Catering & Hospitality Jobs in UK

Catering & Hospitality

Catering Staff Agency

A catering staff agency specialises in providing trained servers, bartenders, chefs, and other catering professionals for events and functions.

Using a specialist catering staff agency like Team RAL offers several benefits for event planners and hosts. Agencies screen, hire and manage skilled staff, allowing you to focus on core event coordination.

Catering staff agencies fill this gap by sourcing, training and supplying catering professionals. They provide temporary or contract-based staff for on-site food service during corporate events, weddings, parties, conferences and more.

The catering industry as a whole is a thriving market. In the UK alone, it is valued at £5 billion annually according to the British Hospitality Association. 

Within this landscape, specialists catering staff agencies offer essential workforce solutions.

Benefits of Using a Catering Staff Agency

Hospitality Recruitment Agency
chef agency

Cost-Efficiency


Well-established agencies have optimised recruitment and staff management processes to control costs. They provide economies of scale, allowing you to get catering work done affordably.

Access to Experienced Staff

Reputable catering agencies meticulously vet, train and develop their roster of staff. You benefit from the skills caterers have gained through years of on-the-job training.

Flexibility in Staffing



Agencies can rapidly deploy staff and make adjustments as per event needs. You get support for last minute needs without having to maintain a large permanent team.

Various Roles of Professional Catering Staff

Chefs & Cooks

Chefs and cooks work in the kitchen to prepare dishes and menus for guests. They must be skilled at time management, food preparation, and working efficiently in fast-paced kitchens.

Kitchen Porters

These workers help with basic tasks in the kitchen. They wash dishes, clean surfaces, and sometimes help with simple food prep.

Waiters & Waitresses

They take food orders and serve food and drinks to guests at any event, also keep clean & clear the foods table as well.

Catering Manager

This role oversees all parts of catering service for events like weddings or corporate parties.

Hospitality Staff Members

These people greet guests or handle customer service needs during dining hours.

Event Coordinators

Event coordinators manage catering staff during the event. They oversee setup, service flow, staff scheduling and customer satisfaction. Strong leadership and problem-solving abilities are must-haves.

How to Choose the Right Catering Staff Agency

Use the following criteria when selecting an agency:

📌 Research and Background Check

Look into their years in business, internal training programs, certifications, safety record and accreditations from industry bodies.

📌 Client Reviews and Testimonials

Positive feedback from past clients indicates the agency’s reliability in delivering satisfactory staff and service.

📌 Services Offered

Look for an agency that provides full-service staffing solutions, from planning to post-event support.

📌 Pricing Structure

Compare the rates charged by shortlisted agencies. Look for fair and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

📌 Contract Terms and Conditions

Review contract length, payment schedule, staff substitutions policy and other terms before signing.

Steps to Hire Catering Staff Through an Agency

Tips for working with a catering & hospitality agency

Clearly communicate your requirements, provide necessary training and guidance, establish open lines of communication, and provide feedback and ongoing evaluation.

Clearly communicate your requirements

When working with a catering staff agency, it is important to clearly communicate your requirements. This means being specific about what you need in terms of staffing roles, skills, and experience.

By clearly articulating your needs, the agency can better match you with suitable candidates. Communication should also extend to discussing the details of the event or project, such as the date, time, location, and any special requirements.

Providing this information upfront helps the agency find the right staff who can meet your specific needs and deliver a successful event or service.

Provide necessary training and guidance

To ensure that your catering staff agency finds success, it is crucial to provide the necessary training and guidance to your hired staff. This will help them understand their roles and responsibilities better, ensuring they perform their tasks efficiently.

Offering on-the-job training or orientation sessions can familiarize new employees with your agency’s policies, procedures, and expectations. It is also essential to provide ongoing support and feedback so that staff can continually improve their skills and performance.

By investing in proper training and guidance, you can create a team of well-trained professionals who will deliver excellent service to your clients.

Establish open lines of communication

Having open lines of communication with your catering staff agency is crucial for a successful working relationship. Make sure you clearly express your needs and expectations from the start, so that the agency understands what you require.

Provide any necessary training or guidance to ensure that they have all the information they need to find suitable staff for your events. It’s important to maintain ongoing communication throughout the process, including providing feedback and evaluating their performance.

This will help address any issues or concerns promptly and ensure that both parties are on the same page.

Provide feedback and ongoing evaluation

It’s important to provide feedback and ongoing evaluation when working with a catering staff agency. This helps ensure that the agency understands your specific requirements and can make any necessary adjustments or improvements.

By giving feedback, you can communicate what is working well and what could be improved upon. Ongoing evaluation allows you to assess the performance of the staff provided by the agency, ensuring they meet your expectations and standards.

This helps maintain a good working relationship with the agency and ensures that you receive high-quality service for your catering needs.

Additionally, remember that word of mouth is an effective method for recruiting staff in the catering industry. So by providing feedback and positive evaluations of the agency’s services, you are also contributing to their reputation within the industry.

Relevant Experience

We make sure all our operatvies Must have minimum 2 - 5 years relevant Experience.

24/7 Availability

Our Customer Service staff available online & on phone 24/7 to fill any urgent vacancy.

Flexible & Reliable

All our temps are fully able to start on short notice whenever require.

