BYM and Woodbrooke work together for changes

Trustees from Britain Yearly Meeting and Woodbrooke have agreed to work together to radically change the way the two organisations support Friends in Britain

BYM and Woodbrooke trustees agreed to change how they support Quakers across Britain. | Photo: Courtesy of BYM.

Trustees of Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) and Woodbrooke, the Quaker study centre in Birmingham, have agreed to work together to radically change the way the two organisations support Friends in Britain.

The plan will see a local development worker within reach of every Meeting in Britain within five years.

According to BYM, trustees envisage reshaping both organisations to fit the new realities – demographic, cultural, climate and financial – facing Quakerism in the twenty-first century.

Sandra Berry, director of Woodbrooke, said: ‘Throughout our 115-year history Woodbrooke has adapted and changed our approach to learning, and we are excited about this new evolution.’

Paul Parker, recording clerk of BYM, added: ‘We’re excited too. This will help us in supporting Quakers throughout Britain to attract new people and, through our faith, make a difference in the world. Facing climate breakdown, we must reduce our carbon footprint and strengthen local resilience.’

The decision follows extensive consultation and a three-year Vibrancy in Meetings pilot project, which examined decentralising work by having ‘work hubs’ with staff based in different parts of Britain.

An evaluation by NCVO Charities Evaluation Services found that the majority of Friends interviewed about the project reported a positive impact and felt more confident and supported.

BYM and Woodbrooke trustees said they now begin the work of planning this transition and are ‘keen to listen to Friends’ hopes and fears about the project, and consult with staff’. Meeting for Sufferings will hear more in July.

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