SUCCESS CRITERIA
GOVERNANCE
NIFCA is principally governed through quarterly meetings of its members, held in January, April (our Annual Meeting), July, and October. Our governance is underpinned by the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Order 2010, along with our Constitution, Standing Orders, and Code of Conduct. These documents, alongside member and staff handbooks and a suite of operational policies, are kept under regular review. Two standing committees (Watch and Finance) convene ahead of each quarterly meeting to focus on enforcement, staffing, and financial oversight. Additional subcommittees are established as needed, such as for byelaw review. Governance processes are reviewed by the Chief Officer in consultation with the Senior Management Team and members, with input from staff and stakeholders as appropriate and in the following year, we will be undertaking a robust internal policy review and staff satisfaction survey to support our continued development. As part of our ongoing commitment to strong governance and effective stakeholder engagement, NIFCA is taking forward key themes from the national Conduct and Operations recommendations issued to all IFCAs. These focus on transparency in decision-making, clarity around the prioritisation of marine conservation, and continuous improvement in how we communicate with and involve stakeholders. In the year ahead, we will conduct a self-assessment against these recommendations to identify areas for improvement and good practice. A particular focus will be on enhancing how we communicate the rationale behind management decisions, especially where Marine Protected Area (MPA) conservation must take precedence over other fisheries objectives. These decisions are often complex, and clear communication is essential to build understanding and trust. We also recognise the need for transparency around external constraints that influence management outcomes. Building on our current engagement practices, we will continue to explore ways to support member development, introduce feedback mechanisms, and strengthen communication with stakeholders to ensure the Authority remains inclusive and accountable.
18
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator