Dover Harbour Board searches for new Directors with local community knowledge

Dover Harbour Board is currently recruiting two Non-Executive Directors from the Community to join the independent Board of Directors. These appointments will begin in May and July 2022, following the expiration of the terms of the current post-holders in April. As the Port begins a critical chapter beyond Brexit, tackles the challenge of climate change, builds the resilience of its operations and continues to develop its infrastructure, it will be important that these issues are successfully addressed in a way that brings the best community benefit.

The successful candidates will hold the same responsibilities as other Board Members, but will also bring strong local knowledge to ensure the Port of Dover’s vision for the future has the community as a key focus of its decision making.

Speaking on the value of these two Board positions, the Chairman of Dover Harbour Board, Richard Everitt, said:

“The two Non-Executive Directors from the Community form a vital component of the Board. Bringing with them a strong knowledge of the role of the Port of Dover within the local community and economy, these Directors will contribute to strategy, while identifying local considerations within forward plans of the Port. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the Port’s future at a pivotal time for the organisation to ensure that the interests of our community are fully considered alongside those of our customers, wider stakeholders and the nation as a whole.”

Having served two terms as a Non-Executive Director from the Community, Samantha Gurney, Managing Director of Taylor Gurney, speaking on her experiences, said:

“I can’t think of another place where such a nationally important facility also has such a fundamental impact within the local community.  Helping to get the right balance by progressing Dover Harbour Board’s strategic vision for the Port and ensuring that this goes hand-in-hand with local priorities has been immensely rewarding. I was very proud to have been appointed, alongside Neil Wiggins as one of the first community directors, and it gave me a huge sense of achievement and I will always be grateful for the opportunities this role has given me. I would wholeheartedly encourage all those eligible for the role to consider applying.” 

Neil Wiggins, Managing Director of Independent Vessel Operations Services Ltd, who has also held a Non-Executive Director position from the Community since 2016, said:

“The Port and the Dover community have been through so much together, notably with Brexit and more recently with Covid. There is now the chance to nurture and build on a fantastic partnership that will maximise the opportunity for local people as the Port builds for our common future. Be it in our joint aspirations for future skills, future employment or future activity, these next appointments will be at the heart of what the UK’s busiest port does next and how it will benefit the people who live and work alongside it.”

Doug Bannister, CEO, Port of Dover, added:

“Dover is still at the heart of UK trade; our entire operation must become completely sustainable to help address the climate challenge; we are developing ambitious plans to grow; we need the right people with the right skills to deliver those plans; we are building our local apprenticeship scheme to support that; and we are developing our community interaction through consultation, events, volunteering and funding initiatives. There is so much to get involved with, to get behind and to make a real difference locally by coming on the Board.”

Meet the Directors Event

To find out more about these exciting roles, meet the people who run the nation’s busiest port and listen to the experiences of those who were the first people to take on the role of Non-Executive Director from the Community at our ‘Meet the Directors Event’ for those interested in applying.

Tuesday 8th March 2022

5.30pm-6.30pm

Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

Refreshments available.

To register your attendance at the event, please email communications@doverport.co.uk

A full job description can be viewed here.

Notes to Editors

The Port of Dover is the UK’s busiest international ferry port, facilitating up to 120 ferry movements and 110 miles of freight per day and 11 million passengers each year. £144bn worth of UK trade and 33% of all trade with the EU is handled by the Port. Supporting 22,000 local jobs, the Port also welcomes 130 cruise vessels each year, operates a state-of-the-art cargo terminal and is re-developing the historic Western Docks to deliver a vibrant waterfront, including a new marina surrounded by a mixed-use commercial scheme.

The Port of Dover is owned and operated by the Dover Harbour Board. Created by Act of Parliament, it is owned neither by the Government nor by shareholders, and the Board is independent. The Board has a legal duty to administer, maintain and improve the harbour in order to keep it open for the shipping and unshipping of goods, and the embarking and landing of passengers; and surpluses are reinvested into the port for the future. The Board comprises a Chairman and six other Non-Executive Directors, and two Executive members. The Chairman and two of the Non-Executive Directors are appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport. The remaining four are Dover Harbour Board appointees. Two of these four are Non-Executive Directors from the Community, appointed for their local knowledge.