A fond farewell, and a warm welcome

Following the news earlier this year that our CEO, Joanna Holmes, will be leaving Wellspring Settlement at the end of the year, we have some news.

Will Bee, Chair of the Board of Trustees provided the following update:

“The Board are delighted to announce that we have appointed Beth Wilson as our new CEO. Beth is currently CEO of Bristol Refugee Rights, and is an experienced Chief Exec who has successfully led BRR for nine years, growing their income and establishing them as the leading refugee support organisation in Bristol. What stood out about Beth was her passion for the local community and her determination to help them secure justice and fairness.”

It also seems appropriate here to thank Joanna for the huge amount she has done for the Settlement over the last 20 years. She has been steadfast in her commitment to serving the local community, and creative in finding ways to generate income to support our work and maximise the use of our buildings. As a leader has been supportive and empathetic while always being prepared to take the tough decisions when necessary. The Settlement owes her an enormous debt of gratitude for all she has done up the organisation as not just a vital community anchor for the Barton Hill area, but one which is respected on a national and international basis. She has led the Settlement through some very tough times but leaves us in a very strong position.”

Joanna will certainly be missed and all trustees and staff would like to thank her for her guidance over the last few years as we’ve navigated both a pandemic and a merger. As the organisation becomes more established as one entity, we’re excited to welcome Beth and look to the future.

Statement from Joanna on her departure:

“I have been extremely lucky to have worked in this community and with such dedicated colleagues for such a long time. The local community and the staff at Wellspring Settlement are very special. I have learnt so much, had so much to laugh about, been on so many ups and downs and, together, we have built something to be really proud of. I feel very confident that Wellspring Settlement will be even better in the years to come.

 It feels like a good time to leave Wellspring Settlement as we have achieved so much over the last period and have much to look forward to. It hasn’t been an easy period for the community due to Covid and the cost-of-living crisis, but I am confident the staff at Wellspring Settlement will continue to work hard for this community, offering support and opportunities.”