The Buckinghamshire Shareholder and Trust Committee was scheduled to discuss the budget for the Farnham Park Sports Fields charitable trust for the upcoming financial year. The committee was also set to review guidance on conflicts of interest for trusts and charities, and consider the forward plan for the committee's activities.

Farnham Park Sports Fields Charitable Trust Budget 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to consider the draft budget for the Farnham Park Sports Fields charitable trust for the 2026/27 financial year. The trust's charitable objects are focused on maintaining and improving the physical well-being of residents in Eton and surrounding areas by providing facilities for recreation and promoting activities that contribute to health and physical well-being. The trust's land includes Farnham Park Playing Fields and a significant portion of the South Buckinghamshire Golf Course. A new operating model involving a leaseholder taking on management and maintenance responsibilities was in progress, with the aim of improving the financial sustainability of the trust. The draft budget indicated an estimated income of £286,000 and expenditure of £349,000, resulting in a net operating loss of £63,000. This deficit was attributed to the transitional year pending the finalisation of the new leasing arrangements. The report highlighted that the budget was sensitive to the timing and terms of the lease agreement, and that financial risks to charitable assets were understood and being mitigated through the new operating model. The total funds of the trust as of 31 March 2025 were £3.27 million.

Trust/Charities Conflict of Interest Guidance

The committee was scheduled to review and potentially approve guidance on conflicts of interest for trusts and charities where Buckinghamshire Council acts as the sole corporate trustee. This guidance, drafted to align with best practices from the Charity Commission, aims to help officers and councillors recognise and avoid conflicts between their council duties and their responsibilities as trustees. The guidance outlines the purpose of the document, how to recognise different roles, define conflicts of interest (both financial and loyalty conflicts), and details expected behaviours, codes of conduct, and responsibilities. It also specifies procedures for managing conflicts, including declaring interests and standing down from discussions. The report referenced the Seven Principles of Public Life and the council's Member and Employee Codes of Conduct, as well as specific trust deeds and governing documents.

Appointment of Board Members

The committee was scheduled to discuss the appointment of board members. This included noting and ratifying the appointment of Councillor Julie Ward as a Board Member of Aylesbury Vale Estates. The report indicated that Mr Mark Preston, the current officer appointed Board Member to Aylesbury Vale Estates, would be leaving the Council in September 2026, and therefore, authority was to be delegated to the Service Director for Planning and Environment, in consultation with the Chairman of the Shareholder and Trust Committee, to appoint a replacement officer. Additionally, the committee was to formally note and ratify the appointment of Councillor John Chilver as a Director of Consilio Property Limited, a decision that had been verbally agreed at a previous meeting. Councillor John Chilver is also a director of Buckinghamshire Advantage.

Forward Plan

The committee was scheduled to comment on and note the Buckinghamshire Shareholder Committee forward plan for 2026/27. This plan detailed upcoming topics for discussion, including a six-month review of Key Performance Indicators and Risk Registers for various entities and trusts, the Farnham Park Sports Field Charitable Trust budget and business plan, dormant trust funds, and the Buckinghamshire Advantage Business Plan. Future agenda items included an annual best practice self-assessment, analysis of options for Aylesbury Vale Estates, draft financial accounts for several subsidiary bodies, and reviews of trust performance and director appointments.

Farnham Park Sports Fields Charitable Trust Budget 2026/27 (Confidential Appendix)

A confidential appendix was scheduled to provide a more detailed breakdown of the draft operating budget for the Farnham Park Sports Fields charitable trust for 2026/27.

Risk Update for Higginson Park and Farnham Park Sports Fields Charitable Trusts

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on risk management arrangements for the Higginson Park and Farnham Park Sports Fields charitable trusts, including a review of their respective risk registers.

Dormant Trust Funds Update

An update on dormant trust funds for which the council is the sole trustee was scheduled for discussion.

Aylesbury Vale Estates (AVE) Key Performance Indicators Update and Risk Register

The committee was scheduled to review the Key Performance Indicators and the Risk Register for Aylesbury Vale Estates (AVE).

Buckinghamshire Advantage Business Plan, Key Performance Indicator Update, and Risk Register

The committee was scheduled to discuss the Buckinghamshire Advantage Business Plan, along with updates on its Key Performance Indicators and Risk Register.

Buckinghamshire Advantage - Delivery of Business Plan

A discussion was scheduled regarding the delivery of the Buckinghamshire Advantage Business Plan.