Be part of the promise
We believe in changing lives for the better. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e committed to achieving our Mission to a Million: Forward Together goals by 2030. Improving socio-economic outcomes is our guiding principle.
We鈥檝e already positively impacted the lives of more than 500,000 people through job creation, education, training and meaningful charitable engagement, and we鈥檙e building on that progress. Guided by our four pillars 鈥� Get In, Get On, Get Involved, and Get Supported 鈥� we鈥檙e committed to turning ambition into measurable impact for our colleagues and the communities we serve.
Sophie Smith, Chief People Officer:
"Supporting over 500,000 people in the past four years fills us with pride and motivates us to keep making a real difference. During that time, we have learnt so much, and now is the ideal time to enhance our programme further, to ensure we are doing all that we can to continue to improve the outcomes for people both within and outside our organisation.
By embedding socio-economic outcomes into all our programmes, as well as leveraging our scale, we are able to support tens of thousands of people every year, whether it鈥檚 through learning and development, upskilling, providing work or work experience, as well as supporting local initiatives in the communities in which we work."
Get In
Diversity is the foundation of our strength. By refining recruitment, widening access, and embedding equity, we鈥檙e committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. To bring this to life, we鈥檙e creating opportunities at every level. Each year, we鈥檒l deliver 1,000 apprenticeships and partner with schools, charities and local organisations. Through our Social Partner Hub, we鈥檒l offer career guidance, skills training, and development pathways that will open the door to long-term success for diverse talent.
Get On
Everyone should have the opportunity to grow. We鈥檙e creating clear pathways from the frontline to leadership, ensuring progress is open to all.
By removing barriers and investing in training, we鈥檙e building a culture where talent can flourish regardless of background.
This commitment is delivered through focused initiatives like our Six Signature Programmes and Xcelerate regional training centres, which equip future leaders with the skills to thrive.
Get Involved
Our role extends beyond the workplace. Using our scale, we promote health and nutrition for young people and families through initiatives like Beyond the Chartwells Kitchen and the Junior Chef Academy.
Our Nourished Life programme supports clients and customers, while partnerships with local networks and charities extend help to those most in need. We鈥檙e also unlocking the strength of over 55,000 colleagues, empowering them to volunteer for local causes and lead fundraising that channels energy into positive change nationwide.
Get Supported
Support should be more than a promise. That鈥檚 why we advocate for the Real Living Wage and report openly on gender and ethnicity, holding ourselves accountable while setting an example for the sector. The practical care we provide is equally vital, from wellbeing, mental health, and financial guidance to health services, meals and tools that ease everyday pressures.
With parental leave, menopause support and initiatives like Nourished Life, we鈥檙e creating a workplace where colleagues feel cared for at every stage of life.
Jacob Banting, ESS Commis Chef:
鈥淚鈥檝e learnt so much since completing the Junior Chef Academy and joining ESS as an apprentice. In addition to my training, which has covered a range of cookery skills and techniques, I鈥檝e grown as a person and am now much more confident. I鈥檝e now completed my Level 2 apprenticeship and competed in several competitions, which are great for getting out of your comfort zone. I love working as part of a team, and I can鈥檛 thank my colleagues enough for everything they鈥檝e taught me.鈥�
Jonathan Milner, Area Development and Support Chef, CH&CO
鈥淲e鈥檝e only just scratched the surface of the Forward programme, but the experience so far has been outstanding. One thing that has stood out is the people 鈥� a group of chefs coming together, bonding over a mutual love and enthusiasm for what they do and wanting to learn from and support one another. This doesn鈥檛 just end with the Cohort - the support available from our culinary leaders, trainers, and industry experts so far has been amazing. This means a lot to me personally, and I鈥檓 very excited to continue this journey and make the most of this fantastic opportunity.鈥�
Our Oracy Report – The Great British Speaking Gap
As part of Our Social Promise we are committed to creating opportunities for all and oracy skills play a vital part in this.聽
We conducted polling with More in Common and commissioned research with Purpose Union to better understand perceptions and access to oracy education and training in the UK.聽
And the results are stark. Nearly every respondent said they think oracy is important for career progression, but a majority have never had any oracy education or training. And this access only worsens when you take into account socio-economic backgrounds.
