Migrateful

Who we are

Migrateful is a multi-award-winning charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and migrants (our chefs) on their journey to employment and integration, while building a more welcoming, better-informed public understanding of migration.

Our chefs are referred to us because they face significant barriers to employment and integration in the UK, having fled circumstances including modern-day slavery, gender-based violence, persecution and conflict. Through a training and support programme, we equip them to become cookery class teachers, building confidence, professional skills and pathways into employment. Once trained, our chefs lead cookery classes for public and corporate audiences from our dedicated schools in London and Bristol, as well as pop-up venues. Through sharing their culinary skills, cultures and stories, our chefs create opportunities for connection and help challenge negative attitudes towards migration. 

Our work addresses inequities experienced by refugees and asylum seekers, including prolonged periods without the right to work. Unemployment rates among these groups are four times higher than the national average due to unrecognised qualifications, language barriers, discrimination in recruitment, and limited professional networks. These experiences restrict access to employment, undermine wellbeing, and prevent inclusive participation in community life. The training and teaching experience builds chefs’ confidence, self-esteem, English language skills, and employability skills. 

Through our cookery classes we aim to challenge misconceptions about migrants in the UK and increase community cohesion. Our model is based on contact theory, developed by psychologist Gordon Allport (1954), which suggests that meaningful interaction between groups can reduce prejudice under the right conditions. Migrateful’s classes are intentionally designed around these principles. This class format allows migrants to tell their stories to a public audience and helps shift attitudes, facilitating connection, mutual understanding, and contributing to make the UK truly a welcoming place for all.

Our impact

Since 2017, Migrateful has delivered over 6,100+ classes to more than 72,200 participants, celebrating 48 international cuisines. We run around 1000 cookery classes annually from our cookery schools in London and Bristol, and pop-up venues. We have trained 141 chefs, and 84% of our graduates from our programme seeking work have moved into employment or further training. 

In 2026, Migrateful and founder Jess Thompson received significant recognition:  Jess was named one of The Big Issue's 100 Changemakers, featured on the NatWest SE100 Impact Business Leaders list, and named CEO Monthly's Most Influential CEO,  Social Enterprise (Bristol). She was also a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Whilst Migrateful was a finalist in the British Diversity Awards 2026  (Charity or Not-for-Profit of the Year), the PwC Building Trust Awards 2026 (Impact in Social Enterprise), and three Social Enterprise UK Awards 2026 categories: Prove It: Social Impact Award; Education, Training & Jobs Social Enterprise of the Year; and Social Enterprise Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Justice Award. 

Our culture and values

Our core values are compassion, diversity, respect, trust, transparency and sustainability, and we aim to reflect these in how we work together as well as in the work we do. We envision a society that embraces and nurtures the successful integration of the UK migrant community, celebrating their invaluable contributions and fostering a harmonious and inclusive collective future for all. 

Our work culture prioritises a healthy work-life balance, that means hybrid and flexible working, including flexible hours, regular one-to-ones, and open, supportive feedback. We invest in people's growth through a development budget, training and mentoring, and take the wellbeing of our team seriously. We aim to create a warm, inclusive and collaborative culture where people feel able to contribute ideas, ask questions and learn from one another. We value different perspectives and experiences, and want people to feel both supported in their roles and trusted to take ownership of their work.

We remain attentive to the people we exist to support, our chefs and alumni community. You'll hear directly from our chefs, as well as our supporters and volunteers, so you can stay connected to our mission and see the difference your work makes.

If you care deeply about our mission, share our commitment to these values, enjoy working collaboratively as part of a friendly and committed team, and want your work to have a real, visible impact, you'll fit right in.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

At Migrateful, we're committed to being an organisation where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and be heard.

We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, and all the characteristics protected under the Equality Act 2010. We also recognise that people's experiences are shaped by many factors, including socio-economic background, caring responsibilities, neurodiversity and lived experience, and we welcome people of all backgrounds. We put this into practice through fair recruitment practices, reasonable adjustments, and an inclusive and accommodating workplace. 

We actively encourage applications from people who are under-represented, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, and people with lived experience of our cause.