Springboard wins charity status for educational work

Springboard, London's careers advice centre for the hospitality industry, has won charitable status for its educational activities in recognition of the work it does to encourage young people into the industry.

The charity, to be called The Tourism and Hospitality Educational Trust, will continue to work with teachers and pupils to show them the career opportunities the industry offers, but it will now be able to court donations from a wider variety of sources than before.

Stephen Moss, chairman of Springboard, told Caterer this week: "What we now have is a charity with the aim of providing education in relation to tourism, leisure and hospitality, and to help young people to obtain the most suitable employment with regard to their needs and abilities."

The charity will now be able to approach national and multinational companies such as BT and British Gas, which have funds available for charitable projects.

Mr Moss said he hoped more employers from within the hospitality sector would now wish to contribute to the campaign.

In the past year, Springboard has made 65 visits to schools and colleges, 66 schools have visited its centre, and it has been involved with 33 careers fairs.

Its other activities, such as its work with Jobcentres, will fall outside the work of the charity.