Haberdashers'

About US

WHO WE ARE

The Haberdashers’ Advantage

The Haberdashers’ Company is made up of more than 1000+ members, from all walks of life.

Drawn from those with a long family history of connection with the Company, from our recent school alumni, and across a wide range of dynamic industries and professions, there is huge strength in our diversity.

What do all of these individuals have in common? 

Haberdashers are people who are looking for a way to use their personal skills, time and resources to give back to the wider community.

They are dedicated to making a difference and see the Company as a framework to give back in a multitude of ways. This modern philanthropy is the thread that runs through the heart of the Company, connecting our proud heritage with our present actions, and ensuring we pass on a resilient organisation in the future. 

Underpinned by these shared values, we achieve our purpose through taking a whole community approach to the way we listen, work with and support our schools, our churches and our charity partners across the UK.

Every year the Company distributes more than £4.5 million to financially support our purpose of empowering young people from every background to fulfil their potential through our schools and by supporting their communities.
 
In addition to this funding, we use our network and resources to support our partners on the ground who are delivering this support directly to our young people through governance, and through our direct programmes, facilitated by the time, energy and expertise volunteered by Haberdasher members.
 
In its broadest sense, this is what we call the Haberdashers’ Advantage. It is the tangible support that our communities feel from all sides; the value added, as we seek to be the best possible partner and deliver the most value to our young people.

Governance

Central to the Company is the belief that being a diverse community makes us better able to support others.

We have long since extended our membership from haberdashers to people of all trades.

The Company is governed by a Court of Assistants, presided over by an annually elected Master and four Wardens. The Court consists of 35 Assistants. Similar to a board of directors, it determines the overall strategy of the Haberdashers’ Company and oversees the progress of our business and work.

The Court of Assistants is supported by a Court of Wardens and several committees covering investments, finance, charities, membership and more. All our committee members are volunteers drawn from among our  membership.

The Company’s Clerk, rather like a Chief Executive, leads a senior management team and a staff of around 15.

The Master and four Wardens (rather like a Chair and Trustees) are democratically elected from the Court and serve for one year from November to November.

In the year November 2024 – November 2025, the Court of Wardens are:

  • Master: Alderman Sir William Russell
  • First Warden: Anthony Cann
  • Second Warden: Simon Cartmell
  • Third Warden: Kunle Olafare
  • Fourth Warden: Helen Gough

HABERDASHER News

Find out more about Haberdashers' Company governance.

Membership

From an entrepreneurial community in the medieval City of London, to today’s thriving network of modern-day Haberdashers, our mission has stayed the same: supporting the communities in which we live and work.

Originally primarily a textile and trading body with a firm focus on supporting its own community, today our members are no longer linked by a shared trade, but instead by a belief in young people and a desire to give back to the Haberdasher community. 

Haberdashers have always believed in leaving the world in a better place, playing a fundamental role in our ability to deliver on our purpose of empowering young people from every background to fulfil their potential. 

Our members see the Company as a framework for giving back in a multitude of ways. Their commitment—through their time, skill sharing, and financial support—enables us to add value to the communities we work with in England and Wales. 

The Haberdashers’ Company isn’t just preserving a legacy; we’re actively shaping the world of tomorrow. By investing in the next generation, we empower them to successfully navigate their futures and achieve their potential. 

If you think you might be interested in joining the Company, please contact us.

Being part of the Haberdashers’ Company also offers numerous benefits that can enhance both personal and professional growth:

Community: Being part of a organisation with shared values and goals fosters a sense of friendship and belonging. 

Networking Opportunities: Members gain access to a broad network of fellow professionals in their field and beyond, facilitating connections that can lead to collaborations and career advancements. 

Leadership Opportunities: Engaging with the organisation provides opportunities to take on leadership roles at our educational events, helping young people develop important life skills such as confidence, teamwork and leadership. 

Giving Back: The Company runs a busy schedule and offers a multitude of opportunities for giving back, ranging from working alongside our charity partners on growth strategies, to supporting our live events and mentoring Sixth Formers. 

Getting Involved: In addition to our voluntary opportunities, members have access to a range of events, from social sports teams, to lectures, school visits, to dinners. 

Staying Informed: Members receive updates on Company news, as well as invitations to key events at Haberdashers’ Hall in the heart of the City of London. 

Get involved

“I’m a huge believer in transferrable skills, and through the passion and positivity of volunteering you will undoubtedly learn that you know more than you think you do”.

Gerry Williams

Haberdasher volunteer with charity partner No Going Back

“Given the help I have received from the Company and my former Haberdasher school over the years, this is a great opportunity to repay that debt. Knowing that I may be able to help a student who's in a similar position to me when I was growing up, is a great prospect for me.”

Folami Iyiola

Former Head Boy Haberdashers’ Hatcham College and Habs Aspire Mentor volunteer

“As a former Habs student, giving back through volunteering brings fulfilment and joy, knowing my support can help shape their journey, just as others did for me—which in turn, still inspires me to this day.”

Alice Chen

Former Head Girl at Haberdashers' Hatcham College, LGB Governor at Haberdashers' Hatcham Primary and Treasurer for charity partner Lewisham Youth Theatre

Get involved

The Company is committed to adding value to all areas of its work through the Haberdashers’ Advantage – using our network and resources to achieve greater lasting impact.

Making a difference with time, expertise and skills:

You don’t need to be a member of the Company to support our work.

Your contribution could make a significant and lasting impact:
  • Mentoring our Sixth Form or University Students
  • Offer specialist guidance such as Marketing, Business Consultancy or Human Resources to our charity partners
  • Speaking at or running a workshop at one of our flagship school careers events
  • Donate to the Haberdashers’ Foundation 
  • Consider becoming a School Governor, or a Trustee for a small charity partner
 

If you would like to explore this way of supporting the Company’s work, please contact us.

HABERDASHER News

Find out more about what's been going on at the Haberdashers' Company.

HABERDASHER News

Find out more about Haberdashers' Company's history.

Affiliations

In common with many other Livery Companies, we maintain a strong relationship with the Armed Forces through affiliations with units in the Royal Navy, the Army, the Royal Air Force and the Air Training Corps. 

Historically, the link of Livery Companies to the military goes back to The Trained Bands that began as a standing militia of the City of London in the 16th Century. The companies at that time would provide members to this part-time force as well as equipment. A Haberdashers’ Company musket of the 17th Century can be seen in the London Museum. By the 18th Century this militia became part of the evolving British Army. 

In the aftermaths of the First and Second World Wars, the desire of the companies to reassociate with the Armed Forces, to recognise their contribution to the country’s defence, reasserted itself. 

The Company makes financial grants annually to all the affiliated units.  The grants are spent at the discretion of the Commanding Officer of the unit, for the provision of welfare and benevolence for all ranks.  Members of the units attend some events in the Hall, participate in sport with members of the Company, and will be included in the Habs Aspire mentoring programme in due course.