27 January

Creating Community and Connection

Foundation Director Michelle O’Brien shares how the Goldsmiths’ Company and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal are working together to build a thriving, more inclusive, and a Better City for All.

Belonging and fellowship are at the heart of the Goldsmiths' Company. For us, this means creating an open and welcoming environment, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together with a shared sense of purpose, and nurturing a vibrant community where everyone feels they belong. Our community thrives on generosity and meaningful connections. These values, rooted in more than seven centuries of service and philanthropy, are what unite us with The Lord Mayor's Appeal. We're committed to helping our City thrive for everyone who lives, works and visits here. That sense of community, culture and shared experience is why we're proud to support this initiative.

What has particularly impressed us about this partnership is how it has opened doors to employee engagement. City Giving Day has become a highlight of our calendar, offering colleagues the chance to contribute to causes that genuinely matter, and feel part of the City's vibrant community and culture. Whether it's joining a charity cycling event or participating in historical walks that remind us of the City's rich past, these activities have brought our teams together while making a tangible difference to local communities.

What has resonated most is the genuinely inclusive spirit of TLMA's events. In 2025, we joined the Eid celebrations – an opportunity to share in a tradition that reflects the diversity of our City and strengthens our sense of belonging.

One of our Liveryman who attended the event, expressed it best, when she said, in a LinkedIn post:

"This evening was more than a celebration -- it was a powerful reflection of the deep and historic relationship between the City of London and the Muslim world... it was especially powerful to see our Livery's [the Goldsmiths' Company's] long standing values of philanthropy, craftmanship and community reflected in such an inclusive event... [it] speaks to the evolving, yet enduring, role of livery companies in building bridges across cultures and faiths."

Our HR colleagues have attended training sessions alongside professionals from other City-based organisations, creating networks and sharing best practices that have enhanced our capabilities. There's something uniquely valuable about learning from peers who face similar challenges in similar contexts, it's professional development that feels both relevant and immediately applicable.

Through our involvement with TLMA, we've been able to play a part in making the City more inclusive and skilled. Supporting colleagues to participate in activities that create a shared sense of purpose and helping them develop professionally through peer engagement in core areas like HR has strengthened our organisation from within. People do their best work when they feel part of something bigger. That's why we focus on building a culture of belonging and fellowship.

A highlight of this partnership has been witnessing the enthusiasm of our employees as they've embraced these opportunities. Seeing colleagues don their cycling gear for City Giving Day, watching them explore London's hidden corners on historical walks, and observing the genuine appreciation from Muslim staff at the Eid dinner, these moments remind us why institutional giving matters. It's not just about grant-funding; it's about creating connections, building understanding, and fostering a sense of shared purpose.

The Lord Mayor's Appeal embodies something essential: the idea that those of us who work in the City have a responsibility to the City. As we look ahead, we're excited to continue this partnership and to find new ways to support the Appeal's work in making London a city that works for everyone.

In the end, the strength of any community lies in its willingness to support all its members. Through our partnership with The Lord Mayor's Appeal, we're proud to play our part in building a stronger, more inclusive City.

For further information on the benefits of partnering with The Lord Mayor’s Appeal and opportunities for involvement, please click here.