One of the actions of the School Food Plan is to set up a Workforce Development Group led by LACA and now the consultation process is about to begin. The hospitality skills sector body, People 1st, has been appointed to work with LACA on producing a draft of the professional standards to go out for consultation.
LACA and People 1st are now beginning the consultation process for the professional standards to ensure all options and opinions are considered.
The Workforce Development Group plans to publish the agreed standards at the LACA main event in July together with an action plan agreed by all members and partners.
Professional standards are to be developed for all staff who have a crucial role in delivering school food both back and front of house, including; head of kitchen, school cook, assistants and midday supervisors.
LACA has stated that the professional standards are not:
- A list of duties that all staff should undertake
- Job descriptions
- A way of increasing the size of jobs
- Job measurement or evaluation
- A pay and performance system
- Another pressure for staff.
LACA has also stated why there is a need for professional standards in school catering.
- Staff can see HOW they are doing in relation to what they know CAN be achieved
- Raises quality, efficiency and above all, MORALE
- Helps to attract and retain the best into the profession
- Shows how amazing our workforce is to the rest of the catering sector, head teachers and parents
- Supports consistency of performance and transferability of knowledge and skills
There is currently no prescribed method for using the professional standards and LACA is asking members in this consultation to consider how the standards could be used to best advantage school catering operations.
Please click here to find the questionnaire and return completed forms to mike.rogers@people1st.co.uk by Thursday 30th April 2015.