Dear Members
I hope you are all well and enjoying the summer.
I have some important news to share with you about the Settlement. Nick Skinner is going to be stepping down from the role of Settlement Manager at the end of this year. He has done a fantastic job during his time in this leadership role, and although we will be sad to see say goodbye to him, we also wish him well in his next career move.
Nick’s contribution to the Settlement’s success
Nick joined us shortly after the pandemic, when the Settlement was still finding its feet again after a disrupted period of operation. Nick’s experience of managing adult education, of leading people and of finding creative solutions to problems have helped transform the Settlement. The introduction of the Summer and Easter Schools, the development of Saturday morning offerings, the expansion of the course and workshop programme to include a range of new subjects and knowledgeable tutors – these are just some of the initiatives introduced by Nick.
Nick has created a welcoming and capable team in the Settlement office. Together they have implemented a successful educational programme, managed the hirers and community groups based at the Settlement and taken care of the premises. Nick has also worked closely with the board of trustees to ensure that the Settlement’s recovery plan was affordable and sustainable, and that our strategy for the future has solid foundations.
Looking to the future
The Settlement celebrates one hundred years in the Nevells Road premises this year. It is a time when we are also looking forward and planning for the next one hundred years. We see many opportunities ahead: to build on our strengths in adult education; to introduce new projects; and to expand our site in order to be able to offer more.
The Manager is absolutely crucial to the success of these plans. We feel that this is an exciting time for a new leader to join us. We are looking to appoint someone who can drive growth and change, whilst also respecting the values and special character of the Settlement.
Key dates
The recruitment process to appoint the new Manager starts this week. The job description, and other details about the role and recruitment process, will shortly be available on the Settlement website. Please share the job details with anyone you feel may be interested and well-suited to be our new Manager.
The deadline for applications is 10 September. Interviews will take place on 26 and 29 September, and we hope to make an offer by the end of September.
We will provide an update on the outcome of the recruitment process by the time of the AGM in November. The new Manager will start work by 5 January 2026.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at chair@letchworthsettlement.org.uk if you have any questions.
Thank you for supporting the Settlement and for playing such a crucial role in its current success.
Best regards
Hilary Kemp
Chair of Trustees
