We’re seeking two people with a commitment to the environment and suitable skills to join our voluntary Board of Directors.
Friends of the Earth Birmingham Ltd (BfoE Ltd), a Community Benefit Society, exists to promote positive environmental change by increasing awareness of environmental issues. It does this particularly through campaigning and practical activity, and also through its environmental community building, The Warehouse.
T
he Warehouse is a friendly and thriving hub for the city’s environmental and social activism with a proud history and strong networks. It has recently joined the Climate Emergency Centres network. The building comprises meeting and office space, a vegan cafe (currently seeking a new operator) and events space, a bike shop and workshop, an independent bookshop, a community radio station and a community garden. We also have a number of meeting rooms. The income from these activities helps support our campaigning work.
The Board has over-arching responsibility for all aspects of BFoE activity, but campaigns activity is delegated to our thriving campaigns group, which meets weekly and reports to the Board as needed. So the Board focuses on governance, finance, and the issues relating to the building, its users and four members of staff.
We are now seeking two new Board members, to continue taking the organisation forward amid the opportunities and challenges of both running a community building but also the wider environment.
We’re seeking people with environmental commitment, a cooperative nature, experience of leading or making a significant contribution to organisational development, and ideally additional expertise in:
- Society Secretary (the equivalent of a Company Secretary role)
- Financial Skills
- Communication and Marketing
- Bid Writing
- HR
While we are already a relatively diverse board, we are aspiring to make our Board more reflective of the city’s population. In particular, but not exclusively, we would welcome applications from people from minority ethnic groups, women, and those aged under 35. If you haven’t considered a board role before or had much to do with the Friends of the Earth network, you’re very welcome to get in touch for a chat to ask any questions and find out more.
The 12 person Board meets five to six times a year and is responsible for setting strategy and overseeing the operation, development and staffing of the organisation. The Board also operates through subgroups and email discussion in between meetings where needed. We would envisage the successful candidates observing the Board for a period of time to familiarise themselves with the organisation before assuming their roles.
If you are interested in applying for these roles, please send an enquiry to karen@birminghamfoe.org.uk and we will send you an information pack. You are also welcome to get in touch for an initial chat about the roles and the current context. The deadline for applications is 9am Monday 20th November 2023.
As part of the process we will ask for one referee who is able to comment upon your suitability as a board member.
We look forward to hearing from you!
