Eight ESS colleagues have been selected for Compass Group UK & Ireland's Accelerating Compass’ Transition (ACT) Sustainability Academy, a bold new learning initiative designed to develop the next generation of Sustainability Leaders.
The flagship Academy blends expert-led learning, real-world projects and practical skills to drive meaningful change. The aim of this Academy is to equip future leaders with the knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver on Compass’ sustainability ambitions through business improvement projects. The initial cohort was selected in November, with almost 50 participants - on completing the programme they will obtain a Level 3 or Level 4 Improvement Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard.
Created in partnership with market-leading provider, GLP Training, it brings together their specialist continuous improvement expertise with the knowledge of Compass leaders, from Chefs to Nutritionists, plus Sustainability Leads and procurement professionals. They will work alongside external specialists and together they will focus on the company’s key levers for change - ingredients, operations and supply chain - to shape a truly collaborative learning experience.
- Ingredients – Led by Chantelle Nicholson, the award-winning chef behind Apricity, and Ali Morpeth, Public Health Nutritionist and Co-Founder of Planeatry Alliance.
- Supply Chain – Led by Joe Duncan-Duggal, Chief Scientific Officer, Foodsteps and Sophie Stevens, Sustainability Consultant at Foodsteps, supported by the wider Foodsteps team.
- Operations – Led by Lynsey Penny and Hugh Jones, Food Waste Specialists, WRAP.
Founder of Future Food Movement, Kate Cawley will help oversee the ACT activity to maintain alignment, share progress, and provide opportunities for input on future curriculum iterations.
The first of its kind programme will bring people together from across Compass, including roles such as Chefs, Buyers, General Managers and Operators. People within these job functions will focus on the lever most suited to their area of expertise – creating the opportunity to further cut carbon emissions, reduce waste and innovate for healthier, more sustainable outcomes through their chosen Improvement Practitioner Project.
Candidates will learn key skills in areas such as sustainable thinking, project management, root cause analysis, lean tools, process mapping, change management and data acquisition and validation.
The ACT Sustainability Academy forms part of Compass Group UK & Ireland’s six Signature Programmes. These create focus areas for development training within Compass to equip future leaders with the skills to thrive. They form part of Compass’ Our Social Promise, which includes its focus on developing talent and providing opportunities for all.
Jonathan Foot, Director of Skills & Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “We’re thrilled to announce the latest addition to our Signature Programmes. Our industry has a vital role to play in achieving more sustainable operations and reducing its impact on our planet. This Academy ensures we are equipping our people with the skills, behaviours and confidence to make measurable, positive change.
“We have enlisted the support of external experts, as well as our internal leaders and I believe together they will be able to pass on knowledge and expertise to our participants – putting the individuals and our business in a position to lead and accelerate our transition for the future.”
Kate Cawley commented: “This is a really exciting opportunity to develop future talent with specific expertise in health and sustainability. Compass has brought together a group of inspiring industry leaders from various fields, these experts paired with Compass’ people will have a huge impact. I am looking forward to getting to know all of the cohort and working with them.”
Sam Kenward, Chief Commercial Officer at GLP Training, added: “The ACT Sustainability Academy is a powerful example of how apprenticeships can be utilised to drive both positive business change and enduring environmental impact. We’re proud to be Compass Group UK & Ireland’s preferred apprenticeship training partner for this signature programme; supporting the development of its future leaders.”
