These statements represent the views of the candidates – they do not necessarily represent the views of the National Trust.
Bola Anike - Brighton
Prof Jeremy Black - Exeter
Harris Bokhari OBE - Epsom
Phil Bradby - St Ives
Edward Bulmer - Herefordshire
Anne Casement - County Antrim
Julian Cunningham - Weybridge
Jane Dean - Bristol
Sarah Dey - Northwood
Philip Gibbs - Somerset
Stephen Green - Carmarthen
Sally Hunt - East Sussex
Dr Tim Janaway - Camborne
Hannah Longbottom - Huddersfield
Duncan Mackay - Berkshire
Zareer Masani - London
Phil Monk - Cumbria
Nick O'Riordan - Horsham
Paul Roberts - London
Rosamund Roxburgh - Sevenoaks
Julia Kiss Sekhon - Croydon
Liz Staples - Burton on Trent
Tim Watkinson - Newcastle upon Tyne
Will Wilkin - London
Philip Wilkinson - London
Madeline Williams - Cumbria
I would like to see the National Trust focus on its purpose of looking after properties for future generations. Each visitor comes with his or her own experience and cannot be reduced to membership of identity groups. It is a mistake to present the past through the prism of race and make assumptions about what people will find offensive or to apportion praise and blame. I have developed a strong interest in historic buildings through my property management business. I also enjoy walking with the Ramblers. As a member of the Brighton Society, I campaign for a better built environment.
I love heritage, historic buildings and countryside and I believe that the Trust plays an important part in preserving them for future generations.
The strategy of explaining history is well-intentioned but flawed. It is important to see historical events and figures in the context of their time and not to impose contemporary values on them. The Trust has a duty to present information to the public that is factual, fair and balanced.
They will say that I fully participated in the activities of the Council, contributed to debates, raised questions and offered ideas and solutions. They will also say that I have been thorough in my approach to financial matters, have encouraged a responsible approach and have been effective in holding the Trustees to account.
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The National Trust performs a valuable service in making its historic buildings and landscapes accessible to the public. Its judgemental presentation of some properties has caused unnecessary controversy, and I would like to see a more nuanced and rigorous approach which will aid deeper understanding.
I have written over a hundred books on various aspects of history and culture, including architectural history, and have served on the editorial boards of many journals and on research committees. As Professor of History at the Universities of Durham and Exeter I have had extensive experience of administration, management and strategic planning.
I have been a supporter of the Trust for many years and value the part it plays in preserving countryside and heritage
I think that it has been a mistake to entrust research activities to people who, in my personal opinion, are not suitably qualified scholars.
That I care deeply about the future success of the Trust and have made a serious contribution to its non-executive governance.
As soon as I could walk my late father, Naz Bokhari OBE – a selfless and distinguished educationalist – would regularly take me to visit our nation’s great places of natural beauty and national interest through our National Trust membership. Later, I came to learn, this was far from the norm for people from ethnic communities. It is, therefore, of singular importance to me personally that I lend my time to give back to institutions that gave so much to me. In particular, giving back to those communities who are less likely to engage with the charity, and are harder to reach.
The Trust is a safe space to enjoy our country’s nature and beauty – this was highlighted during the pandemic when its doors reopened post-lockdowns to all communities, welcoming all, helping so many including my own family during such a challenging time, when many struggled with mental health challenges.
The Trust has a fantastic and bold strategy to crucially lead the fight against climate change but it must also include biodiversity so that future generations can all benefit as well as ensuring diversity aims run throughout its approach so that it truly can ‘welcome everyone for ever’.
Dedicated and committed colleague who was able to bring fresh new ideas and helped to ensure that diversity and inclusion was at the heart of everything we did at the Trust, helping bring meaningful and lasting change to the Trust.
I have farmed in Cornwall for many years and am an active member of the NFU. I am also the Media Officer for the Tenants’ Association of the National Trust (TANT). I have a background in charitable work having founded and chaired a charity which saved an Art Deco lido from demolition. I also founded the country’s only LGBTQ+ boxing club.
From my career I have considerable experience of restoring historic buildings and as a solicitor. Careful thought is needed to strike the balance between food production, nature and tourism.Tenants, farmers, volunteers and rural communities are key to the success of the Trust, and yet, are sometimes overlooked.
