HRC sits down with International Salon Culinaire supporter Kris Hall, Founder of The Burnt Chef Project, to lean more about the not-for-profit's work.

Hi Kris, for anyone who hasn’t heard of the amazing work done by the Burnt Chef Project, could you give us a brief history of the organisation?

The Burnt Chef Project started in 2019 to raise awareness for mental health and start tackling the stigma associated with illness. We've since grown this awareness worldwide and now provide 24/7 support systems to those in the UK as well as market-leading education to enable future generations to create a healthier, more sustainable industry.

What’s coming up in 2023 for the Burnt Chef Project?

 In April 2023 we are launching in Canada in front of Restaurants of Canada. A 300,000-strong membership organisation.

What part do mental health & wellbeing have to play in the industry tackling the current staffing crisis?

We are developing training modules on menopause and suicide as well as working closely with businesses on strategic mental health strategies and support mechanisms. According to Deloitte's most recent 2022 report. Forty percent of all turnover is related to mental illness.

Four out of five hospitality professionals have experienced mental illness during their career which is three times higher than the nation's average.

In order for us to ensure our industry sustains growth and retains its workforce, we need to make sure that we're tackling the alarmingly high rates of mental illness which lead to damaging rates of burnout and turnover within hospitality.

At HRC you’re taking part in a panel on hospitality marketing on a budget, can you give us a sneak preview of some of the talking points?

Whilst we are not a restaurant/hotel ourselves I think it's fair to say that we have a unique marketing strategy and powerful comms. I'm looking forward to sharing some of our top tips during the session that others may also find useful.

The Burnt Chef Project is once again supporting International Salon Culinaire, can you tell us why you decided to partner with the competition?

It's amazing to support International Salon Culinaire again this year for our second year.

This industry is amazing and we need to do more to shine a spotlight on the great reasons why a career in hospitality should be explored. Salon Culinaire is a beacon in that positive promotion.