River Users Consultative Forums

Introduction
Objectives
Structure
Terms of Reference
Administration
Current Membership

Introduction

The requirements of both the Port Marine Safety Code and the Trust Ports Review formalised the consultation arrangements ports should have with users and stakeholders. The PLA used this opportunity to strengthen and enhance its own long-standing liaison with river users. It has established two River User Consultative Forums (RUCFs) - for the Upper and Lower areas. There are two meetings per year for each Area/District.

Objectives

The fundamental objective of the RUCFs is:

to ensure that an effective mechanism exists whereby all river users and other stakeholders can be consulted and may represent their views on general and safety issues concerning the use of the tidal Thames for commercial and recreational purposes.

Structure

The two Forums reflect the differing characteristics of the River and relate to the following areas:

River User Consultative Forum (Upper) - Teddington to Crossness
River User Consultative Forum (Lower & Estuary) - Crossness to Outer Limits

Terms of Reference

The two River User Consultative Forums act as:

a) A forum for raising and discussing issues, including safety, relating to the tidal Thames, relevant to the Port of London Authority (PLA).

b) A vehicle for consultation with the PLA, which contributes to meeting the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code and the Guide to Good Practice.

c) A sub-committee of the South East District Marine Safety Committee.

Administration

a) Each Forum will normally comprise appropriate staff officers from the PLA and other statutory bodies, together with representatives from bona fide associations, groups and other organisations of the port/river community, other stakeholders and beneficiaries.

b) The PLA District Harbour Master will normally chair the relevant Forum. In his absence, the Deputy Harbour Master will take the chair.

c) Each Forum will normally meet on a six-monthly basis, in the spring and autumn. Extra-ordinary meetings may be called as and when necessary.

d) The PLA will provide a Secretary for each Forum. Notes of meetings will be circulated to members, in addition to being placed on the PLA web site. Agendas and supporting papers will be circulated, where possible, at least two weeks before the next meeting and also placed on the web site.

e) In the interests of equity and efficient working, representation will be limited to one member from each association, group or organisation.

f) Where an organisation not normally represented considers that attendance is merited, either temporary or permanently, application should be made to the relevant Forum chair.

g) Where an existing body or organisation does not represent an element of the river/port community, the PLA will be pleased to liaise with the group concerned with a view to facilitating an agreed mechanism for such representation.

h) Practicality also dictates that private individuals cannot be accommodated. Where however, an individual wishes to have his/her views considered by a Forum, and where no existing member can reasonably represent those views, submission should again be made in writing to the relevant Chairman. Where appropriate, an invitation to attend a future meeting will be extended.