With generalist volunteering applications opening today, the search begins for our 70,000 Games Makers - people who will give their time, energy and expertise to help make London 2012 a success.

This is a watershed moment for the hospitality sector - it marks the start of the volunteers’ journey to 2012 but also what is shaping up to be a golden decade for hospitality.

There’s a stream of international sporting events coming to Britain, from the London 2012 Olympics to the Rugby World Cup and even the Super Bowl, and we’ll need one million more people in the sector by 2017 to support this growth.

That is why I’m so encouraged by the public’s reaction to the quest for our 2012 Games Makers. We have already witnessed huge appetite to get involved, with thousands of people having registered their interest in the run-up to applications opening.

But how will we create a team of volunteers that demonstrates our first-class credentials in hospitality and service? We can learn a lot from Beijing, where the volunteers were consistently efficient, polite and helpful, but I want the London 2012 Games Makers to go above and beyond, bringing to life the vibrancy, energy and warmth that is Britain’s service industry at its best.

Imagine the impact of millions of visitors to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games going home with an indelible memory of 70,000 warm welcomes. An achievable dream, but one we’ll only realise if we can build a dynamic and diverse team. A team that reflects the true Britain.

And, once we’ve found the 70,000 Games Makers who will help us sparkle as we host the greatest show on earth, it will be vital to give them the right support. We need to train and prepare the volunteers - providing them with the skills and confidence required for the once-in-a-lifetime challenge of the Games.

To ensure we get this right, for the first time in the history of the Games an organising committee has looked to sponsors to support the volunteers - sending out a clear signal that Britain is taking hospitality seriously.

This sponsorship marks a step change in the approach to volunteering and at McDonald’s we’re proud to be the first Presenting Partner for the Games Maker programme. It means the London 2012 Games Makers will receive an unprecedented level of support to prepare for the crucial role they will play and I’ve seen firsthand the difference this can make to the quality of the customer experience.



Providing quick and consistent customer service is a challenge our people face day in day out and we have a proven track record in developing our 80,000-strong workforce to thrive in this kind of fast-paced, busy environment. We serve over two million customers each day in our restaurants, and we strive to ensure that each one leaves feeling positive about their experience with us.

Similarly we want every single one of the 10 million people visiting the Olympic Park in 2012 to be welcomed and looked after in a way that makes them feel special - whether that’s reacting quickly and going the extra mile to resolve an issue, or simply making the effort to smile and make eye contact with everyone you greet.

And by investing in preparing the Games Makers for London’s moment in the world’s spotlight, we will ensure we give them the valuable and transferrable skills they will need - for their time as a volunteer but also for life and work beyond the Games.

Many of our Games Makers will continue to be the face of Britain’s service industry beyond 2012 and we want to provide them with an experience that delivers something tangible for their CV, as well as a skills legacy that will deliver long-term for the growing hospitality sector. 

So if you think you’ve got what it takes - you’re not afraid of hard work and you want to be a part of something special, from today you can apply to be a Games Maker at www.london2012.com.

Good luck. If you make it through, we’ll see you soon to help prepare you for an unforgettable experience.

David Fairhurst is the Chief People Officer of McDonald's, the Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Games Maker programme