An expert and fully independent judging panel has been selected for The Caterer Group Best Places to Work in Hospitality Awards, 2006.

The Awards judges have a wealth of experience in all areas of the hospitality industry and HR and are drawn from leading trade and industry bodies and trade magazines. The judging of the various awards categories will be carried out against achievement specific criteria which have been outlined in the entry details.

The judging panel will include:

Philippe Rossiter, chief executive of the Hotel & Catering International Management Association, which promotes the highest professional standards of management and education in the international hospitality industry www.hcima.org.uk

Bob Cotton, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, the national trade association and lobbying group for hotels, restaurants and caterers www.bha-online.org.uk

Rob Willock, group editor of Personnel Today, the leading weekly magazine for HR and training professionals. Other publications in the Personnel Today stable include Training magazine and Employers' Law magazine www.personneltoday.com

Brian Wisdom, CEO of People 1st, the employer-led, Government-licensed sector skills council for the UK hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industries www.people1st.co.uk

Anne Pierce, managing director of Springboard UK, which promotes careers in hospitality, leisure, tourism and travel, and the Springboard Charitable Trust, which provides education and support services to help young people, the unemployed and disadvantaged groups enter theses industries www.springboarduk.org.uk

James Kidd, an associate in the employment law division of international law firm Eversheds www.eversheds.com

Further judges details will be announced shortly.