Chartwells
Rod Turnbull, General Manager of Chartwells at
Bedford School, explains that training is at the heart of
Chartwells where staff are given the opportunity to develop their
skills to their full potential.
Chartwells, part of Compass Group, the world’s
leading food service provider, is the expert provider of catering
and support services to schools, colleges and universities in the
UK.
It is vital that Chartwells staff can deliver
services to a high standard in an environment where meals are
served to pupils and staff seven days a week and at functions
throughout the year. Meals move across the spectrum from a
home cooked style to a fine dining menu that would put any master
chef to the test.
With 45 staff on site at Bedford School, the
emphasis is on high quality food, cooked with fresh produce that is
British quality graded.
Rod Turnbull said:
“We pride ourselves on a fine dining element
that is essential to cater for the many functions that are held at
Bedford School throughout the year, with visiting dignitaries from
royalty, politics, sport, art, literature and a range of specialist
subject areas.”
“Our executive chef has demonstrated his
excellent skills in a master classes to our upper sixth pupils
where they learn how to cater on a budget in preparation for
university, using fresh ingredients to prepare quick and nutritious
meals in minutes that will cost from as little as 53p a meal.”
“I initiated training with Bedford College
over 10 years ago and since that time many staff have
benefited. The training covers NVQ Levels 1 to 3 and the A1
assessor award in catering, front of house and
hospitality.”
“Bedford College comes to Bedford School each
week to deliver training and that fits in well with our busy
working day where the kitchen is open seven days a week.”
“With over 350 boarders as well as 950
day-pupils and staff, we serve around 1,300 lunches a day and are
one of the largest catering providers in Bedford. Training is
vital so that we can ensure we achieve the high standards we set
ourselves.”
What were your training objectives?
“Chartwells see training as a top priority,
providing ongoing training for all its staff with nationally
recognised qualifications and linked to career development. I
wanted something to link into this and to complement it.”
“Bedford College provides me with a greater
mix of training and the opportunity to develop staff to their full
potential. We aim to develop a high level of skill in
catering, front of house and hospitality.”
“We have excellent contacts with Bedford
College, and especially with Sue Byles (Trainer/Assessor) who
really does provide us with the best in training for our staff.
That is very important to me and to Bedford School.”
Were they achieved?
“Yes – many of our staff have benefited from
training with Bedford College, improving their skills,
qualifications and confidence. Our standards are high
and Bedford College has delivered to those high standards.”
What has been the impact on your
performance?
“There has been a clear improvement in the
skill level of our staff and individual confidence has also
improved as a result of that.”
“I have watched our staff grow over the
years. There is a huge difference from when they arrive with
basic skills and when they have completed training. They do
very well.”
“Chartwells believes in training for all staff
and we do offer each individual the opportunity to develop their
skills to their maximum.”
What has been the impact on the organisation’s
performance?
“Standards have improved and we seek to aim
higher and higher. We have training plans in place for each
of our 45 staff and consider their individual needs and strengths
so that they can develop to their full potential.”
“We have strong links with Bedford College
that have built up over the years that we have been receiving
training.”
“Bedford College is working with us to develop
our staff so that we can continue to provide catering and
hospitality at Bedford School to the very highest standard of
professional skill and expertise.”