Chris Moore appointed Chief Executive of The Clink Charity and Restaurant
Chris Moore has recently been appointed as chief executive of The Clink, a training restaurant for prisoners and charity based at Her Majesty’s Prison High Down in Sutton Surrey.
With over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Chris previously worked for Fenwick Ltd, the UK’s largest independent department store group, as head of group restaurants.
Prior to this, Chris worked at Harrods Ltd as restaurants general manager and developed the in-store restaurants and food hall eateries. Chris also worked for the Hilton Hotel group in the UK and Holland and trained with the Holiday Inn hotel group in New York.
Chris Moore says: “I am thrilled to join The Clink and take on this immense and rewarding challenge which lies ahead of me. I am going to be focusing on increasing awareness of the work and skills being developed at the clink as well as securing support from the industry and finding the necessary funds for expansion. I will also be sourcing knowledge and industry skills that can be passed on and shared with the trainees.
“Currently 70% of all prisoners released from UK prisons re-offend within the first year. I hope to demonstrate that The Clink aims to reduce the number of re-offenders by equipping the men with qualifications, skills and real restaurant and kitchen experience whilst they serve their time that can be put to use once released, therefore protecting potential victims of crime.”
He continues: “So far The Clink has produced 13 graduates in the first year, most of whom are now working internationally in the hospitality industry. The re-offending rate of these graduates fell to 30% and we hope to see this continue.”
The concept of The Clink restaurant came from Alberto Crisci OBE, High Downs catering manager and it was opened in May 2009. The restaurant trains prisoners on City and Guilds / NVQ’s in food service and food preparation up to level 3 and also A1 assessor. Prisoners are also trained under the British Institute of Cleaning (BIC’s) in level’s 1’ 2 and 3.
For further information on The Clink, H.M.P. High Down, High Down Lane, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PJ, please call 020 7147 6524 or email Chris