Compass Group UK & Ireland has crowned ESS Customer Service Assistant Tiffany Underwood as its 2024 Be A Star ‘Legend’. Tiffany was presented with the top prize of £10,000 at a surprise ceremony held at the military base where she works, MOD Chicksands in Bedfordshire.
Over 2,000 colleagues were nominated in the recognition programme, now in its third year. Tiffany’s story shone out to the judges, who selected her as overall champion from among the 319 regional winners.
Robin Mills, CEO, Compass Group UK & Ireland, surprised Tiffany at work, presenting her with a certificate and cheque in front of her delighted colleagues and clients.
Tiffany won the prestigious award in recognition of her extraordinary efforts and kindness when the military base, including 27 family homes, was flooded following severe weather. Not only did she wade knee-deep through water, helping people to retrieve their belongings and relocate accommodation, she also took in a family and their pets, housing them for a week. On top of that she welcomed in another family’s child, giving them time to organise a longer-term solution. She also provided child care during the day for other families in need.
Tiffany is employed by ESS Defence, specialist provider of foodservice and facilities management to military establishments across the UK, and part of Compass Group UK & Ireland. She was nominated by Michael Southerden, ESS Group Manager, in the ‘Community’ category of the Be A Star programme.
Be A Star asks teams to nominate outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond in: Helping Colleagues, Delighting Customers and Supporting Communities. Winners are chosen across all Compass sectors, celebrating frontline heroes in roles such as retail workers and cleaners, chefs and support teams.
Each quarter the stand-out stars are presented with a certificate, Be A Star pin and £250. They are also given a paid day off to enjoy a regional “lunch is on us” with their nominator at a flagship Compass venue.
An overwhelmed and emotional Tiffany said: “I absolutely did not expect this. I just did what anyone would do and supported my colleagues and the families around me. Thank you to Michael for nominating me, and to everyone I work with.”
Group Captain Keith Slack commented:
“Tiffany’s actions and kindness have directly impacted the lives of many families on camp, who would still be struggling without her help. Her selflessness knows no bounds and we are so grateful to her”.
Tiffany’s nominator, Michael Southerden, General Manager - ESS, commented:
“Tiffany truly went above and beyond at an incredibly difficult time for the base. She is a fantastic team member and we are thrilled that her extraordinary efforts have been recognised”.
Robin Mills, Chief Executive Officer - Compass Group UK & Ireland, added:
“Our people positively impact lives in the communities where they work every day. Thank you to each and every one of our frontline team members for all they do and special congratulations to our 2024 ‘Legend’ Tiffany Underwood. Her generous actions and selflessness are truly commendable. She offered anything and everything she had to support others and put their comfort above her own. She is the pride of Compass.”
