Leading caterer Chartwells Universities has been awarded the contract to provide catering services across the University’s Canterbury campus from 1 June 2025. This follows a competitive tender process, bringing investment that will help modernise facilities and improve catering options for staff, students and visitors.
The partnership will support a continued focus on improving the student experience at Kent, with wider menu choices and increased variety of catering outlets planned in the months ahead.
Melissa Browne, Interim Director of Commercial Services and Estates, University of Kent, explains: ‘We’re excited to announce this partnership with Chartwells Universities, which will help us in our commitment to providing quality, healthy and affordable food on our campus. They will bring much needed investment, which will help us to deliver a fantastic catering experience for our community.’
Under the new partnership, Chartwells Universities will support Kent’s Right to Food objectives and commitments – ensuring healthy and affordable food is readily available for staff and students – as well as investing in and supporting the local community to drive impactful social value initiatives.
Rachel Carter, Managing Director of Chartwells Universities, said: ‘We are very excited about the opportunity to work collaboratively with the University of Kent to enhance the experience of students on campus. This is a symbiotic relationship, with shared values and beliefs around providing affordable, quality, nutritious food for students through the Right to Food initiative. Creating a compellingly positive student experience has never been more important. Under this partnership, we are committed to delivering great value to the University of Kent, its students and staff while embracing innovation and driving forward a dynamic food and drink offer that brings people together.’
The contract will start on 1 June 2025, with all current catering staff transferring to Chartwells Universities via the TUPE process which ensures protection of salary and working hours. Catering staff at the University have been updated on plans throughout the tender process and will continue to be supported throughout the upcoming contract changes.