What to Expect From a Professional Catering Recruitment Agency

  • 👉  Access to a Large Pool of Talent – Agencies have a database of qualified, experienced candidates for various catering roles like servers, chefs, bartenders, etc. This allows for efficient hiring.
  • 👉  Industry Expertise – Agencies specialise in catering and understand the specific needs for events, restaurants and hospitality venues. They know the must-have skills, certifications and qualifications to look for.
  • 👉  Vetted Candidates – Agencies will pre-screen candidates through interviews, reference checks, trials and other methods to ensure they meet expectations.
  • 👉  Temporary or Permanent Staffing – Many agencies offer both temporary staff for specific events or periods and permanent placement for long-term hires.
  • 👉  Customised Solutions – Agencies will take the time to understand the staffing needs, job duties, event details and environment in order to make the best match.
  • 👉  Event Support – From menus to rentals, staff management and on-site logistics, many agencies provide complete event solutions.
  • 👉  Swift Response Time – Reputable agencies can quickly deploy qualified catering professionals as needs arise.
  • 👉  Compliance Expertise – Agencies are familiar with laws and health codes related to catering and events.
  • 👉  Cost Efficiency – Hiring through an agency eliminates the need for in-house recruiting staff and resources.

The right agency serves as an invaluable partner in securing top-notch catering staff ready to provide exemplary service and enhance any event.

What To Expect From Our Catering Staffing

At our recruitment agency, we understand your needs may vary from temporary coverage for vacations to longer-term hiring. Our flexible catering staffing solutions are designed to provide you with top talent when you need it. For temporary roles, we maintain a pool of skilled catering staff who can quickly step into your workplace with minimal training and provide excellent coverage. For longer assignments or permanent hiring, we use our extensive screening process and networks to source candidates that are a cultural and technical fit.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What exactly is a catering staff agency?

A: It is a company that specializes in providing trained temporary workers like servers, bartenders, chefs, etc. to handle food/beverage service at events on a contract basis.

Q: Why should I consider hiring catering staff through an agency?

A: It saves time and hassle while giving you access to a flexible workforce with catering expertise. Agencies also handle staff oversight.

Q: How can I assess the quality of staff provided by an agency?

A: Check agency certifications, read reviews, inspect staff appearance, demeanor and service efficiency at your event. Reputable agencies ensure staff meet high standards.

Q: What factors affect the cost of hiring catering staff?

A: Type of event, menu, open bar, number of guests, venue size, number of staff needed, hours worked and local labor costs impact pricing. Discuss these details with your catering agency.

Q: Are there any legal considerations when hiring catering staff?

A: You may need to verify eligibility, secure liability insurance, adhere to health codes and ensure staffing agency compliance with labor, payroll and other regulations.

Q: Can I request specific types of staff for my event?

A: Yes, you can specify details like gender balance, age range, experience level, specialised skills, attire, etc. when placing your staffing order.

Q: How far in advance should I book catering staff for my event?

A: Ideally 3-6 months out. Give more lead time for large events or peak seasons. This allows proper staff selection, training, planning and allocation.

Q: What should I do in case of staff-related issues during the event?

A: Notify the on-site manager or event coordinator immediately to resolve problems. Reputable agencies will have robust contingency protocols in place.

Q: Are there any additional services that catering staff agencies offer?

A: Many provide equipment rentals, alcohol stocking, post-event clean up, venue recommendations, decor, transportation, compliance services and more.

Q: Do catering staff agencies provide staff uniforms and equipment?

A: Most agencies equip staff with basic uniforms and supplies like serving trays, glassware, utensils etc. Specialty rentals may cost extra. Discuss these details during planning.

Q: Can I provide my own training to catering staff hired through an agency?

A: Yes, you can arrange for staff to participate in customised training sessions to align with your organisation’s standards and event needs.

Q: What happens if I need to make last-minute changes to my event staffing?

A: Communicate promptly with your coordinator to request additions or reductions in staffing. Reliable agencies build in buffers to accommodate reasonable modifications.

Q: How can I leave feedback or reviews for the agency’s staff?

A: Many agencies provide evaluation forms post-event. You can also leave online reviews on directories like Yelp. Provide candid feedback to the agency directly as well.

Q: Are there any seasonal variations in catering staff availability?

A: Peak seasons like summer (especially June-August) see very high demand. Book staff further in advance for popular seasons to ensure availability.

Q: What is the typical duration of a contract with a catering staff agency?

A: Single event contracts are common but agencies may offer 6-12 month terms for discounted rates on multiple bookings. Discuss ideal contract length that suits your needs.

Q: Are there any hidden costs associated with hiring catering staff through an agency?

A: There should not be any undisclosed fees. Read the contract thoroughly and get clear confirmation of the exact services and charges. Ask questions to avoid surprises.

Q: Can I negotiate the terms of the contract with the agency?

A: Yes, most reputable agencies are amenable to negotiating aspects like staff number, hours, rates, cancellations terms etc. based on your specific event scope.

Q: What is the cancellation policy for catering staff services?

A: Cancellation fees and deadlines are usually outlined in the contract. Timeframes range from 24 hours to 30 days prior depending on staff payments. Understand cancellation penalties before signing.

Q: How can I ensure that the catering staff agency understands my event’s specific needs?

A: Have in-depth discussions of your expectations, share examples and photos of ideal set up, connect agency reps with your on-site team, do walkthroughs at the venue if possible.

Q: What are the advantages of hiring catering staff locally?

A: Familiarity with area venues, lower travel costs, ability to meet in person easily for planning, reputation in community events, and quick contingency support.

Q: Are there any industry certifications or standards for catering staff agencies?

A: Organisations like the British Hospitality Association provide accreditations. Review agency credentials like ISO certification, Investors in People, CHAS, etc.

Q. How Do I Get Started with Team TSA?

Get in touch with our expert consultants today through phone, email or enquiry form to kickstart your hiring process.

To book a catering staff member, please fill out the online form for a quick response.

Or Call on 02030869080 for more Receptionist Staffing information or email us at, [email protected]