About the Leathersellers
Our purpose
600 years ago, a group of leather craftsmen and merchants with similar interests came together to create an association of craft and community, working to uphold standards and look after each other when times were tough. And they stuck at it. For centuries.
Guided by enduring principals, this legacy has created a platform for opportunity, for others to succeed: for young people at the schools we support in south-east London; for students from under-represented backgrounds; leatherworkers; our grantees and the people that depend on them; our members and staff; and partners with shared interests and ambitions in the City of London and across the UK.
Governance: The Leathersellers’ Company
The Company received its Charter of Incorporation in 1444 from Henry VI. Today the Company is responsible for stewarding assets and supporting the work of the Leathersellers’ Foundation – ensuring each generation of members passes on a better organisation.
The Company elects a new Master (Chair) and Wardens (senior board members) every summer. The Court of Assistants (The Board) consists of 24 members. The Company is limited to 150 Liverymen (senior members) and a growing number of Freemen (entry-level members). The executive team, responsible for delivering the Leathersellers’ Strategy, is led by the Chief Executive & Clerk.
Principal Officers
Governance: The Leathersellers’ Foundation
Established in 1979, the Foundation is a grant funder with its own independent income, generated from its investment portfolio. From this we award grants to a range of charities, educational partners and directly to individuals. The Foundation’s three core areas of giving are charity, education and leather.
Foundation governance
“Whilst we continue to cover a significant amount of ground, there is always more to do to embed and realise our ambitions, fulfilling our purpose as an organisation that provides a platform for opportunity.”
Mark Williams, Master
OUR LOCATION
St Helen’s Place in the City of London has been our home since 1543. The seventh and current Leathersellers’ Hall was opened in 2016. Along with providing a space for our members and staff, we offer the Hall for the benefit of our partners across charity, education, leather, and the City of London.
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PARTNERSHIPS
As a 600-year-old organisation we understand the value of long-term partnerships and the benefits these can bring to society. We are committed to building on these relationships, continuing to share our time, experience, and resources, particularly where we have a governance role.
Our PartnersOur Guiding Principles
Our guiding principles are truths that serve as a foundation for how we operate. They are based on consistent historic precedent and our ambitions in the present day.
COMPASSION
Compassion lies at the core of our identity and purpose. We have an enduring charitable legacy, from 1444 to the present day. We are committed to the support and service of others.
ENDEAVOUR
We endeavour to be the best we can be, striving for excellence in our approaches and practices, being ready to learn and to set examples of leadership.
INDEPENDENCE
Our independence, based on a 600-year heritage, informs our responsibilities as stewards in the
present, gives us an ability to innovate, and to respond to needs and opportunities.
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS
Mark Williams
Master
Matthew Lawrence
Chief Executive and Clerk to the Company
Julie Butler
Senior Executive Assistant to the Clerk
Nick Boston
Chief Finance Officer
Natalia Rymaszewska
Head of Grants
Stacey Lamb
Head of Charity Grants
Nick Dart
Head of Property
Curtis McGlinchey
Head of Communications
