Who’s Who

Here are some of the key people involved in Birmingham Friends of the Earth and their roles:

Campaign leads

  • Coordination Team: Jodie Etheridge, Stuart Minal, Esther Adelanwa and Gilbert Sekelani
  • Campaigns Support Worker: Libby Harris
  • Air Pollution & Transport: Martin Stride
  • Energy & Climate Change: Libby Harris
  • Nature: Jolyon Walford
  • Planning: Ben Mabbett
  • Waste & Recycling:  John Newson
  • Stalls & Events: Jodie Etheridge

Fundraising & Membership volunteers

  • Anna Parker

Staff

  • Campaigns Support Worker: Libby Harris
  • Chief Executive Officer: Karen Leach
  • Admin & Facilities Officer: Jane Charlesworth
  • Cleaner & Front of House: Christine Grant

BFOE Board

Friends of the Earth (Birmingham) Ltd  (BFoE)  has a different structure from most local groups. Because we have a building and have run different activities, we have a larger structure with more responsibilities in addition to what the campaigns group does.  

BFoE is established as a Community Benefit Society, a type of  Co-operative, giving each member one vote. Members choose fellow members for the Board of Directors (Board) at the AGM.  Legally the members of the Board are Directors of Friends of the Earth (Birmingham) Ltd. We’re currently seeking new board members – read more here.

The role of the Board is to:

  • Be in law responsible for the actions of BFoE.
  • Oversee all matters to do with the Warehouse building which the Society owns and administers:  its fabric, utilities, security, IT systems etc.
  • Deal with all financial responsibilities relating to income and taxation.
  • Appoint, pay and administer the work of employees.
  • Deal with all matters regarding those using space within the Warehouse  – conditions, fees and compatibility with the ideals of Friends of Earth.
  • Aim to operate the Warehouse as an exemplar of good environmental practice in an older building.
  • Assist the campaigning work of BFoE by providing a base, facilities and staff support.

The Board delegates the choice and organisation of campaigning activities to active campaigners – the group that meets on Monday nights – and receives a report on them at each Board meeting. It also aims to keep campaigners updated on its activities.

The members of the Board as of August 2023 are:

Members of BFOE are welcome to stand for election to the board whenever there are vacancies – it’s best to approach current members if you’re interested in this so we can tell you more what’s involved and also what skills we currently particularly need.

Bryan Nott is our Chair. Nick is the lead on Finance; Hilary is the Safeguarding Lead; other members lead on specific tasks or form subgroups as needed.

If you would like to know more about the work of the Board, membership or other aspects of BFoE governance, or have something to feed back to them, please contact info@birminghamfoe.org.uk.