To support our aims, the BWPA committee has developed six long-term strategic objectives to focus on, to achieve by our 70th anniversary in 2025:
- Achieve 90% annual membership retention
There is no BWPA without our members. We know that the majority of our members join the BWPA to develop their network, support and be supported by women in aviation. We also know that if we meet our members’ expectations then they are more likely to remain part of and contribute to our amazing community. - Develop a heritage plan that will safeguard our history and ensure the accessibility of the archive
We love celebrating the achievements of the pioneering women that flew before us. Keeping the memories alive and making historical information accessible to current and future members will ensure that the stories that inspired us will continue to inspire others for many years to come. - Establish an education area on the website that provides training resources for our members
We aim to provide up-to-date and tailored advice for our members at all stages of their flying journey. This includes assistance not only in achieving a licence or rating, but also for further training and for our members who are seeking careers in aviation. - Organise at least one face-to-face education event per year and one digital education event per month
Being able to learn from each other’s experiences – good and bad! – is one of the huge benefits of being a BWPA member. By providing educational events online and in person, aimed at pilots of all levels of experience, we want our members to feel connected to each other and learn from and with each other in a comfortable environment. - Provide a platform where BWPA volunteer opportunities are advertised and members interested in helping can put themselves forward to get involved
Many BWPA members join with the desire to help inspire others to get involved in aviation or are looking for other volunteer opportunities to help gain skills and experience. The online platform we will make it easier for members to get involved and choose opportunities that match their skills or goals. - Double revenue compared to 2020
The BWPA’s revenue currently comes solely from membership fees and third-party donations and, as a non-profit making association run by volunteers, all revenue is invested into scholarships, STEM/outreach activities, events and tools to help us operate. Doubling revenue is an ambitious goal that will allow us to offer so much more to our members and the wider communities that we support.
Current status of each objective
Achieve 90% annual membership retention
The small working group put together a short questionnaire to send out to members. We had 115 responses! This helps us understand what members currently enjoy most about being part of the BWPA, what they would like to see more of, and what they would choose, if the BWPA were to do something new.
The results of the survey were circulated amongst the committee and have been discussed by the working group, which is looking at ways to implement some of the key findings. For example, the job description for the scholarship coordinator role has been expanded to include actively seeking further sponsorship opportunities; a small selection of branded merchandise has been made available; many airfields across the UK have been approached to discuss reduced landing fees; an online discussion forum for members has been launched.
Next steps: The working group is looking for further opportunities for discounts for members, such as reduced price entry into places of interest.
Volunteers needed: Yes.
TBC.
Next steps: TBC.
Volunteers needed: TBC.
Establish an education area on the website
Get volunteers to help with forming the new Education area on the website.
Next steps: Once we have some volunteers – get them brainstorming via a Zoom meeting and organised into what role they will play.
Volunteers needed: Yes.
TBC.
Next steps: TBC.
Volunteers needed: TBC.
We are currently brainstorming ideas for the volunteer platform, informed by BWPA priorities and by reviewing other volunteer platforms to see what works well.
Next steps: Once we have determined what features support a good volunteer platform, we will review these against the BWPA’s priorities and resources to determine what would be the most important functionalities for the BWPA platform to have, before starting to build the platform
Volunteers needed: Yes.
Double revenue compared to 2020
TBC.
Next steps: TBC.
Volunteers needed: TBC.
Get involved
If you are interested in being involved with any of these objectives, we are keen to hear from you! Get in touch with a brief summary of your skills and, if you have a preference, the objective you are particularly interested in supporting. If you have any questions, please drop us a line.
