Steering Group & Governance
Governance
The New Forest Community Rail Partnership CIC is committed to the highest standards of governance, transparency and accountability.
As the accountable body for the Partnership, the CIC is responsible for financial management, employment, contracts, policies and ensuring the Partnership operates in accordance with Community Rail Network Accreditation, the Community Rail Development Strategy and all relevant legislation.
The Partnership is governed by its Board of Directors and supported by a Steering Group of core funding partners who provide strategic direction and hold voting rights on Partnership business.
Our governance framework includes:
- Articles of Association
- Terms of Reference
- Financial Management
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- Safeguarding
- Health & Safety
- Data Protection (GDPR)
- Risk Management
- Volunteering
- Dignity at Work
- Complaints
These documents are reviewed regularly to ensure the Partnership continues to operate in line with best practice and the standards expected of an accredited Community Rail Partnership.
Steering Group
The Steering Group provides the strategic leadership of the New Forest Community Rail Partnership.
Its membership comprises the Partnership's principal funding organisations and strategic partners, whose representatives hold voting rights and are responsible for approving the strategic direction, annual Community Rail Activity Plan and governance of the Partnership.
The Steering Group meets throughout the year to:
- approve the annual Community Rail Activity Plan
- monitor delivery and performance
- oversee budgets and funding
- identify new opportunities and partnerships
- support Community Rail Network Accreditation and the Community Rail Development Strategy
- ensure the Partnership continues to deliver meaningful benefits for communities, passengers and partners.
Working alongside the Community Rail Partnership Manager and Board of Directors, the Steering Group provides strategic leadership while ensuring that local knowledge, partnership working and community priorities remain at the heart of everything we do.
Partnership Meetings
Steering Group meetings are also attended by our wider stakeholders and delivery partners, creating an open and collaborative forum where ideas, experience and local knowledge are shared.
Whilst governance and strategic decisions are the responsibility of Steering Group members, all attendees are encouraged to contribute to discussions, share project updates, identify opportunities and help shape future activities.
This collaborative approach reflects the ethos of Community Rail, bringing together organisations, volunteers, community groups and transport partners with a shared commitment to making the railway work for the communities it serves.
Our Partnership Meetings bring together representatives from:
Rail Industry
- South Western Railway
- CrossCountry Trains
- Network Rail
Transport Partners
- Wightlink
- Go South Coast
Local Authorities & Public Bodies
- Hampshire County Council
- New Forest District Council
- New Forest National Park Authority
- Town and Parish Councils
Friends of Stations
- Friends of Ashurst & Colbury
- Friends of Brockenhurst Station
- Friends of Sway Station
- Friends of the Lymington Branch Line
- Friends of New Milton Station
Community & Delivery Partners
- Community organisations
- Environmental organisations
- Tourism partners
- Education providers
- Local businesses
- Charities and voluntary organisations
Together, our Board of Directors, Steering Group, stakeholders and partners share a common vision: using the railway to connect communities, encourage sustainable travel, support local economies and celebrate the unique landscapes, heritage and communities of the New Forest.