Richard Dutton
Department of Birmingham College of Food
Lecturer
Academic qualifications
Teaching qualification Level 5, TAQA Qualification Internal Verification, Assessors Qualification
I teach NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 Professional Cookery, working with my students to build strong practical skills, confidence and professionalism. My students know me as ‘Chef Dutton’, and you’ll often find me in our on-site training restaurants, where I’m closely involved in menu planning and food costings.
My industry background includes working as a sous chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant and as a head chef for a chain of gastro pubs. I bring a deep understanding of what it takes to cook at the highest level, as well as leadership, team management and the realities of working in hospitality.
A proud moment was taking my students to work in a restaurant at Aston Villa Football Club - it was a fantastic opportunity for my students, who gained real experience of service in a busy, professional environment. I bring realistic expectations and current industry practice into every lesson, focusing on helping students understand what life is really like in professional kitchens. I help students prepare not just for assessments, but for their placements and future careers.
I’m a member of the British Culinary Federation (BCF) and was awarded third place in BCF Chef of the Year. I’ve also mentored students to compete at a high level, with several going on to achieve gold and silver medals in national and international competitions, as well as winning titles such as BCF Cook and Serve and Young Chef of the Year. One highlight was supporting a learner who travelled to India and achieved third place against competitors from 47 countries. I’ve also led our Young Chefs Academy for the past two years, allowing me to support aspiring chefs at an early stage in their careers.
I’m especially proud of working with new students from difficult backgrounds, supporting them to build confidence, develop skills and find their place in our industry. I enjoy seeing my students grow, overcome challenges and succeed - whether in competitions, placements or their studies.
My advice for students is to find a good placement, work hard, ask questions and get a mentor who genuinely cares about your future. The right support, combined with hard work on your side, can make a real difference to your future.