Governance and Accounts

Our Patron

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, became Patron of the BTO in 2020, assuming the patronage from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh who held the role for over 30 years.

The patronage reflects the close alignment between two of The Prince of Wales's long-standing areas of interest– supporting communities to protect their natural environment for future generations, and helping children and young people to build their skills, confidence and aspirations – and the growing body of work that the BTO is doing in these areas.

BTO volunteers gather the all-important data that fuel our understanding of the natural world, providing a solid evidence base that supports informed decision-making and conservation action.

Through active participation, BTO volunteers not only make an important contribution to society but they also receive mental health and well-being benefits. BTO is passionate about spreading these public benefits throughout society.

With the support of His Royal Highness, the charity wants to deliver the benefits of public participation in science through nature to many people, including those communities that have traditionally been under-represented.

BTO is, for example, currently working with its Youth Advisory Panel to deliver a diverse, vibrant community of young birders with accessible youth-led opportunities, inspiring young people across society to engage with nature and science.

The Board

The Boardis ultimately responsible for all matters of the BTO. Because the BTO is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, its members are Directors as well as Trustees. It delegates tasks and matters of detail to other committees and to the Senior Leadership Team, leaving it time to deal with primarily strategic matters. The Board meets four times a year, in March, July, September and December.

Meet the board

Regional Network Committee (RNC)

Responsible for planning and supervising a long-term programme of volunteer surveys, ensuring that the concerns of survey workers are addressed in survey planning and evaluation, and monitoring prompt feedback to them. It appoints Regional Representatives and liaises with the Surveys Team in supervising Regional and Country Representatives. The Chair of RNC sits on the Board and is supported on the committee by two members of the Board and six other members. It meets twice a year.

Meet the RNC committee

Ringing Committee (RIN)

Responsible for the ringing operations of the BTO. The Chair of RIN sits on the Board and is supported by two members of the Board, four members elected by ringers and two other members. It meets twice a year. RIN currently has three sub-committees: Ringing Standards Select Committee, Cannon-netting Technical Panel and the Special Methods Technical Panel.

Meet the RIN committee

The Finance & Risk Committee (F&R)

Responsible for financial controls, plans and reports, and risk management.  The Chair of F&R sits on the Board and is supported by three Board members, including the Honorary Treasurer. It meets four times a year, normally quarterly. Urgent business may be transacted by email or teleconference.

Meet the F&R committee

The Governance & Nominations Committee (G&N)

Responsible for Board processes more broadly, Board development and succession planning, BTO organisational development, and strategic HR.The Chair of G&N sits on the Board and is supported by two Board members. It meets annually in spring each year and other business is transacted by email or teleconference.

Meet the G&N committee

The Youth Advisory Panel (YAP)

The Youth Advisory Panel is responsible for ensuring BTO is working with young people in an inclusive and engaging way. The panel will be working on a Youth Engagement Strategy throughout 2020, helping BTO better meet and support future generations of birdwatchers. The panellists represent a variety of backgrounds, ages, and regions and are supported by BTO staff members.

Meet the youth advisory panel