How IWA is organised

IWA is a charity governed by a board of trustees.

See trustees’ biographies here.

See the role of trustees here.

See how to apply to become a trustee – applications for 2026 trustees appointments have now closed.

There are several national committees that report to the board of trustees, including:

• Finance Committee (includes Investment Working Group and Legacy Working Group)
• Management Committee
• Navigation Committee – see a summary of the Committee’s recent activities
• Remuneration Committee
• Restoration Delivery Group (includes Restoration Panel and Waterway Recovery Group)
• Sustainability and Environment Group (includes Sustainable Boating Group and Inland Waterways Freight Group)

The Association also has several advisory panels:

• Heritage Advisory Panel (reports via Navigation Committee)
• National Awards Panel (reports direct to trustees)
• Planning Advisory Panel (reports via Navigation Committee)

The members of these committees and panels are appointed by trustees, usually by approving recommendations from the committees themselves following advertisement for members.

Employed staff are headed by a General Manager (with effect from 23rd November 2026) who reports to trustees via the national chair.

Canalway Cavalcade Committee and an Events Committee reports to the board of IWA’s trading subsidiary company, Inland Waterways Enterprises Ltd.

See the full list of trustees, paid employees and current members of each national committee and advisory panel.

Several of our members give illustrated talks about the waterways – See full details here.

There are one hundred waterway videos on IWA’s You Tube site – from webinars and illustrated talks to guidance for restoration groups.