Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) has taken an innovative approach to understanding the issues affecting the island and rural communities it supports on the West Coast of Scotland by setting up a Community Board made up from individuals from across its network to advise its main Board.
The Community Board has 12 members from almost every part of the CalMac network and is chaired by Lewis businessman and ex leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Angus Campbell. They were recruited last Summer and met for the first time in November.
The Board, believed to be the first of its kind, is completely independent from CalMac, with the company’s only direct involvement being the provision of secretariat services through its new Community and Stakeholder Engagement Directorate.
The man tasked with setting it up, Brian Fulton, Director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement at CalMac said: “We have always placed a high priority on stakeholder engagement activities, however the scale of our network means this can be a challenge.
“Prior to submitting our bid for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract we held 24 meetings across our area and the one thing which was raised by almost everyone was the desire to have their voice heard so we made the creation of a Community Board a key bid commitment in our bid.
He added: “It is very important that this is seen as completely independent and we believe the board will add tremendous value to our long term strategic decision-making process and we are looking forward to hearing their views on the role transport can play in helping develop our communities in the future.”
Board chair Angus Campbell said: “The first meeting was very positive with a lively discussion about the purpose of the board and a universal commitment to make sure it was as effective as possible. Minutes will be published online once approved so the communities represented are kept fully up to date on the topics under discussion.
“The area covered by CalMac services has been split up and ascribed to different board members so everywhere is represented by at least one person. The terms of reference have been formally agreed and dates for meetings in 2018, have also been confirmed.
Brian Fulton said: “We have always envisaged the Board operating entirely separately from CalMac and now the first meeting has taken place we will continue to provide support as required but will now step back and let it stand on its own two feet.”
