Category: Type

OCS Secures 7-Year Extension for Facilities Management Services with SCTS and COPFS 

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We’re thrilled to announce that we have secured a 7-year contract (with options for the customers to extend for up to another 2 years) to provide total facilities management services to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). These services span a combined 74 sites. SCTS is an independent body that provides administrative support to the Scottish Courts, devolved tribunals and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The COPFS is Scotland’s prosecution service and death investigation authority.

This new contract follows a previous 6-year contract from 2017 to 2023, with an added extension to June 2024. It strengthens a relationship that has lasted over 13 years. The core services provided include cleaning, maintenance services, security and projects.

The latest contract award is a testament to our consistent service provision. We won the contract through a competitive tender process, with SCTS and COPFS choosing to continue their association with us as we emerged as the best solution for their varied site needs.

Following a competitive tendering process we have decided to continue our partnership with OCS. Their consistent excellence in service delivery, their innovative approach to sustainability and their commitment to social responsibility were key in our decision. Our historic sites present a unique challenge and we are pleased to work with them again to further reduce carbon emissions building on significant reductions over recent years. We believe OCS will continue to provide the best support for our facilities management needs over the next seven years.

Kate Leer

Director – Property & Services Unit, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Services

Of the sites managed by SCTS and COPFS, 44% were established before 1960 and 86% of those before 1900, classifying them as historical listed sites. We face the challenge of maintaining and future-proofing these sites, making them more eco-friendly while preserving their historical significance. In 2023, we completed 15 sustainability projects across the estate and helped COPFS secure £10.8 million in funding for retrofitting and decarbonising their buildings. We also surpassed its 15% carbon emission reduction target for SCTS, achieving a remarkable 27% reduction instead. 

As part of the new contract, we will implement our smart building technology, ABi to better monitor carbon emissions and optimise site productivity. We also plan to employ more cleaning robotics to streamline cleaning processes. When it comes to security, we implement a “target zero accident” approach, focusing on proactive and de-escalation techniques to prevent accidents and ensure no harm comes to staff, clients, and the public. 

In terms of social responsibility, we will continue to support Scottish Autism and Women’s Refuge, two charities active in the communities served by this contract. Scottish Autism is the largest provider of autism-specific services in Scotland and Women’s Refuge is the UK’s largest specialist domestic abuse organisation. Additionally, we will support grassroots football teams and introduce volunteer days for managers and supervisors every year. 

We are thrilled to be continuing our relationship with SCTS and COPFS for another seven years. Our shared commitment to service excellence, sustainability, and social responsibility has been the cornerstone of our partnership, and we look forward to building upon this legacy in the years to come.

Colin Rushforth

Account Director

Football Safety Officers Association (FSOA) Conference: Pioneering Safety and Collaboration

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Collaborating with industry leaders

Our Security Systems team recently attended the Football Safety Officers Association (FSOA) Spring Conference, which brought together industry leaders, security professionals, and safety officers from across the football world. Held in Stratford-upon-Avon, this sold-out event provided a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in football safety.

The FSOA has long been at the forefront of promoting safety and security within football stadiums. As the premier association dedicated to stadium safety, its mission is clear: to develop and enhance all aspects of safety management during football events.

The conference featured prominent figures from the football world, including representatives from the Premier League, the English Football League (EFL), and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA). These key stakeholders engaged in discussions, workshops, and presentations aimed at improving safety standards across the board.

For Andrew Campbell, Group Security Systems Director, and his dedicated team, the FSOA Conference was an invaluable experience. As one of the UK’s leading providers of security systems for football stadiums, arenas, and venues, attendance at leading industry events such as this is paramount to accessing insightful exhibitions and discussions around industry cutting-edge technologies, best practices, and innovative solutions for enhancing safety.

Security insights to improve services

Our team gained valuable insights during the conference, which will directly impact our approach to security systems, physical safety measures, and stewarding. By learning from others and sharing our expertise, we contribute to the collective effort to make football stadiums safer for everyone involved.

