Accountability

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Belinda Channer (Chair)

Belinda lives in Birmingham and works in the pharmaceutical industry. She enjoys watching current affairs, news, sports and anything that brings families and communities together, especially on a local level. She enjoys listening to a wide variety of music from R 'n' B, Reggae and Jazz to World music, Indie and Classical and has recently become a listener of 6Music. She also takes great interest in how her musical taste is reflected in BBC radio output. The expectations of audiences are high and engaging with her community and local networks is what helps her to understand what other people are thinking about the BBC. She would like to ensure through the voice of her local networks and Regional Audience Council that the BBC reflects and represents the diversity of England both on and behind the screen and especially the less vocal and hard to reach audiences. In her spare time she enjoys scuba diving, photography and has recently embarked on flying lessons.

Robin Jones

Robin is a retired Local Government Officer who was responsible for a frontline Revenue Collection service dealing directly with the Public. He has past experience of being a carer for the elderly. He is involved in voluntary church activities, and has also been involved in Hospital Radio back in the 1970s. 

Zubeda Limbada

Zubeda is a Regional Affairs Support Officer at Birmingham City Council. She is alumni of the Oxford University Young Muslim Leadership Programme (2006) as well as the British Council (Africa) Interaction programme. She has a BA in politics and Modern History and an MA in Middle Eastern studies.

Robert Skelton

Robert is a former Senior University Lecturer specialising in social science and social policy. He plays a big part in the volunteer life of his small town and was a member of the Community Health Council for seven years.

Betty Foster

Betty is a retired Nursery Nurse and taught children with hearing impairments. As Chairman of the Old Masonians' Association she organises annual reunions for members. As part of the Patient Participation Group, she informs patients of changes and helps to raise funds to provide equipment for their benefit. She is actively involved in her local community.

Bonnie Harris

Bonnie works extensively for two national charitable organisations, and is involved in many promotional, fundraising and awareness activities within her community. She is severely disabled and a full time wheelchair user, and comments that far from acting as a barrier, it offers an invaluable alternative view to all experiences in her life. 

Dan Willetts

Dan is a member of the UK Youth Parliament and a member of the Dudley Youth Council. He is also on the Local Area Committee, the local Green Spaces Forum and a  trained Peer Inspector. His main aim is to represent young people well and ensure their voice is heard. Dan is Deputy Head boy at his school.

Thomas Wentworth

Thomas enjoys creative writing, singing and acting with a local group as well as having a particular interest in Radio Drama. He is a member of the Local Operatics and Writers groups and a member of the Archers messageboard. He coordinates his schools People and Planet Group and has just started his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Sin Ong

Sin is a manager working with older Chinese people in Birmingham, who suffer from mental health and age related health issues. He is a member of the United Kingdom Association for Chinese Mental Health and a member of Birmingham Chinese Mental Health Group. He is a Chinese and Buddhist who 'eat, sleep and dance to the BBC'. His taste in music is eclectic ranging from R&B to opera.

Ken Pugh

Ken is a retired Deputy Head, Department of Business Studies who now works as a volunteer for Age Concern. His other voluntary work includes duties at his local Methodist Church, Secretary to the Trustees of Shifnal Old Peoples Welfare Committee and he has assisted on the book stall for the University of the 3rd Age. He also has a deep interest in local programmes. 

Meena Bose

Meena is a medical doctor who initially worked in hospital practice in the West Midlands and the North West. She is of Indian origin married to a half Nigerian, half Brummie and has a daughter. A large section of her social circle is from the Indian sub continent and Africa. Her hobbies include reading, music, gardening, playing video games and sudoku.

Beverly Tomkins

Beverly is an Internal Communications Manager working presently for a large financial company. She has three children, one in employment, one at university the third at college. She now has more time to pursue her own interests, previously limited to DIY and gardening. Very aware of changing cultures, challenges and opportunities that new technology can offer, she is also an advocate of ensuring traditional media is developed to meet future demands.

Linda Connor

Linda describes herself as a disenchanted teacher who has finally broken free. She now works voluntarily for a cancer charity and is also heavily involved in amateur dramatics. She has had involvement throughout her career with young people which is maintained through an amateur dramatics group, which has helped her to keep in touch in what's happening in their world. Through her charity work she has contact with people from all walks of life. Socially, Linda enjoys travel, fashion, reading cooking and being with friends.

Paul Taberner

Paul is a former head of Warwickshire Scenes of Crime Office. His work as a civilian employee within the police service brought him into contact with people from varying backgrounds, some being victims of crime. He is now involved in voluntary work including working with a Victim Support group and mentoring people with mental issues. He also invigilates at a local college. Paul's hobbies include oil painting, writing, spending time at his holiday home in Snowdonia national park, and beach and hill walks with his dogs.