At the same time members are being encouraged to put forward their star performers in the kitchen to compete for the title of Local Authority Cook of the Year 2025.
ASSIST FM Chair Nicky Joiner says: “These awards are the opportunity to celebrate success in your local authority and give recognition to those who continue to go above and beyond.
“This year we have tweaked the submission criteria to ensure we get as many nominees as possible. We are looking for outstanding examples of where your council and your staff go above and beyond their duties to really make a difference in your local area.
“You should all be incredibly proud of the services you and your teams deliver every day – use these awards as a big thank you to all our FM superstars.”
The new Awards entry format asks local authority teams or individuals simply to email a few bullet points to explain how their submission meets the entry criteria. ASSIST FM judges will then arrange a short call with finalists to better understand the submission.
All entries have to be received by Friday 17th January 2025, with calls from judges starting from February 3rd, and the line-up of finalists announced the week commencing February 24th.
There are six categories open for nominations.
- Outstanding Contribution Catering Services Award
- Outstanding Contribution to Cleaning Services Award
- Digital and Technology Award
- Sustainability Award
- Community Focus Award
- Outstanding Contribution to FM Services Award
There is also a Supplier of the Year Award for which entries are not required.
For school chefs, the competition for the Local Authority Cook of the Year 2025 requires entrants to submit details of a three-course meal based on their ‘everyday school menu’.
The winning entries will be taken forward and produced and cooked by the award-winning chefs for the ASSIST FM Conference dinner on May 15 at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow
Entry packs for the Awards and the School Cook of the Year can be downloaded from the links below: