Springboard enhances its information security, thanks to Amentum and Cranfield Trust
Springboard has completed a 12-month project to ensure our information security practices are well suited to the evolving security challenges in 2023 and beyond. Working with defence contractor Amentum, organised through Cranfield Trust, the project saw our team restructure policy, create and complete bespoke training for the entire team and upgrade hardware and systems.
Leading the project for Springboard, Head of Digital Development, Ted Blackwell said “Springboard set out to secure expert assistance in improving our Information Security position and Jonathan and Jemma’s knowledge of both ISO27001 and the information security landscape has helped us to both align to, and mature within, the ISO27001 framework.
Many thanks to both the team at Amentum and the Cranfield Trust for their support in delivering this project. Amentum’s concise professional guidance, delivered in a friendly environment, challenged us to improve our information security, while also protecting the organisation. Springboard will continue to improve on our journey to align our Information Security to the ISO27001 international standard, with a fantastic start made.“
Amentum‘s UK and International sector CISO, Jon Cornish noted that “The commitment and investment demonstrated by Springboard and in particular its CEO, Chris Gamm and Head of Digital Development, Ted Blackwell, really stood out to us. Springboard demonstrated its passion and determination to raise standards and commit to its Data Protection and Information Security programme.
Throughout the project Springboard made it clear that they want to be best placed to meet and maintain their obligations, protect their people, organisation, valuable assets and important work within the charitable sector.“
Savoy Educational Trust and Springboard join forces to promote hospitality careers to more than 300,000 people
Savoy Educational Trust and Springboard have announced a three-year partnership to promote hospitality careers to more than 300,000 prospects.
They will offer industry training, put on activities in schools and colleges, and market hospitality careers to those searching for work across the UK.
Savoy Educational Trust will be funding three key areas of Springboard’s work between 2023 and 2026:
- Employability Training Courses – supporting 1,156 disadvantaged people per year through a Springboard Training Course, in which they will receive soft skill development, hospitality training, accredited qualifications, CV and interview workshops, work experience, and guaranteed job interviews.
- Careers & Education Activity – allowing 3,128 students and school leavers per year to participate in hospitality takeover days, career hub sessions, and summer school training programmes.
- CareerScope Promotion – attracting 100,000 people per year to the CareerScope portal, where they can learn about hospitality careers, join a Springboard course, or apply for one of over 20,000 jobs or apprenticeships.
Angela Maher, Chief Executive of the Savoy Educational Trust, said: “Partnering with Springboard allows us to make a meaningful impact on the future of UK hospitality by investing in key areas that promote education and employment opportunities.
We believe in the transformative power of education, and through our funding, Springboard will be able to deliver essential employability training courses for disadvantaged individuals, fostering a passion for hospitality among thousands of students and young people, and using CareerScope as a bridge between individuals seeking employment and the wealth of opportunities within the sector.”
Chris Gamm, Chief Executive of the Springboard Charity, said: “We are thrilled to team up with the Savoy Educational Trust in this ambitious and inspiring three-year partnership. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to open up exciting opportunities in the hospitality industry for more than 105,000 individuals per year; and build on our fantastic work together delivering the Springboard to2022 project, in which we helped 10,384 young people secure hospitality jobs.”
voco St. David’s, Cardiff supports Springboard with nurturing the future stars of hospitality!
voco St. David’s, Cardiff has proudly lent their support to us by opening its doors and extending its superb hosting to over 130 young people from schools in the Welsh capital, at a ‘Springboard Takeover Day’.
The Springboard Takeover Day, sponsored by voco St. David’s, Cardiff, took place on Monday 23rd October 2023. Konstantin Grimm, General Manager, voco St. David’s, Cardiff, welcomed pupils from five local secondary schools – Stanwell School and Sixth Form, Penarth; Cathays High School, Cardiff; Cardiff West Community High School; Fitzalan High School and Sixth Form, Cardiff and Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Cardiff;– to the event, devoted to the magnificent sector that is, hospitality.
