ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has achieved Association for Nutrition (AfN) certification for its ‘Regulatory Health, Wellbeing and Sustainability Training’. The course is available to culinary and front of house colleagues, providing valuable insight into the legislative, sustainability and lifestyle aspects of nutrition.
Team members across the business have access to the three-hour session which is delivered by one of ESS’ registered nutritionists.
Designed to enhance the mandatory training that colleagues already take, the AfN certified course provides employees with a fuller understanding of the nutrition-based legislation, including the Food Information Regulations, Natasha’s Law, Government Buying Standards and sector-specific dietary requirements.
The training explores the integration of a sustainability-focused approach to food, covering the food system, the characteristics of a more sustainable diet and recommendations for dietary choices that minimise negative environmental impacts.
It also looks at the importance of good nutrition for wider health and wellbeing as part of ESS’ Wellness Commitment. The commitment is structured around four pillars: Healthier Food, Healthier Mind, Healthier Body and Healthier World, and seeks to empower individuals to support their own wellbeing and that of the planet.
Attendees complete a mixture of individual and group exercises designed to be engaging and present the complex information in a concise and memorable way.
The AfN awarded the training its certificate in Foundation Nutrition Essentials for Catering.
ESS previously provided nutrition training for colleagues to support their understanding of the business. The new course reflects legislative changes, the company’s Wellness Commitment and the updated AfN certification process.
The Association for Nutrition course assessor commented:
"This is a thorough, well-developed course which has been tailored to the needs of colleagues. All competences have been met using clear evidence-based information to support the health and wellbeing of both staff and customers. The presentation slides are clear and eye-catching with some interesting facts for learners throughout."
Dr Glenys Jones RNutr, Deputy Chief Executive – Association for Nutrition, commented:
“By being awarded AfN Course Certification, those undertaking this course can be confident it has been externally assessed as having suitably qualified nutrition experts involved in its development and that what they will be taught is grounded in robust science. Those taking this course will also receive a certificate from AfN, which they can use to demonstrate their successful completion to the public and employers, providing them with reassurance and confidence they are skilled to apply what they have learnt to their role.”
Leanne King, Head of Nutrition and Wellbeing for ESS, added:
“We’re proud to have achieved the AfN certification for this training. We believe it’s important for our colleagues to learn about the importance of health and wellbeing, both to keep themselves fit and healthy, and to understand that good nutrition is essential for the unique demographics we cater for. The training teaches our teams how our menus are put together, the regulations we must comply with and how our food provides what our customers need, which helps them to feel part of the bigger picture.”
