Mandy

Training Officer for the North

Where do you work?

I'm based in Taylor Shaws office in Durham

How long have you been at the company?

Two years

What are your roles/responsibilities?

I'm responsible for training and development, especially with regards to health and safety and food safety. I work with staff both in schools and in business and industry providing ongoing training so that they continue to attain their Level Two certification in food safety. The training has to be done every two years to keep the rules and regulations surrounding food hygiene and preparation at the front of people's minds.

What did you do before joining Taylor Shaw?

I spent 10 years doing a similar job for another catering company, training catering staff working in primary schools about the importance of food safety and health and safety.

What have been your career highlights whilst at the company?

Being promoted to training officer. It was great to get recognition for the hard work that I put in. I love working as part of a team providing training and helping people to learn about the importance of food safety. I get a real buzz from it. I also enjoy entering LACA each year and have been fortunate enough to win two gold models best in class for my biscuits and canapes, and a silver for my sandwiches.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

My motto is generally to work hard and play hard, so when Im not working Im usually busy with something. I enjoy gardening so when Im not at home with my husband, John, and two daughters, Claire (19) and Emma (16), I'm usually at my allotment growing my own fruit and veg. I also had breast cancer in 2006 so have run the Great North Run twice since then and raised more than a thousand pounds for a breast cancer charity.