Charitable activities are central to our work
Historically, in addition to their trade activities, all Livery Companies have actively engaged in charitable works.
As a modern Company, The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators is no exception and, although it does not have the level of resources enjoyed by many of the older Companies, the support to charitable activities remains central to its objective:
“To promote the development and advancement of the science, art and practice of water and environmental management.”
To focus its resources, the Company established a Charitable Trust to raise income and provide funding for charitable activities.
The Water Conservation Trust CIO (Charity No 1199697) leads and supports almost all of the Company’s charitable activities. The Trust’s objectives as set in the Constitution are, in brief:
- The advance of education,
- the promotion of research, and
- the relief of poverty.
With a particular focus on the water and environmental sector.
With its limited resources, the Trust looks for cases of special need and where funding can have a significant impact or large multiplier effect. The Trust is also keen to support projects where Company members can become involved using their professional and practical skills.
Funds to support the various projects are derived in part from dividends and interest on investments, but also from Company members’ giving together with donations from trade organisations and collections at Company functions.
The Trust is registered with the Charities Commission as Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It is managed by eight Trustees, who although members of the Company, act independently in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.
