Cornwall Council
Co-Opted Board Member (Cornwall Harbours Board)
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Appointment of Independent Board Members
Cornwall Harbours Board is responsible for the operation of all of the municipal ports and harbours in Cornwall which includes Bude, Newquay, Portreath, St Ives, Penzance, Prince of Wales Pier (Falmouth), Penryn, Truro, Portscatho and Portwrinkle. In addition, the Maritime Team manages further maritime assets located at Saltash and Downderry. Established in line with best practice identified in the Municipal Ports Review and the Ports Good Governance Guidance. Cornwall Harbours Board operates as a formal committee of Cornwall Council which reports to the Full Council.
These ports and harbours are all unique and are engaged in various activities including marine leisure, fishing and aquaculture, cargo handling, laid up shipping, passenger boat operations and ferry services.
The Board consists of 12 members, with six being Councillors and six Independent Board members who are appointed following a skills audit to ensure a broad range of relevant expertise. Each Board Member is expected to undertake a logged operational tour of all Harbours within 3 years and 100% of Full Council, the Duty Holder, should have undertaken Duty Holder Training. All Board members, councillors and independents, are subject to the Local Government Code of Conduct.
There is a rare opportunity for three independent members to join the Harbours Board. We are seeking individuals who can bring expertise in one of the following areas:
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- Finance, accountancy or financial management
- Fishing industry knowledge and experience
- Environmental matters affecting harbours and the marine environment
The successful applicants will possess relevant professional knowledge and experience and be able to work effectively with others as part of a diverse Board. Strong communication skills, vision, energy, and a commitment to supporting the sustainable development of the harbour are essential. We welcome applicants with backgrounds in accountancy or financial management, environmental matters affecting harbours, and/or the fishing sector. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of the harbour and help ensure it continues to serve the needs of its users, stakeholders, and the wider community.
Many of the harbours operated by Cornwall Council have environmental designations on them i.e. Special Areas of Conservation, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific Interest etc. and this is therefore an important skill requirement for the Harbours Board. The Harbours operate an Environmental Management System which has ISO14001 accreditation.
Applicants must be committed to making balanced and objective contributions in the interests of all our harbours, and to upholding the highest standards expected of Board members, including integrity, accountability, and good governance.
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The Board meets a minimum of five times per annum, with meetings taking place mainly in Truro but other locations throughout Cornwall as required. Successful applicants will receive suitable induction and training, and eligible expenses incurred in the performance of their duties will be reimbursed. Appointments are for an initial fixed term of three years.
If you would like to support the future management and operation of these harbours, and feel that you have the necessary skills, you are invited to contact Chris Jones, Maritime Manager or Katrina Tonkin, Business and Compliance Manager at Truro Harbour Office, Town Quay, Truro TR1 2HJ (01872 324216). The closing date for applications is the Monday 21st September 2026. The interviews will be held at Truro Harbour Office with a date to be confirmed and the next board meeting following the interviews will be the week commencing 5th October, with exact date to be confirmed.
Application form [https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/yo0mgrdk/short_application_form_-_harbours_board_member.pdf] can be completed and sent to ccrecruitment@cornwall.gov.uk
An application form and further details can be obtained online at www.cornwall.gov.uk/jobs or Tel: 01872 323800 Email: Careers@cornwall.gov.uk. And information regarding our harbours can be found at www.cornwallharbours.co.uk
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