Welcome to our ‘A Day in the Life’ series, where we chat to HILS team members to see what they get up to in a typical day and the impact their efforts have on clients across our services.
At HILS one of our biggest services is our meals on wheels provision, delivering hot, tasty meals throughout Hertfordshire, West Sussex and Hampshire 365 days a year.
How do we manage this we hear you ask! We have two Meals Services Managers whose job it is to ensure the smooth running of the service, and to make sure that everyone receives the meals they are expecting whilst remaining safe and well.
Ever wondered what a typical day looks like for a Meal Services Manager? Follow along for a glimpse into the daily routine of Andy who covers the meals service for Hampshire and West Sussex. Andy oversees the operations ensuring that meals reach those in need while spreading warmth and happiness along the way.
What does a typical day look like?
7:00-8.30am: The morning routine
One of the perks of my role is the option to be flexible with my hours where I need to. Not only do I have my job to think about, but most importantly I am also a dad. My role allows me to work in the mornings for a short while, then take that time out to take my kids to school.
At home I will check any overnight emails. This is a crucial time to catch up on any colleague or client issues that may have arisen and need immediate attention. Once I am up to speed, its time to get everyone in the car and head off for school drop off, before going to work for the day.
8:30am: Depot arrivals and team check-ins
Arriving at one of the main depots—Itchen Abbas in Hampshire or Ford in West Sussex—it’s time to connect with the team. From pool players to clay pigeon shooters and DJs, each member brings their unique talents. I find that talking to the teams individually helps understand how they are and if anything is hindering their work. I think it is so important to make sure that the teams are happy and that I deal with any queries or problems as soon as they come in.
You find out more by just talking to people rather than planned meetings.
During this time, I am becoming aware of any operational challenges impacting the day ahead. Any vehicle or oven issues, colleague absence, stock issues.
9:30am: Planned meetings
With the team updates done, it’s time for scheduled meetings. These can range from operational project meetings to financial performance reviews and one-to-one sessions with colleagues. I have regular meetings with both Hampshire and West Sussex councils, to review our contract performance, highlighting opportunities for us to develop, establishing new ways of how we can all work together.
The end aim of all these meetings is for us to provide customers with support in keeping them healthy and independent and living at home.
10:30am: Delivery time
As the Community Team Members head out by 10.30 ready for their deliveries to be made between 11:00 AM and 2:15 PM, this is my planning time.
Its crucial that I invest my time in the correct areas. I need to make sure that I strike the right balance between spending the right amount of time with the team, but then also the other tasks I have for the day.
This is a key time for us to support each with any challenges that arise from the team making deliveries. Whether this is dealing with vehicle and oven breakdowns, supporting with any client issues, or any other issues that may have been identified. I work closely with the admin teams who spend a lot of time each day looking out for the wellbeing of clients. This is such an important part of what we do.
When our drivers go to deliver a meal, we make sure that we have seen the customer, if we haven’t then this is where it gets handed over to us in the office. We will do everything that we can to find them and make sure that they are ok. This is a real team effort. We are so much more than a meals on wheels provider, the team provide warm and happiness to all our customers and this is something I’m proud to say I am a part of.
1:30pm : Review and planning
As drivers return, it’s time to review their day, addressing any challenges they faced and planning for the next day’s deliveries. Ensuring correct stock and vehicle levels is essential for a seamless operation. Once the drivers have returned from their rounds and left for the day, I make time to speak to our amazing Depot Managers and Team Leaders to ensure that they are ok and all planned for the coming days. I find that this is crucial for maintaining a well-functioning team.
4:00pm: Quiet time
Now it’s time to tackle emails and tie up any loose ends. This quiet time allows for clearing the desk and ensuring everything is organized for the next day.
5:30-6:30pm: Heading home
With the workday behind, it’s time to head home, reflecting on the day’s accomplishments and challenges, and jumping back into being dad!
In just two years in this role, the satisfaction of seeing teams deliver meals, along with warmth and kindness, is unparalleled. Being able to impact the lives of those in need is a privilege, and the role of a Meal Services Manager goes beyond just providing meals—it’s about spreading happiness and making a real difference in people’s lives.
I have a very busy role for HILS and I love that as a company we are able to have a positive impact on peoples lives through the work we do.
