About the Judges

An expert and fully independent judging panel has been selected for the Caterer and Hotelkeeper Best Places to Work in Hospitality Awards 2008.

The 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. Judging of the various categories will be carried out against specific criteria, which have been outlined in the entry details.

The judges will look for evidence of enthusiasm and fun, as well as benefits. Entrants should demonstrate their commitment to staff development, highlighting examples of creativity. What range of skills is developed? How integrated is the learning? What is the balance between internal and external training?

Judges will also look at how much being a good place to work feeds back into adding value to the business - through better service, quality, and customer understanding. Businesses should show what they are doing above and beyond the legal HR requirements.

If you have any queries about the awards and how to enter, please contact Lisa Goold on 020 8652 3656 , or email bestplaces@caterersearch.com

The judging panel will include:

David Battersby is director of Hospitality and Leisure Manpower (HaLM), a private sector consulting organisation with extensive experience of work with government departments, tourist boards, trade associations and professional bodies to manage substantive collaborative projects. It is currently working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the British Hospitality Association (BHA) to develop and manage their "Excellence Through People" scheme of accrediting good employment practice and has recently set up a Best Practice Forum for the industry, which endorses Best Places to Work in Hospitality. www.halm.co.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

James Kidd, associate in the human resources group of international law firm Eversheds, specialises in providing employment law advice and support to a wide variety of clients, big and small, particularly in relation to M&A and PFI work. www.eversheds.com

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

Jane Sunley, managing director of learnpurple and talent toolbox - two innovative companies dedicated to helping organisations within the hospitality industry engage, develop and retain the talented people they need to succeed. www.learnpurple.com; www.talenttoolbox.com

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