Nearly 500 of Sodexo’s employees gathered together to recognise those ‘excelling in their roles and demonstrating the company’s values day in, day out’.
Winners for each of Sodexo’s business areas were announced along with the national winners for the 16 categories, which ranged from chef of the year, rising star, employee engagement to star employee and Sodexo’s Alan Tilley award.
Sean Haley, regional chair at Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “Investing in our people is crucial to our success and recognising and rewarding the exceptional talent we have in this business is very important to us.
“Our annual Star Awards is all about our people, celebrating the exceptional talent in our business who form the beating heart of our business.
“We continue to focus on providing the high quality of service our clients expect from us. And that’s what makes us different.”
The 2018 ceremony was hosted by Sodexo Ambassador, Matt Dawson and brand and communications director Melanie Duffett, with entertainment from gospel choir, Sing Out.
The Alan Tilley award, which is a tribute to a former Sodexo colleague who ‘epitomised loyalty and dedication to service’, went to Jackie Reed, who has been with Sodexo for almost 40 years and currently works as head of design in Sodexo’s service operations team.
Alan Sallis was named National Chef of the Year. Sallis is an executive chef at a London university and was recognised for ‘leading by example, delivering excellence in food and supporting the development of colleagues and young chefs’.
The Star Employee of the Year award went to a prison custody officer (PCO) at HMP Forest Bank who has delivered ‘over and above what her role requires’, and has contributed to residents’ resettlement in the community, ensuring that they are supported in all areas where they may struggle and need that extra support.