Here is the fourth (and final) instalment in our Smart Spend series – sharing real stories of how our consultants have helped schools and Trusts achieve real savings and real outcomes. Each blog highlights how practical decisions, expert support, and smart approaches to procurement and operations can make a tangible difference.
This final instalment is also shared by Diana Lishman, Senior Consultant at Litmus Partnership.
Holy Cross Catholic High School in Chorley, Lancashire, is a vibrant secondary school serving pupils in Years 7–11 and committed to providing a high-quality dining experience for its school community.
When we were first introduced to the school, the Business Manager had previously had a poor experience working with a consultant. While they recognised the value of independent expertise, it was important that the school remained closely involved in the process.
Litmus was appointed in 2015 to manage the school’s catering tender, ensuring the process was compliant with procurement regulations while reflecting the school’s priorities.
At the time, the catering service was not delivering the results the school wanted. The contract required a subsidy, food quality was poor, and pupil uptake was low.
Resetting the catering service
Through the tender process, we worked with the school to identify a catering partner that could deliver both better value and a stronger dining experience for pupils.
But our support didn’t end once the contract was awarded.
Since that first tender, Litmus has continued to support Holy Cross through two further tender exercises, alongside ongoing monitoring and advice on the catering service.
This includes reviewing performance data, supporting year-end discussions, and helping the school navigate budget negotiations with its catering contractor.
£7k savings each year
Today, the catering service looks very different.
The school now benefits from a year-on-year financial return from the contract, with a profit-share arrangement in place when performance exceeds budget expectations.
Through careful contract performance management and support during annual reviews, the school typically achieves savings in the region of £7,000 per year.
The catering contractor has also made significant investment in the dining facilities, creating a modern main dining area and additional service points. These improvements have helped transform the experience for pupils and staff.
The takeaway
For individual schools, catering procurement and contract management can feel complex and time-consuming. Independent support can help ensure the process remains compliant, transparent and focused on delivering the best outcome.
“From the onset Diana was the consummate professional. Throughout the tendering stage we were kept fully informed, offered unbiased advice, and guided through each aspect which made a very complicated and time-consuming process quite straightforward. Since then, we have retained Diana’s services and again her expertise has been invaluable. In short, she knows what questions to ask. I know that with Diana and Litmus we are in safe hands.”
Business Manager, Holy Cross Catholic High School
Read the full story on how we help Holy Cross Catholic High School save £7k each year here.
The Litmus team