As the FSOA continues to lead the way, we remain committed to excellence in football safety. Our collaboration with industry peers and adopting best practices will ensure that fans can enjoy the beautiful game in a secure and welcoming environment.

Find out more about how we help make football stadiums safe and secure:  https://ocs.com/uk/customer-stories/making-a-london-based-football-stadium-safe-secure-and-ready-for-the-premier-league/

OCS Rail Team Achieves RISQS Audit Success 

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We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully completed the Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) audit for Core Operational Railway Services and Sentinel. This comprehensive full-day examination rigorously assessed our rail safety management system, including our processes, policies, procedures, and licenses. The goal was to demonstrate that we have a cohesive plan in place to safeguard our people working on the railway – at depots, stations, and onboard trains 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

While this audit is not mandatory for providing services to the rail industry, we chose to go the extra mile and achieve this award. It serves as a testament to our commitment to safety and security. 

Our safety management system has been proven safe for our colleagues and is entirely fit for purpose. Importantly, the same stringent audits apply to train operating companies and other suppliers, ensuring that we hold ourselves to the same high standards as rail-industry-specific organisations. We are fully compliant, equipped with a streamlined procurement process, and have robust risk mitigation procedures. These standards extend to all our customers in the railway industry, emphasising our dedication to the safety and well-being of both our colleagues and our customers’ premises. 

The success of this audit is a result of company-wide support for prioritising health and safety. We invested resources and time to ensure a successful outcome. Furthermore, our achievement means that we can now sponsor colleagues for Sentinel, operating under Network Rail guidance and guidelines. 

Well done to our teams who consistently go the extra mile to provide the best service to our customers! Find out more about our rail industry offerings here.

This milestone marks a pivotal moment for our presence in the rail industry, unlocking a realm of possibilities for us to innovate and further enrich our customer experience. As we embrace this advancement, we anticipate taking on greater responsibilities, all the while prioritising the safety and well-being of our colleagues.

William Downey

Head of Rail Projects

Leveraging ABi: Transforming Facilities Management Today 

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The facilities management industry has seen numerous advancements and innovations, particularly in the realm of technology. Here at OCS, we’ve embraced one such innovation: ABi. 

ABi, or Advanced Building Intelligence, is an integrated solution that harnesses the power of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. By collecting and analysing data, ABi drives improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness. But it’s not just about crunching numbers. ABi understands the intricate dynamics of each site, creates a data model reflecting how people interact with these spaces, and guides them to their optimal work areas via automated task allocation. 

Reducing Costs and Monitoring ESG Commitments with ABi 

ABi is a formidable tool for businesses looking to maintain costs and monitor their ESG performance. The technology smartly tracks water and energy usage through features such as real-time performance data, energy optimisation, remote asset monitoring, demand-based cleaning, and occupancy tracking. Implementing these features leads to significant cost savings and improved working conditions. 

One of the significant benefits of ABi is its role in environmental sustainability. It unlocks the ability to optimise energy usage and tailor cleaning programmes to match occupancy and demand. ABi also plays a pivotal role in waste management. Using sensors in bins to notify relevant operatives when they are 75% full, leads to more efficient waste management and utilisation of labour resources. This technology can potentially facilitate significant savings on waste and time. 

Take, another example, the virtual PPM we employ with ABi in washrooms. It monitors outlets for water flow and temperatures 24/7, reporting which ones require flushing based on usage and flow. The data gathered from these sensors can guide your business’s water consumption plans, considering the predicted 6% rise in water bills, an increase above inflation, and the average workplace water consumption of 50 litres per employee. In a world of increasing water scarcity, every litre counts. 

OCS ABi text laid over a blue-tinged image of a data centre pointing to the technology used in facilities management

The Role of Our Computer-Aided Facilities Management System 

Our services are all connected through our Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) System, ensuring we stay ahead of any challenges your site may face. By connecting the latest cutting-edge technology, we digitise your building 24/7 through an industry-leading AI engine integrated with our CAFM Platform, providing a truly integrated smart building experience. 

