Solent University – Sodexo
Facilities services company Sodexo has extended its partnership with Solent University, Southampton, following a competitive re-tender of the catering and hospitality contract.
Sodexo has taken a new five-year deal (with an option to extend by two years) which will see a transformation in the university’s catering. The contract includes the introduction of its new Foodiverse concept for the main student dining hall, The Dock.
Foodiverse focuses on global cuisines served in a modern food hall, with an emphasis on plant-based dishes and reusables, and engages with local SMEs and suppliers to bring diversity to campus dining.
The contract started on 1 August. Sodexo’s team worked closely with the university on its reopening plans for the new academic year.
Because of Covid-19, Foodiverse will be deployed in phases to ensure a safe return for staff and students on campus. The university campus shop will also be re-opened with an improved layout and self-service tills.
Simon Knight, managing director, universities, Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “We have had a very successful partnership of the last 10 years and we are excited about the new plans for the catering services at the university.
“We have a shared commitment to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of those we serve and have embedded social value into the heart of the services we will be providing. By using the Social Value Portal for our contract with Solent University we will be able to identify, measure and report the social impact delivered through our services on behalf of the university.”
Image credit | Sodexo