Maritime charity The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society (RASS) has appointed a new Catering Manager, Matt Goodman, to run the kitchen at its Surrey care home, following the retirement of long-serving staff member Jenny O’Neil.

The Society, which delivers expert care to former seafarers and their dependants, including those living with dementia, caters to around 70 residents at its Belvedere House care home.

Matt’s new role will include running the kitchen, hiring and training catering staff and ensuring menus are kept updated with the best dishes and residents’ favourites.

Matt began his career in catering at school, taking a part-time job in a nursing home kitchen. He obtained his NVQ level 2 and 3 and continued to work at the Roseland Residential Home while studying at college, eventually working his way up to Head Chef in just five years.

In 2014, Matt sought a new challenge at The Royal Alfred and, after working at the Society for three years, Matt was offered the position of Head Chef in recognition of his hard work, dedication to residents and his skills for creating delicious dishes in the kitchen.

Now, with a small team of chefs and kitchen assistants Matt heads the catering ship at The Royal Alfred in the role of Catering Manager, with daily responsibilities including cooking for residents, ordering stock, training staff and updating residents’ nutritional files.

Matt said: “I have been in the catering industry for 15 years now and it’s a proud moment for me to have been appointed as Catering Manager, following in the footsteps of friend and mentor Jenny. I hope to bring my creative flair to dishes and will ensure residents are cared for in terms of nutrition and their favourite meals – I can’t wait to get started!”

www.royalalfredseafarers.co.uk