Board of Trustees' reflections on AGM resolutions

Creation of a National Trust ombudsman

‘An independent office of ombudsman should be created to ensure that the National Trust is accountable to its stakeholders and is able to resolve complaints effectively.’

Board of Trustees’ response

This resolution was not carried.

Although this resolution was not carried, the Board of Trustees would like to reassure members that the National Trust is regulated by several organisations, each with oversight of a specific area of the Trust’s work. As well as the Charity Commission, which regulates all charities in England and Wales, we’re accountable to the Information Commissioner’s Office, the Fundraising Regulator, the Advertising Standards Authority and Trading Standards.

We’re also accountable to members through our governance structure. Our members directly elect half of the members of our Council, and directly elect the organisations which choose who to appoint to the remaining positions on our Council. The Council in turn appoints the Board of Trustees. The Council supports and monitors the Board of Trustees’ work to set the strategic direction for the National Trust and holds the Board to account for its decisions and actions.

The National Trust’s banking arrangements

‘The proposers call upon the National Trust to conclude all banking, financial arrangements and ties with Barclays Bank plc (with the exception of existing credit agreements) by 28 February 2024. This should take effect unless the bank adopts a published policy statement and undertaking that before the 1 January 2030 it will cease dealing with, lending to, or investing in any commercial client in the Energy or Power sectors which derives more than 10% of turnover from fossil fuels or the exploration thereof. The National Trust will not hereafter agree any new banking or other arrangement with any financial institution which has not subscribed to a similar published policy statement and undertaking.’

Board of Trustees’ response

This resolution was not carried.

The Board of Trustees’ recommendation that members did not support the resolution was based on the significant implications changing our banking provider would incur and the fact that none of the current major UK clearing banks is sufficiently aligned with the International Energy Agency pathway that we support. In making their recommendation, the Trustees also considered that the National Trust is likely to be better able to effect change within the industry from the position of a stakeholder.

However, the Board understands the strength of feeling around this resolution and has listened very carefully to the concerns raised. While the Trustees believe it’s the right decision to continue our current involvement with Barclays, they also understand the proposers’ direction and agree with the importance of continuing to engage the financial sector urgently with finding solutions to the climate crisis.

The A303 at Stonehenge

‘We ask members, please, to cast their own votes and ask the National Trust to reconsider its support for the Government’s scheme for dualling the A303 across the Stonehenge World Heritage Site (WHS), including short twin-bore tunnels, in view of the Examining Authority’s recommendation, the High Court Judgment, UNESCO’s threat of WHS de-listing, and the urgent need to address the climate emergency; and to press instead for a sustainable solution to A303 traffic congestion that would cause no further damage to the WHS.’

Board of Trustees’ response

This resolution was not carried.

The National Trust supports the Government’s proposed scheme to remove most of the existing A303 and place it in an underground 3.3 km tunnel. However, the Trustees and the Executive recognise that this is a complex problem in a hugely sensitive landscape.

The Board has listened carefully to the views of members who supported this resolution and very much understands their desire to protect this historic landscape, something which is also the priority for us. We believe the Government’s current scheme protects and benefits the World Heritage Site.

Should any deliverable refinements to the present scheme be proposed, we will assess them in-line with the evidenced based approach we have taken throughout. If they offer further benefit to the World Heritage Site, we would welcome them.

The National Trust cares for more than 840 hectares of the Stonehenge landscape and has been a proud custodian of this special place for nearly a century. It’s a role that we take extremely seriously.

The AGM chair’s discretionary proxy vote

‘The Chairman’s discretionary proxy vote on members’ resolutions should be abolished.’

Board of Trustees’ response

This resolution was not carried.

When considering the outcome of voting, the Board of Trustees noted the low use of the Chair’s discretionary proxy vote this year. The Chair’s discretionary proxy vote is used at our AGMs as this is in line with standard voting practices for general meetings.

All aspects of our governance are monitored to make sure that the National Trust remains in line with standard practice.