Chefs in Schools

Who we are

Chefs in Schools is a charity founded in 2018 to transform school food, school food culture and food education, particularly in areas with high socio-economic deprivation. The charity supports schools through onsite programmes, online training and providing guidance to improve school meals and children's health.

Co-founded by Henry Dimbleby, Nicole Pisani, former head chef at Ottolenghi’s NOPI, and Louise Nichols, Exec Headteacher at LEAP Federation - the charity has helped over 100,000 children access better school food and food education, proving that exciting, nutritious school meals are possible on a tight budget. Backed by top chefs and food leaders, Chefs in Schools also campaigns for lasting school food reform and has won several national awards for impact. Join the revolution – help us to fuel the future.

Our culture and values

At Chefs in Schools, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported. Whether working with children, schools, or the wider community, we build trust through our actions. 

We want to ensure that our work environment remains respectful and ethical, allowing us to collaborate effectively and achieve our mission together. Our values shape how we work together and with our community. We encourage everyone to be:

•       Bold: Take on challenges with confidence and creativity.

•       Honest: Act with transparency and integrity, always.

•       Solutions focused: Aim for positive, practical outcomes in all situations.

•       Innovative: Be open to new ideas and better ways of working.

•       Collaborative: Work together and support each other as a team.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Our mission extends beyond the kitchen. We are committed to building a culture where every individual can thrive. By fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organisation, we model the fairness and integrity we seek to instil in the schools and communities we support. A diverse and inclusive team enables us to develop creative solutions, draw from a wide range of perspectives, and serve the varied needs of the students, teachers, and chefs we work with.

Diversity is not just about representation; it is about ensuring that a wide range of voices are heard, valued, and considered in decisions we make. At Chefs in Schools, we welcome team members from all backgrounds and experiences, believing that the diversity of our team enhances our ability to innovate and connect with the communities we serve. We also commit to ensuring that no one is discriminated against based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.  

We recognise that true equity goes beyond treating everyone the same; it means making adjustments where needed to ensure all team members have the support they need to thrive. Whether it's flexible working arrangements, reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities or accessibility needs, or providing opportunities for professional development, we are committed to addressing individual needs and barriers to create a level playing field for everyone.

This approach allows us to focus on the well-being of our team, which in turn strengthens the impact we have on schools and communities.

Inclusion is about creating an environment where everyone feels they belong. At Chefs in Schools, we work actively to ensure that each team member feels welcomed, supported, and able to contribute fully to our mission. We encourage open dialogue, respect different perspectives, and we strive to create psychological safety. We hold each other to account to ensure our actions align with our values on inclusion and everyone has a responsibility to call out actions they don't align. This inclusive culture enhances our ability to connect with and serve the diverse communities we work with, promoting a sense of belonging for students and staff alike in the schools we partner with. We are committed to improving accessibility, removing the barriers that prevent anyone from accessing spaces, information, activities or opportunities.