Springboard London & the South East

London and South East Regional Ambassadors

Ideally the definition of a Ambassador is one who is passionate, enthusiastic and interested in ‘spreading the word’ about the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel & Tourism industry by going into schools, colleges, universities, returner groups, third agers groups and talking about the real opportunities which exist within our industry.

For all our Springboard Ambassadors, we run a two day programme covering presentational skills and careers guidance. This equips them with the right skills to present the range of different jobs and careers within this exciting and diverse Industry and to pass on some of their enthusiasm and experience to different audiences. All Ambassadors are given a Visual Resource Pack, which consists of various visual aids designed to entertain, inspire and evoke enthusiasm in the industry. This is included in the cost of the course.

The commitment we require is that they agree to do at least three activities per year for Springboard and feedback on any progress in terms of potential recruits they have spoken or influenced back to your nearest Springboard office around the country.

Ambassador News

Ambassadors across the region are signing up to be mentors or judges for FutureChef 2007.

As the school heats get under way for FutureChef 2006, we are busy here at Springboard planning the local heats at 15 locations across London and the South East Region. Once again the industry is being very supportive of the competition including some of our Ambassadors. Ben Purton, Executive Chef of Hyatt Regency London, The Churchill (winner of Springboard's Award of Excellence for best Ambassador 2003) will be one of the judges at the South East Regional Final in January 2006. He has also given his Senior Sous Chef the opportunity to be a mentor for one of the winners of a London Local Heat.

Ambassador Profile's

June Harvey

Background
Junes’ qualifications include eight o levels, City and Guilds 7061/2, 7071/2, advanced food hygiene and health and safety.

Work experience
Since leaving college, June has worked as a waitress, a chef in hotels and restaurants, working her way up to catering manager. She has also taught hospitality at East Berkshire College. She now works at Bartlett Mitchell in human resources and training.

Bartlett Mitchell
Bartlett Mitchell is a contract caterer that provides excellent food and service to their clients, with an eye for detail and costs, and a passion for their industry. They operate in the south east area including London, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent and Sussex .For further information, please go to www.bartlettmitchell.co.uk. You will also see a delightful picture of June on there too!

Current Job Role
As HR & Training Executive, June is responsible for the recruitment and training of over 200 staff. She is currently studying for her CIPD qualification at Thames Valley University. She thoroughly enjoys her current job being with such a fast growing, dynamic company. No two days are the same and she is very focused on encouraging every employees’ development. As a result Bartlett Mitchell have put eight of their staff through Springboard Ambassadors training.

Why be a Springboard Ambassador?
June enjoys sharing her passion for the industry with others and being an ambassador gives her the opportunity to encourage young people to work in this varied and exciting industry.

Funniest experience
At the age of 17, June was a waitress and tried to serve a customer with a flaming sambuca. However as she tried to light the sambuca, the tray caught fire!

Springboard comment
“June is regularly in contact with Springboard to find out what is happening and how she or Bartlett Mitchell can get involved. During Festival in March 2005, ten job centre staff visited a number of Bartlett Mitchell units as part of Buddy Day, in order to change their negative perceptions of the industry. The job centre advisors commented on what an excellent day they all had. June and her staff are a credit to themselves and Bartlett Mitchell. Thank you for your continued support.”

Geoff Edwards

General Catering Manager
Baxter and Catering (Compass Group)

Current Job Role
A Business Development Manager for Baxter and Platts and a Connoisseur of Fine Wines. He is currently running one of their contracts in the centre of London.

Background
Geoff was brought up in the Industry and has been working in hospitality for more than 20 years.

Work Experience
Gained experience in all areas of the industry as a trained and qualified chef to Front of House, serving in the Royal Household and assisting in the running of the Beckhams wedding in Ireland.

Why be a Springboard Ambassador?
Geoff is fanatical about training and developing staff, which is why, he support Springboard and their philosophy.

Springboard comment
We can always rely on Geoff to get involved in our programmes. He assisted Springboard in “Young Mangers Programme twice and has participated in the Summer School programme One of the students as been taken on full time as a trainee Chef.