Barking Food School - industry links and course development

Barking and Dagenham Council is committed to building a more inclusive economy that offers more and better jobs for residents.

In the coming years, the development of the borough's food sector will be a key focus - catalysed by efforts to ensure the planned relocation of the City of London's historic wholesale meat, fish, and fruit and vegetable markets (Smithfield, Billingsgate and New Spitalfields) to Dagenham Dock lead to wider social and economic benefits.

As part of the new market build, the City of London Corporation (COLC) and the Council share a commitment to food education and the establishment of a new Food School on the new site at Dagenham Dock as well as complementary activity in Barking Town Centre. This work seeks to support the curriculum development for the Barking Food School and develop the industry partnerships and knowledge to ensure it meets the needs of the sector - with a focus on sustainable and world cuisine, which is under-served by mainstream food colleges.

We are looking for an organisation/company to help us:

• Understand the food sector skills gap, particularly around world cuisine and innovative approaches to low-waste, low-carbon restaurants/catering.
• Develop links with industry that could lead to ongoing involvement with the Food School e.g. offering careers activities, work experience, apprenticeships and training placements with a clear line of sight to work, as part of our schools programmes or the FE/HE programmes of our partners, guest speakers on courses, financial or promotional support of the Food School.
• Develop a clear set of pathways into the sector, including courses and new curricula where necessary that speak to the skills gaps identified by the industry and that will help our young people access exciting, well-paid jobs in the industry.

We are looking for a research partner or partners with demonstrable understanding of the borough and the London-wide food industry, and demonstrable expertise in curriculum development and skills pathways. The work will include mapping, research, industry engagement and curriculum development.

Please find more information in the attached documents and apply using the bespoke application form.

For further information, queries or clarifications relating to this bid, please contact joanna.wilson@lbbd.gov.uk by Tuesday 13th December 2022.