The Trust plays a really important role in managing the countryside for the public’s benefit in harmony with nature. It has the resources to make a huge difference to the lives of many people.
The Trust needs to carefully balance its objectives against the effect its policies have on farmers, tenants, volunteers and rural communities. The Trust needs to be charitable in all aspects of its work.
That I helped the Council understand the issues faced by farmers, tenants, volunteers and rural communities and helped represent their interests.
I have worked in period houses (and been a National Trust member) for 40 years. Most have been open to visitors but have remained homes. The UK has more of this type of house than elsewhere in the world and the Trust has the pre-eminent holding.
This has been my professional career and I would now like to ‘give back’ by serving on the Council to ensure the highest standards of conservation and presentation to a wide public. In this the Trust had become the gold standard and should not be allowed to fall behind.
The National Trust is ‘for everyone, for ever’ – and affirms our love of nature, our landscape and our shared culture. From the riches of the country house to the humblest cottage it curates the history of this country and its land and preserves them for us all to enjoy.
How I see it is that if the Trust’s founders Hill, Hunter and Rawnsley were alive today they would surely support a strategy that increased inclusion and access to properties, strengthened their protection, and one that developed a game changing approach to what sustainability means for us all.
That I listened and contributed with fairness, respect and imagination,particularly in addressing issues around the cultures that created houses,enclosed land and acquired possessions. I would also encourage a step shift in our approach to the responsibility that comes with owning and managing land during a climate emergency.
I am a historian specialising in the development of estates and historic environments. I have been associated with many ENGOs, most particularly the National Trust, presently as a Council member, and volunteer archivist in Northern Ireland supporting the delivery of new interpretative material at Castle Ward, and formerly as a staff member and interpretation consultant. As a result, I have a profound understanding of the challenges of working in a diverse community where the Trust and its work traditionally enjoyed very limited support and interest. If re-elected, I would be totally committed to ensuring that,post-pandemic, the Trust is more resilient, relevant and rewarding than ever before.
Enthusiasm, friendship and a total commitment to ensuring that the Trust fulfils its responsibility to safeguard our heritage for the benefit of everyone, for ever, and remains a world-leader in its conservation, presentation, promotion and interpretation.
It is perfectly aligned to the mood of the nation post-pandemic, and the growing awareness of the benefits of spending time outdoors, and the need to address the threats of climate change; furthermore, it emphasises the need to value our staff, and inspires them to interpret and deliver it in very special and unique ways.
A lively, participatory, enquiring and when necessary challenging member, always open to discussion, interested in and engaged with every aspect of Council’s work, and focused on ensuring Council plays a valuable and worthwhile role.
Standing for re-election, see information on the election here
My interest stems from an interest in history, the natural environment and the desire to contribute to an important institution at a point of inflection where important debates are being held about progressiveness. I found it worrying that issues that could affect the National Trust’s appeal to younger generations were potentially being politicised. Organisations, whether they are public, charitable or commercial, should seek to inculcate prevailing social, environmental and cultural norms. With my professional background dedicated to ensuring change management for an organisations’ social licence and ‘relevance’ I would be honoured to join the Council.
The Trust encapsulates many things to me; history, learning, beauty, nature and togetherness. There is a vitality and importance of the Trust that seeks to balance experiences with education and preservation with progress. Like any well-loved institution it feels familiar, welcoming and essential.
The strategy ‘For everyone, for ever’ is a beautifully articulated sign-postto the future. It speaks to longevity, sustainability, preservation but also,crucially, inclusion and this is a vital and necessary statement of intent.The sub-targets perfectly blend the Trust’s core focus on the outdoors,cultural heritage and most importantly, experiences.
I would be very proud if colleagues conclude that I was an honest and friendly contributor of key insights to the group, demonstrably rolled up my sleeves to support the wider Governance process, and that I provided guidance where needed, championed and celebrated excellence and provided impartial review and challenge.
