It is the responsibility of Poole Harbour Commissioners to ensure that all the varied interests of the port operate in harmony, both for the common good and for the long-term sustainability of the whole harbour and its stakeholders.

Poole Harbour Commissioners is a trust, which means it is an independent statutory body, governed by legislation, the latest of which is the Poole Harbour Revision Order 2001. A new Harbour Revision Order, approved in July 2001 and effective 1st November 2001, has altered the Constitution and selection process to incorporate the changes needed to meet the National Standards for Trust Ports.