BEFS is a membership organisation; the over-all focus and the agenda of BEFS arises from within the Membership. The organisation relies on Members bringing forward issues that they may not be able to tackle alone, or may be able to further more effectively with the support of the wider BEFS framework.

BEFS is governed by a Board of Directors, which is largely drawn from BEFS membership.

BEFS work is supported by an office with four members of staff.