Janet Wickens

A committed and hard working individual who is self-motivated and driven by achieving high standards. With a career in the school catering industry spanning over 30 years, I have extensive experience of working in high pressured environments and working to adhere to strict timetables. Having fulfilled a variety of roles, I have spent the last 20 years in supervisory positions where I have developed and supported those reporting to me.

I pride myself in being approachable and personable and I am able to adapt to the changing needs of others.

Caterer - Twelve15 (Surrey County Council – Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School)

(2017-10)

Since joining Our Lady of the Rosary RC School, after a brief period of adjustment I was able to identify key areas where change was required. I worked on upskilling the catering staff and improving their relationships with the wider school team, which resulted in better communication and a higher standard of food. This in turn led to increased demand for school dinners.

I was largely involved in a number of theme days where I was able to go above and beyond whilst keeping within the remit of dietary and nutritional requirements of the pupils. As a supervisor, a large part of my role is to control and administer stock, order food and other supplies as well as preparing reports where necessary. I am fully responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the kitchen, making sure all staff adhere to Health and Safety legislation, and the use and maintenance of a broad range of kitchen equipment.

Cook Supervisor - DSO Catering (London Borough of Hounslow – Bedfont Primary School)

(2000-01 - 2017-09)

In my role as a Cook Supervisor, I was solely responsible for budgeting, ordering, ensuring adherence to Health and Safety practices, all maintenance reporting and addressing staff issues including underperformance. I lead a team of 6 General Kitchen Assistants and was responsible for their training being up to date as well as dealing with any welfare matters and annual appraisals. On average I was cooking 450 meals a day, which meant that I quickly became accustomed to working in a fast moving, high pressured environment and having to meet tight deadlines.

I was actively involved in preparing and cooking the meals within the team on a daily basis. I developed a strong working relationship with my own team as well as others working within the school, and was regularly asked to cater for school functions. I also made cakes in my own time, and donated them to school charity events to support fundraising.

I had to adapt to the introduction of an IT based system for ordering and record keeping. I identified the benefits and embraced the change, and quickly became accustomed to it. I received two long service commendations during my time at Bedfont Primary School – one at 20 years and a

Assistant Cook - DSO Catering (London Borough of Hounslow – Bedfont Primary School)

(1998-01 - 2000-12)

I was responsible for directly supporting the Cook Supervisor. As such, I had to learn how to complete administrative duties as well as follow food preparation guidelines, recipes and adhere to portion controls. I was trained to a high standard and was often expected to perform the role of Cook Supervisor independently when required.

I also took the lead with training other members of the team, particularly new joiners. I would show them how to conduct themselves safely in the kitchen environment whilst adhering to Health and Safety legislation. I would also teach them how to use all equipment appropriately and to prepare and store food safely.

General Kitchen Assistant - DSO Catering (London Borough of Hounslow – Bedfont Primary School)

(1992-01 - 1998-12)

From the beginning of my career I showed a willingness to learn and develop. I embraced opportunities to improve myself and progress in my chosen career. I integrated well with the team and was responsible for general kitchen duties as required.