Criteria for the Award included how strategies and actions have improved revenue and profit generation, how the customer experience has been improved, and clear sustainability policies. The team have had a major influence on the provision of foodservice to students and the development of commercial operations within the University.
The Catering team’s response to the cost-of-living crisis has demonstrated their ability to be flexible in their working patterns. A free breakfast service was introduced on campus Monday to Friday to mitigate the effect of the crisis upon staff and students, having currently served over 22,000 meals under this initiative. The University has been able to extend opening hours to provide more flexibility in mealtimes too. Additionally, they have supported a variety of events and socials in the halls of residence, including fundraising activities.
The team has also worked together with the University’s mental health team to establish a Wellbeing Café on campus, offering the opportunity for colleagues to relax, meet others, and seek wellbeing advice and guidance. The cafés have been well-attended by staff and students and have produced a positive impact on wellbeing and overall morale.
The University has consolidated production methodology, placed more emphasis on buying high quality, fresh food across campus, whilst driving down costs and negotiating better pricing, as well as utilising an e-procurement system to better access data and process efficiencies.
The Awards will be held on Thursday 4 April at the Hilton London Metropole.