As Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) advertises for two new members to join its Board of Commissioners, we speak to Carrie Gilmore to find out more about the role and what it entails.

Carrie lives in Mawnan Smith and joined the board of FHC in January 2013. She is a HR consultant with over 30 years' human resource and management experience and has held several director and board positions.

What does a harbour commissioner do?

“Falmouth Harbour Commissioners looks after one of the largest and busiest ports in the county, so our role is quite varied. Essentially the board is responsible for ensuring the proper exercise of the authority's statutory functions and finance. This can include everything from forming business plans and strategies to working on projects and events. There are many decisions to be made and we have many stakeholders to consider and consult so there is quite a bit of responsibility.”

What does a typical month look like?

“There is usually a monthly half-day board meeting where most of the decision-making happens - we get paperwork in advance. We also have a number of sub-committees where we are involved in specific areas of the business or running projects. It can sound like a lot of work but averages out to around two days a month and we're remunerated for our time.”

What experience do you need to be a commissioner?

“Well it certainly helps if you've had board/senior management level experience before, or experience of directing other organisations; but this experience can have been gained in a wide range of sectors. It's as much about qualities as it is experience though and you need to be confident, challenging and have personal drive and vision. FHC is a commercial organisation with a strong environmental ethos so commercial and environmental awareness is also good.”

How have you found being a commissioner, is it what you expected?

“Being a commissioner has definitely exceeded my expectations. All new commissioners have a planned induction and this provided me with an excellent overview of the business of running a port. It meant that I was quite quickly able to gain a good understanding of the organisation, and this knowledge continues to develop. For what is a relatively small organisation the range of responsibilities and challenges FHC deals with are incredibly varied and I've certainly had the opportunity to contribute to important decisions about the port.”

What has been the most interesting thing you've been involved in so far?

“That's a difficult question as there are several contenders, but I've been very involved in the development of one of our service arms Falmouth Haven, which provides marine leisure facilities, and chair the new management panel. It's been great to be involved in this from the start and have the opportunity to work more closely with some of the very talented staff.”

Any advice or wisdom to share with people thinking of applying? 

“Being a commissioner is really rewarding, it provides the opportunity to become involved in an organisation with an interesting mix of commercial challenges and statutory responsibilities of maintaining and managing the port, whilst offering the opportunity to make a difference and support the economic prosperity of Falmouth and Cornwall.” 

If you'd like more information, a job description or an application form visit www.falmouthport.co.uk, email fam@falmouthport.co.uk or call 01326 213537, but act quickly as the closing date for applications is Sunday, October 5.