This document outlines the governance framework developed by Waterwatch UK to support a national, community-led approach to water quality engagement. It centres on formal regional panels, led by a committee, and the delivery of Water Quality Summits.
The framework is designed to ensure clarity, accountability, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability. It is shared here in summary form to support collective decision-making around facilitation and structure. Full versions of the documents remain the intellectual property of Waterwatch UK.
Purpose of the Framework
To provide a structured, legally compliant, and community-empowering model for:
- Coordinating regional Community Water Quality Panels (CWQPs)
- Delivering consistent and inclusive Water Quality Summits
- Ensuring democratic representation, transparency, and accountability
Governance Documents Developed by Waterwatch UK
- CIO Constitution Objects
Defines Waterwatch UK’s legal structure, charitable objects, and regulatory compliance as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). - Local Governance Handbook
Outlines the principles, roles, meeting protocols, and standards that underpin regional Waterwatch activities. - Membership Policy
Sets out eligibility, voting rights, and participation rules for individuals wishing to join and engage with their local Waterwatch panel. - Terms of Reference – Community Water Quality Panel Committee
A formal document outlining the role, responsibilities, and authority of the committee established to manage and support the operation of each regional Community Water Quality Panel (CWQP) - Code of Conduct
Establishes behavioural expectations and standards for all participants in Waterwatch meetings and summits. - Meeting Behaviour Statement
A concise script to be read at the start of all meetings to reinforce respectful dialogue and conduct. - Dispute Resolution Procedure
Details how grievances, misconduct, or disagreements will be fairly and transparently managed. - Transparency Commitment
Outlines Waterwatch UK’s approach to publishing minutes, financials, and public communications. - Positioning Statement
Clarifies what Waterwatch UK is (and is not), and how it distinguishes itself from political, protest, or campaigning organisations. - Committee Member Responsibilities
Describes expectations, time commitments, and duties of elected panel members and stakeholders. - Summit Toolkit and Templates
Provides templates and planning tools for consistent, inclusive, and action-oriented Water Quality Summits. - Governance Options Briefing
Outlines and recommends leadership models for regional committees, including the rotating Chairperson structure. - CIO Organisational Structure
Illustrates the relationship between the national CIO, regional committees and panels, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring clarity on roles and lines of accountability. - CIO Activities Summary
Provides an overview of planned activities and programmes delivered by Waterwatch UK, including community education, data reporting, and summit facilitation. - Public Benefit Statement
Explains how Waterwatch UK’s work advances environmental protection, public health, and civic participation in line with the Charity Commission’s public benefit requirement. - CIO Financial Forecast
Projects anticipated income and expenditure, supporting responsible financial planning and demonstrating sustainability to potential funders and regulators. - Conflict of Interest Policy
Sets out how actual or perceived conflicts will be identified, declared, and managed to protect decision-making integrity. - Register of Interests
A formal record of relevant financial, personal, or professional interests held by trustees or committee members, updated regularly to ensure transparency. - Bylaws
Provide additional rules and procedures for the administration of regional committees and other operational matters not covered in the constitution. - Proposal for Community Water Quality Panels (CWQPs)
Introduces the rationale, structure, and set-up process for CWQPs, to support community ownership and accountability.
Access and Ownership This framework has been developed by Waterwatch UK.
Waterwatch UK has now been designated as the facilitator responsible for organising the committee to run the Southend Water Quality Summits moving forward. We will be sharing the relevant documents for each part of this framework ahead of the community meetings scheduled over the next three months, while the working group set up by Southend’s MPs agrees the next steps.
For further discussion please contact:
Daniella Boon – Founder, Waterwatch UK
info@waterwatchuk.org