The Goldsmiths’ Company appoints Jos Skeates to its Court of Assistants

On Friday 8 March 2024, The Goldsmiths’ Company announced the appointment of a new member of its Court of Assistants – Jos Skeates – who has been elected for his commercial, social and environmental experience, and for his contributions to the craft and trade of goldsmithing.

Equivalent to a non-executive board, the Court of Assistants is the Company’s governing body, and has overall responsibility for the Company’s affairs and for appointing members to the 11 committees which direct the day-to-day operation of the Company.

Established by Royal Charter in 1327, the Goldsmiths’ Company is a membership organisation focused on supporting craftspeople through the training and development and promotion of jewellers, silversmiths and the allied trades; protecting consumers through hallmarking; and improving lives through its work with charitable partners.

Following a recruitment process focused on key skills and requirements, Jos was elected from within the Company’s membership by the Court of Assistants.

There are now 26 Assistants on the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Court of Assistants: 27% women and 73% men.

Jos Skeates is the founder and Managing Director of the award-winning jewellers E.C.One. He completed his apprenticeship with The Goldsmiths’ Company and then undertook a degree in Jewellery Design at Central St. Martins. Shortly after graduating in 1997, Jos and his partner Alison established the boutique jewellers E.C.One. Their company have won five different UK Jewellery Awards, including Best Boutique Jewellers and Best Independent Jewellers.

Jos served as Chairman of the Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council and as a member of the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Membership Committee.  He is a regular speaker on the Getting Started Course and has participated in several talks at the Goldsmiths' Centre on ethics, sustainability and business practice. In addition, he has been a regular judge at events, including the Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council, Make Your Mark Awards, UK Jewellery Awards, and the British Fashion Council.

Jos is a passionate advocate for 'using business for good' through positive social and environmental impact. In 2019 as well as winning the 'Ethical Jewellery Business Award', Jos helped his company become the first UK jewellers to achieve B Corp status. In 2022 he completed a Master’s in Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at Birkbeck University.  

Prime Warden (Chairman-equivalent), Charles Mackworth-Young said of the appointment,

“I would like to extend Jos a very warm welcome to the Court of Assistants. He brings a wealth of experience to the Company and has played an active role in how we are run and the support we give to the trade and craft of jewellery and silversmithing. I look forward to working with him on areas such as improving our social impact, sustainability and attracting more people from the trade and craft into our membership.”