Non-Executive Commissioner (Stakeholder Engagement)

Cowes Harbour; Cowes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A Harbour Management Organization in Cowes is seeking a committed Non-Executive Commissioner. This voluntary role involves leading engagement with stakeholders, providing independent oversight, and contributing to strategic development. Ideal candidates should have strong communication skills and an interest in community liaison. This is a chance to influence policy and support the harbour’s development, with a commitment to public service values. Apply by submitting your CV and cover letter to the provided email.

Benefits

Voluntary role with reimbursement of reasonable expenses

Opportunity to influence local policy

Collaborative Board environment

Qualifications

• Strong experience or interest in stakeholder engagement, partnership development, or community liaison.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to think strategically and provide independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• Lead on stakeholder engagement with commercial operators, leisure users, and community groups.
• Provide constructive challenge during Board discussions.
• Support the development of long-term strategies reflecting stakeholder perspectives.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Diplomacy

Relationship-building

Job description

Location: Cowes, Isle of Wight

Time Commitment: Approximately eight Board meetings and three Cowes Harbour Advisory Committee meetings per year.

Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Cowes Harbour Commission is seeking a committed, strategically minded individual to join our Board as a Non-Executive Commissioner, with a primary focus on stakeholder engagement. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of one of the UK’s most historic and vibrant harbours, supporting its growth, governance, and strong community relationships.

About the Role

As a Non-Executive Commissioner, you will:

• Lead on strengthening engagement with a wide range of harbour stakeholders, including commercial operators, leisure users, and community groups.
• Provide constructive challenge and independent oversight during Board discussions and decision-making.
• Support the development of CHC’s long-term strategy by ensuring stakeholder perspectives are understood and reflected.
• Promote open communication, transparency, and collaboration across the harbour community.
• Participate actively in approximately eight Board meetings per year.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We welcome applications from individuals who can demonstrate:

• Strong experience or interest in stakeholder engagement, partnership development, or community liaison.
• Knowledge or experience of the commercial and/or leisure industries operating within the harbour would be advantageous but not essential.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to think strategically, provide independent judgment, and contribute positively to Board governance.
• A commitment to the values of public service, sustainability, and the long-term interests of Cowes Harbour.

What We Offer

• An influential and rewarding voluntary role contributing to the stewardship of a key local asset.
• The chance to collaborate with a motivated and diverse Board of Commissioners.
• Opportunities to shape policy, drive positive change, and strengthen the harbour’s dialogue with its users and community.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and what you would bring to the role to [e-mail].

For further information about the Cowes Harbour Commission, please visit:

cowesco.uk

Application Deadline: 06 February 2026

Join us in supporting Cowes Harbour’s future and ensuring its users and community remain at the heart of its development.