In conclusion, ABi is more than a technological solution; it’s a strategic tool that drives cost savings, environmental sustainability, and improved service delivery. As we continue to innovate, we remain focused on enhancing our service delivery, driving continuous improvement, and delivering the highest levels of customer experience. 

OCS Royal Papworth Hospital Team Nominated for Partnership Award

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We’re excited to announce that our team at Royal Papworth, alongside our partners at Equitix, Skanska, and Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Trust, has been nominated for a Partnership Award in the “Best Operational – Healthcare” category.

Royal Papworth Hospital is recognised as the UK’s leading heart and lung hospital, treating approximately 50,000 patients each year. Since the hospital opened in 2019, our on-site team has been providing integrated soft services such as catering, cleaning, portering and security.

This nomination recognises our consistently delivered service and sustainable partnership with our clients and other facility management providers on-site.  Through exceeding expectations with transparent service delivery, the OCS team at Royal Papworth successfully navigated a rigorous review process in 2023. Recognising the close working relationships and dedicated efforts the OCS team have put in since service commencement, this process ensured continued excellence in service with no disruption.

We were delighted to note the inclusion in the nomination of multiple examples of positive patient and staff feedback related to our services, which is a testament to the OCS team’s hard work.

Working collaboratively, the teams at Royal Papworth have established the Team Royal Papworth Hospital Charter and a Joint Efficiency Group. This group meets quarterly to address recurring challenges, share insights, and offer valuable advice demonstrating flexibility and enabling continuous improvement opportunities through a partnership approach.

This nomination is a great honour and a testament to our commitment to quality service, effective partnerships, and the dedication of our team. We’re thrilled to have been recognised this way and we’re eager for the announcement on the 2nd of May. Good luck to all our fellow nominees!

Lindsey Coles

Support Director

The charter, based on Excellence, Collaboration, Communication, and Compassion, directs their collaborative work. By fostering transparency with industry partners and key stakeholders within the Trust, the OCS team has tailored their services to the unique needs of the facilities and their users.

Congratulations to the Royal Papworth Team. We look forward to the announcement of the winners on Thursday 2 May. 

OCS Acquires Abate Pest Management Services to Expand UK Pest Control Business

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We are pleased to announce that we have acquired Abate Pest Management Services (“Abate”), a leading independent provider of pest control solutions based in Norfolk. This strategic acquisition significantly bolsters OCS’ existing pest control capabilities, adding new expertise and exposure to different industries such as housing associations and food manufacturing. 

Founded in 1999, Abate has built a reputation in the pest control industry for professionalism and the leading service they provide to their customers. With particular strength in Norfolk, Kent and Sussex, Abate services a range of customers in various sectors including commercial and residential housing, food manufacturing and high-value cold storage. The business works to the highest industry standards and is a member of the British Pest Control Association. For Abate, this deal provides an exciting opportunity to grow as part of OCS, creating development opportunities.

This acquisition expands our existing range of expertise to include new service lines such as CCTV drain surveys, controlled low-temperature treatments and woodworm treatments. Adding these new technical abilities to the company’s existing sector specialisms will help to fuel our growth ambitions for its UK pest control business. The transaction also shows our commitment to the East Anglian region ahead of the company moving its headquarters to Ipswich later this month.

The two businesses are fundamentally aligned to delivering the best outcomes for their colleagues, customers and the communities they serve. The addition of Abate represents another step towards realising out mission of becoming the world’s premier facilities service provider.

Abate has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading independent pest control businesses. Their expertise in diverse sectors like housing and food manufacturing broadens our service offerings and aligns perfectly with our commitment to exceptional customer service. This acquisition significantly strengthens our own pest control capabilities, adding much needed density to our operations in London, Norfolk, Kent and Sussex. Together, we will leverage our combined expertise to grow into a leading provider of pest control solutions in the UK, while propelling OCS’ wider global growth ambitions

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Daniel Dickson

UK & Ireland CEO

Abate has operated independently as one of the UK’s premier pest control providers for over 25 years and we are proud to have built a strong customer base thanks to the leading service we provide. OCS recognises the strength of our business lies within our team who have been central to the success of our business. I am confident that together we can offer our customers a truly market leading service.