I am excited to stand for a second term as a Council member. I have been a National Trust life member since 1985 and recently been Chair of the Nominations Committee recruiting Trustees and participated in the new Chair recruitment. I have a deep commitment to the Trust’s strategy ‘For everyone, for ever’ and to the range of skills, experience and different perspectives needed in Council to be able to connect with current members and potential new audiences. I hold a number of non-executive director roles in nature and heritage charities and am involved in creating innovative development solutions across the sector.
I am passionate about the strategy and purpose of the Trust. I want to ensure that the special places in the Trust’s care are looked after, protecting the historic nature of buildings and the countryside.I love the fact we are preserving nature, beauty, and history for everyone, for ever.
I endorse commitments on carbon net zero, new green corridors, access to urban places, improving the state of nature; all deserve attention. However, I believe more emphasis is needed on ‘Everyone’, with greater diversity and inclusion in National Trust people and attracting new audiences and improving engagement with existing supporters.
I’d like my colleagues to say that my ‘can do’ attitude, fresh thinking and confidence to challenge the status quo were all key in achieving our objectives and making a difference to diversity and accessibility within the Trust. I would like to be described as personable, open and passionate.
I am a senior HR executive in a global technology company responsible for supporting the leadership of a business unit with 28,000 employees. I have a number of transferable skills that would enable me to contribute to the work of the National Trust, particularly with regard to key transformation and change projects. I have been a member of the Trust for many years and thanks to the Trust, my daughter had the most memorable wedding at West Wycombe Park in 2019. I am passionate about conservation and also very interested in history, particularly colonial history and the smart use of technology.
I love the crisp short vision statement – ‘For everyone, for ever’. I also like the way the Trust is pivoting the way it presents itself to its members in areas of diversity, which is an inherent part of the history of this country
The strategy is relevant, will withstand the test of time and is plain to see when you visit any of the properties – commitment to promote and preserve; acknowledgement that the responsibility is a privilege and that the Trust is a guardian of the past and future.
I would like my colleagues to be able to clearly pick one or two initiatives where I have been instrumental in bringing about change by challenging the status quo. I would like them to see that I show up, collaborate with others on the team and am a Council member that they can rely on.
The Trust should repudiate its 2020 internal discussion document referring to an ‘outdated mansion experience’, putting collections in storage, closing and restricting access to some properties and reducing curatorial posts. The Trust should be less political, increase faith in its members and stop nominating preferred Council candidates. I would also propose to eliminate the current risk of the AGM chair casting proxy votes for or against resolutions that may be intended as abstentions.
My lifetime passionate interest has been visiting houses and gardens and associated conservation and environmental preservation. I had a long career analysing businesses and have served as a trustee supporting two heritage bodies and been active in many others.
The Trust has an utterly magnificent portfolio of historic buildings, gardens, parks and nature reserves; many have been rescued and made accessible for the benefit of millions, wonderful for our environment and heritage, and visiting such properties and landscapes is the activity I am most passionate about.
The Trust should be much more cautious about making staff redundancies, closing properties and ‘repurposing’ them; it needs to become faithful to original donor intentions and start trusting its members. The Trust should ensure AGM resolution results are totally inline with members’ intentions by abolishing discretionary proxies and should stop influencing Council elections by recommending candidates.
Hopefully my colleagues will think I have stood up at least for the following: democracy and the interests of the rank-and-file members; the hard working and immensely valuable employees and volunteers; conserving the environment and our heritage; increasing viability and accessibility of our properties; respecting donor wishes.
I am standing for election to the Council to end the National Trust’s apparent obsession with fashionable causes and bring it back to its core principles. For example, the Trust has no idea how much money it wasted parading in the 2019 Birmingham Gay Pride nor if that divisive exercise, gained any new members. I shall put a stop to such profligacy and waste. Secondly, at a time when our nation urgently needs to grow and raise more of our own food, I see a National Trust obsessed with ‘re-wilding’. I shall ensure National Trust farmland is used solely for farming.
I’m a long-standing member of the Trust and love the founding purpose of ‘promoting the permanent preservation for the benefit of the nation of lands and tenements (including buildings) of beauty or historic interest’, so the Trust must build on that, encourage and not alienate its membership base.
The Trust should concentrate on being a good steward of its property, its resources and its members’ subscriptions and act both in its members’ and tenants’ interests and the national interest, ending its current fixation with ‘woke’ causes and stopping the waste, the cronyism and the elitism.
I should hope colleagues will say I used my Christian principles and marketing experience to help make the Trust more prudent in its business, more relevant in our time, more realistic in its aspirations, focussed more on growth and respected once more among its members and tenants.
I am a lifelong trade unionist doing roles from branch rep to leading a national union and being president of the TUC. I have always believed in accountability, accessibility, and inclusion. Over the years I have appreciated more and more how important it is to apply those values in a practical way. The National Trust has given me joy and freedom. But also, frustration. If elected I would take particular interest in the strategic aim of contributing to a more equal society and welcoming everyone so that more others can gain as I have from membership.
I love how our past and future merge in the Trust as it preserves and curates heritage we would otherwise never see and a future, preserving the environment, culture, and history we might otherwise lose, and we contribute that whilst eating the best fudge to be bought.
The headline statements are positive but other than on renewables lack public, specific measures to enable Council and Trust members to assess progress, a crucial process when using language such as ‘raising standards’, ‘playing our part’, ‘engaging’, ‘championing’, ‘shaping’, being ‘balanced and accurate’ – who judges and by what benchmark?
If successful enough members will have shared my views and trusted to my skills and experience so I would hope that Council colleagues would experience a person open about their views, independent and willing and able to work collaboratively and positively but unafraid to challenge and disagree when needed.
I would love to use my skills and passion to help the National Trust be even more successful. Recently retired, I was a senior executive for many years running businesses over £1 billion, managing large teams, P&Ls etc. This knowledge is complemented by my strong love for nature, geology and history. I have a PhD in Geology and previously tutored for the Open University. I have supported Wildlife Trusts, RSPB and the National Trust for many years. It’s my dream to contribute to the protection and utilisation of the wonderful assets the National Trust guards on behalf of us all.
Unfortunately, the modern world eats away at our heritage, history, wild and beautiful places. The Trust is the largest protector and educator on these topics in the UK. I feel it has the scale to drive real change and impact, which we desperately need.
Q: What do you think about the Trust’s current strategy? It is a good strategy with clear objectives on the right key topics. Correctly, most of the focus is on how the Trust makes itself better. However, more could be made of its potential to role-model and stimulate change in the wider community on topics like sustainability and inclusivity.
We get two for the price of one! When we need clear, rational business assessment and feedback, we get it. When we want passion, drive and creativity to fuel our thinking, we get that. He is a key guide and thought leader in what we do.
I live near Marsden Moor, a rare blanket bog and SSSI in West Yorkshire. This amazing landscape has seen fires devastate its precious habitat. When the moors are on fire, the whole community mourns. Following a serious fire in 2020, I knew I had to act, and with the local National Trust team set up a community volunteer Fire Watch scheme. We now have an active group of people who patrol the moors looking for signs of fire. I think it is important to encourage greater engagement between the Trust and local communities.
I am passionate about nature and our environment. Loss of biodiversity and climate change are huge challenges that we need to address right now. Setting up my own business has made me realise that discussing strategy is great but what is important is translating strategies into action and achieving results.
I love that we have a national organisation that cares for our places of natural beauty and cultural heritage, that these places are accessible to everyone meaning we can all seek enjoyment and inspiration whoever and wherever we are.
I think it’s ambitious and honourable but is it achievable? Actions and results are key so I am interested in progress against the current strategic aims.
That I offered insight on current strategy and wasn’t afraid to challenge and give constructive criticism/feedback. That I encouraged the Trust to be courageous and bold in becoming a leader in conservation and restoring biodiversity.
I want to serve the National Trust’s Council for a second term, please. I want it to blossom, be stronger and to spread its wonder, wider, and touch everyone with its charms. It has been an honour to be elected by my Council colleagues to serve on two Nomination Committees and to participate fully, even as a vulnerable Type 1 diabetic, through the darkest days of Covid-19. I am committed to our brilliant cause and, as the author of a book about Octavia Hill, I want to continue to develop her values and to bring better things to the Trust.
The Trust means freedom. I am in love with its wildest landscapes, greatest buildings, humblest quirky structures and the fullest spectrum of treasures, large and small. I am proud to serve its principles of making everyone welcome and its outstanding 126 years of custodianship, but I want to contribute more.
