National Trust for Scotland rejects governance criticism

Governance | Gareth Jones | 24 Sep 2008

The council of the National Trust for Scotland has given its approval for Shonaig Macpherson to act as chair of both its board and the council, despite calls in the Scottish media for a review of the Trust’s governance structures.

In a meeting last month, council members rejected a motion for debate on the suitability of Macpherson keeping both posts. She will now retain both roles until 2010.

A motion at the meeting asked the council to consider debating “in the coming months” whether there was a need for separate chairs, but according to an NTS statement, council members decided “overwhelmingly” that this was not necessary.

The board focuses on the operational and strategic direction of the Trust and is made up of the trustees and some members of the senior management team.

In contrast, the council takes an advisory role, overseeing policy and ensuring the Trust is meeting its objectives, and is made up of trustees as well as voluntary individuals and organisations which hold an interest in its work.

A spokeswoman for the Trust refused to elaborate on the reasons for the council’s decision.

Economic downturn to blame for CEO’s departure

Macpherson also addressed the departure of former chief executive Mark Adderley earlier this month, pointing to the current economic climate and concern among board members about the progress of the Trust’s strategic plan as reasons why he agreed to step down.

The NTS is currently running at a deficit of £800,000 a year and is one year into a three-year plan to overhaul its finances, but Macpherson moved to calm fears over its sustainability.

“We can only conserve if we have funds available to do so, through our trading activities, our investments and legacies and donations. Our sources of income are under threat as the credit crunch begins to bite,” she said.

“Despite all of this in our current financial year we are faring better than our competitors.”

Directory: National Trust for Scotland
Who's Who: Gareth Jones

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