Our History
Our History
Sustainability West Midlands is now entering the third distinctive phase of its development.
Establishing a public sector partnership approach 2002-4
SWM was established as not-for-profit company limited by guarantee by a range of regional public sector bodies in 2002. Its purpose was to provide a 'regional sustainable development roundtable' which gave sustainability advice for the region.
SWM was chaired by the Environment Agency and employed a staff member who built the organisation into a partnership organisation consisting of a Board and twenty members representing different economic, regional and social sectors in the region, mostly from the public sector. Funding was provided from a range of public sector partners.
SWM was recognised as providing the West Midlands Regional Assembly with a partnership for sustainability, which included advice on policy issues such as housing and planning and producing the Regional Sustainable Development Framework.
Growing a private sector network and project approach 2004-8
SWM appointed its first Chair from the private sector and employed a new part-time Director to develop the organisation. This included growing the business representation of the Board and members, and expanding the membership to around eighty. Funding was provided from a range of public and private sector sources around projects.
In 2006 SWM was recognised by the Government as an 'independent sustainability champion body' for the region fulfilling all the criteria of the Sustainable Development Commission, one of only two regions to do so.
In 2008 SWM was recognised by Advantage West Midlands as a strategic body for regional support and is designated as the strategic lead for overseeing and reporting on the regions progress around sustainability good practice under the 'sustainable living' objective and activities within the Regional Economic Strategy.
Becoming a catalyst for change - 2009 to date
SWM appoints its first full time Executive Director and after consultation with stakeholders refines its offer as a strategic sustainability adviser for the leaders of the region, with a new vision, products and services. SWM moves into its new offices and meeting room facilities, hosted by RegenWM, at Millennium Point, Birmingham.
The Board and a growing membership are now from the private, public and third sector. Funding is from the public sector to provide core services and build the support required to help the region. Other funding is from the public and private sector for projects. Interventions are increasingly strategically targeted for maximum long-term impact. Closer collaborative working is being established with other key partners.