CISHA - Council for the Independent Scrutiny of Heathrow Airport
Important Changes
A NEW CHAIR, A FRESH APPROACH TO HEATHROW COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The newly formed Council for the Independent Scrutiny of Heathrow Airport (CISHA) has today announced Baroness Liz Sugg as its first Chair. She will take up her two-year appointment in September with CISHA holding its first Open Forum on Thursday 20th October.
CISHA is the successor body to the Heathrow Community Engagement Board (HCEB) and is the result of an extensive review and stakeholder consultation exercise conducted throughout the pandemic which resulted in a compelling case to make engagement more effective, transparent, and efficient.
One of the key recommendations from that review was to establish stronger links between Heathrow Airport’s five existing community forums under the ‘umbrella’ of an oversight body, CISHA, which would both coordinate discussion, response, and action, and also fulfil the Heathrow’s Airport Consultative Committee (ACC) requirement.
The new body required the selection of a chair with an exacting set of characteristics and experience. The three-stage recruitment process, which was overseen by independent consultants Gatenby Sanderson, included representation from the local community, noise, business, local authority and passenger groups as well as Heathrow Airport and the HCEB. The recruitment process began late last year and finished in July with the unanimous decision to appoint Baroness Sugg.
Mark Izatt, Chair of the HCEB Appointments Panel who coordinated the appointment process, said: “Throughout last year’s consultation exercise it became very clear that the new organisation needed a strong and experienced chair who had a proven track record of public engagement and an ability to not only ‘speak truth to power’ but also to marshal views and expertise in a way which benefited local communities, airport users and stakeholders. Liz’s approachability, energy and passion ticked every box and will be essential as we set about our work.”
Commenting on Baroness Sugg’s appointment, Heathrow Chief Executive John Holland-Kaye said: “We’re delighted that Baroness Sugg will be joining CISHA as the independent chair, holding the airport to account on its actions locally, and supporting greater dialogue and understanding between Heathrow and our wider community forums. As former Minister for Aviation, Baroness Sugg brings with her a wide breadth of experience and a strong understanding of the range of stakeholders working to deliver better outcomes for those close to the airport. The consultation work conducted by Heathrow’s communities team and the HCEB highlighted the importance of a more joined up approach to engagement as we rebuild post-pandemic, and I look forward to working collaboratively with Baroness Sugg and CISHA during our recovery and beyond.”
Commenting on her appointment, Liz said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this new role, as I believe all those involved and associated with, and impacted by, Heathrow Airport must be properly represented. As a former aviation minister I am well aware of the complex issues around airports, which require sustained, honest and transparent engagement. The airport and its surrounding communities. users and other stakeholders will not always agree, but it will be my responsibility to ensure voices are heard, effective discussions are held and that we deliver open and honest engagement and feedback to Heathrow, the CAA and the Government. I’m looking forward to working closely with the established forum chairs and meeting with stakeholders all around the airport.”
Please visit the new website at www.cisha.org