Jon Blake

Managing Director of Abate Pest Management Services

It’s World Autism Awareness Day

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Today marks World Autism Awareness Day, a day dedicated to transforming narratives around autism. Approximately 700,000 individuals diagnosed with autism live in the UK and Ireland, each with their unique experience of autism. 

We are constantly expanding our social value initiatives within our local communities and understand the importance of creating safe spaces for autistic and neurodiverse people. A prime example of this is the new sensory room we helped build at the Scottish Autism New Struan School, designed to enrich the learning experience of its pupils. 

New Struan School is an independent day and residential school for autistic youth. The school provides a safe, friendly, and stimulating environment where children and young people can learn, interact, and have fun. For over 35 years, New Struan School has been at the forefront of specialist education for autistic children and young people. 

Our team collaborated closely with the school to ensure the refurbishment of the existing sensory room best catered to the students’ needs. We did this by creating an internal space that has an external feel. We’re delighted to have supported this project, and we hope all students at New Struan School enjoy their new tailored learning space.

The partnership with OCS has been an absolute dream for us. The team fully supported our vision, and nothing was too much to ask. We wanted the sensory room to be part of the everyday sensory regulation for our young people and integrated into the curriculum. The benefit our young people will get from this calm, beautiful sensory space is immeasurable.

Lee-Anne McAulay

New Struan Head Teacher

Additionally, as part of our CHROMA network and through our Wellbeing committee, we encourage our neurodivergent colleagues to openly share their lived experiences, insights, and explore support avenues. All individuals interested in being allies, expanding their understanding, and supporting neurodivergent colleagues are welcome. 

A Peek into Managing Director, Jen Bates’ Trailblazing Career in FM 

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In the spirit of Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to shed light on the inspiring journey of Jen Bates, Sector Managing Director at OCS. A testament to the power of determination and resilience, Jen is one of the many dynamic women who are driving OCS to new heights with their experience and knowledge. Her story provides a beacon of inspiration in an industry where, according to IFMA, women occupy only 15% of senior leadership roles globally. 

Jen’s foray into facilities management was born out of a transformative phase in her life. After a successful 12-year stint in the hospitality industry and an 18-month maternity break following the birth of her second child, Jen found herself at a crossroads. A local advertisement for an area manager position in a contract cleaning business based in Surrey presented a new opportunity. Jen seized it and proved herself an invaluable asset. 

Her career trajectory in facilities management was steep. Within 18 months, Jen had made significant strides in her role, taking on the responsibility of managing a partnership contract with John Lewis that spanned around ten stores. This achievement marked her first promotion. 

But Jen was just getting started. Her career continued to skyrocket, and a couple of years after her first promotion, she was elevated to the position of Operations Director. This role saw her managing all Waitrose stores and about 80% of John Lewis stores nationwide. Her exceptional leadership skills saw the retail sector of her then company thriving under her watch, ultimately facilitating her final promotion to Divisional Director for Retail. 

After twelve years of growth and progress, Jen decided it was time for a change of scenery. She joined Servest, which has since been absorbed into OCS. Reflecting on that decision, Jen shares, “After 12 years I decided to make a move and I joined Servest in April 2014, taking on the CPS division. I took this sector from £20 million to £80 million within a few years, retaining some customers for a second or third term despite competitive tenders.” 

Jen was instantly captivated by the facilities management industry. Its versatility, teamwork, and problem-solving aspects resonated with her. “Every day is different. Yes, we have challenges but it’s the solutions that I love to work out with my team,” she says, underlining her problem-solving ethos. 

Though Jen’s career has been decorated with numerous successes, it wasn’t without its fair share of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, posed a significant hurdle. Yet, she navigated this crisis with resilience and determination, leading her team to keep their customers operational during such a challenging period. 

