The Swannery Restaurant at Bedford Hospital uses training to improve staff retention

We speak to Catering Manager Peter Gillard to find out more.

The Swannery is an award-winning restaurant, bistro and hospitality business that is part of Bedford Hospital and has to cater for a wide variety of tastes, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

Peter Gillard, Catering Manager, explained:  “We are proud of our excellent reputation for providing an interesting, nourishing menu for all our customers including visitors, staff and patients.  We also provide catering for internal and external functions.” 

He continues: “Training is an important part of the business and of personal development for our 70 staff who work in the Swannery Restaurant, Bistro, gift shop and on the wards as staff housekeepers."

"Staff retention here is good – which is unusual for the catering industry, where staff retention is traditionally poor – but keeping staff motivated and on board is so important for a successful business. Staff are valued and given the opportunity to train for professional qualifications and progress within the organisation.”

Training has included NVQ Levels 1 to 3 in Catering & Hospitality and once a week assessors from Bedford College work with staff in the hospital on a one-to-one basis to assess their work and to set targets.  Peter feels that it has raised the level of his staff professionalism, their approach with customers, their understanding of customer service and the different skills that are required within hospitality and catering.  It has given them the confidence to feel that they can do other tasks.

What’s more, Peter Gillard himself has recently completed a 14 week intensive course at Bedford College where he achieved a teaching qualification: Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS).  He found the course useful because he now has teaching skills to go alongside his excellent catering and hospitality experience, enabling him to put his skills into practice with his staff.  The whole organisation now gains from his knowledge.

Peter Gillard added:  “Bedford College gives us advice on funding as an organisation and for individuals to remove any barriers to training.  I would advise other businesses to use Bedford College for training staff.  If they have the support we have had then they will succeed.”

Discover more about our NVQs for the hospitality industry and our PTLLS course, or speak to the Business Development Team on 01234 291747.