Julie Frost, head of catering operations at the University of Reading; Jacqui McPeaker, head of catering at Manchester Metropolitan University and Julie Tony, head of catering at the University of Exeter have all had their positions ratified and will take up the position effective immediately.
TUCO regional chairs are nominated and voted for by the wider membership, which is made up of catering professionals from top universities across the UK.
Regional chairpersons’ responsibilities range from ensuring that the interests of the wider membership are highlighted and that all members have access to TUCO information, training and resources to supporting local TUCO groups and individuals to drive innovation with funding and inspiration.
Julie Barker, TUCO chair, said: “Our Regional Chairs have been pivotal in many of the changes we have made to TUCO, which has undergone a makeover in recent years to become a forward-thinking, innovative organisation which leads the way in finding solutions to 21st century challenges which face the catering industry as a whole and adds value to all members.
“Their experience ‘on-the-ground’ gives the national Board of Directors insight into what these issues really are, and are our ears and eyes within TUCO so we can always be sure that we truly understand the thoughts and feelings of our members.
“I am delighted, therefore, to announce Julie, Jacqui and Julie as new Regional Chairs, and it gives me particular pleasure to champion three women. We hear much in the media about inequality in the Boardroom but in an industry which employs so many women it is entirely appropriate that they should have roles at the most senior levels.
“I am absolutely certain that all three, alongside our existing Regional Chairs, will work ceaselessly to make TUCO an ever more successful organisation, at the heart of University Catering and providing leadership and support for all those in our industry."