Food hygiene and workplace safety training

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Directorate of Environmental Health 

Food and Training Team Enforcement Service Standards

We aim to ensure that when we enforce the law our actions are proportionate, consistent, fair, and appropriate, that people understand why the action is being taken, what is expected from them and what they should expect from us. 

We aim to be helpful and open in our actions and target our resources at the highest risk areas.

If as a result of an inspection or investigation you are required to take some action, we will make it clear what must be done, why, and by when, distinguishing between legal requirements and good practice, in written and verbal communications. We will confirm verbal advice in writing when requested. Prior to formal action being taken we will discuss the circumstances, unless immediate action is required. 

Where immediate action is necessary, we will explain why it is needed and confirm this in writing within 10 working days. We will also advise businesses on compliance with the law. Your right of appeal against an enforcement notice is detailed on the back of notice.

Officers will identify themselves by name and be courteous, helpful and provide you with a contact point for future reference.

We aim to:

• inspect all businesses that are classified at presenting a high risk at least once a year.
• inspect premises at intervals that reflect the food safety risk of the premises in accordance with national guidance. (Our target is to meet these inspection intervals at least 80 per cent of the time)
• write to businesses following a routine inspection within 14 working days. (Our target is 80 per cent)
• serve a notice if one is required following a visit within 14 working days. (Our target is 80 per cent)

We aim to:

• make sure that anyone requesting a service will get a first response within 3 days informing them who is handling the request, what is going to be done and how long it will take to deal with the matter. (Our target is 88 per cent)
• respond to complaints about food hygiene/food businesses within 3 days, to investigate within 7 days and reach a practical resolution within 28 days. (Our target is 80 per cent)
  Respond to complaints about food poisoning within 24 hours, commence investigation by the next working day and reach a practical resolution of the complaint within fourteen days.(Our target is 80 per cent)
•  respond to enquiries within 4 days, to investigate within 7 days and reach a practical resolution within 28 days. (Our target is 80 per cent )
  

Our Business Training Service will provide you with:

• excellent customer service from courteous and helpful staff
• treat all fairly, and respect privacy and dignity
• provide a welcoming and comfortable training environment
• an accessible enquiries and booking service between 0900 and 1700 hours on Monday to Friday
• a telephone voice mail service which will pick up calls not answered within five rings
• replies, where possible, to your enquiries within 72 hours
• information and advice in a range of formats before you or your employees enrol
• up to date information about the training service on the Council's website
• details about courses for candidates who have special needs, learning difficulties, or do not speak English as a first language
• advice about how to make a compliment, comment or complaint about the service
• written replies to your complaints within 7 working days

We aim to:

• respond to complaints about our services within 28 days

Download and print our Food and Training Team Enforcement Service Standards [PDF file information]

 See also the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health's Trainers' Charter

Useful Council contact details

• Training Co-ordinator Environmental Health
• First Stop Information Service (for complaints leaflet)
• Directorate of Environmental Health
• Customer Services Unit email hygienesafety.training@rbkc.gov.uk

Useful websites

• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
• Royal Society for the Promotion of Health
• Royal Institute of Public Health
• Directory of Food Safety Training Providers