Our brilliant strategy was composed before Covid-19 struck. However, it has the imaginative force to bring greater joy to all lives with: new trees; recovering habitats; brilliant blossoms; green corridors; accessible history; removed barriers to beauty; restored heritage; and activities coping with climatic and societal changes. Nobody does it better.
That I gave 100%, strongly engaged,contributed imaginatively, thought carefully, challenged nicely, added knowledge, volunteered actively, spoke temperately (but also passionately), made ambassadorial friendships, brought humour lightly and even managed to light a 125th celebratory pre-dawn beacon in Cornwall/Kernow with fiery enthusiasm.
As one of ‘Midnight’s Children’ I have experienced the rich cultures of both India and Britain, and as a historian of British India I understand that complex phenomena such as colonialism and empire cannot be glibly dismissed as evil. The conservation and presentation of properties must be informed by rigorous scholarship. Simple stories of victims and oppressors give a skewed and selective impression of the past.
I hold a DPhil from Oxford in History and have published several books. I was current affairs producer at the BBC and regularly contribute to Radio 4 and other media outlets.
The National Trust offers a valuable connection to our past, and it is our duty to hand it on to future generations in good condition. Its historic buildings and their interiors are a precious resource which need to remain accessible to the public.
I think that the Trust’s approach to diversity and inclusion needs to be properly informed and not rely on assumptions. I have concerns that plans to change the presentation of objects from around the globe, including the Indian subcontinent, risk damaging historically significant displays and patronising ethnic minority visitors.
That I was conscientious and properly scrutinised the activities of the Trustees and that I contributed to a better understanding of the history of the Trust’s properties.
If elected, I will improve Council representation for the North-West, education, families, volunteers, and members who use the National Trust’s outdoor spaces and land. I am a qualified teacher, Trust volunteer, Chartered Geographer, mountain leader, environmental scientist (researching renewable energy and climate change), and father of a young family. As such, I offer a unique mix of skills, knowledge, experience, and perspectives that will allow me to provide meaningful input across all strands of the Trust’s strategy. Having previously served one term on the Council (2016–2019) I have the governance experience to immediately make an effective contribution.
The Trust is familiar and much-loved landscapes, friendly conversation and companionship, volunteers, conservation, queues, and unexpected discoveries. It is persistent work to meet the aspiration of its founders – protecting historic places, beautiful places, and nature, in perpetuity. I love that this breath-taking, constantly changing challenge unites so many people.
The Trust’s strategy has grown with its ambitions in recent years, provides clear direction, and has proven resilient during the pandemic. Its biggest challenges are probably improving diversity across staff, volunteers, and visitors, providing access for all, developing more compelling experiences in the countryside and city alike, and climate change.
He was an active member who volunteered his time freely and made an effective contribution to the Council, both during and between meetings. He worked constructively with colleagues, offering informed insight and challenge that helped the executive and Trustees make the best decisions for the Trust and the public.
A Chartered Civil Engineer with a lifetime’s experience in implementing complex projects in the built environment, I have an abiding interest in both the preservation and increasing public enjoyment of buildings and landscape. I have lived and worked in Europe and North America. I have been exposed to many diverse cultures and their strategies for managing historical context across the world. I have been a member of the National Trust for many years and am excited by the prospect of applying my knowledge and experience through the work of the Council. I can help foster resilient and sustainable development that goes beyond the maintenance of the status quo. The Trust can provide exemplars for such behaviour.
I love the generosity of spirit in the way that the Trust makes available to everyone the most beautiful, accessible buildings and landscapes: this helps to define what we are, have been and where we can go into the future.
There are difficult challenges ahead in tackling climate change and demonstrating net zero carbon by 2030 across the Trust and its properties, whilst maintaining the overarching aim of ‘For everyone, for ever’.
That those parts of the Trust that I have been able to influence are in better shape than when I arrived.
I’ve been a life member of the National Trust for 15 years, and have had the privilege of serving for two terms on Council. In my capacity as Senior Member, I’ve chaired the recent Nominations Committees which have put forward recommendations to Council for our new Chair and Deputy Chair. I also lead Council’s annual deep dive into the Board’s performance, and have been pleased to raise Council’s profile through presenting our Annual Review at the AGM. I would like to continue to strengthen Council’s role by working closely with my fellow Council members, our new Chair and the Board.
