We provide opportunities for learning, connection and worship which are rooted in the Quaker tradition and open to all. Our mission is to foster the 'vital ministry' of Quakers today and our learning programme allows participants to: deepen their understanding of the Quaker way, explore spirituality, support their communities and be inspired to bring about wider change in the world.

Our Centre for Research in Quaker Studies provides formal opportunities for study and research in all areas of Quaker Studies including degree programmes in partnership with the University of Birmingham. We also conduct our own projects and provide support to independent researchers.

Woodbrooke offers opportunities for learning:

• Through our programme of online courses and sessions with tailored resources and expert input.
• Via our Woodbrooke Where You Are workshops where our experienced tutors come to you and your community - both in person or online.
• With our residential courses and day events, we run at our Quaker Centre in Birmingham, and at other venues.

Woodbrooke’s centre in Selly Oak, a Grade II listed Georgian manor house with 60 bedrooms and 9 meeting rooms could be the perfect venue for your next meeting or conference and as a base to stay for visitors to Birmingham.

Our values

As a Quaker organisation, we try to live our values and run Woodbrooke in accordance with these. 

• Woodbrooke is a LGBT+ affirming organisation. We want people to be able to feel safe and be themselves on our courses. If you have any concerns contact us.
• In order for us to provide learning we have to charge but never want cost to be a barrier to accessing Woodbrooke. Visit our financial support page to see what help and discounts we offer or contact us if you have questions or concerns.
• Woodbrooke is an accredited Living Wage Foundation employer. Trustees also carefully limit the pay ratio between our highest and lowest paid staff member.
• The climate crisis affects us all, as well as our climate crisis project we also are also taking steps to become a more sustainable organisation.

Woodbrooke's roots are in the liberal unprogrammed branch of Quakerism. Our tutors come from a range of backgrounds and faith practices but you'll generally find silence and theological diversity is an important part of our learning and worship.

Did you know?

Woodbrooke was founded in 1903 and was the vision of George Cadbury and John Wilhelm Rowntree who saw a need amongst Friends for a ‘permanent settlement’ with a mission to ‘foster a vital Friends’ ministry’. Since then Woodbrooke has evolved and grown beyond the walls and boundaries of the place in which we are still rooted.

Today, as well as running courses the at Woodbrooke Centre in Birmingham we run workshops in Quaker meetings, at other venues and online. The ways we offer Quaker learning have changed but the original vision remains the same. Our mission today is still fostering a vital Friends’ ministry. For us, encouraging and enabling ministry is at the core of our Quaker approach to learning, whether that ministry is expressed through faith, witness, love or service.