Modernising Trust Ports 2nd Edition.pdf - SailingNetworks

1. THE PORT AND ITS STAKEHOLDERSauthorities in its immediate hinterland. This will do much to promote theimproved partnership that is sought between the trust port sector and localgovernment..5.8 As well as considering stakeholder consultation groups, trust port boardsshould consider the need for local liaison and focus groups to ensure that thelocal community is informed and on side. This should include a functioningand updated website, and might be supplemented by regular publication ofnewsletters, reports of board meetings, and holding public 'performancemeetings’ to discuss port operations and plans. As a minimum, all trust portsshould hold a widely and effectively advertised open annual meeting (AM)and, where practicable and appropriate, other meetings as required to discusssignificant matters of interest to their stakeholders. The Chairman shouldarrange for all directors to attend the AM in line with the recommendation ofthe Combined Code, and also ensure that notice of the AM, together with therelevant documentation, is sent out to stakeholders at least 20 working daysbefore the meeting..5.9 Trust ports and their executives should actively seek to engage with the localcommunity through liaison with local groups, schools etc. They should activelyparticipate in local and regional debate on plans (local and regionalGovernment, development agencies etc). Above all, the port and its executiveshould be seen to be accessible to the community at large..5.10 Trust ports should monitor proposals to extend the scope of Freedom ofInformation Act 2000. In any event, trust ports, as independent statutorybodies, should aim to comply with the spirit of the Act in responding toreasonable requests for information from the public.14