For me, the Trust means the freedom for everyone to explore nature and our history, with a determination to protect them for future generations to enjoy. I love the Trust’s ability to inspire those future generations to care about our most beautiful and significant places and our broader environment.
The Trust’s current strategy is well balanced across its range of work and has rightly seen a significant increase of investment in core conservation activities. I am keen for Council to play an important role in helping to shape a suitably ambitious forthcoming new strategy.
Having been recently re-elected as Senior Member of Council by my colleagues, I hope that they feel I have contributed to making Council a more effective group with a stronger voice.
I am interested in joining Council because I have been a National Trust member for over 25 years throughout which I have been a net beneficiary of many of the Trust’s facilities including: keeping a dinghy in the boat park at Studland; walking and riding in Knole Park, Sevenoaks; enjoying holidays in Trust cottages; and walking the 630-mile south-west coast path.
I believe that now is the time to give something back. I’m a qualified accountant, working for a professional services business and (latterly) specialising in governance. My contribution as a Council member would be to ensure the National Trust Board of Trustees is held to account in delivering a well-considered strategy involving appropriate expenditure for the benefit of Trust members.
I value being able to enjoy wild areas of our countryside in their natural state and recognise that the ease of access for the public is largely because of the work of the Trust. I appreciate well-maintained public access to areas of natural beauty, supported by appropriate but limited retail and consumer outlets.
It suggests a de-wilding of the places the Trust owns, making them more accessible and managing them to be more environmentally friendly. I am not sure whether this is what the majority of the current membership wants and whether this was the original objective for which the Trust was established.
Roz is very effective; she listens, checks her understanding and her contributions are always valuable.
I have long admired the National Trust and its role in saving historical buildings and collections for future generations. Through my work as a project manager at an auction house I have gained a unique insight into collection management needs of historic properties, and I have had the privilege of working with the Arts Council rehoming artworks to Trust properties. I have a genuine passion for historic gardens and interiors and the social history they convey and I would be so excited for the opportunity to contribute to this important work and play a role in shaping the future of the Trust.
The crucial role it plays in saving historically important buildings, collections and gardens, and the arena it provides for the public to meet with family and friends while soaking up cultural knowledge and enjoying walks in the fresh air. Mental health meets history!
Ambitious and necessary, in order to battle climate change as well as to support mental health. Green spaces are incredibly important to our survival in so many ways and it is right that a prominent national organisation entrusted with vast areas of natural beauty recognises the role it can and does play in promoting awareness.
A knowledgeable and driven enthusiast, with a fresh viewpoint and the appetite to trial new approaches while recognising the importance of experience gained over a length of time. A team player by nature.
The last four years as a Council member have been a real rollercoaster ride. From preparing to celebrate our 125 years to surviving Covid-19 and adapting to the new normal. If re-elected for a second term I would apply my knowledge gained to continue as an active Council member. As a long-standing National Trust member and volunteer at two local properties in Derbyshire, I know how important the Trust is to so many people in so many different ways. My background in the transport sector, local government, Trustee of a local charity and my community involvement has given me the wide range of required skills.
An iconic institution without which so many of our special places would not exist and I would be unable to take my granddaughters for our special days out that are so important for them to appreciate the natural world and the heritage that surrounds them which in the future will be their responsibility.
Covid-19 highlighted the importance of access to green spaces, for our physical and mental health and how important nature is for us all. It is right that we ensure ‘For everyone, for ever’ is a reality and that we must continue to improve our accessibility and diversity while still preserving our heritage.
That I am always an active member of the Council, able to challenge, willing to participate, ready to learn, approachable with a ready smile, always considering what is in the best interests of the Trust for its continuing existence.
I have been a member of the National Trust since 1979 and have enjoyed what it has to offer in all stages of my adult life – single, married, parent and retiree. I believe it is important that the Council not only has a wide range of specialists but also that its balance of perspectives includes that of the ‘ordinary’ citizen and member. I have previously served on a National Trust Regional Committee (2000–2009) and the Council (2009– 2015) and if elected would seek to represent the experience and needs of the public and members in how they encounter the Trust.
