Festive Team Spirit: Vertas Group Board and Colleagues Serve Up Christmas Cheer in Schools

This December, Vertas Group main board members and colleagues joined our catering teams to spread festive joy, helping serve Christmas dinners to schools across East Anglia.

Leading from the top, Vertas Group Non-Executive Chair, Duncan Johnhson, visited Bramford Primary School to support our catering colleagues in delivering a memorable Christmas dinner experience. Here’s what he had to say:

“It was an incredibly rewarding experience to join our catering teams in serving Christmas dinner at a local primary school earlier this month. The day offered a real insight into the dedication and care that goes into providing students with a warm, nutritious meal. It’s a reminder of how essential this service is and the effort behind the scenes to make it happen, ensuring students enjoy a special experience not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.”

The Christmas dinner service is one of the busiest times of the year for Vertas’ education catering teams, who work tirelessly to bring holiday joy to students. The added support from colleagues not only lightened the load but also demonstrated the collaborative spirit within the company.

From festive decorations to nutritiously planned menus, every detail was designed to spread cheer. It was a true team effort across the Group, with volunteers from more than 10 different services.

When speaking about her volunteer experience, Zara Zurowski, Associate Director of People at Vertas Group, said: “I loved being part of the school Christmas dinner service. There’s something special about stepping into the kitchen, plating up, and serving alongside a team that delivers for children every day. 

The pupils were so polite and genuinely appreciative, and it was inspiring to see the care and craft that go into every meal, especially from leaders who have dedicated decades to the role. It was the Head of Kitchens’ 33rd Christmas dinner service!

Volunteering like this is a fantastic way to spend time with colleagues from other services, deepen connections, and see first‑hand the challenges and brilliance of our front‑line teams. I left with a huge sense of pride, gratitude, and a promise to come back next year.”

Thanks to the outstanding dedication of our catering teams and volunteers, we successfully served over 14,000 Christmas dinners, complete with delicious festive desserts, to students and staff.

The success of this service was made possible thanks to the support of our trusted suppliers, Bidfood and Accent Fresh. Their provision of high-quality ingredients ensured each meal was truly special.

A huge thank you to our catering teams, who go above and beyond all year round to create memorable dining experiences for students and staff alike. This initiative shone a light on the values we live by at Vertas Group, and it was a great example of how we pull together with a united spirit and shared purpose, making a real difference in the communities we serve.

Take a look at the full album featuring our colleagues’ festive volunteering photos here.

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