Having been greeted by Konstantin and Springboard Ambassadors, students enjoyed a talk from Chris Ireland, Director of Operations UK&I, IHG Hotels & Resorts. Then, alongside other senior representatives from IHG (Gail Bagley, Human Resources Director UK&I; Kirsty Hart, Vice President, Human Resources UK&I; and Lindsey Wakeley, Human Resources Business Partner, South), pupils experienced a dedicated programme of carefully curated 30-minute workshops, as Konstantin explains:
“It’s a real privilege to support Springboard by sponsoring and hosting such a fantastic event here at voco St. David’s, Cardiff. Springboard supports the hospitality, leisure and tourism industries; working with education establishments to help them deliver industry insight and skills development to students as they transition into employment. The Springboard Takeover Day presents young people – the future stars of our industry – with an opportunity to get a feel for the hospitality sector. A special sector, and one that the team here in Cardiff absolutely loves being a part of! With a programme of activities aimed at encouraging students to consider a career in such a fabulous industry, the workshops allowed pupils to experience, in a hands-on manner, how it feels to be a hospitality professional. We’ve been able to show them the variety of roles available, and allow them to gain insight into a diverse range of career opportunities, which they may have been unaware of previously.”
Led by heads of department from voco St. David’s, Cardiff, the skills workshops included laying a dinner table for service and boxing a tablecloth; towel artistry (Housekeeping); hand massage techniques (Spa), marketing (Marketing); pancake making (Kitchen); and mocktail making (Food and Beverage).
Held across the hotel’s Roald Dahl and Dylan Thomas suites, voco St. David’s, Cardiff also provided participants of the Springboard Takeover Day with a delicious lunch – a real treat for students, giving them an insight into the culinary experience provided by the hotel to guests enjoying its Tir a Môr restaurant.
The day concluded with the ‘Rising Star’ awards, which saw certificates and goodie bags awarded to winners from each of the workshop groups. A fantastic way of recognising the incredible talent of the young people who may decide to join the industry!
Speaking about the day, Rebecca Slade, Careers, Education & Employability Programme Delivery Manager, Springboard, comments:
“The Springboard Charity was set up over 30 years ago and our mission is to futureproof the talent pipeline for hospitality by giving young and unemployed people the skills and confidence to launch their careers in the industry. We are absolutely delighted that voco St. David’s, Cardiff was keen to support our vision and host our Takeover Day today. What an incredible opportunity for these local schoolchildren to have an insight into jobs within hospitality. We hope that many will have been inspired today to start their hospitality career path.”
To find out more about voco St. David’s, Cardiff please visit stdavids.vocohotels.com or call +44(0)292 045 4045
Springboard held an Ambassador Networking Event in Manchester!
The latest Springboard Ambassador Networking Event took place on the evening of Monday 30th October in Manchester. It was an event filled with insightful conversations, forming connections, and a shared passion for the future of hospitality.
Hosted by the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, the event brought together industry leaders such as Hilton, Handpicked Hotels, Sodexo, Dakota Hotels, Bills Restaurant, Apex, San Carlo, Boyes Turner, Vine Hotels, and more. Discussions revolved around collaboration, support, and the mission of Springboard.
Keynote speakers Carolina Rowe and Andrew Aston shared some brilliant insights. Caroline highlighted ways businesses can collaborate with Springboard, emphasizing IHG’s commitment to a brighter future for Hospitality. Andrew spoke passionately about mental health in hospitality, emphasizing awareness and support, touching the hearts of everyone present.
In the true spirit of hospitality, the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel offered delicious food and drinks, creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for the evening, encouraging guests to mingle and connect. The event provided a chance to make connections, share a unifying passion for the industry, share expertise, and find ways to uplift the hospitality industry whilst guiding young minds towards fulfilling career choices.
