L&BR Governance

At the joint Trust and CIC (Community Interest Company) Board meeting last weekend at Woody Bay there was a lengthy discussion about the culture and governance of the L&BR in the context of the opportunities that lie ahead.

Trustees and Directors agreed that the present model (i.e. a charitable Trust and separate operating company, the CIC) has served the railway well over recent years but now may not be the most efficient or effective solution needed for the future.

Therefore it was agreed to examine potential new models of governance that could more effectively serve the needs and expectations of our members, staff, volunteers, funders and other stakeholders.

A joint Trust and CIC group will be established to undertake this work and in the meantime all future meetings of the Trust and CIC will be conducted jointly, recognising the need for truly integrated working.

This does not affect the ongoing development options process and the railway will report as soon as possible after processing all the members' responses.

Work on the integrated strategy which is intended to cover the wider planning, operation and maintenance of the railway will however be paused whilst the governance activities take place to ensure that the strategy fits with any new governance model.

The Trust and CIC believe that the decision to examine governance provides an important moment to reflect and build upon the achievements, hard work and legacy of all those who have contributed to and enabled the progress of the L&BR across all its sites, and to consider our future requirements carefully.

The process will be evidence- and needs-led, informed by similar discussions elsewhere across the heritage rail sector, and will assess the opportunities, challenges and risks of all potential options. 

If after this process any options are deemed to be beneficial to the L&BR we will put these in detail to the membership for their consideration before commencing any changes to the present Trust and CIC structure.

The Trust and CIC are genuinely enthused by this opportunity to provide the vision, clarity and simplicity needed for all those with whom we work, serve, depend upon and interact with for a fruitful future.

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trustees and Directors