Sir William Proby criticizes the National Trust for its management and governance practices, sparking a debate on democratic processes within the charity.
Former National Trust chairman Sir William Proby has voiced concerns over the organisation’s management, specifically pointing out “serious flaws” and accusations of “abuse of power”. His critique follows a report from the Legatum Institute by Zewditu Gebreyohanes, criticizing the Trust for introducing procedures that undermine democratic processes, such as a “quick vote” feature at Annual General Meetings (AGMs), which Proby believes stifles open debate and democratic decision-making within the charity.
The report, titled “National Distrust: The End of Democracy in the National Trust”, accuses the Trust of deviating from its primary mission of protecting historic buildings through undemocratic practices, including changes affecting voting at AGMs. These changes, it argues, favor certain outcomes beneficial to the management while limiting the participation of the wider membership.
In response to these critiques, the National Trust has defended its governance practices, stating they are accountable to both regulators and members. A spokesperson for the Trust mentioned that the “quick vote” system was developed based on recommendations from independent electoral experts, aiming to streamline the voting process. The Trust also highlights its rejection of government oversight proposals, emphasizing its commitment to democratic and open governance structures.
The unfolding debate sheds light on broader concerns regarding the National Trust’s direction, encompassing controversies over governance, historical interpretations, and accusations of promoting a “woke agenda”. Sir William Proby’s call for a review of governance practices underlines the ongoing discussion about preserving democratic values and transparency within one of Europe’s largest conservation charities.
