We are looking for new Trustees to join our Board of Directors
Do you have a passion for Birmingham’s heritage?
You could be just the person we need. We are looking for volunteer trustee directors who have a real enthusiasm for saving significant historic buildings and involving people in the process.
Who you are
You may be busy but willing to commit a day a month to the work of the Trust, or you may have more time on your hands and want to get stuck in.
You don’t need formal qualifications, all we ask is that you are keen to promote the Trust’s work. Ideally you may have experience of, or specific skills in, one or more of the following:
- Finance (one of our current priorities)
- HR (one of our current priorities)
- Building conservation
- Architecture and planning
- Entrepreneurial and business development
- Legal knowledge
You are whoever you are – Birmingham Conservation Trust is actively seeking diversity and is committed to equal opportunities.
Who we are
Birmingham Conservation Trust was established in 1978 ‘to preserve and enhance Birmingham’s threatened architectural heritage and to promote an enjoyment and understanding of the City’s historic buildings’.
- We combine imaginative new uses for buildings at risk with sensitive repairs to secure their long-term future
- We work with and for the benefit of the people of Birmingham and its visitors, finding sustainable solutions that address local needs
Since its foundation the Trust has enjoyed strong local political support through its ties with Birmingham City Council. We are governed by a board of up to 13 trustee directors and employ a full-time director and part-time development officer. Volunteers help us in a wide variety of ways and play a key role in our work.
What we do
The Trust has completed seven major projects, many in partnership, and contributed in different ways to many others.
Our most recent was the award-winning rescue and restoration of the Court 15 Back to Backs, now an unusual and fascinating visitor attraction run by the National Trust.
Our current major project is the repair and restoration of the Newman Brothers Coffin Fitting Works, an outstanding survival of industrial heritage in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. This remarkable factory, built in 1894, produced high-quality coffin fittings that were sold around the world and graced the coffins of the great and the good. When manufacturing ceased after 100 years, everything was left in situ creating a “mercantile equivalent of the Marie Celeste”.
The project has secured around £2 million in grant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and others, and includes an ambitious programme of community engagement and educational activities.
The Trust in transition
The Coffin Works project represents a major departure for the Trust. We will retain ownership of the building on completion in 2014; it will be mixed use including:
- an innovative heritage attraction run by the Trust
- seven office/studio units for rent
- the Trust’s own offices
This project presents us with many exciting new challenges, not least developing our volunteer base, expanding our community engagement and running our own visitor attraction.
We are looking for Trustees with appropriate skills and enthusiasm to help us tackle these challenges, as well as shaping the future direction of the Trust.
If you join us, you will be part of the board of up to 13 trustee directors (currently 9)
- Your term of office would be 3 years for a maximum of two terms.
- Board meetings are held once every two months in central Birmingham.
- You might join one of the steering committees or help to shape our future strategies
- In return, we’ll welcome and support you, and provide guidance and training
Want to know more?
Call our Director, Simon Buteux, on 0121 303 2664 for an informal chat.
How to apply
To apply, please email your CV along with an expression of interest outlining which area of BCT’s work is of particular interest to you. Email to simon.a.buteux@birmingham.gov.uk .
Deadline for applications is Friday 10th May 2013
As part of this recruitment we will be inviting applicants to an event on Friday 24th May, 3pm-6pm when you will be shown around the Coffin Works, have a chance to meet existing trustees, staff and volunteers, and learn more about the Trust.
Please see our website www.birminghamconservationtrust.org for an overview, and our lively blog and Twitter feeds @BirminghamCT and @CoffinWorks for updates.
