Case Studies

The Kitchin Group

Tom Kitchin, a renowned chef who achieved his first Michelin star at the young age of 29, runs the Kitchin Group restaurants in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. Following high profiled allegations of mistreatment from former staff members about adverse working conditions during their employment, the Kitchin Group contacted Edinburgh College to develop appropriate training, to foster an environment of inclusivity and respect.

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As Associate Trainers for Edinburgh College, Supportive Solutions collaborated closely with the Kitchin Group to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges they were encountering. Based on this insight, we developed a bespoke program that places a high value on the mental well-being of their employees. Our initiative aims to develop a culture of respect and self-awareness, to nurture a positive work environment.

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We developed training to cover three areas: 

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• Communication skills

• Anti-bullying and harassment

• Emotional intelligence 

• Mental health awareness

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Communication Skills:

Our training focussed on enhancing effective communication skills, allowing individuals to express themselves clearly and confidently. Through practical exercises and applying a range of techniques, participants learned how to convey their thoughts, ideas, and concerns in a concise and compelling manner.

Anti-Bullying and Harassment:

By fostering a safe and inclusive environment, we equip individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to identify and address such behaviour. We looked at empathy, respect, and the promotion of positive relationships among peers.

Emotional Intelligence:

Understanding and managing emotions is essential for personal and professional success. By developing emotional intelligence, individuals can enhance their interpersonal relationships and effectively navigate challenging situations. We delved into the realm of emotional intelligence, providing participants with valuable tools to recognise and regulate their own emotions, as well as empathise with others

Mental Health Awareness:

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. We looked at the importance of mental health awareness, aiming to reduce stigma and promote a supportive environment. Participants learned about common mental health challenges, and how to recognise signs of distress, and developed strategies to provide appropriate support to those in need.

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By encompassing these four areas, our training program provided a holistic approach to personal development, empowering individuals to thrive in various aspects of their lives and to counter the culture that developed.

To ensure ensuring that change would be driven throughout the Group, training was delivered to personnel at all levels, across the group of companies, from finance staff, and warehouse staff through to chefs and the front-of-house team.

By combining these unique elements, the program offered a differentiated and effective approach to addressing the challenges faced by the Kitchin Group and promoting a positive and inclusive work culture.