The webinar aimed to share with attendees an understanding of public sector catering, the career opportunities available and the rewards as well as the challenges. The panel explained why they continue to work in the sector and they also said what they would like to see changed in their sector.
The panel included:
- Michael Hales MIH – chief executive at Juniper Ventures Limited and vice chair of LACA
- Sue Cawthray MIH – chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours Housing Association
- Molly Shaher – chair of the Professional Association for Catering Education and programme leader of higher education in catering & hospitality at Middlesbrough College
- Philip Shelley FIH – senior operational manager at NHS England and career hospital caterer
- Manish Shah MIH – associate director at Kings Food, Kings College London
During the webinar, Phil was able to share the importance of hospitality within the NHS, how it affects the relationships with teams and those that they serve. He highlighted opportunities and ways of attracting as well as retaining the very best workforce and taking the opportunity to place ‘chefs at the centre of food’ providing them with the responsibility as well as the ambition to drive positive change.
He said: “All of us shared our experiences and knowledge of the public sector, even from that moment, when we entered our first roles in such a challenging but extraordinary industry.”