Volunteer Story: Cressida Allwood

Cressida is currently Chair of the Equity Steering Group and started volunteering with the ESG at the BMC around 5 years ago.

Pic from Bolivian Andes last year (2019) where I bumped into Gimena Lidia Huayllas (1st qualified female Bolivian Guide, & who led first female only ‘Cholita’ climb…)

Are you a climber or a hill walker?

Both, although I’m doing more walk/running in the fells these days (succumbing to the lure of ultra running – or trying to, at least!) I’ve always enjoyed many outdoor activities.

What is the highlight of your climbing/hill walking/mountaineering?

That’s a tough one! Having spent 20 years leading overseas expeditions, I’ve done a fair bit of mountaineering in various countries. Regardless of destination I love seeing people’s levels of confidence boosted when they push themselves and attain previously unknown levels of achievement. This brings much satisfaction and is a significant part of why I lead trips annually.

Although not the highest or longest trek, one that stands out is the Huayhuash route in Peru. I completed this with a guy I met randomly and by chance, we were compatible trekking companions. Being in such a small group (4 of us including the muleteer, guide/cook) was an absolute joy and even better, we barely saw a soul! Not having to worry about anyone else made a welcome change – and the views were incredible. My preference is for high, remote routes that are less populated than EBC or Kili (although I’ve enjoyed these too.)

Why did you choose to get involved with the BMC?

Having published research on gender and leadership for the IOL, I was asked to join the women’s development group – a part of the ESG, c5 years ago. I feel passionately about have a wider mix of role models, to boost people’s confidence and give the ‘if they can, I can’ motivation. When I did my ML assessment years ago, I was the only female - being a minority can be intimidating, leading to questions such as ‘do I fit in here?’ It’s harder to feel an authentic sense of belonging when surrounded by few similar faces.

What do you do at the BMC and what impact has this had?

I’m currently Chair of the Equity Steering Group – our role is to advise, support and challenge the BMC on matters relating to equality and diversity; highly topical aspects! We now have a Board champion and a separate Board representative so communication upward has improved; a critical aspect re: influencing policy, strategy and culture. We’ve been good at running projects to support and engage wider communities of walkers, climbers and mountaineers, but have a way to go in terms of sharing good practice and spreading the word via social media etc. Achieving the Intermediate Standard for Sport recently was a great reflection of the hard work put in by James, the Equity Officer and the organisation. I look forward to continued success and hearing stories from a broader cross section of voices – oh, and the specialist group having voting rights on National Council!

What would you recommend to people looking to volunteer at the BMC?

Understanding the structure is key – this took me a while! Funding is limited so we rely on passion and energies of volunteers. Luckily the BMC has no shortage of these, which is a great inditement.

If you have expertise and would like to contribute to policy and/ or practice, I’d recommend volunteering – being part of a specialist group can provide an enticing combination of challenge, frustration and positive movement! Be warned – there are few quick fixes and you need to learn to say ‘no’! Volunteers always welcome.