British Hydropower Association
Board Strategy Day
A single day for the Board to agree BHA's purpose, the value it delivers to members, and the strategic priorities it will pursue.
- Date
- Tuesday 8 September 2026
- Time
- 09.00 – 16.00
- Venue
- Castle Green Hotel, Castle Green Lane, Kendal LA9 6RG
Castle Green Hotel, Castle Green Lane, Kendal LA9 6RG
Get directions on Google MapsAgenda
Morning
- 09.00
Arrival and networking
- 09.15 – 09.30
Welcome, introductions and ground rules
- 09.30 – 09.45
Setting the scene
Kate Gilmartin, CEO gives a short update on the current position of BHA and changes within the sector (this follows the circulation of pre-reading).
- 09.45 – 10.15
The role of the Board
A short session to reflect on what the board brings, where the gaps are, and how members can best support the BHA team going forward.
- 10.15 – 10.30
Coffee break
- 10.30 – 11.15
Purpose of BHA and our value to members
What does the BHA need to become to strengthen the UK hydropower sector, and what value do we bring to members?
- 11.15 – 12.15
Our strategic direction for 2026–2030
A World Café session working through the BHA's proposed missions for 2026 to 2030, testing them together and identifying any gaps.
- 12.15 – 12.30
Chair's summary of the morning and our agenda for the afternoon
- 12.30 – 13.30
Lunch and table task
Afternoon
- 13.30 – 13.50
Agreeing the strategic direction for 2026–2030
Finalising our session from before lunch.
- 13.50 – 14.35
Future sustainability of BHA
Three breakout groups looking at how BHA grows sustainably, covering membership and reach, revenue, and capacity.
- 14.35 – 14.50
Coffee break
- 14.50 – 15.40
Future sustainability, governance and accountability
We turn everything agreed today into direct action.
- 15.40 – 16.00
Close and next steps
Finalise actions and decisions and feedback on the day.
A warm welcome to the Board Strategy Day
I'm Michelle Howard, founder of Michelle Howard Consulting. With over 30 years' experience across the public, private and professional sectors, I specialise in helping boards and leadership teams find clarity, alignment and momentum.
I'm delighted to be facilitating your day on 8 September. Welcome, and I look forward to meeting and working with you all in Kendal.
Questions to answer before the day
Please reflect on the five questions below before the day. Please don't worry about spending lots of time on your answers, short, honest answers will work perfectly — they will shape the conversations we have on the day.
- 1
In one sentence, what would make this day worthwhile for you?
- 2
Which part of the membership do you feel closest to, and what do they most need from BHA?
- 3
Beyond attending Board meetings, what skills, experience or connections could you bring to BHA?
- 4
What is the single biggest opportunity or threat facing the sector over the next five years?
- 5
What should BHA do more of, and what should it do less of?
Send your responses to Michelle
Please feed back your answers by Monday 31st August 2026.
michelle@michellehoward.co.uk