BCT Review
In recent years, BCT has been working with BCT members, bat groups, volunteers and others involved in bat conservation across the UK to look at new ways of working together. We want to ensure that bat conservation is as effective as possible and that scarce resources are used to make the greatest difference to bats. This means understanding what each of us can offer; working more closely together where it makes sense, and communicating well, so that we can support each other's work.
As a result of a detailed consultation process in 2007-8, new processes for communication and closer working include:
1. New Regional Bat Conferences in England, open to everyone with an interest in bats
Based on the success of the Scottish Conference, new biennial regional conferences in England provide an opportunity for sharing ideas, discussing common issues, training and continued development of best practice. They also play an important role in communication between BCT, our members, bat groups, and others within the region. The already successful Scottish Bat Conference and Wales Bat Workers Day will continue annually.
Read more about Regional and National Conferences.
2. A new type of relationship between BCT and bat groups
Since spring 2009, we have been working with eight bat groups across the UK to trial a new Partner Group approach. This approach requires BCT and each participating bat group to sign a Partner Agreement. The agreement involves a commitment by both parties to support each other in agreed aspects of bat conservation; reflects the interests of the bat group; and identifies what the bat group and BCT will each do to make the partnership work well.
In 2010, this approach will be rolled out across the UK, with BCT meeting all interested groups to discuss and agree whether they would like to become a Partner Group, Network Group (a loose communication agreement, with few formal expectations on both sides), or no relationship group.
3. BCT members to be more involved in shaping the future direction of BCT
BCT members are to be more involved in shaping the future direction of BCT recognised for their valuable support of BCT work in local, national and international conservation, through their membership subscriptions.
Underpinning all of the new approaches is a desire to share and celebrate what is happening in bat conservation, to acknowledge where we have common aims and to use the resources we have more effectively for bats. If you have any questions about the BCT Review, or its outcomes, please email Laura Dunne, Bat Groups Officer, at ldunne@bats.org.uk or telephone 020 7501 3633.
We have decided on this new approach after extensive consultation.
A survey conducted in 2007 highlighted some principle areas of concern about communication and relationships across those involved in bat conservation. The findings of this survey ‘BCT - how is it doing?' informed a more detailed review during 2008.
A Paper for BCT on Common Organisational and Representational Models in Organisations with Local Groups and Multiple Stakeholders provided desk research into ways other organisations work with groups and individuals. It identified a range of options that BCT might think about.
A report on the outcomes of research and consultation published in April 2008drew together the findings from in depth discussions with 68 people in a series of focus groups around the country as well as telephone interviews. Interviewees were selected on a random basis and came from different parts of the bat world. The discussions explored various options and identified approaches that people felt might work for BCT. There was further opportunity for everyone to comment through an online survey. 123 people replied to this survey.
Report following the BCT workshop on 10th May 2008.The workshop was attended by 47 people who came from at least 23 different bat groups, and included members of BCT, NBMP, other volunteers, and people who worked professionally with bats. Attendees developed a clearer sense of what the linked roles and responsibilities of Partner Groups, Network Groups and BCT might be, as well as considering a new approach to the regional meeting.
A report on the findings of individuals and bat groups survey results and recommendations for BCT, Sept 2008.After the workshop we felt it was important to check back with BCT members and bat groups on the proposed way forward to confirm that there was general approval for the approach. All bat groups were invited to review the proposals for regional meetings and the more detailed ideas for agreements between BCT and Partner Groups and Network Groups and indicate whether they agreed in principle to the approaches. An online survey once again gave everyone the opportunity to respond to the general direction.
171 individuals and 23 bat groups responded and there was strong endorsement for the approach for regional meetings and for moving towards Partner and Network Groups. These findings were presented at the AGM in September and were very well received.
We believe that this thorough consultation has enabled us to hear the views of a wide range of people involved in bat conservation, and we are very hopeful that by working together on piloting the new approaches, we will find that the new relationships and commitment to communicating with each other will deliver significant benefits to bat conservation across the UK.