Welcome to our Meet The Team page! Our dedicated team is passionate about preserving and enhancing Birmingham’s parks and open spaces through community involvement and innovative projects.
Each member brings unique skills and experiences to BOSF, working together to support our mission and empower local volunteers:
Yasmeen Hussain
Director of Operations
“I am thrilled to be BOSF’s Director of Operations. I bring experience in operational leadership and governance, with a focus on building systems that work for people – ensuring our finances are robust, our team are supported, and our trustees are informed and empowered to make the most of every opportunity.
Above all, I’m looking forward to getting to know the people and communities across Birmingham whose commitment makes BOSF’s mission possible. When you see thousands of small moments of care and dedication come together, they create something really powerful – and being part of that, even behind the scenes, is what makes this work so rewarding.”
Contact: [email protected]
Lizee Oliver
Membership & Development Officer
“I’ve joined BOSF with a background in communications, peer support, and sustainability. My role is to help new and existing Friends Of groups feel confident, supported and able to grow, whether they are an established group or just starting out! I know it can feel daunting when you’re just getting started, and I’m here to offer encouragement and guidance to help each group find what works for them.
I’m especially passionate about Birmingham’s green spaces, and how they benefit our health, creativity and our sense of community. I’m proud to work alongside so many volunteers whose dedication transforms their local parks and open spaces into community havens, gardens and activity spaces that everyone can enjoy.”
Contact: [email protected]
Abi Mullin
Nature Engagement Officer
“As the Nature Engagement Officer for BOSF, I aim to encourage more people to access and enjoy their local green spaces. By holding activities in 3 key areas (Nechells, Bordesley & Highgate and Balsall Heath), I hope to support local people of all ages to get to know and care for the environment around them. Nature should be for everybody, allowing safe and welcoming access for all! It would be great if new volunteer groups could be formed, benefiting both the local community and the natural environment.
I have a background in nature education, community engagement and practical conservation. In my spare time I volunteer as a youth leader across Birmingham. There’s no greater feeling than sharing my enthusiasm for the out-of-doors & natural world with others!”
Contact: [email protected]
Mat Barber
Communications & Events
“With over 10 years of experience in IT and social media, I manage the BOSF social media accounts, website and communications, along with other areas of support. I really enjoy working closely with BOSF Friends Groups and partner organisations, helping to promote their events and activities in parks and open spaces across Birmingham. I’ll also be looking after our events, including socials, workshops, our annual AGM and Conference and more.
I’ve had the pleasure of running several social media workshops for BOSF’s Friends Groups and I’m always happy to provide training on request.
Alongside my work with BOSF, I’m a qualified PRINCE2 project manager with a background in the arts sector. In 2019, I was the project manager for the BOSF pilot project Inspire with Art – Stop Litter in Parks. The project encouraged young people to get involved in their local community and raised awareness about single use plastic pollution and local litter problems through fun, creative activities.”
Contact: [email protected]
Denise Thomson
Administration
My role at BOSF originally started in 2017 with collating and processing a huge backlog of hours and payments as the work that BOSF do on behalf of our member groups was getting too big a task for the existing small team. I continue to streamline what I do to be as efficient at recording and reporting the wonderful work that our member groups do. Birmingham Council are kept informed quarterly with statistical updates and are always very impressed at these figures. Various other tasks include the management of the groups’ insurances and supporting Tai Chi & Qigong classes where necessary. There are many other admin related tasks, and I love a good spreadsheet! I have always thoroughly enjoyed being a part of BOSF, and all that they do for Birmingham’s open spaces; every member of our team are in turn supporting the work that the volunteers do.”
Contact: [email protected]