The catering service provided by Lancashire County Council's School and Residential Care Catering team is officially regarded as world class, according to independent specialist assessors.

As well as this prestigious accolade, the service has achieved joint 'best newcomer' recognition at the first attempt from Hospitality Assured, the standard for delivering service and business excellence in hospitality.

Staff representing the school and residential care catering team were presented with the award the Institute of Hospitality Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 19 June 2018 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

This accolade follows a rigorous assessment process that took place in September 2017.

Hospitality Assured is run by the Institute of Hospitality and supported by the British Hospitality Association. It is the only standard within the industry that focuses on the experience of using the service from the customer's perspective.

Following a demanding three day audit inspection and assessments and visits to nine schools and four care homes, the service was awarded a score of 75.7% which is recognised by Hospitality Assured as providing customers with a world class service.

As part of the challenging assessment process, the service had to meet nine measures which included standards of quality, developing a culture of excellence and level of service that the customer can expect to receive. 39 members of staff were interviewed as part of the process.

County Councillor Susie Charles, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said: "It's great that this service has achieved such an excellent accolade, especially as this is the first time it has applied for this accreditation.

"To be recognised by this external industry assessor reflects the efforts of everyone to deliver excellent standards of customer service. It demonstrates to everyone our commitment to providing high standards and putting the people who use our services at the heart of everything we do.

"Feedback from the assessors emphasised the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by all of our teams on a daily basis.

"I'm well aware that the service we provide is excellent, but it is very pleasing to know that this has been recognised by others as well.

"I'd like to offer my personal congratulations to everyone involved."

Some areas recognised by the inspectors included: the front-line service delivery team being extremely well trained, dedicated and having ample opportunity to develop with career progression available, and the strong working relationships with clients.

They also highlighted the freshness of the food provided and the emphasis on sourcing fresh ingredients locally and the use of organic foods. The services accreditation to the Soil Association Food for Life Silver Award was also acknowledged.

More information about this recognition is available from Alison Ashton, food and workforce development manager, by calling 01772 539923, or by emailing alison.ashton@lancashire.gov.uk

To find out more about Hospitality Assured, visit www.hospitalityassured.com www.hospitalityassured.com