About BGS
BGS Council
All BGS Trustees and Regional Council Members are volunteers. Most volunteers find it a rewarding experience, as they take on these roles to put something back into the society and/or industry, organising high quality activities with low delegate fees. BGS would achieve far less without the time, experience, knowledge and guidance of volunteers. Part of the reward of being a volunteer is the opportunity to network with a broad range of industry representatives on Council and to participate in the management of a forward looking organisation. For some, it enhances their career development and motivation, as well as their status in the industry. Recognising this, and keen to support the society’s work, some employers allow some of the volunteer input during the individual’s normal working hours.
Presidential Team
President
Mr Graham Parks
Graham is a beef farmer from Macclesfield, Cheshire.
President Elect
Dr Christina Marley
Christina is a Reader at IBERS
Past President
Mr Philip Cosgrave
Philip is UK Grassland Agronomist at Yara.
The Presidential Team, as Trustees of the Society, ensure the society and its resources are properly used in accordance with its Charity Objectives and in line with its Constitution and Charity Commission guidance. They also give advice and direction to the Society CEO as necessary, on projects and overall management of the society.
A full list of previous presidents is available here.
Hon. Treasurer
Dr Phil Murray
Hon. Secretary
Dr Liz Genever
National members
Dr Felicity Crotty
Mr Luppo Diepenbroek
Mr Paul Muto
Mr James White
National Members of Council act as Trustees of the Society, ensuring the society and its resources are properly used in accordance with its Charity Objectives and in line with its Constitution and Charity Commission guidance. They advise other Trustees on any policies allocated to review on behalf of the Trustees and have involvement in the management of projects or events as appropriate.
Regional Council Members
The Regional Council Members provide a crucial link between the local affiliated societies and the BGS office, President and Trustees. They facilitate a two-way flow of information between the grass-roots membership and the National Society. At Council meetings they have the opportunity to report on issues within their region, but they do not have the voting powers of Trustees in the management of the BGS.
For more details of Regional activity and local grassland societies see our Local Societies section click here.