I am very fortunate to be working with someone like Jen Bates, she is a courageous leader who enthuses her team as well as her peers. I have watched Jen develop over the years since joining our business in 2014 with admiration and respect. It has not been easy for Jen who has frequently stepped up to overcome complex challenges under difficult circumstances. Due to her leadership and incredible work ethic, Jen always finds a way to deliver success. Jen has transformed her sectors into a more diverse environment, another area which we can all learn from.

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Sean Fisher

Chief Executive Officer Cleaning

Despite the numerous challenges, Jen cherishes the relationships she has built over the years the most. She is proud of the team around her, crediting their collective effort for the success they have achieved. 

Jen acknowledges the persisting gender gap in the industry, especially in senior leadership roles, but she is optimistic about the future. The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) conducted a study revealing a gradual increase in women in leadership roles in the facilities management industry in the UK, moving from 32% in 2020 to 34% in 2021. OCS is firmly committed to this cause, and Jen herself is keen to encourage more women to consider a career in facilities management. “I think it caters to all. The industry is still struggling with women in more senior roles, but we have a lot to give. It suits anyone wanting to do their best and be flexible, it’s a great career path for young people. I started as an area manager and hard work and people skills have greatly helped my career.” 

As she nears her 25th year in the industry, Jen Bates is a shining example of success in the facilities management sector. Her journey is a testament to her dedication and inspiring leadership, proving that with hard work, determination, and a strong team, meaningful progress can be made. We are incredibly proud and honoured to have such a brilliant woman as part of the OCS team, leading our colleagues, supporting our customers, and helping to make people and places the best they can be. 

Strategies for Enhancing Productivity of Your Workplace and People 

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Most organisations’ two main costs are real estate and people. It’s estimated that labour can occupy up to 70% of business costs. Given these facts, the question arises: how can we harmonise these two crucial aspects to maximise productivity? The answer, simple yet profound, is to cultivate a workplace that your employees are happy to walk into each day.

Prioritising Employee Happiness is the Key

A study conducted by the University of Warwick found a 12% increase in productivity when workers were happy. The trickle-down effect of employee happiness cannot be overstated it supports staff retention which helps save recruitment costs, builds loyalty and overall makes for a stronger team with deepened expertise within the business.

The next question is how do we keep our teams happy in the workplace? A thriving workplace strengthens relationships, increases productivity and overall creates a frictionless environment where creativity can flow. Amidst the rise of remote or hybrid work cultures, it may seem challenging to advocate for physical workplaces. However, a compelling argument exists for their continuation.

Foster Equality with a Secure, Comfortable Workplace

While not everyone has the same opportunity and ability to work from home, the workplace can provide a consistent environment for everyone to flourish. The assurance of a clean, safe, and smart environment for employees to operate in is vital. Knowing that in the winter, there’s a warm place to situate themselves without worrying about electricity bills or in the summer a cool escape for them to get their head down is a vital understated part of encouraging teams into the workplace.

The workplace must also provide a healthy environment in which to work. Indoor air quality not only has an impact on a person’s health and comfort but also on their ability to work. Providing the right mix of natural and mechanical ventilation is essential in helping improve concentration, lower levels of absence and reduce exposure to a wide range of air pollutants.

If feasible, also consider health-conscious catering. There’s powerful value in providing fresh, nutritious, and delicious food that will not just fuel your employees but also be the best choice for their health and well-being.

Another essential aspect of a thriving workplace is providing the right balance of desks, meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, and other working environments. This arrangement should be versatile enough to accommodate the varied working needs of staff members. Some employees may require quiet, isolated spaces to focus on intricate tasks, while others may need collaborative settings for team projects. Having a variety of workplaces can cater to these differing needs, thereby enhancing productivity. Moreover, an aesthetically appealing and comfortable workplace can improve employee morale and job satisfaction, making the office a place where employees want to be. Hence, a thoughtful and flexible workplace environment is a vital factor in boosting productivity and making your people and workplace the best they can be.

