The Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) is set to launch a new training programme to increase knowledge and change behaviour across the hospitality industry.
The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited SRA Sustainability Training will help improve sustainability practice across the food service sector – as the two million strong workforce becomes better informed about these crucial issues.
SRA President Raymond Blanc said: “If knowledge is power and sustainability is about securing our future, then the SRA’s sustainability training is a potent and essential tool for any hospitality business.”
Suitable for all staff, front and back of house
The programme, which is suitable for all staff, front and back of house, whatever their knowledge level, will help restaurants, cafés, hotels, cookery schools, and universities source more ethically and responsibly, become more socially responsible and reduce their impact on the environment.
The SRA has been developing the programme with a number of businesses from across the sector, from university caterers to large restaurant groups.
Everyone can make a difference
Rob Rees, founder of Star Bistro in Cheltenham, recent winners of the People’s Favourite award following a national public vote, said by giving staff the knowledge, the SRA was empowering hospitality businesses.
He added: “Everyone has a role and everyone can make a difference by thinking about and implementing changes on what we buy, how we buy it, prepare it, use it and dispose of it. Of course we are talking about sustainability in its broadest sense in the hospitality industry. To make this happen all our staff need the information to make those better choices for our environment. This training brings alive the ‘what is’ and the ‘how can I’ of sustainability. I haven’t seen anything as good and inclusive for all levels of staff in our industry before. Well done the SRA and thank you.”
Launch event
The SRA is hosting a special event to launch the programme on 9 April at Brigade, the social enterprise restaurant in London Bridge which in association with Beyond Food Foundation helps homeless people develop skills and motivation to find employment.
Speakers at the event, which will include an introduction to Brigade’s work and a thorough overview and introduction to the training, include Huw Gott, co-founder of Hawksmoor, a Three Star SRA Rated Member and an outspoken advocate of staff training. Workshops on food waste, sustainable diets and ethical meat and dairy will provide attendees with a taste of the SRA’s expert knowledge too.
The training is available in four different modules, offering a combination of online and face-to-face learning, ranging from a fundamental introduction to sustainability through to a completely bespoke programme. The programme is based around the SRA’s widely respected sustainability framework, built on the three pillars of Sourcing, Society and Environment.
For more information on the event or the programme click here