Changing Lives

At Hand Picked Hotels, we are committed to supporting people, whether they are guests staying for a night or team members building their careers with us. This is why we are incredibly proud of our partnership with Springboard, a leading UK hospitality charity.

Springboard changes lives by helping the young and unemployed, from all backgrounds, to open doors to brighter futures with rewarding careers in the hospitality industry. Through tailored training, mentoring, and hands-on industry experience, the charity supports thousands of individuals each year to step into work with confidence and purpose. Their training programmes combine practical skills with vital soft skills, ensuring participants are equipped not just for employment, but for a sustainable career path. For many, this is not simply about finding a job: it is about reclaiming self-belief, dignity, and a sense of belonging.

For over two decades, our hotels have been committed to putting people first, from the guests who walk through our doors to the diverse and talented team that creates each and every memorable experience for them. Hospitality is all about people, a value that is truly shared by Springboard. By teaming up, we are empowered to nurture the next generation of hospitality professionals, ensuring the industry continues to flourish with passion and talent at its core.

Together, we’re shaping a stronger, more resilient industry and future-proofing the talent pipeline for generations of hospitality specialists to come. Our partnership is rooted in humanity, hope, and the belief that opportunity should be accessible to all – and we think that’s quite special.

“Our partnership with Hand Picked Hotels is helping us empower more people to unlock their potential and discover fulfilling careers in hospitality—regardless of background or circumstance.

By joining forces, we’re not only nurturing individual talent but also strengthening the entire sector for the future. Every mentoring session, every job placement, and every boost in confidence is a step toward a more inclusive, resilient hospitality industry. With support from wonderful partners like Hand Picked Hotels, together we’re changing lives and opening doors to brighter futures.”

Chris Gamm, CEO, Springboard

Our collaboration with Springboard includes the Ambassador Programme, which sees members of the Hand Picked Hotels team mentoring and guiding Springboard trainees. By providing real-world hotel industry experience, advice, insight and encouragement, our Ambassadors play a small but powerful part in the journey from training to triumph. It is often said that hospitality is more than a career: it is a calling. The energy and passion that radiates from Springboard graduates is proof of that, because they don’t just learn how to serve, cook, or manage: they discover how to thrive, lead, and contribute to an industry that values heart as much as skill.

“By teaming up, we are empowered to nurture the next generation of hospitality professionals.”

At Hand Picked Hotels, we have seen firsthand the difference this makes. From trainees finding their first role in one of our kitchens to young people discovering the thrill of creating unforgettable guest experiences, Springboard’s influence can be felt at every level. It is a testament to the resilience of individuals and the support of an organisation that refuses to let talent go unnoticed.

Looking ahead, this partnership will continue to grow. Together, we are building pathways into hospitality that are not only sustainable but inspiring. Whether someone dreams of becoming a chef, a manager, or a specialist in luxury service, this collaboration ensures the journey begins with guidance, training, and encouragement.

Making a Difference

5,340 people supported into employment
in hospitality, giving them the tools and confidence to thrive.

22,914 school pupils engaged
through careers and education programmes, including 18,279 participants of Springboard FutureChef, inspiring the next generation of culinary talent.

2,765 young and disadvantaged people trained
through employability programmes, which offer soft skills development, confidence building, hospitality training, one-to-one mentoring, coaching, and job-seeking support.

86% of those securing work joined the hospitality industry,
with 81% of trainees remaining in their roles for over 12 months.

152,483 individuals accessed specialist careers information and guidance,
promoting hospitality, leisure, and tourism as great career choices. This includes 126,804 users of the CareerScope hospitality hub, supported by 2,371 industry Ambassadors who help raise awareness and enthusiasm for the sector.