SUCCESS CRITERIA
GOVERNANCE
NIFCA is a statutory public body governed by a committee of up to 21 Members, established under the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Order 2010. The Authority meets quarterly, with additional meetings convened as required to support the effective delivery of its responsibilities. Membership reflects a broad range of expertise and interests, comprising seven councillor representatives from its constituent local authorities, eleven General Members appointed by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and statutory representatives from the MMO, Environment Agency (EA) and Natural England (NE). Four General Meetings were held during the year in April, July, October, and January. To support accessibility and public engagement, meetings were hosted at venues across the district, including the Maritime Centre in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea and East Bedlington Community Centre. Following positive feedback, the Maritime Centre was adopted as the Authority's preferred meeting venue. Agendas and papers were prepared by the Chief Officer and wider team, and meetings were conducted in accordance with the Constitution, Standing Orders, and Members' Code of Conduct. All meetings were open to the public and press, with details published in advance on the Authority's website. Minutes were produced promptly, approved at the subsequent meeting, and published online to support transparency and accountability. Prior to each General Meeting, the Watch and Finance Committees considered matters within their respective remits and reported recommendations to the full Authority, ensuring effective oversight of operational and financial matters. Other subcommittees met as required throughout the year to provide specialist advice, scrutiny, and recommendations, with summaries of Technical and Scientific Committee meetings also published on the Authority's website. Members continued to make valuable contributions beyond attendance at formal meetings, including serving as Harbour Commissioners under the North Sunderland Harbour Order 1931, supporting officer recruitment processes, participating in survey activities, and representing the Authority at external meetings and stakeholder events. These responsibilities, together with the significant travel commitments required to attend meetings and events, often involving return journeys in excess of two hours, demonstrate the considerable dedication of Members in supporting sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation across the district. The figures presented in this report relate solely to time spent attending scheduled Authority meetings during 2025-26, calculated at a rate of £45 per hour, and do not reflect the substantial additional time and expertise contributed through committee participation, recruitment activities, survey work, stakeholder engagement, and representation of the Authority throughout the year. Collectively, these contributions have helped maintain a strong framework of accountability, transparency, and decision- making, ensuring NIFCA remains well placed to deliver its statutory duties and strategic objectives.
St Mary’s Island
Newbiggin Maritime Centre
24
NIFCA Quarterly Meeting
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