Staff support and training
A well trained, motivated workforce is vital to the success of any organisation.
The Catering Service employs 490 members of staff within South Gloucestershire schools and values the contribution that each colleague makes to the success of the service, the support for staff being recognised by the 'Investors in People' award.
An established programme of staff development ensures that fundamental induction and food hygiene training is delivered to all staff and this is complemented by additional training opportunities which prepare colleagues for potential career development within the catering service.
All kitchen unit managers are trained in basic nutrition and customer care and more advanced levels of food hygiene training and/or NVQ qualifications are also available to staff.
The Catering Service has a team of accredited NVQ assessors who support and train staff in their workplace skill-based qualifications.
Personal Development and Performance Review (PDPR) interviews are held with catering staff on an annual basis and this process helps to identify development needs and training requirements which are recorded and monitored on a training matrix held on each site.
A staff magazine/newsletter is published by the school meals service, to which operational staff regularly contribute. This communication tool is popular and well received in school kitchens.
A training manual is held in each kitchen which contains, among other information, material and instructions for training staff in the use of catering equipment.