The Compass Group Foundation marks three years of impact, transforming lives and communities
Compass Group UK and Ireland is celebrating three years of impact through its partnership with The Compass Group Foundation, the Group’s independent charitable foundation.
Launched in 2023 by parent company Compass Group, the Foundation is marking a period of rapid progress in breaking down barriers to opportunity and supporting people and communities to build more resilient futures.
The Foundation has already supported more than 21,000 people and backed over 300 small enterprises globally, including farmers and food entrepreneurs, across 14 countries. In the UK and Ireland, the Foundation supported eight charities in 2025, distributing nearly £200,000 to support vital community‑based work.
At the heart of this work is a focus on people - creating pathways into meaningful work for refugees, people with disabilities and women in vulnerable situations; empowering farmers and food entrepreneurs to build sustainable livelihoods and strengthening local food systems. Through targeted partnerships and practical support, it has also helped unlock surplus food to deliver hundreds of thousands of meals to communities in need.
Changing lives through UK partnerships
In the UK, the Foundation has supported a number of impactful projects that demonstrate how tailored, holistic support can deliver lasting change including:
Ladder Foundation for Birmingham – Xcelerate Your Future Initiative has supported people facing significant barriers, including homelessness, food insecurity, health challenges and immigration issues, to build confidence, gain skills and move closer to employment. The hospitality focused programme combines practical training with daily meals, free travel cards, mentoring and referrals for housing, mental health‑ and legal advice. As a result, 83% of participants graduated with accredited qualifications, while 58% moved from not being in employment, education or training into work or further training within six months. The programme also supported another 68 applicants who were not selected for the training, offering them referrals to alternative pathways.
Sense – Aspirations for All Employment Service – has helped disabled individuals with complex needs to access meaningful work. Through personalised coaching, group sessions and engagement with inclusive employers, the programme has supported more than 100 people on a one to one basis, built confidence and job readiness, and connected jobseekers directly with employers committed to inclusion at the Birmingham Jobs Fair.
Fareshare - Surplus with Purpose Programme - Addressing food insecurity and waste, the Foundation’s support has enabled the redistribution of 173 tonnes of surplus food — equivalent to more than 411,000 meals — to frontline charities and community organisations. This work has helped improve physical and mental health, reduce isolation and lessen stigma for people experiencing food insecurity, while supporting thousands of charities across the UK.
Other organisations that received support through the Foundation include: Cook for Good, Well Grounded, Springboard, FoodCycle and Natasha Allergen Research Foundation.
The Compass Group Foundation’s 2025 Impact Report brings these numbers to life through stories from across its programmes, highlighting how focused support, delivered in partnership with charities and community organisations, can help people rebuild confidence, access work and create more resilient local economies.
As the Compass Group Foundation enters its fourth year, it remains committed to supporting inclusive economies and ensuring more people have the opportunity not just to participate, but to thrive.
Robin Mills, Chair of The Compass Group Foundation and CEO of Compass Group UK & Ireland said:
“The Compass Group Foundation’s Annual Impact Report reflects the extraordinary outcomes, partnerships and stories that have shaped our work over the past year. Together with our charity partners we have already reached more than 21,000 people and supported over 300 small enterprises globally, including small scale farmers.”
“In a time of economic uncertainty and growing social challenges, our commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity has never been more important. As an independent charitable foundation aligned to Compass Group’s purpose as a people powered business, we are focused on enabling meaningful livelihoods, strengthening communities and creating lasting change.”
Justine Johnson, Manager, Ladder Foundation:
“Through holistic support, skills development and strong community partnerships, we aim to empower people not only to enter the hospitality workforce, but to grow, succeed and lead fulfilling lives.
“Yohannes, a recent graduate of the programme, has been working as a Barista at well-known football club in the area, and we’re delighted that he has now been offered a permanent position at the club.”
