The Canal and River Trust: A Champion for Older Workers

If you're in search of a new challenge, Age-Inclusive employer, the Canal and River Trust has a range of exciting roles on offer.

Naomi Chadderton

An experienced editor and journalist specialising in news and lifestyle.

55/Redefined delves into the work of pioneering charity The Canal and River Trust, one of an increasing number of Age-Inclusive employers, working with us to offer a range of both paid and volunteer roles. They believe that age diversity creates a more productive workplace, which fosters both physical and mental wellbeing, whilst building on the experiences and innovation that comes from developing multigenerational teams.

Earlier this year, data released by the Chartered Management Institute showed that only two-fifths (42 per cent) of managers would be ‘open’ to hiring workers aged between 50 and 64 to a large extent. The survey of 1000 managers working in UK businesses and public services also found that managers’ willingness to hire people over 65 was even lower, with only a third (30 per cent) being open to recruiting those close to state retirement age or older.

That’s why it’s vital that businesses like The Canal and River Trust are taking the initiative to become Age-Inclusive employers, laying the foundations for a new and more dynamic way of working.

What is The Canal and River Trust?

Launched in 2012, The Canal and River Trust is one of the UK’s biggest charities. It looks after and brings to life 2000 miles of waterways including rivers, reservoirs and docks across England and Wales, with a mission to revive free, open and accessible blue and green space on our doorsteps. Not one to rest on its laurels, the charity also manages museums, archives and the country’s third-largest collection of historic buildings.

With the charity’s commitment to becoming a 55/Redefined Age-Inclusive Employer, The Canal & River Trust is actively recruiting older workers, placing value on the benefits they bring and recognising that age brings invaluable life and interpersonal experiences.

Enjoy A New Lease of Life on the Water

The Canal and River Trust has a wide variety of both paid and volunteer roles, either out on the river or at a desk – the choice is yours! Whether you fancy getting out and about, or would prefer making a difference from the comfort of your desk, the roles available are as varied as they are diverse.

From workshop operatives, leisure assistants and enforcement officers working on the water or riverside, to engineers, planners, surveyors and project managers with specialist skills and desk-based jobs including marketing, procurement, HR, administration and finance, there are plenty of opportunities to develop new skills, whatever your age may be.

If you’re looking for a way to spend your time or retirement while doing some good for nature and the community, the Trust also takes on volunteers to help to keep improving the UKs 2000+ miles of canals and waterways.

Sustainability is at the Heart of The Canal and River Trust

Whether you’re working to create new habitats, protect wildlife during canal repairs, or manage water quality issues, any environmental knowhow you can bring is a huge plus.

Other sustainability initiatives include tackling invasive species, protecting water quality, minimising carbon footprint and influencing planning and development.

The Canal and River Trust Celebrates Openness and Inclusivity

Older employees are both respected and treasured at the trust, through what the teams call Inclusion Circles, which are network groups run by colleagues, for colleagues. Designed to create community and a space for colleagues to support each other, you can get involved in everything from caring for loved ones with dementia, managing your menopause, finding support for working parents (and grandparents) and much more.

Employee Programmes and Benefits for a Better Quality of Life

A proud member of the Mindful Employer charter, The Canal and River Trust brings wellness to the fore with its wide range of benefits and employee programmes.

Not only does its ‘U Life’ programme give you GP access, life insurance, a step tracker and a range of health and wellness tools, including mediation and HIIT classes, but benefits also include flexible working, boat life concessions, discounts on boating holidays and so much more.

People Feel Better by the Water – and That’s a Fact!

This September, data for the Office for National Statistics revealed there are a record number of centenarians living in England and Wales. One of the key benchmarks? Being by the water.

Not only are coastal environments better for helping people get outside and be more active, but they also help to reduce stress, experts say, while, according to mental health charity Mind, spending time outside in nature can also improve your mood, reduce stress, improve physical health and improve self-esteem.

By working with The Canal and River Trust, not only can you find a new lease of life, you’ll also get to spend plenty of your time in nature with a supportive and inclusive team.

Browse The Canal and River Trust’s current vacancies.