David will join us for an initial term of three years in the unpaid role and, alongside our other volunteer board directors, will lead our decisions on policy and strategy, legal oversight of our wide range of statutory duties, and provide direction to our chief executive and his team.
About David
David joins us following a 30-year career working in the housing association sector at chief executive level where he lobbied for, and worked to provide, good quality homes and great neighbourhoods for people on low incomes first at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and then as chief executive of the National Housing Federation. Since retiring from executive positions in 2018, David has continued in non-executive roles, including chairing the Clarion Housing Association.
An enthusiast for the nation's canal network, David often takes daily walks along the network and has enjoyed many canal boat holidays. He will replace Allan Leighton, who steps down having completed his three terms on our Board, including serving as chair since 2015.
Protecting and preserving our network
Dame Jenny Abramsky, deputy chair for us and chair of our Joint Council & Trustees Appointments Committee, comments: “We are delighted to welcome David to the Trust and thank Allan for his powerful leadership and unwavering commitment over the past eight years which has seen the Trust take great strides forward as a new charity.
"David's understanding of the Trust's purpose and value to society, together with his passion for campaigning and experience of engagement in political circles, will be vitally important as we work alongside our partners in government to secure the support and funding needed to protect and preserve the canal network and the range of significant benefits it provides to people and communities."
Securing our future
David Orr comments: "The canal system across England and Wales is the finest network of industrial heritage in the world, still navigated by boats 250 years after it was built. The creation of the Canal & River Trust ten years ago has been transformational in the way the waterways are cared for – with more people and more diverse communities using them and involved in their care and upkeep than ever before.
"I am delighted to be joining the Trust at this critical stage in its development and look forward to working with fellow trustees and all the employees and volunteers at the Trust to fulfil the waterways' huge potential to shape society, bringing nature into cities, improving community wellbeing and tackling health inequalities, as well as supporting jobs and local economies. These special places are vulnerable to the changing climate and we will be working tirelessly to secure their future and maximise the benefit they provide."
