2025 AGM minutes

4. Members’ questions

• Member question from Jonathan

  What assurance could be given that the current project at Clandon Park wouldn’t rule out a full restoration of the Palladian marble hall if funds were forthcoming at a later date?

  Andy Beer, Director of Strategy & Places, explained that the Trust’s proposals for Clandon were conservative, seeking to retain what was there and provide a positive future use for the building.

• Member question from Trevor

  What were the plans to reopen access at Bedruthan Steps?

  Andy Beer, Director of Strategy & Places, committed to providing a written response following the meeting.

• Member question from Drew

  The Trust’s engagement with Barclays on its financing of fossil-fuel industries was not effective. Why was the Trust still banking with Barclays?

  Steve Peacock, Chief Finance Officer, highlighted that, as Europe’s largest conservation charity, the importance of the Trust’s influence should not be underestimated and it was expected that influence would take time. The Trust was disappointed in Barclay’s withdrawal from the Net Zero Banking Alliance, however the bank had delivered its Stage 1 and Stage 2 market-based emissions early, and had renewed its commitment to net zero by 2050. The Trust would continue to work to influence Barclays.

• Member question from David

  Despite the Trust’s fundraising for roof works at Coughton Court, the property was no longer available to members. What lessons had been learned, and what changes would be implemented to make sure this didn’t happen again at other properties with complex historical lease arrangements?

  Andy Beer, Director of Strategy & Places, confirmed that the arrangements with Coughton Court dated from a transfer agreement with the family in 1941, and the Trust had agreement to run Coughton for the last 20 years. The management agreement had now come to an end and the family wished to take the property back into their operational management – which was within their rights. The family would be offering ten booked days for members free of charge in 2026, which would be advertised on the Trust website.

• Member question from Greg

  Overcrowding remained a problem at some properties; what was the Trust doing about this?

  Andy Beer, Director of Strategy & Places, agreed that at certain places, and times of year there were high volumes of people, and this could often be sparked at short notice, which was difficult for the Trust to manage. Significant capital investment had been made at locations that experienced high volumes of visitors and the Trust was working more actively with sustainable travel partners to manage car volumes.

• Member question from Violet

  What opportunities were there for the Trust to contact members to help promote the local Centres and Associations?

  Celia Richardson, Director of Communication & Fundraising, highlighted that data protection rules limited how the Trust could use and share members’ contact information. However, the Trust was reviewing processes, where it could, to help put more members in touch with each other and others’ platforms. Improving connections was very much part of the new strategy.

• Member question from Adam

  How could the situation at Coughton Court be seen to embody the spirit of being for everyone, since Trust members could no longer get free entry?

  Andy Beer, Director of Strategy & Places, acknowledged the disappointment felt by members. The Trust had done everything within its power to retain the operation of the property and would continue to work closely with the family.

• Member question from Judith

  How did the Trust plan to enthuse its membership to contribute to the move towards net zero and make more environmentally friendly choices?

  Celia Richardson, Director of Communication & Fundraising, confirmed that the Trust’s ambition to be net-zero was an organisational goal that it needed to achieve in its own right. However, as Europe’s largest conservation charity, the Trust also had significant potential to inspire its members to make personal changes if they wished to, and could do so through the campaigns it supported, and through direct communication such as the member magazine.

• Member question from Gabrielle

  Many Trust properties still retained clipped green lawns away from the immediate house and formal gardens. Could there be a blanket policy to turn green spaces into wildlife friendly areas, including wildlife corridors?

  John Orna-Ornstein, Director of Access & Conservation, confirmed that progress was being made to increase wild areas, citing Wimpole as an example where new wild meadows had been created on the estate. The Director welcomed a conversation with the member on the opportunities they had identified.

• Member question from Sarah

  How would the 6% reduction in staff, arising from the Sustainable Futures Programme, be managed to ensure it did not undermine conservation standards in cultural heritage and the natural environment?

  John Orna-Ornstein, Director of Access & Conservation, acknowledged that conservation teams had been reduced slightly, as with other teams across the Trust. The leadership team had worked hard to protect conservators close to properties who were part of teams giving advice about preventive conservation. The Trust would need to prioritise a little harder in some of its conservation work, but the Director was confident in the staffing structure the Trust had agreed for the future.

• Member question from Bryony

  What progress had occurred since last year to address the diversity on the Board of the National Trust, and to ensure that diversity remained a priority?

  René Olivieri, Chair, advised that in the last few months the Board had welcomed a Board Fellow from the Empowering People of Colour network, and this was just one of the ways they were bringing a more diverse group of people onto the Board. The Chair assured the member, that this was a matter the Board took seriously.