Here’s what Patricia, Ambassador Project Lead at Springboard had to say “It was so great to connect with Ambassadors and business partners, some of them for the very first time! It felt like the whole room was buzzing with the energy of the hospitality industry!”
Thank you to all attendees and speakers, and in particular to IHG and Kimpton Hotel for making it possible!
The Springboard Awards for Excellence 2024 are Open for Nominations and Entries!
Hospitality professionals across the UK and Ireland are encouraged to enter themselves or their business in one of 16 categories at the 2024 Springboard Awards for Excellence, which celebrate excellence in recruitment, training, staff development and retention across the industry.
The free-to-enter Awards for Excellence are open to businesses and individuals that have achieved outstanding things over the past 12 months, from providing an exceptional and inclusive guest experience, improved your team’s loyalty and retention, or made a significant impact within your community.
Delivered in partnership with headline sponsor IHG, the awards ceremony will take place at the prestigious InterContinental Park Lane, London on Thursday 11 April 2024. Two new awards have also been added for 2024 – Best Use of Technology, and Talent Development Team of the Year.
The deadline for final entries is Monday 8 January 2024 and the shortlist will be announced in February 2024, along with the opportunity to buy tickets to the star-studded awards banquet.
Businesses winning Springboard Awards for Excellence in 2023 include Gleneagles, Brewhouse & Kitchen, Dishoom, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Wagamama, Z Hotels, and Sodexo.
Looking forward to the event, Springboard’s CEO Chris Gamm said: “Each year, the Springboard Awards for Excellence ceremony grows in popularity and in 2024 we will continue that trend. It’s a great indicator of the strength of the hospitality industry, the talented workforce within it and the many successes of the industry this past year.”
“The Springboard Awards for Excellence are one of the most prestigious recognitions in the hospitality sector. Being a finalist or winner is a mark of excellence that stands out on your professional journey. The awards ceremony brings together industry leaders and influencers and is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, receiving the exposure your business deserves.”
Join in and recognise the UK and Ireland’s hospitality superstars, who have made outstanding contributions to the vibrant and dynamic industry, including those who have inspired us over the last year with their resourcefulness, creativity, innovative ideas, supporting the growth of their organisation, developing their co-workers, and leading within their communities.
Henderson Foodservice play crucial role in supporting Springboard
Henderson Foodservice have offered their continued support for Springboard, and our Springboard FutureChef programme. Their support at local and regional finals in Northern Ireland has been crucial. Alongside supporting Springboard FutureChef, they have also been strong advocates for our Springboard Ambassador initiative, encouraging those in their business to sign up.
As of recent, Henderson Foodservice have been supportive of our Tourism Northern Ireland Roadshows and Hospitality Takeover Days, where they have delivered culinary skills workshops and spoke to trainees about their career journeys, sharing opportunities within their organisation.
Their support doesn’t stop there. On various occasions, Henderson Foodservice have invited trainees on our Springboard courses to view their premises and offered tours around their departments. They have also assisted in CV and interview skills workshops, conducting mock interviews simultaneously.
Here’s what Roy Dempster of Henderson Foodservice had to say “Henderson Foodservice were delighted in 2021 to be approached by the Springboard Northern Ireland team requesting our local support for their flagship UK National Educational competition FutureChef.
As a business we were happy to support such a worthwhile charity which solely focuses on promoting the Hospitality Industry, inspiring and attracting people into it thereby helping create that all important future talent industry pipeline.
We were fully engaged and attended regional heats with several of our foodservice team involved. It gave Henderson Foodservice the opportunity to engage with our current clients and customer contacts, involving them in the judging process, confirming the interest and impact that we as an organisation have on the success of the Springboard FutureChef programme.
Our involvement also placed us in a pivotal position to meet ‘new customers’ and we grew some of this new customer base as a direct result. As a business we have pledged to continue our support for this competition and look forward to seeing new talent emerging into the industry.”