ESG’s Impact on Recruitment and Retention

A facet that employers should not overlook is ESG. A recent study showed that 83% of jobseeker participants would look to a company’s environmental and sustainability commitments to influence their decision to join. This consideration is not only for your current employees but also for the future of your business. The current and future generation of recruits have a far deeper understanding and drive for environmental sustainability, and this applies to all aspects of a business including its facilities. Smart building technology as well as decarbonising efforts can go a long way to establishing confidence in your employees that you’re making the right steps for our planet.

Finally, as mentioned, building costs are a significant expense for businesses. However, data led facilities management can optimise the workplace experience, realise efficiencies in building assets and infrastructure and play a part in carbon reduction. Technologies like ABi, used here at OCS, harness the power of data and artificial intelligence to provide building operators with comprehensive insights to pre-emptively address issues, optimise resources and improve the overall management of facilities.

To conclude, the biggest competition that the workplace faces is homeworking. It is imperative to provide your teams with an exceptional, productive space to return to which is better than home —an environment that fosters team building, productivity, and most importantly, happiness. If you’re wondering how to best welcome your colleagues back into the workplace, consider exploring our sector-specific service offerings.

OCS Race the Thames Begins: A Virtual Race for a Real Cause

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And we’re off!

Over 300 colleagues across OCS are commencing a virtual race along the River Thames to raise money for two charities doing essential work within communities and with people who might otherwise not benefit.

The Race

From our Group CEO Rob Legge, to teams on the frontline, Colleagues across OCS are finding inventive ways to complete the 346km distance of the iconic River Thames.

Whether the individuals are swimming, walking, skipping, or bouncing around on a space hopper, the teams will all be tracking the distances completed and uploading it to a virtual race arena where they can watch their boat travel down the Thames.

We’re also thrilled to announce that several OCS partners are joining us in this initiative. Birkets, BDO, Client Share, and RKStyles are just a few of the partners taking part in and supporting this incredible cause.

Participation in this event aligns with our business ethos and TRUE Values and it contributes to the commitments that we make daily around ESG and social impact. It’s empowerment at its very best.

Race the Thames

Our Charities

London Youth Rowing (LYR),since its inception in 2004, has focused on empowering young people through the sport of rowing. The charity provides life skills programmes and mentoring, which transform lives and leave a lasting impact on the individuals they reach, their families, and their communities. We are proud to be partnering with them with a shared vision of leaving people and places better than we met them.

The OCS Foundation, established in 2016, has a track record of driving change and delivering projects that have a direct and positive impact on society and the communities we serve. A notable initiative is our industry-inclusive People-into-Work programme. This programme has already assisted over 150 people, who have faced various barriers to work, from homeless to substance abuse, with the necessary support and training to transition into sustainable employment. At its core, the OCS Foundation improves lives and communities, and we are proud to be a part of it.

Together, we can make a change.

Targeting 1,000 Apprentices: The Launch of Our New Apprenticeship Scheme

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Following our annual Apprentice of The Year event in February and our global brand relaunch in January, we are relaunching our apprenticeship scheme with the aspirational target of enrolling up to 1,000 apprentices this year. This ambition is part of our commitment to support the social mobility of our colleagues and the local communities where we operate, positioning OCS as a leading employer of apprentices.

We’re providing the opportunity for individuals to grow personally and professionally, supported by their colleagues and the wider business.

Our new apprenticeship scheme will feature 57 programmes across 20 pathways in areas such as human resources, project management, ESG, cleaning, marketing, and more. This allows those interested to explore and upskill in a qualification that their job role will be able to support.

As part of the scheme, we will continue our award and recognition scheme, Apprentice of the Month. Each month we will select an outstanding apprentice leading up to the Apprentice of The Year Award. From the 12 monthly winners, an overall winner will be chosen during the National Apprenticeship Week in February.

We’re thrilled to launch this new scheme, building on the success of the previous one and making improvements. We look forward to our colleagues exploring the wide variety of programmes available, which will encourage them to build upon their professional development and help towards the target of 1,000 new enrolments. If you’re interested in joining an apprenticeship programme or have questions, please contact our Social Mobility team.