• Member question from Deborah

  Whilst the Trust sought to attract members from different backgrounds, membership prices were rising, which could be prohibitive. How representative of the UK was the Trust’s membership?

  Sharon Pickford, Director of Experience & Revenue, acknowledged that membership pricing increased each year in response to conservation costs which grew at a rate higher than inflation. The Trust was however heartened that, despite this, 87% of members thought that membership provided good, very good, or excellent value for money, and that 25% of members enjoyed some form of concession. Free sites, and Heritage Open days also supported access to Trust places for those without a membership, totalling 1.3m free admissions over the year. It was recognised that families in particular were feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, and accordingly more visitors were preferring to pay for entry, rather than take up a membership. Though the Trust didn’t track ethnicity across its membership, the age profile of the Trust was very reflective of the UK population.

• Member question from Patricia

  It had been reported in the press that several gardeners had been dismissed at Mottistone Gardens on the Isle of Wright. What had been the reason for this?

  Tina Lewis, Director of People, confirmed there had been a review of volunteering at Mottistone over the summer to ensure it was being delivered in a safe, legal, compliant, welcoming and respectful way. At the point of that review, some volunteers had themselves decided to step back. However, the majority of volunteers had returned and volunteering was back up and running at the garden.

• Member question from Nico

  How many experts and volunteer workers had been lost as a result of the Trust’s diversity courses, and had this resulted in the sacking of members of the workforce that didn’t engage with this training?

  Tina Lewis, Director of People, clarified that no staff or volunteers had been fired or excluded as a result of not completing inclusion training. Staff were asked to complete inclusion training to reflect legal requirements, and the Trust’s organisational values. Volunteers were not required to complete this training, but they were asked to adhere to the Trust’s values which were outlined in the Volunteer Charter when they took up a volunteering role.

• Member question from Jonathan

  What was the plan if, after the initial reopening, visitors numbers were not high at Clandon Park?

  Andy Beer, Director of Strategy & Places, advised that projections were for visitor numbers at Clandon to more than double the pre-fire visitor numbers of 30,000 per year. Experience from places such as Seaton Delaval gave confidence that the planned projects would expand the reach of Clandon.

• Member question from Jeremy

  Why were the stories of abolitionists not told? The National Trust had subjective morality about matters of empire and should stick to preserving historical land and properties.

  John Orna-Ornstein, Director of Access & Conservation, confirmed that the Trust told stories of some abolitionists, where this was relevant to the place, and sought to tell the whole story of its places. At some properties the story was the source of wealth that had funded construction of those houses, in other locations this was less relevant – a whole variety of histories were told across the Trust’s estate.

• Member question from Judith

  Given the approach of some world leaders to climate change, was it not an important time for the Trust to move at least half of its funds from Barclays to an ethical bank, to help send a message?

  Steve Peacock, Chief Finance Officer, advised that, due to the nature of the integrated banking system and the Trust’s unique needs, supporting 26 million visitors and cash collections across multiple nations and sites, it was unfortunately not easy to split its banking portfolio.

• Member question from Annette

  What was the Trust doing to support the National Emergency Briefing on 29 November, and how was it inspiring people to work with local councillors and MP to bring about environmental change?

  Harry Bowell, Director of Land & Nature, confirmed that he and the Chair of the Trust would be in attendance at that event, and were supportive of the action. Celia Richardson, Director of Communications & Fundraising, confirmed the Trust had a role in its charitable object to promote the conservation of nature and natural beauty, and it would be empowering members to be influencers and advocates in their own communities.

• Member question from Cornelia

  The work at Clandon involved demolishing some of the original 18th-century walls and the introduction of steel, concrete, glass and plastics, all energy hungry. Was this light touch and sustainable? About 40% of curators were due to go as part of the latest staff reorganisation, was the Director-General aware of the calamitous impact on staff morale? The magazine was sent out on paper by default – the AGM papers were only sent out on paper if members requested it – was this good for enfranchising older people and full member democracy?

  Andy Beer, Director of Strategy & Places, advised that a new roof would be put in at Clandon Park. However, the interventions inside the building, aside from restoring the parts of the building that were restorable, would be modest and reversable. The Director also stated that the claim that 40% of curators would be leaving the Trust was incorrect; less than 10% of staff in curatorial roles were impacted, and the reduction in staff overall was 6%. The Director asserted that it was incorrect to say that staff morale was low.