The Soho Sandwich Co. Get in the Festive Spirit and Support Springboard this Christmas!
Christmas is the season of giving and spreading joy, and that’s exactly what The Soho Sandwich Co. are doing.
From mid-November and throughout December, SOHO have pledged a 25p donation to Springboard per Christmas product sold from their delectable festive range of fresh sandwiches, toasties and paninis.
Our London supporters will be delighted to learn that The Soho Sandwich Co. are also generously providing sandwiches from their festive range at the Springboard Christmas Carols on Thursday 7th December.
Their Soho Sandwich Co’s festive range includes the following mouth-watering fillings:
- Turkey and Trimmings Signature Sandwich
- Turkey and Stuffing Sandwich
- Vegan Festive Feast Sandwich
- Triple Cheese and Fig Panini
- Pigs Under Blankets Panini
- Boxing Day Toastie
We’re also excited to announce that Adrian O’Hare, Sales & Marketing Director at The Soho Sandwich Co. will be taking on the ultimate challenge next year as he takes part in Springboard’s Cambodia Trek, which will see him trekking 100km through the Cambodian Wilds, from Siem Reap to Wat Preash Bat Bun Tham, to Kulen Mountain, and finally Angkor Wat for a sunrise to remember. A once in a lifetime experience!
The last few spaces are remaining on the Springboard Cambodia Trek. You can secure your place with a £500 deposit today.
The Soho Sandwich Co. story began in January 2000, in a small kitchen in North London. Since then, they’ve grown into one of the UK’s leading producers of food to go, now delivering nationwide six days a week. Their ambition is clear – to become the UK’s number one sandwich brand, beloved by everyone because of their unwavering commitment to quality.
In 2022, their dedication to excellence was recognised when they were awarded ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ by the British Sandwich Association. This praise is a testament to their dedication to crafting the finest sandwiches and other delicious offerings. In June this year, they were acquired by Around Noon Ltd, an Irish sandwich manufacturer, strengthening their position and offering in the market
They work together with their suppliers to ensure consistently high-quality ingredients, produced safely and sustainably, with an emphasis on freshness. This commitment to quality and sustainability is not only good for their customers but also for the environment.
We are extremely grateful for The Soho Sandwich Co. support over the festive period and beyond. Make sure you try out their Christmas range this Winter!
Apex Hotels give Springboard trainees a day to remember
Step into the world of Apex Hotels, where unforgettable experiences are crafted for every guest. Last month, our trainees from the Evening Standard and The Independent’s joint initiative, ‘Skill Up Step Up’ got to experience this first hand as we ventured into the heart of hospitality excellence, the iconic Apex City of London Hotel.
Greeted by their friendly team, the trainees were swiftly taken on a tour of their fantastic hotel and the surrounding areas. Along the way, they were given the history behind each and every significant location, including Daisy the vibrant cow! They viewed all the different room options, finding out the differences between each one, and finally visiting their iconic restaurant, The Lampery.
After their tour, the team regrouped to learn more about the history of their hotel. Among the many curiosities was the question that had piqued everyone’s interest – “What’s with the ducks?!”
The team told the trainees that these delightful ducks have gained a dedicated following, with enthusiasts traveling from far and wide to complete their duck collection.
The day wrapped up with an enlightening session by Christopher Fox, our very own Springboard Ambassador and Talent Acquisition Business Partner at Apex Hotels. Christopher provided valuable insights into life at Apex Hotels and shed light on potential careers within this dynamic industry.
We are delighted to have Apex Hotels onboard as one of our Business Partners.
Here’s what Suzanne Dodds, Talent Acquisition Manager at Apex Hotels had to say about our partnership:
“Apex Hotels has successfully partnered with Springboard to recruit and empower team members throughout our hotels. Thanks to this collaboration, these individuals have flourished, finding new friendships, and embracing our core values of Trust, Teamwork, Friendliness & Passion. We take immense pride in witnessing their growth and the positive impact they have made within the wider team.
