Looking forward, we have a really busy year ahead and I am so excited by the number and quality of submissions that have been rolling in for the Public Sector Catering Awards, I can’t wait to get working with my fellow judges on teasing out the 2024 winners. I know this will be a tricky task but, hey, it is so inspiring to hear all that you have been working hard at across our nations.
New for 2024!
I am delighted to share with you the great new initiative for this year - Public Sector Catering Week.
This will run from the May 20th-24th and will give us five themed days that will focus on various subjects that affect us all in the public sector.
On the Monday, May 20th we have Kitchen Technology Day, On Tuesday May 21st it is Plant-Based Day, on Wednesday, May 22nd the day will focus on Local Sourcing, while on Thursday, May 23rd the spotlight turns to Careers and we can sell the sector to young people, and the week wraps up on Friday, May 24th when the sights will be set on the important topic of Managing Allergens.
This great week-long public sector focus will enable colleagues to engage with the various themes and utilise social media to celebrate the best practice that is already in play in the workplace. The week will be a mix of information, education and, of course, fun for everyone – an opportunity to get involved and raise the profile of these important subject areas.
So please make sure you mark up your wall planner or diary and get stuck in! Keep an eye on the magazine and the website for updates and timings of events that you can get involved in.
I have also been really pleased to see the various associations gearing up for their competition events. It is particularly pleasing to see the TUCO competitions re-established at the University of Warwick, with an array of competitions that showcase the work of front-of-house staff as well as chefs, all of which demonstrate the myriad career options within our sector.
Good luck also to all the school chefs, care chefs and hospital chefs who are beginning to work through their own competition heats. I look forward to seeing the results that help raise standards and the profile of public sector food.
As industry events now ramp up and spring is hopefully on the way, I look forward to seeing you at the next event across the country or at the Public Sector Catering Awards in April.
In the meantime, keep sharing your great work via social media and let’s be proud of the amazing work you all produce each and every day #publicfood.