  Sharon Pickford, Director of Experience & Revenue, advised that in previous years the Trust had issued 2.6m AGM booklets, with only 33,000 voting forms returned, therefore members now opted-in to receive these in paper format, which could be done either online or over the phone. The change saved millions of pounds and was more environmentally friendly. Members were also being encouraged to access the digital magazine for similar reasons.

• View voting results

  Total

  • For: 68,428
  • Against: 1,182

  Result

  • Carried

  Specified

  • For: 67,077
  • Against: 1,182

  Discretionary

  • For: 1,405
  • Against: 0

  Abstention

  • 5,943

• View voting results

  Total

  • For: 68,978
  • Against: 1,401

  Result

  • Carried

  Specified

  • For: 67,563
  • Against: 1,401

  Discretionary

  • For: 1,415
  • Against: 0

  Abstention

  • 5,252

• View voting results

  Total

  • For: 67,790
  • Against: 3,055

  Result

  • Carried

  Specified

  • For: 66,262
  • Against: 3,055

  Discretionary

  • For: 1,528
  • Against: 0

  Abstention

  • 4,804

• View voting results

  Total

  • For: 23,390
  • Against: 49,817

  Result

  • Not carried

  Specified

  • For: 23,390
  • Against: 48,399

  Discretionary

  • For: 0
  • Against: 1,418

  Abstention

  • 2,980

• View voting results

  Total

  • For: 70,881
  • Against: 2,575

  Result

  • Carried

  Specified

  • For: 69,883
  • Against: 2,575

  Discretionary

  • For: 998
  • Against: 0

  Abstention

  • 2,593

• View voting results

  • Alexandru, Tiberiu – 1,573

  • Andrews, Paul – 1,563

  • Annoscia-Thornley, Vittoria – 1,259

  • Atkinson, Maggie – 1,653

  • Bains, Sid – 931

  • Baker, Simon – 709

  • Balmer, Rachel – 1,253

  • Banat, Joseph – 512

  • Bandawal, Diwaker – 569

  • Banham, Joanna – 1,304

  • Baradna, Iya – 708

  • Barlow, Elizabeth – 969

  • Barraclough, Andrew – 1,108

  • Bedford, Richard – 427

  • Bell, Gerald – 800

  • Bell, Laura – 1,166

  • Billenness, Ali – 354

  • Blanchard, Lucy – 488

  • Bramwell-King, Rebecca – 308

  • Britton, Gemma – 830

  • Buck, Marcus – 34,698 (elected)

  • Butterworth, Hannah – 853

  • Carlyle, James – 450

  • Chan, Yeeki – 342

  • Chapman, Mark – 311

  • Chester, Clare – 488

  • Christelow, Erika – 540

  • Christenson, Jessica – 269

  • Clark, Alexander – 608

  • Clarke,Howard – 238

  • Clement, Timothy – 169

  • Coates, John – 290

  • Coday, Ted – 247

  • Cooper, Steve – 472

  • Craggs, James – 161

  • Crean, Tahera – 159

  • Crimes, Sally – 303

  • Cristea, Georgia – 13,624

  • Cumming, Ian – 740

  • Cummins, Geraldine – 201

  • Dainter, Mikala – 108

  • Davies, Summer – 385

  • Dean, Andrew – 593

  • Dean, Jane – 35,176 (re-elected)

  • deFaia, Sophiia – 216

  • Deitz, Carrie – 195

  • Deysel, Amoree – 161

  • Diggle, James – 233

  • Disney, Mathias – 261

  • Duck, Gemma – 398

  • Dutton, Trevor – 135

  • England, David – 420

  • Evans, Chris – 267

  • Evenstein Sigalov, Shani – 109 (withdrawn from election)

  • Fagan, John – 275

  • Farrand, Daniel – 200

  • Ferrie, James – 157

  • Fisher, Bethany – 419

  • Foote, Michael – 115

  • Ford, Timothy – 225

  • Foster, Ian – 249

  • Foy, Rachel – 334

  • Freeman, Jon – 148

  • Fuller, Nathan – 164

  • Gall, Catherine – 170

  • Gardner, Mark – 264

  • Gautam, Nandan – 196

  • Gilliland, Alan – 391

  • Glasman, Judy – 113

  • Gledhill, Sabrina – 218

  • Goldman, Lawrence – 13,606

  • Goldsmith, Robert – 236

  • Goodsall, Matthew – 68

  • Grant, Alasdair – 341

  • Gray, Anna – 353

  • Gray, Thomas – 126

  • Grayson, Richard – 34,534 (elected)

