Birmingham Settlement
Units 4-7
Alma House
Newtown Shopping Centre
Birmingham B19 2AB
Tel: 0121 250 3000
Fax: 0121 250 3050
Founded in 1899, Birmingham Settlement is the 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:
- Older people’s services
- Children’s Services
- Training and Employment Advice
- Money Advice
- Building cohesion
- Development support for voluntary and community organisations.
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
Our Team
Birmingham Settlement is a registered charity which is governed by a Board of Trustees/ Directors. They provide their time and expertise freely and set the strategic direction for the charity. Currently the Trustee Board comprises:
- Christine Doolan – Chair
- Theo van Beurden – Secretary
- David Sturgeon – Treasurer
- Prof Robert Arnott
- Marcus Brain
- Edward Coley
- Prof. Jo Ellins
- Prof. Jon Glasby
- Trevor Land
- Paddy Martin
- John Parr
- Cllr Alan Rudge
- Barry Shuttleworth
- Prof. Ken Spencer OBE
Birmingham Settlement also has specialist sub committees which are made up of Trustees and supported by senior members of staff. They oversee the various activities of the charity and exercise other powers delegated to them by the Board. Committees include:
- Finance
- Audit
- Fundraising and Shops
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
- Kathryn Day, Head of Care Services
- Philip Evans, Finance Manager
- Cheryl Daniels, Money Advice Services Manager - Community Money Advice Centre
- Margaret Farrell, Money Advice Services Manager - Outreach and Training
- Ashma Dihider, Ageing Well Programme Manager
Further information about the day to day running of the Settlement is available from Lyndsey Smith, PA to the Chief Executive on 0121 250 0745 or info@bsettlement.org.uk
