Our trustee Rickie Josen, Chair of the Board, talks about being a trustee at ecobirmingham, environmental impact, what that means for her and why it matters.
Good Governance: The Foundation for Environmental Impact
As Chair of ecobirmingham during Trustees Week, I’ve been reflecting on how governance directly shapes our ability to create genuine environmental and social impact across Birmingham.
Leading a board that champions people and the planet means recognising that community wellbeing and environmental health are two sides of the same coin.
Data as Our Compass
What I love about ecobirmingham is how we engage deeply with the many small communities that make up this city. Every conversation, every woodland walk, every energy savings workshop creates impact.
Good governance involves insisting on both quantitative and qualitative evidence. It means asking uncomfortable questions: Which communities are we not reaching? And crucially, does our leadership reflect the diverse communities we serve? I’m proud that ecobirmingham has a Chair and CEO, both of Indian heritage, leading the organisation. In a sector that needs to become more representative of the communities it serves, this matters deeply. It fundamentally shapes our priorities, our partnerships, and our credibility with Birmingham’s diverse communities.
Why This Matters: Nature Access as Health Equity
The benefits of being in nature are well-documented: improved mental and physical health, reduced stress, and stronger community connections. Good governance means we don’t just deliver nice programmes; we strategically focus on communities experiencing nature poverty, understanding that environmental work is health equity work.
People-Centred Leadership
The board is enormously proud of the ecobirmingham team – staff, freelancers, and volunteers – led with energy and compassion by our new CEO, who places wellbeing at the heart of leadership. In turn, I have the great privilege of working with an outstanding board of trustees: experienced yet innovative, strategic yet grounded. Each member brings different perspectives to our shared goal of ensuring the people of Birmingham can connect with nature, enhance their well-being, and act for a greener future.
– Trustee – Rickie Josen