An internationally-renowned social enterprise dedicated to ending homelessness is being investigated by Scotland's charity watchdog after complaints from a former employee.
Social Bite has raised millions to help eradicate rough-sleeping after high-profile visits from Hollywood stars such as George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio gave the organisation the platform to organise nationwide fundraising events.
Social Bite cafes ensure jobs for those forced to sleep rough while also offering a Pay it Forward system allowing customers to buy a hot meal or drink for homeless individual to claim.
The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) confirmed an investigation was underway.
The Times reports that a Jane Bruce, former chief executive officer for Scotland, had lodged formal complaints to the body.
A spokesman for the OSCR said: “We have received concerns about this charity, which are currently being examined in the usual way, according to our published policies.”
Social Bite's chairman, Sir Andrew Cubie, said: ”We can confirm that we are in communication with OSCR relating to concerns they have received. In line with OSCR’s policy we are unable to provide any further information at this time.
“Under my chairmanship, Social Bite adheres to the highest levels of governance. In spite of the global pandemic, the charity has gone from strength to strength.”
He added: "As an organisation, 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."
The chairman said that Social Bite's co-founder Josh Littlejohn was "incredibly well respected and well liked" by the team.
The founder and executive director said: "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. As the charity has matured, it is only right that it becomes less reliant on its founder. 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.
“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.”
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