ABOUT US

What Does the SJC Do?

The work of the Charity is nationwide. Its role is unique in embracing every sector of the Trade: manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. By means of regular financial support or one-off grants it assists both current and retired Trade employees or their spouses who live anywhere in the United Kingdom and who find themselves in need because of poverty or sickness.

Many grantees have given a lifetime’s service to the Trade; others have tragically been denied that opportunity having been struck down with illness or disability at relatively young ages. The many appeals received by the Charity for special assistance often come via other charitable organisations or from social services departments unable to help through the benefits system. Many of the cases dealt with are deeply distressing and it is a fallacy that examples of real poverty can no longer be found. Contrary to the popular misconception the State does not always provide and those who have fallen upon hard times through no fault of their own have to turn to the Charity to help make their lives a little more pleasant especially in old age.

Our experience bears out the pertinent comment of the novelist Anthony Powell who wrote:

“Growing old is like being increasingly penalised for a crime you haven’t committed”.

GOVERNANCE

The Organisation

The Charity is governed by a Council of Trustees who are collectively legally responsible for all its affairs. As company directors they have a limited liability of a maximum of £10 should the Charity ever become insolvent and have to be wound up. Council members are elected by their peers or in the case of an appointment between Annual General Meetings elections are confirmed at the next following AGM.

The current Chairman of Trustees is Antony Vanderpump. Under the constitution two members of the Council are appointed by The Goldsmiths’ Company. The current appointees are former Prime Warden Grant Macdonald and the Company’s Financial Director Robert Preece. Day-to-day administration is in the hands of the Charity Manager who is employed by the Trustees. The Council normally meets three times per annum and urgent matters requiring decisions in between meetings are taken by the Chairman and/or Vice-Chairman and Charity Manager, otherwise the Trustees are consulted via email.

The Charity has a contract with J M Finn & Co, stockbrokers to act as its nominee investment adviser, with independent accountants who carry out an annual audit and specialist charity solicitors who provide assistance when necessary.

FUNDING

Our Sources of Funding

The Goldsmiths’ Company has always been the Charity’s chief benefactor but it remains independent from the Charity. The Charity has to compete with high profile charities that can appeal nationally for funds whereas the SJC is largely dependent upon the Trade.

Sadly, donations from the Trade have declined in recent years and the Charity is increasingly reliant upon income from its investments and from fund-raising activities such as the annual Charity Dinner held in May and the Golf Day held in September.

If you would like to pledge your support for the Silversmiths & Jewellers Charity today please click here to make a donation.

ROYAL PATRONAGE

HRH Princess Michael of Kent

HM The Queen remained patron until 1997 when she decided to release a great many of her patronages and she was succeeded by HRH Princess Michael of Kent who, as a Liveryman of The Goldsmiths’ Company, enjoyed a connection with the Trade.