Owl for all: Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland
Founded in 1836, the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) is a charity dedicated to the study, understanding & conservation of wild plants across Britain & Ireland. The organisation supports a community of more than 4,700 members & is powered by a network of volunteers, trustees, committees & a small team of staff working remotely across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland & Ireland. With team members & volunteers spread across multiple countries, effective hybrid collaboration plays a vital role in the charity's day-to-day operations. Regular online meetings, committee sessions & strategic planning events require technology that can help bridge geographical barriers & ensure that all participants feel included, regardless of their location.
The BSBI team identified a need to improve the quality of their online & hybrid meetings as part of their ongoing commitment to equity, diversity & inclusion (EDI). The organisation has established a dedicated EDI Working Group & is actively seeking ways to remove barriers to participation & ensure that everyone can engage fully in its activities. After learning about the benefits of Meeting Owl technology through an accessibility-focused webinar hosted by the RNID, BSBI began exploring solutions that could create a more inclusive meeting experience, particularly for those attending remotely or living with hearing loss. Through the “Owl For All” initiative, BSBI received a Meeting Owl 3, which was put straight to work during the charity's annual staff gathering in the Peak District. With several team members unable to attend in person, the Owl enabled colleagues from across the UK to participate remotely via Zoom, helping create a seamless hybrid experience. The team reported that the device was operational within minutes & easily moved between different laptops & sessions throughout the event. Remote participants were able to see & hear discussions clearly, while colleagues in the room benefited from a more natural & engaging meeting environment.
Reflecting on the impact of the technology, the BSBI team commented: “The Meeting Owl allowed us to include absent colleagues in a much more effective way than we have managed in previous years. Feedback from remote participants was extremely positive, particularly regarding the improvements in sound quality & the ability to feel more involved in discussions. We hope the Owl will help remove physical, financial & geographical barriers to participation, allowing more people to contribute to important decision-making & idea-sharing sessions in the future.”
Looking ahead, the Meeting Owl will continue to support board meetings, committee sessions, conferences & staff events across Britain & Ireland, helping BSBI make its activities more accessible & inclusive for everyone involved. We are proud to support organisations such as BSBI through the “Owl For All” programme & help them harness technology to bring people together, wherever they may be. If you're a charity or non-profit organisation & would like to learn more about “Owl For All”, please get in touch to discuss your requirements & find out whether your organisation could benefit from the scheme.