developing communities, changing lives

Founded in 1899, Birmingham Settlement is one of the oldest charities in the city. It forms part of a movement of social reform activists outraged by the plight of the poor in the 19th century. Originally Birmingham Settlement’s work concentrated on providing support to women and families in the seriously deprived area of St Mary’s, now known as Newtown.

Birmingham Settlement has always been at the forefront of pioneering innovation, developing a nationally recognised reputation for excellence. In 1907, it opened the first kindergarten in Birmingham, which was followed shortly after by a Happy Hour Out of School Club. Yet, as time has passed we have built services that support all individuals and communities, not just women and families. In the 1970s the Settlement’s Money Advice programme received national recognition when its key principles for Money Advice were adopted as the industry standard.

Today, Birmingham Settlement continues to deliver responsive programmes that remain true to the original ethos of the organisation. Currently we support the community with:

  • Money advice.
  • Children’s services.
  • Older people’s services.
  • Building cohesion.
  • Digital inclusion.
  • Development support for voluntary and community organisations.
  • Volunteering opportunities.

In 2009, we undertook a review of our Vision, Mission, Objectives and Values as part of a continuing process to ensure we meet the needs of today’s communities. They were agreed as below.

 

Vision

Birmingham Settlement supports people to lead fulfilling and happy lives; creating and sustaining communities and places where people want to live.

 

Mission

The role of Birmingham Settlement is to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities facing social and economic exclusion. We will do this by working with others to influence policymakers and challenge the status quo. In doing so, we will create a cohesive enhanced environment with opportunity and choice.

 

Objectives

  • To deliver services flexibly and appropriately for all sections of the community.
  • To ensure services are linked and appropriate referrals are made.
  • To provide our clients with the best possible service through efficient, competent skilled staff.
  • To work alone and in partnership to support the development of the voluntary and community sector.
  • To lobby and influence local, and where opportunity permits, regional and national policymakers.
  • To achieve an appropriate balance between public sector, earned and other income whilst enhancing financial stability and securing long term financial viability.

 

Values

The following statements underpin the work of the Settlement and its staff. We are:

  • Committed.
  • Non-judgemental.
  • Accountable – with integrity, honesty and transparency.
  • Caring.
  • Enabling.
  • Responsive.

 

Annual Review 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Team

Birmingham Settlement is a registered charity that is governed by a Board of Trustees. They provide their time and expertise freely and set the strategic direction for the charity. Currently the Board of Trustees comprises:

  • Christine Doolan – Chair
  • Theo van Beurden – Secretary
  • Ben Hilliard – Treasurer
  • Prof Robert Arnott
  • Marcus Brain
  • Edward Coley
  • Dr Jo Ellins
  • Sikunthla Kaur
  • Trevor Land
  • Natalie Lynch
  • Paddy Martin
  • John Pearson
  • John Parr MBE
  • Cllr Alan Rudge
  • Barry Shuttleworth
  • Prof Ken Spencer OBE

At an operational level, the Settlement is led by a management team headed by the Chief Executive. The management team is responsible for putting the strategies, aims and objectives agreed by the Board into action including the delivery and development of services. The management team currently comprises:

  • Martin Holcombe, Chief Executive
  • Philip Evans, Head of Finance and Corporate Affairs
  • Meena Bharadwa, Head of Operations
  • Rebecca Hadley, Head of Organisational Development
  • Chris Hyland, Community Action and Wellbeing Manager
  • Jayne Cole, Children’s Centre Manager
  • Diane Campbell, Early Years Manager
  • Sandra Liggins, Retail Development Manager

For further information about Birmingham Settlement please contact us.

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