Nourishing Minds: Education Catering Focused on Improving Learning and Well-being

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Nutrition is essential for learning and growth. We take the responsibility of nourishing young minds seriously, diligently and carefully considering how food impacts cognitive learning, focus, energy levels, and growth. According to a study published in PubMed, students are 18% more likely to be on-task i.e. concentrated and alert, following tailored modifications to food provisions. This displays the positive effect of high-fibre foods and increased fruit and vegetable intake on students’ cognitive learning levels. This is why we carefully select every ingredient in our catering service for the education sector, to enable students and faculty to be the best they can be.

Surpassing standards

Our catering service delivers nutrient-dense foods to students and staff. We adhere to UK government food standards, and each menu item is reviewed by our team of nutritionists to ensure it not only meets but exceeds school nutrition standards. At a minimum, our service fulfils the standard quotas of fresh fruit and vegetables, starchy foods, required portions of meats, poultry and oily fish, while strictly limiting high-fat, salt, and sugar foods.

Initiatives to push good food

Of course, our efforts do not stop there. We understand that making people and places the best they can be requires consistent effort. Therefore, we have established several partnerships and internal initiatives that we integrate as part of our service delivery.

We go above and beyond, taking part in VEGPOWER’s ‘Eat Them to Defeat Them’ campaign, which encourages children to eat more fruit and vegetables. We support this campaign across all our primary school locations to help children reach their five-a-day goal.

Understanding the importance of promoting healthy eating and providing nourishing food, our nutrition team developed a PSCA-shortlisted initiative, ‘Goodness’. This robust campaign was established to communicate the value of proper nutrition, debunk food fads, and reintroduce fun into healthy eating. Goodness Lessons, tailored for students from year 1 to year 13, provide complimentary sessions to enhance the impact of our service delivery. In 2023, the focus was ‘Food and Mood,’ with ‘Sugar Awareness’ lessons scheduled for 2024. These lessons, which reached 1,085 pupils over 39 sessions, engage students with fun activities that increase their understanding of the benefits of fruits, vegetables, wholegrain starchy carbohydrates, and reducing sugary foods.

We also provide informative fact sheets to the parents and guardians of students who have taken part in the lessons, offering nutrition tips and healthier food swaps that can be made at home. Our nutrition team covers topics like plant-based diets, sports nutrition, and nutrition careers, and delivers bespoke lessons on topics such as micronutrients and age-related dietary needs.

Nutritious vegetables, nutrition and good food

A holistic approach to healthy eating

Our skilled and passionate chefs run a Junior Chefs Club onsite at the schools we serve, specifically designed for those students who are interested in the art of cooking. This innovative club is more than just a fun extracurricular activity; it’s an enriching educational experience where students are taught to prepare wholesome, nutritious foods that meet their dietary needs. We believe in fostering a healthy relationship with food from a young age, and our Junior Chefs Club does exactly that by promoting the importance of balanced meals. Furthermore, we ensure that all our young chefs are acquainted with safe cooking practices, instilling a sense of responsibility and safety awareness that goes hand in hand with their culinary skills.

We are committed to educating students on the principles of healthy eating, and we work to provide them with food options that are not only nutritious but also appealing to their taste buds. We believe that by introducing them to various wholesome meals, we can instil an appreciation for a balanced diet and help shape their future eating habits. This commitment is reflected in our catering service. We encourage you to explore more about our brand, its philosophy, and how we are making a difference in students’ lives through our culinary efforts.

“We’re really proud of the food we provide to students. We recognise that children are the architects of our future, and proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in their growth and development, helping them become the best versions of themselves. It goes beyond simply serving meals; it’s about fostering a deep understanding of the nutritional value of different foods on the brain, body and gut. Our Goodness initiative, combined with the dedication of our chefs, ensures a holistic approach to nourishing and empowering these young minds.”

Iona Hudson

OCS Nutritionist