We’re delighted to feature Alex in our first Staff Spotlight!
Alex joined the Settlement team in January 2025 after 9 years as Sandwell Arts Officer and extensive experience in the charity sector. Our Income & Comms Officer Beth chatted with Alex about his role as Centre Manager at Birmingham Settlement Sports & Community Centre, what inspires him, hobbies outside of work and what he enjoys most about his job. We hope you enjoy reading…
What inspired you to work in the charity sector?
“I have worked in a number of different sectors, ranging from charity, hospitality, entertainment, and local government and I can honestly say the most rewarding job positions I have ever had has been in the charity sector. I am always blown away by how much charities do for their customers and service users, with the limited resources they have. The hard working staff who put things aside to support and help others is truly inspiring. If I can inspire one person to work, support and help another I feel I have done my job, and that is my reward.”
What do you enjoy most about your job?
“I can honestly say the people. The service users we support and the staff I am fortunate to work with.”
What do you like to do outside of work?
“Outside of work, I am a founding member of a local theatre company called The Mint Theatre Society where I perform, direct, produce and write our own shows. We perform twice a year at a number of community venues/ village halls across the West Midlands. We will beginning rehearsals on our next show Dick Whittington in September ready to perform in December!”
What is one thing you wish more people knew about Birmingham Settlement?
“I wish more people new about what we actually do. We receive no core funding and have to seek funds to do some of the amazing projects we do, from weekly free activities, to festivals. Money Advice to family fun days, wellbeing workshops to battling loneliness with a cuppa and warm welcome. I believe we have made a rod for our own back sometimes, by plodding on and doing what we do so successfully that sometimes we forget to shout out about what we do, and that we should be proud of what we achieve.”
What does a typical day look like as Centre Manager… if there is a ‘typical’ day!?
“This question made me chuckle, and the honest answer is that there is no typical day for a Centre Manager. It changes from day to day, sometimes hour to hour. One minute you are answering questions for the newsletter and the next you are being called away to chat about flowers and raised beds. One day you have plans to get all your admin done, the next you are setting up the big screen for Film Club. Delightful chaos I like to describe it as.”
What are you most excited for at the Centre going forwards?
“The plans we have for the not so distant future, and the bigger plans on the horizon. The Centre is going from strength to strength at the moment – which I can not take credit for. It is down to the team who work here, their passion, determination and love for what they do, is inspiring.”
It’s been great having Alex on the team over these last few months, we’re excited for big upcoming plans at the Centre. Thank you Alex for taking time out of your busy day to speak to us!
Stay tuned for more Staff Spotlight’s in the coming months – who do you want to see featured next?