As part of our wider work to give students the best experience possible, we are looking at alternative options for catering on our Canterbury campus. This includes investigating options around outsourcing, if an appropriate partner can be found.

We will be looking to use this as an opportunity to invest in our outlets and technological infrastructure, modernise our facilities and introduce well-known and recognisable brands to improve the experience of our staff and students and supporting a healthy community on campus.

Following the competitive tender process, specialist education caterer Chartwells was the successful bidder. This means we will explore more closely with them how they could support delivery of on-campus catering in Canterbury, with more to be worked through before any business case can be finalised, a decision made and contracts signed.

We will now hold further discussions about the provision and how this could work for Kent as well as adhering to university governance. Therefore, there is no update on the impact to staff or students working in our catering outlets at the moment, but we will continue to update and support them as we move through the process.

This will include ensuring any potential partner supports and aligns with Right to Food objectives, ensuring healthy and affordable food is readily available for staff and students on our campuses. It will also include looking for a partner that can deliver development opportunities for our catering staff and minimise disruption to our workforce as well as the staff, students and visitors who eat on campus.