Founded in 2016, Well Grounded’s (WG) vision is of a society where people are thriving socially and economically in a diverse, dynamic and nurturing coffee industry. Well Grounded runs a series of Specialty Coffee Training Academies for adults facing barriers to employment. It empowers people with the skills, training, mentorship and qualifications they need to access work in the specialty coffee industry. Well Grounded has a range of coffee products, a cafe offering and other coffee related business activities raising funds for its social mission.

The aftercare programme transitions over 70% of Well Grounded Graduates into work, further training and education and provides ongoing free wellbeing and coffee training. Well Grounded has an ambitious strategy to ensure systemic change in the hiring, recruitment and progression practices of the specialty hospitality industry, linking those facing barriers to work into careers in coffee. The organisation works with over 120 employers to provide work placements for trainees and talent for the coffee industry. 

WG sells its coffee across 53 venues including Waitrose. It also runs cafe partnerships with UCL, Lloyds Banking Group and UBS. In addition to this, it receives support from DWP and the National Lottery Community Fund. 

Now Well Grounded is looking to expand it operations beyond London across different geographies. To do this, it is looking for a Chair who can help facilitate this expansion whilst keeping WG's values at the core of the operation.

The Chair:

• Ensures that the values of WG are implemented and that WG listens, understands and honours its obligations to our stakeholders, especially as it looks to expand across the UK (including Scotland)
• Provides effective leadership to the Board of Directors ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities and accountabilities for good governance as well as training and developing board members as they join
• Works in partnership with, and supports the CEO, helping them to achieve the mission of the organisation
• Optimises the relationship between the Board and our staff/volunteers
• Attends and contributes to the Finance and Risk Committee, feeding back into Board meetings
• Provides effective leadership to the Board of Trustees, supports the CEO to ensure effective delivery and implementation of the strategy, providing constructive support and challenge for individual and organisational development
• Is an effective ambassador for WG. This will involve acting as a spokesperson and use networks to raise the profile of the organisation
• Contributes relevant experience, expertise, and insight, add value to strategy and policy development at Well Grounded, and hold the CEO to account for performance delivery
• Understands WG's ambitions and works effectively to provide advice and guidance

Well Grounded is seeking a Chair to further develop the organisation and propel it to the next stage of its development. Candidates will have experience operating in senior, strategic leadership positions and a strong understanding of governance. Prior experience of the third sector would be beneficial. Candidates will have:

• Passion for WG’s mission and organisational purpose
• Experience of organisational leadership or governance, as well as in strategy and planning
• Experience of developing and executing organisational strategies, and using data as a progressive tool for progress
• An understanding of the nature of a small social enterprise organisations 
• Extensive experience of operating at a senior level in a strategic capacity
• Knowledge of the third sector and previous experience of working with vulnerable adults would be a bonus

Lindsey Claire MacDonald, Chair
Eve Louise Wagg, CEO
Sara Anne McCraight 
Andrew Hilton McTavish 
Rasha Obaid
Marta Pogroszewska
Yvonne Obuaya

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. Time commitment is c. two days per month.

Location 

This organisation is based in London and meetings will take place in person or virtually.