There is an explanatory note on the governance change here [LINK]
The new Memorandum of Understanding between the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, the Broads Authority, AINA and Boat Safety Scheme Limited sets out high level basis of co-operation between the parties in the context of the respective statutory boat licensing frameworks, and the role of BSS Limited in the delivery of BSS Examinations and Certifications to boating customers [LINK]
The Boat Safety Standards Setting Forum Terms of Reference explain how the three navigation authorities’ (the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency and the Broads Authority) representative members will meet periodically to agree (and keep under review) on behalf of their respective navigation authorities, the Standards (informed by recommendations from BSS Limited and published on the BSS website as amended from time-to time), as well as hearing any statutory appeals against the Standards.
It also details the standing invitees to the Forum, which include a representative from AINA, the conveners of the BSS Technical Forum and BSS Advisory Forum – as well as user, BSS Examiner and marine trade representatives.
The Standards Setting Forum Terms of Reference is available on this link [LINK]
Boat Safety Scheme Limited (a public safety initiative run as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, incorporated in 2024) has three appointed directors (two Canal & River Trust appointed directors and one independent director) who oversee (via the BSS General Manager and other colleagues, resourced under the Scheme's Service Level Agreement with the Canal & River Trust) the operation and delivery of the training and accreditation of BSS Examiners and the carrying out of BSS Examinations and issue of BSS Certifications in accordance with the BSS risk management and quality assurance framework.
BSS Limited will receive advice and recommendations on technical matters from the BSS Technical Forum and on matters of stakeholder concern from the BSS Advisory Forum.
The BSS Technical Forum will continue to consider technical issues raised by BSS examiners and customers as to the BSS Standards and their application and make recommendations to the BSS directors in this respect. The BSS Technical Form Terms of Reference can be read here [LINK] and its Members Code is available here [LINK].
The convener of the Technical Forum also has a standing invitation to the Standards Setting Forum Meetings.
Any recommendations will be picked up by BSS directors at their monthly board meeting and will be reported through to the Standards Setting Forum. This does not affect rights of appeal under the statutory framework.
The BSS Advisory Forum will continue to receive and discuss any (non-technical) stakeholder concerns relating to the operation and delivery of the BSS, which will also be picked up by BSS directors at their monthly board meeting and will be reported through to the Standards Setting Forum – alongside any complaints received relating to the BSS from other sources.
The convener of the Advisory Forum also has a standing invitation to the Standards Setting Forum Meetings.
The BSS Advisory Forum Terms of Reference can read here [LINK] and Members Code is available here [LINK].
September 2024