Community
Investing in the community
The Port of Dover recognises the impact that the Port has on the local community (good and bad) and is committed to a full and engaged relationship with its community, consistent with the restrictions placed upon it by trust port status.
Neighbourhood policing
Through its dedicated community policing and crime prevention remit, the Port of Dover Police Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU) works with and for the community on a variety of initiatives to reduce crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.
Events
Dover’s award-winning seafront and historic harbour are a prime location for major local events and celebrations. As land owners, we have been determined for the community to have events to enjoy that celebrate Dover’s maritime heritage and bring the community together.
Asset management
Here at Port of Dover, we work to ensure that our assets are maintained and developed in a way that mitigates the negative effects of our operation on the community, preserves local heritage whilst bringing new life and purpose to historic assets and positively promotes Dover as a great place to live, work and visit.
Staff
We ensure that staff are fully informed about organisational policies, practices and developments. We encourage them to share suggestions and play an active role in the furtherance of the business. Dialogue is conducted through recognised staff groups, associations and representative bodies.
Employee relations are supported by the Port of Dover Staff Association (PoDSA), Unite the union and the Police Federation Committee.
We maintain a variety of communication channels including joint consultative committees, Chief Executive seminars, a Chief Executive’s newsletter and an intranet site (including a staff forum).
Working in partnership
Here at Port of Dover, we recognise that our role and influence extends beyond the Port itself in terms of working with others to pursue common issues and joint initiatives.
We are a member of (among others):
- White Cliffs Country Tourism Alliance
- Kent Economic Board Business Advisory Board
- Dover Business Forum
- Royal British Legion (Dover)
- South East Local Enterprise Partnership Strategic Transport Infrastructure Group
- British Ports Association (including its Access to Ports and Ferry Port working groups)
- European Sea Ports Organisation
- UK Trade and Investment Ports Advisory Group
- Cruise Britain
- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland
- PIANC (the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure)
We support its customers and community by speaking for Dover on issues that affect it.
Recently this has included:
- Lower Thames Crossing options
- Lobbying for a better deal on train fares
Port of Dover Community Fund
The Port of Dover Community Fund has been established to benefit the Dover community and is focused on supporting projects and activities in the following areas:
Skills & Jobs -projects that provide opportunities to develop skills, support people on the pathway into employment and assist job creation, with a particular focus on young people.
Community – activities that enrich the social, cultural and environmental life of local communities, enhancing Dover as an attractive and welcoming place to live, work and visit.All projects need to show how they will benefit the Dover community and will be evaluated in terms of the impact they can demonstrate they are likely to have. Priority will be given to projects that can explain how they will make a sustainable difference. Applicants are encouraged to set out any match funding they have raised or plan to raise.
Geographical reach: Dover and its immediate environs Applications from individuals will not be considered.
Grant size: The Fund wishes to be flexible but it is anticipated that the majority of awards will be between £2,000 and £10,000.
“Delivering major port development that protects long term port capacity but delivers jobs and opportunities now whilst creating a catalyst for major regeneration will be a significant boost to the region and shows real commitment to Dover.”
Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader, Dover District Council
Port and Community Forum
The Port and Community Forum met on 22 March 2023 at the St Radigund’s Community Centre. This was its first full meeting under the chairmanship of Mick Tedder, who had been elected to the chair in November 2022; and 15 representatives from community stakeholders were present.
Dover Harbour Board’s Chief Executive presented an update on developments in the port, taking questions from those present, and also introduced the Forum to the recently-adopted new brand identity. The Forum also received a briefing on security arrangements in the port. All members of the Forum were invited to DHB’s Annual Consultative Meeting on 24 May.
Consulting on major plans
Extensive stakeholder consultation processes are employed for any major plans, allowing numerous and meaningful ways for stakeholders to engage with the organisation.
Reports, policies & documents Centre
Consultations
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