Issues:

• Poor catering standards, high tariff and high subsidy costs through the existing Local Authority Caterer.
• Considering taking the service in-house but no catering expertise on the SLT.
• Needing an innovative catering facility design for a new Pathfinder School, opening January 2010.



Solutions:

• Review Consultancy appointed.
• Assessment of current service and staff skills/ attitudes.
• Options Appraisal to explore moving to in-house or alternative sub-contracted service; in-house decided.
• Mobilised an in-house service with Catering Manager and Finance Officer:
     o Service Specification/ Vision
     o Staff skills assessment
     o Re-draft and re-negotiate job descriptions
     o Training
     o Menu planning
     o Supply chain set up
     o Menu costings
     o Minimum facility developments
     o Marketing
     o Menu testing
     o Service launch

• On-going Catering Manager coaching.
• On-going service standards and financial audits.
• Stakeholder discussions regarding the new service in the new Pathfinder school.
• Generated future catering specification for new school.
• Designed new catering facility to achieve specification for client sign off.
• Tendered equipment purchase, installation and commissioning.
• Managed installation to final handover and client sign off.



Outcomes:

• Successfully moved from poor sub-contracted catering service to in-house.
• Retained all staff.
• Increased sales significantly through improved fresh offer and an innovative menu at a lower tariff.
• Customer satisfaction increased.
• Increased services.
• Reduced catering subsidy to client.
• New catering facility installation into new school on time and on budget.





Running our own catering service is a new departure for us. In order to give ourselves the best chance of success it was important to get the infrastructure right – the menus, the equipment, staffing, suppliers and a guide (vision) on how to move forward with confidence. We now have a clear direction and know what needs to be done to stay on course.

I have appreciated the very regular progress updates. The consultant worked at a good pace, delivered as promised on his own tasks and ensured we did the same by prompting and supporting at the appropriate times. Working with Review has made a refreshing change."

Chris Hobbs , Writhlington School