Springboard Insight days and work placements act as a positive feeder into our apprenticeship programmes. These placements offer insight into our industry and display how an Apex apprenticeship would look & feel.
Together, Apex Hotels and Springboard embrace a shared vision of creating a thriving and fulfilling career landscape within hospitality. Apex Hotels, believe in creating memorable experiences for our guests. Springboard’s partnership allows us to amplify that commitment. Together, we strive to provide a nurturing environment where every member of our team can bring their true selves to work and develop within a fulfilling career. We celebrate the profound impact Springboard has on transforming lives and driving positive change in our industry.”
Sutton Hotel Collection renew Business Partnership with Springboard
We are delighted to announce that the Sutton Hotel Collection has renewed their Business Partnership with us for our Springboard FutureChef Competition Programme 2024. As the competition reaches its 25th year, we are thrilled that Sutton Hotel Collection will be continuing to support and celebrate the competitions silver jubilee.
Simon Evans, Area HR Manager for Sutton Hotel Collection said:
“We are really proud to be sponsoring the Springboard FutureChef programme for another year. In the UK, we have some of the finest culinary talent yet recruiting chefs in the hospitality sector continues to be such a challenge. By encouraging children to consider a career as a chef at a young age and equip them with the tools and passion to join the hospitality sector, we are safeguarding our futures and creating a bank of amazing talent to call upon. As the largest scheme in the UK for nurturing young talent, we couldn’t be happier to also be supporting Springboard on the programme’s 25th anniversary.”
A huge congratulations to the Sutton Hotel Collection for the exciting news of being awarded a Gold Green Tourism Award. The hotel won the accolade as part of their involvement with the Green Tourism Accreditation Programme, an awards certification programme that strives to amplify the efforts of tourism businesses in becoming more sustainable. The Castle Hotel Windsor Achieves a Gold Green Tourism Award | Sutton Hotel Collection
For more information on our Business partnership opportunities, please contact: Businesspartnerships@springboarduk.org.uk
The Liberation Group renew Business Partnership with Springboard
We are delighted to announce that The Liberation Group have renewed their Business Partnership Sponsorship with Springboard for another year!
Liberation Group consists of over 130 pubs, bars and inns with over 400 rooms, stretching across South of England and into the Channel Islands, employing over 1900 people. “We’re very proud of our estate of local pubs, each venue with its own distinctive style and feel, focused on driving appeal to their local area and beyond, whilst leveraging scale by our focussed approach on people, learning and development, supplier chain and quality produce suppliers”.
Based in the South West, Butcombe Brewing Co. has a state of the art brewery in Wrington, Bristol and a multi-million pound distribution and bottling plant in Bridgwater, Somerset. Alongside its pubs and bars, Liberation Brewing Co. has a unique craft brewery in Jersey and a retail and wholesale business covering all of the Channel Islands.
Thanks to Jacqui Crisp and the team, our Beneficiaries and London Programme Delivery Managers were made to feel very welcome at the Butcombe Pubs& Inns Recruitment Open Day, held at the Punchbowl Pub, Mayfair, London (Pictured – July 2023) Award-winning Butcombe Pubs & Inns. Best Managed Pub Company, Best Premium Food Offering (National Publican Awards).
Here’s what Butcombe Brewing Company Recruitment Partner, Jacqui had to say about the day “What a privilege to host a recruitment day for Butcombe Pubs & Inns at the Punchbowl Mayfair, with some amazing engaging candidates from Springboard. They heard all about our business and even tried some of our own brewed beer. To top that if you could! Three of those amazing people are now Butcombe employees!”
Springboard are excited to partner with the Liberation Group on two Business Partnership programmes, our Showcase Employer Programme, as well as our Springboard FutureChef Competition.
For more information on our Business partnership opportunities, please contact: Businesspartnerships@springboarduk.org.uk