Governance and future vision review

Governance & Future Vision Review – background
In September 2009 the Alexandra Park & Palace Charitable Trust (APPCT) Board embarked on a Governance and Future Vision Review for Alexandra Palace.

The Review’s objective was to create a ‘fit for purpose’ Board capable of securing a sustainable future for Alexandra Palace, effectively supported by efficient systems and processes with a clear future vision.

Trustees embarked on a series of away days and workshops before consulting with stakeholders in a series of one-to-one interviews and independently facilitated workshops, which resulted in valuable feedback on both future Governance and Vision development for Alexandra Palace.

The stakeholder consultation was supported by newsletters, reports and the community web page. It also included wider engagement in the form of an exhibition roadshow which visited libraries throughout the Borough of Haringey in Spring 2010 and finished at an open day at Alexandra Palace.

Progress to date

In September 2010, as a direct result of the Review and the participation of stakeholders in that process the Trustees agreed to implement an ‘interim’ governance model as the first step in a phased approach towards a longer term aspiration of legal and financial independence for Alexandra Park & Palace.
They also agreed to streamline and simplify processes and systems to help pave the way for a sustainable future for Alexandra Park & Palace by:

• Appointing independent advisors to the Charitable Trust Board
• Reviewing the current Statutory Advisory Committee (SAC) and Consultative Committee (CC) to create a more effective stakeholder forum
• Creating a working group reporting to the Board of Trustees, called the Alexandra Park & Palace Regeneration Working Group (APPRWG) to develop, manage and coordinate an integrated regeneration strategy and masterplan for the Palace and surrounding Park

As a result, the following key initiatives are underway:

• On behalf of the Trustees, the APPRWG commissioned an Options Appraisal and Feasibility Study which is now nearing completion and which will inform future masterplanning
The Charity Commission has been approached regarding the possibility of having a single Alexandra Park and Palace Statutory Advisory Committee to replace the two existing committees
• The appointment of Independent Advisors to the Board will go ahead subject to the approval of the Full Council of the London Borough of Haringey at its next meeting
  Informed by the Governance & Future Vision Review, the Board of Trustees have also adopted the following Mission statement and Vision which will underpin the regeneration of Alexandra Palace:

Mission:

“To uphold, maintain and repair the Palace and to maintain the Park and Palace as a place of public resort and recreation and for other public purposes.” (Alexandra Park and Palace Act 1985)

Vision:

“To regenerate Alexandra Palace & Park, in the pioneering spirit of our founders, creating a proud, iconic London destination with global appeal – a successful, valuable and sustainable asset for all, including the local community and stakeholders.”