Double Impact at BAME Apprenticeship Awards

Compass Group UK & Ireland, the UK’s market leading foodservice business, is celebrating being shortlisted in two categories at the 2020 BAME Apprenticeship Awards – Large Employer of the Year and Apprentice of the Year. The winners will be announced at a special ceremony in November.

Showcasing talent & diversity

The BAME Apprenticeship Awards evolved from the Asian Apprenticeship Awards, which launched in 2016. It was set up as a direct result of the government target to increase the diversity of apprenticeships by 20% by 2020. These awards showcase talent and diversity within BAME communities through the celebration of those working hard to overcome adversity to achieve their goals through apprenticeships.

Jonathan Foot, Head of Apprenticeships and Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “It’s amazing to have made the finals in both categories we entered. We’re very proud of our apprenticeship programme at Compass Group and we offer a clear career progression through our apprenticeship roadmaps. This is superb recognition and it means a great deal to us as a business.”

Nomination for two prestigious categories

Compass is a finalist in the Large Employer of the Year category, which acknowledges organisations for their contribution in assisting their apprentices along their journey. One of which, is Compass shining star and bronze winner at the 2019 Compass Apprentice Chef of the Year, Natasha Smith, who has been deservedly shortlisted for BAME Apprentice of the Year. Natasha is an Apprentice Commis Chef at Levy, and consistently demonstrates commitment, professionalism, passion and dedication in her quest to become an outstanding chef.

Newly appointed Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Compass Group UK & Ireland, Rak Kalidas, said of the nominations: “It’s an honour simply to be shortlisted for the BAME Apprenticeship Awards, as it means we’ve been recognised for our efforts to create a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the customers and clients we serve, as well as society as a whole.

“We have created a Cultural Diversity Employee Network and have set up regular employee listening groups, to ensure our Diversity and Inclusion strategy is in line with our people and addresses the problems which they face. We can’t wait for the ceremony in November and wish all the nominees the best of luck!”