Flying Officer Ruth Ashfield

Name: Flying Officer Ruth Ashfield

Employer: Royal Air Force Catering

Area of work: Foodservice management

University: University of Gloucestershire

Subject: BSc hospitality and catering management

I have been interested in catering since I was at school and had a part-time job as a waitress. I also enjoy sport so joining RAF catering was a good option for me as I can combine my two main interests. I was accepted into the RAF after completing three days of interviews and aptitude tests.

My job

The catering army base is contracted out to a civilian company so I liaise with the contractors to make sure that the terms of the contract are being met. I monitor service delivery to ensure standards are maintained. This involves going to meetings, carrying out inspections and dealing with any problems that may arise. At the moment the contract is being reviewed so I have update the requirements to include any additional catering needs for the next three years. I also manage personnel and sit on committees, planning functions such as balls or other events. Most of my work is office based and I usually work from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. I may occasionally have to work the odd day at the weekend to monitor food standards.

Best and worst

Being in the armed forces, I get posted every two years to a different job so I don’t have time to get bored. Living on site is advantageous – I get on well with my colleagues and there’s a really good atmosphere. The most difficult part of the job is dealing with complaints.