Issues:

• The NCVO, a charitable organisation providing business, legal, training and developmental support to other charitable and voluntary organisations, provides a conferencing and training venue in Kings Cross.
• The conference catering service is provided in-house; the lead cook was retiring and this prompted the NCVO management to consider sub-contracting the service or continue in-house.



Solutions:

• The NCVO commissioned Review Consultancy to complete a full Options Appraisal.
• The Options Appraisal included reviewing customers’ assessments of the current standards and establishing their aspirations for a future service, detailing all the available options, their advantages and disadvantages, costed budgets involving recognised companies in transported foods, contract catering and franchising to compare with an in-house option.
• An assessment of the catering facilities, service standards and policies was also undertaken to give the NCVO management a full appraisal and cost implications to support their decision making.



Outcomes:

• The NCVO has decided to remain in-house as this presented the most profit to the organisation. Whilst this involves significantly more internal management input, the necessary infrastructure already exists.
• As suggested in the report, a new higher grade Catering Manager has been recruited (with Review’s support) and many of the recommended service improvements have been implemented.



Review Consultancy’s work was the catalyst we needed to effect the changes we suspected were necessary. Having the support of a professional behind our decisions and providing the necessary research, allowed us to confidently make the right decisions for us. The consultant fitted in with our organisation and provided excellent communication, industry knowledge and ultimately value for money. We would have no hesitation in recommending Review Consultancy."


Linda Lovell, NCVO