An organisation that consistently strives to make amazing properties, countryside and coast not only available to the nation but also to leave you refreshed, inspired and informed by the visitor experience and more aware of the issues and challenges affecting its survival for the next generation.
It appropriately puts the importance of promoting and enriching the here-and-now visitor experience of nature, beauty and history in the broader contexts of the inevitable challenges and choices associated with delivering stewardship for future generations and the wider advocacy of inclusion, conservation, sustainable practices and addressing climate change.
I had tried to ensure that: a) issues were carefully considered from multiple perspectives and with respect of any differing or conflicting positions; b) due regard had been given to member/visitor experience, aspirations and needs; c) responses to challenges and difficult choices were the product of thoughtful debate.
I love heritage; it’s the stories of often ordinary people in extraordinary settings that enchant me. I love the range of the National Trust; Castle Drogo is my favourite property, I drink at The Fleece Inn – but nothing beats fly fishing on the Broadwater at Sherborne Brook. I hold a 1st class degree in Archaeology with notable digs with the University of the South Pacific and Bristol University. Professionally I’m the BBC’s Commissioning Executive for Pop, transforming our audio for a new generation. Working on high-level strategy in a major organisation together with my love of heritage would make me a valuable member of the Council.
To me the Trust means adventure – it’s something I feel it offers in so many ways, from exploring woodland and formal gardens to getting lost in the stories of each property, I love how these stories aren’t static but continue to evolve with time and serve new audiences.
The Trust’s current strategy is forward-thinking in terms of preserving the past and leading green standards, however if they are to ensure continuing relevance for future generations then it’s key that the strategy should be even more focused on efforts to diversify people who visit and work with us.
Will has brought a collaborative approach that moves forward how the Trust appeals to ‘non-traditional’ audiences across sites, his ability to work as part of the team to find creative solutions and help others build creativity into their work has already begun to provide results.
I’m a father of two young children, married, based in London, and have been a member of the National Trust for many years. As an entrepreneur with 25 years of experience, I’ve created a range of internet-based businesses from price comparison sites to prescription skincare products. I’m passionate about supporting executive teams in implementing modern internet products and digital marketing strategies. I would feel honoured and delighted to be able to bring my digital skills and experience to the Council and collaborate with other like-minded individuals, and hopefully help to inspire and bring in the next generation of Trust members.
To me, the Trust is a place of escape and adventure. Somewhere I know I can take my wife and children to meet up with their grandparents and spend real quality time together and make new experiences. It is always a consistent quality and provides a warm welcome every time.
I’ve been impressed with what has been achieved over the last few years in such difficult times and I welcome the digital strategy initiatives with the online experiences and content. I believe there is scope for a lot more growth in this area especially in engaging younger members to join.
I’d like them to say that I made a real tangible and meaningful difference to the Trust, that would not have happened if I hadn’t been a part of the Council. That I made a positive contribution.
There is no organisation that adheres to my own values quite so strongly as the National Trust. As a keen walker and Operations Director at a leading outdoor guidebook publisher, ensuring peoples’ safe and sustainable enjoyment of the UK’s landscapes is a central part of my life. I have also always been inspired by public service, to which my Civil Service career and voluntary role as Town Councillor will attest. I am especially passionate about protecting our natural and designed heritage; climate resilience and adaptation will ensure the work of the Trust can enhance lives for generations to come.
Like the emblematic acorn, my love for the Trust started early and has continued to grow. I particularly admire that the organisation is built around an intangible feeling of love for natural beauty and historic heritage. That quiet but profound joy found in wandering somewhere beautiful resonates deeply for me.
Preservation and protection of nature, beauty and heritage is a core part of the strategy – but I would be interested in a longer-term outlook for conservation with a proactive focus on climate resilience and adaptation. Action must be taken now if ‘for everyone, for ever’ is a promise to be kept.
Knows what she’s talking about with the outdoors… shared useful perspectives from political and government work… strategic outlook; good at finding connections… focused a lot on climate resilience… good listener; soaked up new information like a sponge… really enthusiastic about cultural conservation … let me have the last biscuit at teatime.
Voting information