Michael Caines Supports New Chefs' Development Programme For Women

Michelin-starred chef, Michael Caines, has become the latest high profile figure to throw his support behind the Women 1st programme, which aims to boost the number of women in senior positions in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism in England.

Michael will officially launch the new Female Chefs' Development programme at The Dorchester Hotel in London on 12 August.

The programme will deliver bespoke chef training for women, address the skills gaps that present barriers to career progression and development, and help them to work in more skilled positions.

Women 1st was developed by People 1st after research revealed that, despite making up almost 60 percent of the sector's workforce, only 6 percent of board level executives are female. It includes a continuous professional development (CPD) programme, a mentoring network, and ‘regional connect' networking events. The Female Chefs' Development Programme is the latest addition to the Women 1st suite.

Chef Michael, who is an operational partner and director of ABode Hotels Group, was keen to offer his support after seeing the positive effect the Women 1st programme had on female managers at ABode.

He said: “The Female Chefs' Development Programme is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of attracting women into the industry and helping develop existing women within the team to progress into management roles.

“The Female Chefs' Development programme could offer these women the skills and confidence they need, should they wish to run their own business at a future date.”

Dan Power, People 1st's strategic manager for diversity, commented: “People 1st's State of the Nation 2010 report also found that almost two-thirds of chefs are male, so the new programme has a valuable part to play in raising the number of female chefs. We are delighted that Michael has offered his support to the initiative.”

To find out more about the Women 1st programme and how you and your business can get involved, visit people1st.co.uk/women1st