Broadcast: News items

The process for transition to the University’s new catering partner, Chartwells, began last week at Sussex.

On Wednesday (3 July), more than 40 of the 65 catering and conference services staff who will be transferring in September, as well as representatives of the recognised trade unions, met the team from Chartwells in Bramber House on campus.

Introducing the Chartwells team, Business Director Charlie Brown spoke about his own background training in catering in the Brighton area and working in hotels and restaurants in the region, before joining Chartwells. He now heads the services that are run at 25 universities across the UK.

He noted that Chartwells already has experience of Sussex, having four staff who have run the café in the Innovation Centre on the University campus for a number of years.

He also explained that the wider group provides catering for a range of local organisations - including schools in East and West Sussex, American Express, Sussex Downs College, Glyndebourne, Brighton College and Herstmonceux Castle.

Andy Walker, Executive Chef for Chartwells, spoke passionately about the kind of food he wants to help the staff to create for Sussex – and how he wants to support them in developing their skills and getting great feedback from customers on campus. Initial ideas from Chartwells will now be developed in discussion with Sussex colleagues to meet the needs of students, staff and visitors.

Sian Griffiths, the HR business partner, repeated assurances that had been given to staff in recent weeks in relation to job safety, their place of work being on campus and maintaining contractual terms and conditions on transfer, as well as the specific pensions arrangements that had been agreed with the University.

All of the staff received welcome packs and there will be further group meetings, one-to-one meetings for individual staff, a confidential advice line, meetings with trades unions, and training to support the transition. These processes are part of the information and consultation processes under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations) with campus trades unions and staff.

Sussex staff asked a range of questions about the transfer and the plans that Chartwells have for services. Opportunities to gain experience and development in the wider group – such as through the catering it provides at the Wimbledon tennis championships – were also welcomed.

Jane Summerville, Director of Human Resources for Sussex, said: “I believe it was very helpful for our staff to meet new colleagues from Chartwells, after a long period of some uncertainty while we were selecting the right preferred partner.

“The University and Chartwells are going to provide the best support we can to staff in the coming weeks as we transition to the new arrangements. It is a tribute to our staff that they have continued to provide such good service to campus throughout this period.”

The University has a team - led by Martin Chalker, Director of Estate Services - working with Chartwells on planning the transition arrangements.