The Solent Forum
Working in partnership for the future
The Solent Forum was set-up by Hampshire County Council in 1992. It is an Unincorporated Association (UA). This means that it is:
The Solent Forum Steering Group sets the work programme and budget and appoints the chairman. The Solent Forum host, Hampshire County Council, is responsible for proper financial control including auditing. It has an independent chair and is politically neutral.
Forum members are professional bodies such as local government, harbour authorities, industry, user groups, trade associations and NGOs. The Forum is not open to individuals, local residents associations or issue specific lobby groups.
Peter Barham MBE was appointed in September 2014 and will serve to March 2025.
Peter led for the Environment Agency on flood and coastal defence issues in the Humber estuary. He then worked for Associated British Ports as the Sustainable Development Manager for the company, working closely with the Port of Southampton. He is now a freelance consultant working with Defra and marine industries.
Kate Ansell is the Solent Forum Manager, she also leads the statutory Solent Marine Sites Scheme of Management.
Tel: 0370 779 6377
Student Work Placements
When staff resources allow we sometimes offer student work placements, mainly during the summer months.
The Solent Forum's steering Group is made up from its funding partners and it is chaired by an independent Solent Forum Chair. It meets twice a year to set the future direction of the work for the Forum. It oversees the Forum's Business Plan and Work Programme.
The Steering Group's terms of reference can be found in the Forum's Constitution.
Peter was appointed in 2014 and is the current chair. He will serve until March 2025.
Professor Mike Clark served as Forum chair from 2004 to 2014. The Forum's student bursary award is named as the 'Professor Mike Clark' award in his honour.
Chair of the Forum from its inception in 1992 to 2004.
Solent Forum© Solent Forum 2025
