Hotel Cateys 2011 – Housekeeper of the Year

Hotel Cateys 2011 - Housekeeper of the Year
Sponsored by Sysco Guest Supply

WINNER: Jude Gallacher, executive housekeeper, Headland hotel, Newquay, Cornwall

There is no doubt that Jude Gallacher lives and breathes her job as executive housekeeper of the four-AA-star, 96-bedroom Headland hotel, overlooking Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall.

Gallacher is responsible for looking after the upkeep and cleanliness of 96 bedrooms in the main hotel and 40 cottages in the grounds - rated five stars by VisitEngland - as well as all public areas.

When busy or short-staffed, she will work six days a week to ensure standards are maintained. She stayed at the hotel overnight when snow was forecast to ensure she would not miss her shift the next day. And she doesn't think twice about accompanying members of staff to hospital appointments and visiting them when ill, while continuing to give 110% at work when suffering from a potentially debilitating illness herself.

The Headland's general manager, Veryan Armstrong, describes Gallacher as "a shining star" whose passion and pride for the hotel is apparent in all that she does.

"Her enthusiasm for the role and her team is highly evident, and makes her a leader that many junior staff aspire to emulate," he says. "Without doubt, Jule's contribution to the hotel is extraordinary, especially when considering the issues with illness that she has kept entirely in her private life."

Key achievements by Gallacher in the past year include the attainment of a gold award for the second time in two years from VisitEngland, with a special mention for "excellence in housekeeping"; AA feedback describing the hotel's housekeeping as being "very strong in all areas with a committed and professional approach"; and success in attaining the highest consistent departmental mystery shopper average score of 93.4%.

It is no surprise, then, that Gallacher, who manages a team of 33 full- and part-time staff was named the Headland's Manager of the Year - voted by senior staff and peers - for the third time in 2010. And now she is a deserving winner of the Hotel Cateys Housekeeper of the Year 2011 award.

What the judges said…

"We think Jude is one of the industry's unsung heroes who always puts her guests first. Housekeeping is not a job for her, but a way of life."
Liz Smith-Mills, UK hotel consultant, Diversey

THE JUDGES
Debbie Fish, AA hotel and restaurant inspector
Ian Hughes, retired national chairman, UK Housekeepers Association
Rachael Park, executive housekeeper, Rudding Park
Jean Roberts, head housekeeper, Hotel du Vin
Barbara Sheridan, executive housekeeper, Thistle Marble Arch, London
Liz Smith-Mills, UK hotel consultant, Diversey

THE SHORTLIST
Ivka Boca, Thistle Euston, London
Jude Gallacher, Headland hotel, Newquay, Cornwall
Len McMean, Aviator, Farnborough, Hampshire
Lisa Williams, Park Plaza County Hall, London

FORMER WINNERS
2010 Barbara Sheridan, Thistle Marble Arch
2009 Rachael Park, Rudding Park
2008 Jean Roberts, Hotel du Vin
2007 Minjoo Leutwiler-Lee, Sofitel St James Hotel, London