CESA's New CFSP Foodservice Industry Qualification Achieves Landmark Endorsement

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan. 7, 2011 - The Certified Food Service Professional (CFSP) programme has achieved accreditation by Thames Valley University.  CFSP is the specialist qualification developed by CESA, the Catering Equipment Suppliers Association.  Its objective is to raise the levels of professionalism throughout foodservice sector, by giving both catering operators and suppliers a better understanding of their industry.  

Thames Valley University (TVU) is home to The London School of Hospitality and Tourism, the second oldest catering school in the UK, and so is ideally placed to evaluate the course.  Achieving the accreditation is therefore a major milestone: an authoritative independent validation that underlines the credibility and significance of the CFSP programme.

Professor David Foskett MBE CMA is Head of the Hospitality School at TVU.  He comments: “CFSP will assist in the career development of hospitality professionals throughout the UK.  This accreditation recognises and validates the content and quality of the CFSP programme.”  

CFSP covers every area of food production, including food safety, distribution, kitchen design, new technology and sustainability; students, who are typically in middle to upper management, attend a seminar and study for a comprehensive written exam.  The course is now fully accredited as a Level 4 certificate of continuing professional development.  

The first CFSP course completed in April 2009.  Previous students include Chris Penn, hotel manager of The Cavendish, London, who says he found the CFSP course “very helpful.”  He adds: “It gives a real understanding of the more technical elements of foodservice equipment and the important considerations when planning capital investments and equipment purchases.”

Gary Allen of Moffat Catering Equipment says the course has given him a broader insight into the industry in general, which gives significant benefits.  “As a supplier, CFSP has given me a more professional, confident approach to customers.  It helps me to help them, because I understand their environment, and the difficulties they face, more completely.”    

The CFSP programme now runs four times a year, at venues around the UK.  For more information visit www.cfsp.org.uk or call CESA on 020 7793 3030.  

The Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) represents over 140 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes.  For more information on CESA visit http://www.cesa.org.uk

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CESA developed the UK CFSP course with NAFEM (the North American Food Service Equipment Manufacturers Association), which has been using the programme since the mid 1980s.  CFSP gives a holistic approach to the foodservice industry, so that those taking the qualification fully understand the experience of customers, chefs, managers and staff.  

To become CFSP accredited, students attend a seminar and study for a comprehensive written exam.  Typically they will be in middle or upper management and have three years experience in the industry.  They need to prove specific levels of experience, show a commitment to personal development and demonstrate active involvement in the industry.

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