Foundation enjoys 'unprecedented staff growth'

Following its move into the Beacon of Light, SAFC charity Foundation of Light is celebrating a period of 'unprecedented growth'. Since May, Sunderland AFC's official charity has recruited over 50 full-time members of staff to its diverse team with further appointments due in the coming months. The Foundation has also hired several sports assistants alongside an army of volunteers to meet the increasing demand for the Beacon's world-class facilities. And, with the Beacon of Light School due to officially open at the venue in September, additional teaching staff have been hired to support the 60 pupils who will be joining for the new academic year.

The past few months has seen unprecedented growth across all areas of the organisation, something we are incredibly proud of. Our new team members have not only brought sought-after knowledge and experience but also skills from other industries which will only strengthen the Foundation, the Beacon of Light and Beacon of Light School, ensuring we provide the best possible service to the thousands of children and families we work with.

Lesley Spuhler OBE, Foundation of Light CEO

In addition to staff growth, the Foundation has received The Equality Standard ‘Gold’ Award for demonstrating an excellent approach to equality and diversity with employees, customers and stakeholders. Through the Beacon of Light, the Foundation is also delivering new and exciting programmes to support the next generation of employees across industries currently experiencing skills shortages in the North East. Linda Hughes, Head of Skills at Foundation of Light, added: "The expertise and knowledge that our new staff have brought to the Foundation has allowed us to expand delivery to include traineeships and apprenticeships. "This will enable us to support more young people in gaining access to employment, education and training, that would otherwise not have done so through mainstream sources."