The winner will be announced at the Public Sector Catering Awards, which are taking place on Thursday 4th April at the London Hilton Metropole. Seventeen other awards will also be given out on the night, including the Lifetime Achievement accolade.
The Armed Forces Caterer of the Year Award is not open for nomination as it is decided by senior military catering personnel. Units were encouraged to identify and nominate a military caterer who has made an ‘outstanding contribution’ to the moral component through the delivery of catering services in 2023.
The three criteria against which nominees will be judged are:
- Innovation: How has the nominee demonstrated innovation, flair and imagination in providing the best possible catering service to military personnel?
- Leadership: How have the nominee’s leadership skills been instrumental in improving the delivery of the catering service? Are they an inspirational and consistent leader who inspires the team to provide an excellent catering service challenging conditions?
- Food Quality: What impact has the nominee had on improving the quality of the catering service?
Sgt Smith’s leadership skillfully navigated the challenges of a lean team structure, addressing budgeting issues, sophisticated menu selection and precise staffing with a composure that belies her experience. She also played a crucial role in the historic transitions following HM Queen Elizabeth’s IIs passing and HM King Charles III’s coronation.
Leading her small team in the pursuance of consistent excellence, POCS Taylor has maintained an exceptional standard of catering whilst deployed on operations, without support and despite the myriad of material and supply challenges posed by operating off West Africa. Her menus are innovative and the team’s passion for catering is clearly evident.
Tamang's is an extremely talented chef who consistently goes above and beyond make her a genuine trailblazer. Her selfless dedication to the service, her soldiers and the community sets her apart from those around her and has ensured she is the role model other chefs seek to emulate.
You can book your places at the Public Sector Catering Awards ceremony on the website. Tickets include a pre-dinner drinks reception on arrival (6.45pm), a three-course dinner (7.30pm), awards ceremony and after dinner entertainment until 1am.