The Safe Quality Food Institute presents Driving Excellence at Your SQF Site: Empowering People, Programs, and Performance, a comprehensive webinar designed for food safety professionals seeking to enhance their SQF programs. The session features industry experts Renee McVey, SQF Practitioner of the Year and Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager at Red Barn Pet Products; John Paul, SQF Auditor of the Year Finalist and Food Safety Consultant at Intertek Alchemy; and Lauren Dunn Nelson, VP of Food Safety and Global Alliances at Intertek Alchemy.
Moderated by Tammie Van Buren, Compliance Manager at SQFI, the discussion shares actionable strategies for empowering employees, strengthening leadership, improving systems, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Attendees gain insights into the role of the SQF practitioner, essential leadership skills, metrics-driven performance, and effective change management.
Key Topics Covered:
Role of the SQF Practitioner
- Transform QA perception from “compliance cop” to coach and mentor.
- Engage teams through monthly lunch-and-learns and quarterly risk spotlights.
- Integrate corrective actions into operational plans for measurable impact.
Essential Skills for Food Safety Leaders
- Leadership, observation, and communication are critical for potential leaders.
- Identifying and nurturing talent within your team.
Enhancing Food Safety Systems Through Key Programs
- Training: Track completion rates and tailor programs based on trends.
- Practitioner Competency: Stay updated on industry risks and regulatory changes.
- Annual Management Review: Leverage data across departments for strategic decision-making and quality cost analysis.
Driving Continuous Improvement with Metrics
- Sanitation: ATP results, chemical usage trends, and pass/fail tracking.
- Environmental Monitoring: Zone 1 indicators and monitoring construction or maintenance areas.
- Internal Audits & Annual Reviews: Spread audits throughout the year, include off-shifts, and integrate cross-departmental data for holistic improvement.
Change Management Strategies
- Collaborate with front-line teams to refine processes.
- Align goals and implement technology solutions (e.g., tablet-based inspections) to reduce errors and improve efficiency.
Empowering Employees & Building Food Safety Culture
- Reinforce training with huddles, posters, and town halls.
- Encourage professional development beyond mandatory requirements.
- Use cross-functional teams and recognition programs to engage employees and address issues proactively.
Addressing Non-Compliance
- Recognize that non-compliance often stems from ingrained habits.
- Use direct communication to understand root causes and gain employee buy-in for corrective actions.
Key Takeaways
Food safety excellence requires a balanced focus on people, programs, and performance. Implementing these strategies empowers your team, strengthens your SQF system, and drives sustainable results. Explore these actionable insights to elevate your site’s food safety culture and operational performance.