  • Haddon, Antonia – 143

  • Hardy, Gemma – 194

  • Harwood, Richard – 275

  • Haynes, Jane – 210

  • Heath-Miles, Amelia – 173

  • Hegarty, Jenna – 292

  • Herridge, Jake – 252

  • Herrmann, Frank – 132

  • Hickson, Hugo – 76

  • Higgs, Matthew – 158

  • Highley, Harriet – 491

  • Hodges, Deborah – 209

  • Holley, Derek – 400

  • Housden, Rebecca – 302

  • Hughes, Mary-Lorraine – 219

  • Hurley, Laura – 242

  • Jackson, Ralph – 147

  • Jackson, Malcolm – 266

  • Jakobczak, Oliwia – 272

  • Jarvis, Ceinwen – 151

  • Jenkinson, Sophie – 292

  • Kalfayan, Leaf – 284

  • Kendall, Edward – 345

  • Kholwadia, Ismail – 34,326 (elected)

  • Kinnaird, Mike – 404

  • Langschova, Miriam – 171

  • Lawrence, Patricia – 911

  • Locker, Rick – 189

  • Lott, Stephen – 176

  • Loubser, Emma – 190

  • MacDonald, Sarah – 348

  • Mackay, Duncan – 533

  • Markey, James – 169

  • Mawdsley, Ade – 134

  • May, Robin – 276

  • McAleese, Anne Marie – 34,882 (elected)

  • McCarthy-Maidment, Gemma – 206

  • McGuin, Charlie – 142

  • McInnes, Adam – 154

  • McMahon, Stephen – 34,249 (elected)

  • Mealing, Anthony – 12,848

  • Merrall-Spiers, Alvis – 127

  • Merriman, Jenny – 292

  • Molony, Joseph – 170

  • Monkhouse, Kirsty – 282

  • Morgan, Tempany – 128

  • Morgan, Nicola – 220

  • Moss, Marie – 101

  • Mountain, Paul – 335

  • Moyles, Liam – 79

  • O’Dea, John – 194

  • Oldfield, Kathryn – 157

  • Olufayo, Adeola – 266

  • Omrani, Bijan – 13,245

  • O’Neill, Ciara – 379

  • O’Regan, Thomas – 79

  • O’Reilly, Dermot – 177

  • Parry, Jane – 167

  • Patel, Nilesh – 201

  • Pattison, Bill – 148

  • Potlog, Alexandru – 87

  • Prakash, Jennifer – 89

  • Price, Andrew – 213

  • Queiroz, Brendon – 155

  • Rajpra, Jay – 244

  • Raybould, Hannah – 143

  • Richardson, Ian – 86

  • Robinson, Robert – 257

  • Robson, Rose – 158

  • Rodriguez, Anne – 87

  • Rounce, Graham – 56

  • Rowe, Daniel – 100

  • Rusher, Clare – 105

  • Rydberg, Madeline – 83

  • Sehgal Cuthbert, Alka – 12,131

  • Shahin, Rafee – 81

  • Shionaka, Grace – 163

  • Simms, Nigel – 510

  • Simpson, Brian – 96

  • Skidmore, Natalie – 166

  • Smith, Anthony – 132

  • Smith, Lydia – 159

  • Soane, James – 178

  • Sparrow, Isabelle – 294

  • Spence, Tony – 314

  • Spenceley, Anna – 363

  • Standing, Janet – 109

  • Stanley, David – 132

  • Stanton, David – 206

  • Stockdale, David – 176

  • Storer, Gary – 67

  • Stovell, Harriet – 197

  • Streeter, Patrick – 13,211

  • Swan, Ian – 203

  • Szrajber, Tanya – 125

  • Talbot-Tomlinson, Harold – 106

  • Thompson, Thomas – 394

  • Thynne, Lizzie – 211

  • Totterdell, Judy – 218

  • Tribe, Jeffrey – 52

  • Underhill, Dylan – 172

  • Valentine, Becky – 318

  • Vino, Tom – 79

  • Vout, Graeme – 447

  • Walker, Bridgett – 130

  • Wallace, Natasha – 204

  • Walters, James – 142

  • Wardle, Philip – 488

  • Ware, Jessica – 269

  • Watson, Abigail – 411

  • Watson, Lillian – 224

  • Watson-Breeze, Emily – 282

  • Weston, John – 327

  • Wheeler, Tom – 252

  • White, Richard – 299

  • Wickers, Neil – 154

  • Wilkin, Will – 34,940 (re-elected)

  • Williams, Steven – 386

  • Wilson, Emma – 704

  • Winter, Peter – 351

  • Wood, Christopher – 297

  • Wyatt, David – 13,863

  • Yap, Lynn – 453