The Burnt Chef Project appoints non-exec board

With a mission to protect the mental health of those in hospitality, The Burnt Chef Project has announced the appointment of a new board of non-executive directors and business development manager to further support the global expansion of the organisation.

The non-profit company has welcomed five new board members to the team: Cara Houchen, Geoff MacDonald, Simon Clifford, Sabira Kanji and Andy Lennox. Together with CEO Kris Hall, the new recruits will help to raise the profile of the business.  

Geoff MacDonald is a global advocate, campaigner and consultant in addressing the stigma of mental ill-health in the workplace. Previously the global vice-president of HR, talent, marketing and communications at Unilever, MacDonald’s experience goes hand in hand with the work The Burnt Chef Project's aim. 

Sabira Kanji MBA FCMA comes with over 20 years' experience in leading financial strategies and facilitating ambitious growth plans, particularly for companies in the not-for-profit sector as financial director for Social Enterprise UK.

Both Simon Clifford and Cara Houchen come from a journalistic background. Clifford worked as a local, regional and national journalist and editor in newspapers and then BBC radio and TV, while Houchen has served as editor for The Staff Canteen for the past nine years, running regular panel discussions and recording and producing the popular podcast, Grilled.

Finally, Andy Lennox hopes to further the work in creating sustainable focussed strategies for hospitality businesses. He says of his appointment: "I passionately believe that our industry is a fantastic place to work in. However, we still have a long way to go in various areas in terms of growing up to become a well-regulated sector. Mental health and fair work practices are fundamental to this, and I believe The Burnt Chef Project is well placed to be that voice for the sector's mental wellbeing in terms of practices and work/life balance."

In addition to new board appointments, Andrew MacDonald joins the organisation as social impact manager, having spent the last seven years working in the hospitality industry. His most recent role was with Harri, a hospitality focussed workforce operating system. MacDonald will join forces with Hall to encourage businesses to take advantage of the training, supportive structures and partnership opportunities available through The Burnt Chef Project.

MacDonald says: "I'm so delighted and excited to be joining Kris and The Burnt Chef Project team to aid the continued scaling of the project and to ultimately help even more people in hospitality who may be at risk of experiencing poor mental health."

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