CFSP (Certified Food Service Professional), the industry specific professional
qualification for the UK Food Service industry has just seen a record number of 43 people attend its latest seminar. This will bring the total of those, in the UK, who are CFSP qualified to over 200.
In 2009, CESA (Catering Equipment Suppliers Association) introduced the CFSP qualification to the foodservice market. The programme had its genesis within the North American foodservice industry before being adapted for the UK. It is now becoming a global phenomenon with CESA helping to launch new programmes in Europe and Sweden, with plans underway for the Middle East, Russia and India.
“The increasing uptake of the CFSP programme shows how well respected it is by the foodservice industry here in the UK,” says Keith Warren, director of CESA. “Now, overseas interest is resulting in it being recognised and adopted by wider communities across the globe.”
CFSP is accredited by the University of West London and has the objective of improving the levels of professionalism in the food service sector by creating a universally recognised and respected industry ‘standard’ for knowledge and experience. It’s an on-going educational process with a dedicated website for members to build up a network of contacts.
CFSP covers every area of food production, including food safety, distribution, kitchen design, new technology and sustainability. It is open to anyone who has 3 years or more management experience in the food service industry. To achieve certification students must gain a holistic view of the food service through independent study, attending a one day seminar and passing a three hour exam.
Previous students include Chris Penn, hotel manager of Flemings Hotel, London, who says, “I found the CFSP very helpful. It gives a real understanding of the more technical elements of foodservice equipment and the important considerations when planning capital investments and equipment purchases.”
One sales director graduate says: “Customers value CFSP – they know that if they deal with me they can be reassured I am recommending the right thing for the job.”
The next programme will run in January 2013, for more information visit www.csfp.org.uk
The Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) is the authoritative voice of the catering equipment industry, representing over 160 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment – from utensils to full kitchen schemes. For more information on CESA visit www.cesa.org.uk