The Green Backyard Notice of AGM
Notice is hereby given that the 7th Annual General Meeting of The Green Backyard will be held on Sunday 18th July 2021 at 10am at The Green Backyard, Oundle Road.
Agenda
1. Welcome
2. Apologies for absence
3. A word from our Chair
4. Update and plans
5. To receive the Board’s Report and Accounts for the period 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2020
6. To elect members of the Board
7. Any Other Business
Explanatory notes on item 5 of the agenda:
Link to year ending 31st March 2020 financial report
Explanatory notes on item 6 of the agenda:
Standing for trustee election:
Muni Arsalani
Muni is standing for re-election after her first term as a trustee
A bit about yourself
I am married, a mum of three young adults, a self-taught mosaic artist and also occasionally a private English tutor. A Muslim, of Asian ethnicity, descending from Yemeni/Indian origins, I was born in Uganda and arrived in the UK in 1972, as a refugee. I’ve lived in Peterborough since 1978, although I spent 9 of those years living and teaching in Brunei, SE Asia. During my 9 years in Brunei I taught at the International School Brunei as a Specialised Teaching assistant and English tutor. My role involved working with primary & secondary aged students, specifically those with various Special Educational Needs, in preparing and delivering lesson that ensured the curriculum was accessible to all abilities.
Since my return from Brunei to Peterborough in 2009, I have focused on pursuing my interest in art – predominantly mosaic art. I joined the Peterborough Artists Open Studios in 2012 and enjoy participating in the annual Open Studios exhibitions. I also often take part in other art events in and around Peterborough. As well as exhibiting my art, I also deliver a variety of mosaic workshops to adults and children throughout the year – from my home, in schools and in the general community. In the UK I was employed by The Helping Hands Group, a special educational school in Peterborough, from 2012 – 2014 as a part time tutor and carer. My main role involved working either one to one or in a small group, helping clients carry out pre-planned activities within the curriculum. I have served as a Committee member (Brochure Co-ordinator) for Peterborough Artists Open Studios for six years, from Nov 2014 to Nov 2017 and again from Nov 2019 to present.
Please tell us why you would like to join our board of trustees:
Over the last 6 years I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to deliver several community mosaic workshops at the Green Backyard. Through these workshops, not only have I been able to share my passion for mosaic with others but feel that I have also become a member of the GBY ‘family’, engaging with both regular volunteers and the community at large, enabling them to discover and develop mosaic skills. I have also witnessed how the GBY environment, through its green ethos and inclusive educational approach is an essential lifeline for many in the community. This has been a hugely positive experience for me and I feel that I would like to be a part of the driving force behind the charity to play a more active role in making a difference to the community. Having just completed 3 years on the GBY Board of Trustees, I would love to continue to contribute in planning and implementing the strategic direction of the Green Backyard. To offer my skills and experience, but also enrich my own experiences by learning from others. Most importantly to play a role in making sure that the charity is run in the interests of the people it is there to support.
Please tell us why you think you are suited to being a trustee:
I fully support GBY’s ethos of sustainability and community development and feel that I can contribute to promoting these values. The 3 years I have completed on the GBY Board has given me an excellent insight into the structure and running of the organisation as well as valuable experience of the various roles and responsibilities of a trustee. My teaching experience over the last 20 years, both abroad and in the UK as well as my time serving on the PAOS committee and exhibiting my art, has helped me to develop valuable skills; in engaging with others, working as a team; in marketing ideas to the community. I also love connecting with the community!
I am keen to use these skills to continue working with the board and the GBY volunteers to help the Green Backyard achieve its future goals and reach its full potential.
Graham Cowan
Graham was co-opted as Health and Safety trustee in April 2021.
Graham is an experienced Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment professional with chartered Fellow status of both the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH), and the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM).
Graham’s qualifications also include a Post Graduate Diploma in Health, Safety and Environmental Management attained through Oxford Brooks University, and Lead Auditor qualifications in the ISO standards 9001, 14001 and 45001.
Graham also has a proven track record in business and has held several managerial positions within successful organisations. From 2013-2017, Graham served on the Board of Trustees of the British Safety Council, playing an integral role in developing and delivering Health, Safety and Environmental strategy.
Outside of work, Graham enjoys keeping fit and active, regularly taking part in triathlon, and running events as well as enjoying boxing and football.
Olivia Slater
Olivia is standing for re-election after first being co-opted as trustee in February 2020.
A bit about yourself
Born and raised in Peterborough, I moved back here after almost a decade away in London. I’m enjoying what Peterborough has to offer once again, especially at the Green Backyard. I work in a corporate, suit-wearing job that I secretly enjoy despite what it does for my street cred. I have a love/hate relationship with old boats and a 100% love of my rescue dog.
Why you would like to join the board of trustees
On moving home, I was overjoyed to see The Green Backyard up and running and I was keen to get involved again. Peterborough is often derided as a place where nothing positive ever really happens, and The Green Backyard feels like refute to this. I believe passionately in the aims, the work that has been done so far to uplift people in this city is amazing
Why you are suited to being a trustee
I’ve always had a hands on, get stuck in nature – no matter the task, which in a smaller charity like the Green Back yard would be useful. I passionately believe in consensus decision making, where all involved must be in agreement. That said, I don’t shy away from hard decisions and I enjoy teasing out and resolving barriers to the satisfaction of all involved.
Relevant experience you have
I’ve helped found and run a worker’s owned co op, which repaired and maintained narrowboats and barges on the East London canals – I am still sailing regularly and have been commended by the Association of Bargemen. While this co op was active, I managed the paperwork/regulatory concerns as well as working as a boatyard labourer. I’m used to running hands on, manual labour and not afraid to pick up an angle grinder if needs be.
My day job is as a PA/Project Co ordinator at a large multinational, so I’m happy dealing with stakeholders of all levels (and agreeableness). I’m used to project planning and delivery in all kinds of envirnoments and against difficult odds.
I’ve been a Trustee at the GBY during the Covid-19 crisis, regularly attending site and board meetings so already have a reasonable understanding of the challenges we are facing in the current time period.
Ema Corcoran
Ema was first co-opted as Volunteer and Engagement trustee in August 2020.
I moved to a village on the outskirts of Peterborough back in 2000. Along with my children and dog Arthur, I love the beauty of the outdoor space, and the prospect of making a sustainable business through a collaborative venture. I have previously worked in a corporate resourcing capacity for a number of organisations and have been looking for an opportunity to marry the two together.
Having managed the recruitment at all levels and worked on a number of collaborative projects, I am really looking forward to forging new collaborative opportunities with like minded organisations within Peterborough, as well as growing our volunteer network.
Having been a trustee for nearly a year I am very excited about the prospect of continuing to work with a team, who are all very passionate about the GBY.
