Hi all - just finished work and been left in a bit of a whirl. My company informed all staff that the catering facility is being outsourced soon. It comprises 3 meals a day, 7 days a week plus numerous events where catering is a prerequisite. Once outsourced the existing staff will transfer via TUPE rules so on the outside nothing will seem to look any different. Except of course the staff will be working for a different firm and this firm will have health and safety responsibilities and duty of care for the staff. But what are the responsibilities for my firm and what should I be advising my senior management team? Of course the new firm will be using existing facilities, which I presume my firm will be responsible for unless otherwise stated in the contract. Thanks in advance for all helpful instructions, information etc. Rich

Rich you answer your own question. Responsibilities will be written into the contract. As you say the new company will take responsibility for HS of its employees and food safety side of things. You may or may not have responsibilities for the equipment and maintenance of that part of the premises, this depends on the contract conditions. I guess the contract is already agreed. So I suggest that you make a checklist and compare it against the contract to identify any gaps. ie Fire Safety Fire Equipment Services Window Cleaning Heating, boilers etc Cleaning Security Conditions of use any restrictions Asbestos Gas services etc, etc Steve

Steve, being a consultant teaches you to seize an opportunity. :)

This can be a very 'political' area and complicated NB: Most schools that I know of in the UK run a catering system that is very similar to your situation with an employer that is different to the controller & a maintenance company that is different to both the controller, the employer etc In many cases staff moral is negatively affected as they see this as the thin end of the wedge re employment T&C's etc and U will probably be dealing with the new companies H&S adviser who will be dealing with staff that were yours and both the HSE and the EHO's are responsible for different parts of the same kitchen Best of luck