To assist with the application process, NHS England & Improvement advises HEFMA that the deadline for entering the North East & Yorkshire regional competition at Newcastle College (August 10) and the North West regional competition at Manchester College (August 12) has been extended until Midday on August 6; please ensure that you are able to send in all of the relevant details by this time.
All of the other competition’s applications should be completed and emailed by midday on August 20.
The idea for a new award that celebrates NHS chefs was put forward in the Independent Review of NHS Hospital Food published in October 2020. It was part of a range of recommendations to support and develop hospital chefs, to: make them feel a part of the wider catering sector; inspire and motivate them; and celebrate their successes and recognise excellence. NHS Chef 2021 will highlight the best of NHS catering, chefs' skills, catering knowledge and menu engineering.
The competition is split into three parts, with seven regional events taking place during August and September, the winners of which will move into a national final. A mentoring event will be held from September 28 – 30 at the MKN Office and Presentation Kitchen in Cannock. This will allow finalists to network, attend practical sessions to help develop their entries for the finals and to work with their mentors.
The dishes must be garnished in a way that is realistic within an NHS hospital setting and all hot meals will be placed in a serving trolley/hotplate for 10 minutes before being judged.
The winning team from each regional event will progress to the final, which will be held between October 25 and November 5 at The Cooking School in Warminster. The competition is only open to chefs/caterers who are paid directly through the NHS, or through its contracted catering providers, or suppliers who prepare meals for the NHS.
For the full terms and conditions and to apply for this exciting new event, please email: [email protected] with ‘NHS Chef 2021’ as the subject line.
If you are a professional chef or caterer who prepares food for NHS staff, visitors and patients, or you know colleagues who are then please encourage them to apply. This really is an exciting opportunity for all NHS chefs and caterers.
