Compass Group UK & Ireland, headline sponsor for International Salon Culinaire, is continuing to invest in accelerating knowledge and training in sustainability – recognising the need to equip job functions in all sectors to support the business in its transition to a climate resilient, nature positive and healthy future.

Examples of recent progress include:

• Sponsorship of Sustainability Business Specialist Level 7 Apprenticeship - Rees Bramwell, Sustainability Director, Compass One has achieved the Sustainability Business Specialist Level 7 Apprenticeship. The course incorporates a Masters qualification, equipping professionals with the technical and management skills required to drive change and improved sustainability results within their organisation.
• Funding of Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme - Olivia Pratt, Head of Nutrition & Sustainability for Chartwells; Stephanie Pereira, Impact Analyst, Climate and Environment at Foodbuy Group UK; and Luxey Dayanandan, Head of ESG for Restaurant Associates have all completed the intensive 6-week programme. The content focuses on examining the impact on the environment from an executive-level perspective. The tangible benefits reaped from the learning will see investment in this programme continue, with more individuals due to take part across Compass’ six sectors.
• Collaboration in the Carbon Literacy Project - Foodbuy, Compass’ procurement division, has been rolling out an accredited training programme, developed in collaboration with The Carbon Literacy Project. Colleagues leading the supply chain are drawing on the training to support suppliers with a better understanding on the carbon and wider environmental impact they carry.
• Inclusion of Climate module in Level 2 Food Safety - Almost 30,000 frontline food handlers completed annual mandatory Food Safety e-learning in FY24 which includes a module on the business’ transition to climate net zero. This module explores and communicates helpful tips about how operational teams can practically reduce their impact in the areas where they have agency to make a change.
• Forward with Marcus Wareing – completed by over 50 senior Chefs, the programme features a focus on sustainability with topics including seasonal and British ingredients, preserving and pickling, nose to tail cooking and reducing food waste. 

This increased focus across the UK&I business is also now underpinned by a new partnership with the Future Food Movement, to enable learning and information sharing opportunities at scale. A pioneering climate literacy and upskilling community for the food industry, the Future Food Movement was set up to influence broader industry trends by leading on sustainable practices and supporting transparency across the food sector. It now represents over half of the UK grocery market and nearly £150bn in food revenue.

In February 2024, Compass published its first iteration of a Transition Plan, identifying four critical “levers of change” to build greater resilience into its business model and in support of the wider economy: supply chain, ingredients, operations, and culture.

Through its partnership with Future Food Movement, Compass’ UK&I employees have access to specialised education programmes focused on these core areas. The training is delivered by a diverse range of experts, including registered nutritionists, public health professionals, food system and climate leaders, regenerative agriculture specialists, next-generation farmers, and youth activists.

Compass also remains committed to launching its Sustainability Academy; intended as a pioneering, educational initiative capable of developing a blueprint for the global food industry.

Carolyn Ball, Director for Delivery of Net Zero said: “Having depth and diversity in our knowledge base is an asset and growing it further remains a priority. We are grateful to work with exceptionally talented people who are collectively motivated by the opportunity to increase Compass’ focus on the wider contribution the business can make, and on the opportunities that come from doing so in partnership with colleagues, clients, and suppliers.”

Hari Singh, Head of Sustainability and Compliance at Foodbuy Group UK said: “Carbon Literacy is about empowering colleagues to bring sustainability into their roles, furthering our organisational climate targets as well as helping them to make an individual impact outside of work. The benefits extend to our suppliers and clients, underlining our commitment to positive change across the value chain.”

Luxey Dayanandan, Head of ESG for Restaurant Associates said: “The Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme is an inspiring, practically focused leadership course that supported my wider understanding of ESG and was a great way to connect with like-minded individuals in an interactive and engaging teaching format. This course is now enabling me to pass my knowledge and expertise onto the wider team, as well as benefit clients and customers.”

As part of Compass’ wider Social Value commitments, Compass launched Our Social Promise, which includes the Mission to a Million commitment, to provide support to one million people by 2030 through jobs, training, community engagement and development.

Find out more about the competitions at International Salon Culinaire 2025 at internationalsalonculinaire.co.uk.