GIRLS' BRIGADE MINISTRIES - Key Persons
It's a delight to be back on the GBM board, following a gap of 3 years, now representing GB England & Wales (GBEW). GB has touched my life in several ways over the years, from being a member of the Eastbourne group in the 1970s, to informally supporting the national director and staff team when I was Head of Baptist Union Communications based at Didcot, Oxfordshire, between 2005-2013, to then becoming Chair of GBM until late 2018. Alongside my role with GBM and GBEW, I'm also a trustee of Churches Together in England and Parish Nursing UK.
Job Titles:
- Growing GB Development Officer
Responsibilities include: Helping to grow our GB groups and activities, setting up of new GB groups; encouraging volunteers; and supporting GB's network of volunteers.
I love working for GBM because it gives me the opportunity to be part of a great team, sharing God's love and supporting our girls and volunteers.
Job Titles:
- Communications Manager
- Deputy CEO
Responsibilities include: Strategic and operational communications, press relations, digital ministry, marketing and design, Designated Safeguarding Lead, and deputising for the director.
I love working for GBM because I know first-hand the impact of our work. GB helped develop my confidence as a girl and, more importantly, introduced me to Jesus.
I came to Girls' Brigade as an adult; having been involved in other youth organisations as a young person I jumped at the chance to continue as a volunteer. I love working as part of a team, and I have a passion to see young people reach their potential.
I work in strategic programme management and strategic communications. I'm a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and I've primarily worked in the not-for-profit sector in London and the south east, but also in India for a year volunteering with VSO. I'm active in my local Methodist church, I enjoy travelling, reading, and baking.
Responsibilities include: Meeting and event support, media support, board and committee support, director support, and programme support.
I love working for GBM because I have the best colleagues! They know how to celebrate and put on a good spread!
I live in Lincoln and became a member of Girls' Brigade in 2003. Girls' Brigade has given me many opportunities which I'm very thankful for. I currently represent Girls' Brigade on the 16 - 25's Youth Panel of the Youth United Foundation. During my first year on the panel we completed a research project on loneliness and mental health. I was given the opportunity to assist in leading the Esther Generation Weekend in 2019 which was extremely rewarding. I feel called to give back to Girls' Brigade.
I have a passion for working with young people. They are our future. I've volunteered with my local mountain activity team, a sub-group of Scouts. Along with this I have volunteered with a Boys' Brigade-led camp. Seeing young people question, grow, and flourish in their journey with God fills me with hope for the future.
Responsibilities include: GB Trading order processing and maintaining stock records, raising GB Trading invoices, and supplier liaison.
I love working for GBM because the work is so varied. I speak to many GB leaders and it's great to hear all about the activities and how much GB means to so many people.
Responsibilities include: Finance post, banking, census payments and invoicing, staff/volunteer expenses, and purchase/sales ledger.
I love working for GBM because it gives my life a sense of purpose and what I enjoy most is answering the phone to our lovely volunteers, when they ring in needing help with questions and issues.
Job Titles:
- Project and Events Administrator
Responsibilities include: Leading the operational management of GBM's membership services and GB trading activities, as well as operational aspects of leading the staff team and oversight of the office premises.
I love working for GBM because it gives me so many opportunities and every day is different. One day organising crisp packet recycling, the next taking young women to steward and represent GB at a Buckingham Palace garden party.
I've been in GB since the age of 5 and have many happy memories as well as long-term friendships through GB. I've had a number of roles in GB and still am a Leader in 2 groups and a District Team Leader. I feel very privileged to now be the Trustee Board Chair. I'm also very active in my local URC.
I've worked in the NHS as a nurse all my working career and, at present, I'm the Associate Director of Nursing in my local Clinical Commissioning Group. I have 2 grown-up children - my son is working in computer animation and my daughter is in the care sector. I'm married and my husband and I enjoy playing sport together and the opera; we've also just recently been able to travel more. I also enjoy gardening and cooking.
Responsibilities include: Strategic development, legal and HR, trustee board liaison, fundraising/grant bids, policies and procedures, and mission consultancy.
Responsibilities include: Leader registrations and changes, DBS, database input, annual census recording, local group and leader service awards, and post and general admin.
I love working for GBM because it gives me an opportunity to talk to and get to know the amazing volunteers we have.
Job Titles:
- National Honorary Treasurer
I live in Thanet and work in a unitary authority across social care and education. I'm currently District Team Leader for the Isle of Thanet GB and regularly work with the GB and BB groups that meet at the local Baptist church, when I'm not stuck on the M2!
I've been in Girls' Brigade since the age of 5 and have been involved with several groups over the years - sometimes due to temporary leadership shortages, or, on other occasions, working alongside other leaders to consider different approaches or strengthening the links between the GB group and their church.
The influence of the Girls' Brigade is far reaching and makes a huge impact on the lives of the children, young people and families we have the privilege to work with. I'm proud to be part of this team and pleased that I'm now in a position to be able to give back in the role of trustee at a national level alongside local participation.
In my spare time - well maybe an hour or so sporadically over a weekend - I try to maintain an allotment. It's full of raspberry canes that have learnt to fend for themselves. The jam I make from them is often used in our fundraising events for local charities as there is usually a very good crop - it's a ‘win-win' - I get the fresh air and we also raise funds.
I've been aware of Girls' Brigade since I was child, although I belonged to another uniformed organisation. Shortly after joining my current church, and having helped with our children's club, I was approached to see if I'd like to help with our Girls' Brigade group. I've never looked back and have followed this with taking on extra roles such as Deputy District Team Leader and now District Team Leader. I'm also Regional Secretary and chair for the Network Executive committee.
I'm married with two grown up sons. When my oldest was a lot younger a new Scout group was started locally, and parents were asked to volunteer. So I became a Cub leader for a short time. I'm active in my church and most recently took on Designated Safeguarding Lead.