Chef in line for ‘Oscar’ award
Executive Chef, Mark Hancock, has been shortlisted for a top nationwide award for his role in transforming the University’s catering services over the past three-and-a-half years.
He is shortlisted for the 2012 Craft Guild of Chefs Awards - known in the trade as the ‘Oscars for chefs’ - in the Cost Sector category, which recognises chefs working in public-sector catering operations.
A panel of expert judges were impressed by Mark’s innovative approaches since his appointment in 2008 to leading Catering Services towards financial self-sufficiency; and by his commitment to sustainability, healthy eating and the professional development of his staff.
Sarah Wilkinson, Commercial Operations Manager, says that the award would be well-deserved. She says: “Mark is a talented chef and a driven, highly conscientious colleague. His genuine passion for nutritious and ethically sourced food has made him an indispensible member of our team.
“Bringing all our food production in-house was a major project, and Mark played a key role in its design and development. He ensured the highest possible levels of energy efficiency were incorporated.”
Sustainability and the environment are very close to Mark’s heart: he has introduced recycling and composting schemes, and works with company Vegware to provide fully compostable and biodegradable packaging and cutlery. He has also forged partnerships with local suppliers to ensure the provenance of ingredients used and to reduce the University’s carbon footprint.
Mark develops and trains his 29-strong kitchen team through placements and visits and several members of Mark’s team are completing NVQs.
Mark will find out if he has won at an awards ceremony at Wembley Stadium on 13 June.