Four HC-One colleagues from care homes across Britain have been shortlisted as finalists by the judging panel at the Public Sector Catering Awards 2024.
The Public Sector Catering Awards consist of 16 award categories which are open to individuals, teams, and organisations who operate in a public sector environment. The awards celebrate excellence and seek out the very best talented individuals, teams and organisations who showcase innovation and take pride in the quality of food and service they provide to others to deliver best practice and person-centred nutritional care.
The ‘Care Catering Award’ Category seeks individuals, teams or organisations who are involved in the delivery of resident mealtimes in a care setting, who have demonstrated that they have significantly improved the catering services for residents and other service users. Judges will be looking for how service delivery has been developed in all areas of residents’ nutrition and hydration, particularly in the context of the importance of food in the care of the resident.
HC-One’s finalists in the ‘Care Catering Award’ Category at the Public Sector Catering Awards 2024 are:
• Aaron Derbyshire, Head Chef at Rose Court Care Home
In a career spanning many years of catering, Aaron has consistently demonstrated creativity, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the unique dietary needs of residents. What sets Aaron apart is his meticulous attention to detail and his constant pursuit of excellence. Each plate is a canvas, that Aaron paints with flavours that evoke memories, comfort, and joy for residents. From the rich aroma of freshly baked bread to the vibrant colours of thoughtfully crafted salads, every element is considered, ensuring a sensory experience that transcends the act of eating.
• Ben Smith, Chef at Averill House Care Home
Ben sets high standards amongst his teams and delivers excellent quality foods, alongside invaluable dining experiences that involve collaboration of the Catering Team, care colleagues and resident engagement. Ben understands nutritional value when it comes to supporting residents with their daily needs, and they ensure residents’ requirements are met through high quality, nutritionally assessed meals. This in turn has a profound impact on the experiences of residents and enhances their quality of life within the establishment.
• Eleanor MacPherson, Head Cook at Balcarres Care Home
Ellie's role extends far beyond culinary responsibilities, as she consistently exceeds expectations by actively participating in activities involving food and ensuring that all residents are treated as unique individuals deserving of personalised care. Ellie's dedication to creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere is evident in her meticulous organisation of unique events, afternoon teas, and the thoughtful design of birthday cakes that reflect each resident's interests. Beyond the kitchen, Ellie actively involves herself in the planning of monthly events, collaborating with the Activity Coordinator and management to ensure that culinary experiences are seamlessly integrated into the broader spectrum of resident engagement.
• Rachel Keys, Regional Quality Improvement Lead at HC-One
Rachel’s highlights and key achievements to date include her unwavering advocacy for menu compliance, weight management, home baking, and special dietary requirements. Racel understands that individuals' nutritional needs are diverse and unique, and she strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone's needs are catered for. Rachel is also dedicated to the IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework which she champions and encourages all her colleagues to understand and apply the IDDSI testing methods. Rachel ensures that texture-modified foods are of the highest quality, which enhances choice and minimises risks across HC-One.
Mark Meacham, Head of Catering and Housekeeping Support Services at HC-One, stated:
“Congratulations to our four fantastic HC-One finalists at the Public Sector Catering Awards 2024 - this is an amazing achievement, and we are all incredibly proud of them!
“Being shortlisted as finalists at these prestigious awards is a tremendous achievement. It is a testament to the commitment shown by our care catering colleagues. They have really gone above and beyond to provide the kindest care to residents living in HC-One’s care homes, as we strive to be the first-choice care provider in each of the communities that we serve.”
The award ceremony of the Public Sector Catering Awards 2024 will take place at the Hilton London Metropole on Thursday 4th April 2024 when the winners will be announced.