of a site visit followed by a formal meeting. For those who cannot travel, meetings have a dial option via Teams.
How to apply: To learn more about becoming a Co-opted Member of our Infrastructure Committee please email CRT.Recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk and request a full briefing pack. Please add CO-OPTED in the subject matter. Instructions on how to apply are included in the pack.
Deadline: for applications 12 noon on the 19th December 2025 and Interviews will be held in January 2026.

About Us:
We are a charity dedicated to maintaining and enhancing canals and rivers across England and Wales. But we are not infrastructure and heritage – we're about that and so much more too – enhancing biodiversity in often-unique habitats, connecting people with nature, and caring for tranquil and wildlife-rich spaces which provide opportunities for people to walk, run, bike, boat, fish, and rest in cities, towns, and rural countryside. The Canal and River Trust help people and nature flourish.
We care for 2,705 listed structures and 46 scheduled monuments, and our canals represent the finest example of industrial heritage in the world, attracting visitors from across the globe.
The purpose of the Infrastructure Committee is to provide oversight, assurance and expert advice in relation to the Trust’s major asset improvement programme and consider issues of delivery and risk together with questions of economy and efficiency.
Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)
Role specification
Reporting to the Board, the Infrastructure Committee oversees our strategic asset improvement program. The successful candidate will join the Strategic Infrastructure Committee in a co-opted capacity.
Person specification
We wish to appoint an Infrastructure professional as a Co-opted member to join our Infrastructure Committee. The successful candidate will have the following:

• Currently working in infrastructure sectors (water, construction, rail, highways, power, utilities etc)
• Senior Manager, Executive or Board level experience – with experience in construction, strategy and/or asset management
• An appreciation of the responsibilities of Board members
• Works well with others, approachable and participative
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with a broad range of partners, stakeholders and interest groups
• Sufficient time and interest to participate in the work of the Board sub-committee and to engage as an active ambassador and advocate for the Trust.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary role, but reasonable domestic travel expenses will be paid. If you are passionate about canals and waterways and want to contribute your expertise to our cause, we would love to hear from you!

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.

At the Trust, we empower our people to flow and thrive both on and off the water. Our colleagues enjoy a variety of benefits that enhance their lives while working in a place that positively impacts others. We take pride in our people, protecting heritage and preserving wildlife, and we’re all about the future of our colleagues and the future generations who love and use our network. Inspired by people, we harness the different ways of working and thinking, ensuring our teams grow and reach their full potential.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us