Groundwork UK

Description

Groundwork UK is a federation of independent charities in the United Kingdom that works for a fairer and greener future for people, places and nature.

Groundwork UK is a national organisation that supports the local Groundwork Trusts by running programmes, initiatives and campaigns that generate national resources for local delivery. It helps people get jobs and supports the green economy, reduces waste of energy, food and water, creates and maintains accessible green spaces, and helps businesses become more sustainable. It also works to empower communities to improve their health, wellbeing and local environment.

The organisation traces its origins to an initiative called UFEX80, launched in 1980 by the Countryside Commission and rebranded as Operation Groundwork in 1981. The first Groundwork Trust was formed that year in St Helens and Knowsley. Groundwork works locally, regionally and nationally through public, private and voluntary partnerships across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Groundwork Trusts operate across most regions of the UK, though there are none in Scotland, and Groundwork also works with Scottish charities and agencies. Sister organisations using the Groundwork approach also exist in the United States and Japan.