Official Statement – 2 May 2022

Recently we have responded to the media regarding concerns raised about Social Bite with the charity regulator, OSCR.

We recognise that for those of you who have supported us over the years this will have been unexpected, and we felt it was important to share some comments from our Chair, Sir Andrew Cubie, and our co-founder,  Josh Littlejohn.

Sir Andrew Cubie, Chair of Social Bite says:

“I can confirm that we are in communication with OSCR relating to concerns they have received from an ex-member of staff.  In line with OSCR’s policy, as the concerns have not yet been fully resolved we are unable to provide any further detail at this time. We are giving our full cooperation to OSCR and respect the process they are following.

“When I joined the organisation as Chair at the start of 2021 I knew I was joining an organisation that was quite special. Like me, the people that work for Social Bite are truly committed to making a difference. This isn’t just a job, it’s a passion. For the last ten years, Josh Littlejohn and the team have worked tirelessly to end homelessness, helping thousands of vulnerable individuals off the streets.  Josh’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive have established Social Bite as one of the UK’s leading homeless charities recognised globally for doing things differently and delivering results.   In spite of the global pandemic, the charity has gone from strength to strength and this year has already seen the launch of a number of new projects which will help shape the next decade.

“However, running a charity is not just about raising funds, or delivering services, it requires truly effective governance and due process. In my role as Chair, along with my fellow trustees,  we are responsible for ensuring that Social Bite adheres to the highest levels of governance and works within charity law.  This is a responsibility we take extremely seriously, I’m confident we’re doing that very effectively.

“Notwithstanding OSCR’s considerations we do not want this to distract us from doing the job we are here to do; homelessness does not cease and so we are continuing business as usual.  We remain focused on delivering vital projects to the highest standards, so we can ultimately achieve our aim of helping the most vulnerable people in society and ending homelessness.

“We greatly appreciate your patience and support as we navigate this period and I hope we will be able to share more positive news with you soon.”

Josh Littlejohn, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Social Bite comments:

“I established Social Bite when I was 25, to provide food and employment opportunities for homeless people. Over the last decade, the organisation has been on an incredible journey, where over 1000 people have been helped off the streets into their own home with support as a direct result of Social Bite’s work. I’m incredibly proud of everything we have achieved as a team and I am very lucky to have such a brilliant team of people around me.

“As Social Bite has grown and evolved, so have I, and like any entrepreneur in a young, fast-growing organisation, will continue to do so. For the last few years I’ve been working with our Board to put in place a new structure which allows me to focus on my passion for developing new and innovative projects to help homeless people and hands over the operational and trustee responsibilities to other members of the team.

“It is a privilege to do what I do and, with the support of our Chair, Trustees and the dedication of our team, we remain focused on our goal of ending homelessness at a time when help is needed more than ever.”