The Coal Authority

The Coal Authority exists to manage the legacy from Great Britain’s coal mining past.  So much of our three nations’ history has been shaped by the natural minerals under our soil.

None more than coal, which has provided heat, steam and power for hundreds and hundreds of years.  Coal was nationalised in 1947, which is why the UK Government own the majority of underground workings and remaining coal reserves under England, Scotland and Wales, along with responsibility for many of the associated challenges and hazards.  As domestic coal mining has reduced, and humanity recognises the impacts of burning carbon on our climate, we are seeking alternative ways to maximise low carbon opportunities from closed and abandoned mines such as mine water heat networks.  These can provide heat for homes and businesses, while also delivering net zero carbon and levelling up outcomes for communities whose identity was built from coal and who could now benefit from low carbon, social and economic benefits from the warm water in the historic mining assets.

We work with partners, communities and customers to listen, learn and take practical action to support them to create safer, cleaner and greener communities.  We are a 24/7 emergency response organisation, with staff across Great Britain ready to respond and take action to keep people safe and provide peace of mind.  Extensive coalfields exist across Great Britain and it is estimated that 25% of homes and businesses across Great Britain are located above former coal mines.  The vast majority of people will never experience any problems from that, but for those who do we are here to provide support and expertise.

The Coal Authority is a non-departmental public body and partner organisation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

The Coal Authority_BLACK_AW

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/the-coal-authority

Jeff Halliwell Chair

Lisa Pinney Chief Executive

Why The Coal Authority is supporting Boardroom Apprentice

The Coal Authority is committed to always looking for ways we can be more inclusive, accessible and champion diversity at every level of the organisation. Making the most of opportunities such as having a boardroom apprentice is very much part of those commitments.
We live our commitments. We are proud of our wide ranging staff networks that bring our colleagues together and provide positive forums for colleagues to share, empower and support one another – giving everyone an opportunity to give something and make the most of their time with us.
At the Coal Authority we continue to listen and learn from our people, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be heard. We believe this approach is important not only for individual colleagues but is also a benefit to our organisation as a whole. We are working every day to create a culture where people feel safe, can belong and are able to bring their whole selves to work.
We are committed to adding value socially in the work we do, for us that can mean supporting people and recognising our organisation benefits from the input of a wide and diverse spectrum of voices across every level of the organisation.
What does this mean for you? It is because of the commitments outlined above we will provide you with a supportive Board opportunity which will include a rewarding learning and development opportunity in a safe, inclusive and passionate environment, while also positively impacting the Coal Authority and the people we serve.

Location of Board and Committee Meetings

We hold a variety of Board and Committee meetings during the year. Most Board meetings are in person at our offices in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. However, up to three meetings per year may take place at a venue in one of the nations we serve, taking place over two days and generally including a site visit and the opportunity to engage with partners. The majority of committee meetings are online unless they involve a site visit or deep dive session.

Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings

Board meetings are held roughly every other month (Jan, March, May, June, July, September, November) with a short Board call in the intervening months .
The 3 meetings in the nations we serve will generally include a site visit and the opportunity to engage with partners. For 2025 these are likely to be in March, July and September.
Committee meetings are held quarterly. We suggest that Board apprentices either (a) attend one meeting of each of the 5 core committees during their year – Audit and Risk Assurance, People and Remuneration, Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Environment and Sustainability and Saline Mine Water Programme Assurance or (b) choose a particular committee and follow that through the year.

Date of Board Meetings (January – December 2025)

Thursday 23 January in Mansfield Thursday 27 February – 1 hour Board call Thursday & Friday 27 & 28 March Wednesday 30 April – 1 hour Board call Wednesday & Thursday 14 & 15 May in Mansfield Thursday 26 June – 2 hour virtual meeting Wednesday and Thursday 23 & 24 July Thursday 28 August – 1 hour Board call Thursday & Friday 18 & 19 September Thursday 30 October – 1 hour Board call Thursday 27 or Friday 28 November in Mansfield Thursday 18 December – 1 hour Board call

Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (January – December 2025)

Our Boardroom Apprentice would not be expected to attend all of our committees as there are 5 core committees holding 3-4 meetings each per year. Our NEDs don’t attend all of our committees and we recognise that we already have a busy Board meeting schedule.
We suggest discussing with the apprentice the best approach when they start (a) attend one meeting each of our 5 core committees over the year and we can be flexible on which meetings they are based on apprentice availability or (b) choose a particular committee and follow that through the year. Or if capacity doesn’t allow for committee attendance the apprentice will anyway get plenty of variety and experience through the Board meetings.

Security checks

N/A

Payment of travel expenses

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