The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) returns once more to the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, on 4 - 5 October, for the NACC Training & Development Forum 2023*.
This year the Forum has been given a complete revamp, with all the sessions being scheduled over two full days of keynote speakers, training workshops, live cookery demonstrations, meet-the-buyer meetings, exhibition viewing and networking. This year’s programme reflects the current situation being faced by the care sector including details of the recent research undertaken by the NACC and the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) into the potential future of the Meals on Wheels service.
Other talks include looking at the opportunity that are presented with an integrated care system; updates on the work undertaken by the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation; raising the value of nutrition, enhancing the catering experience for those with communication difficulties and how inclusivity and mood food can improve the wellbeing of every resident.
The delegates will also hear about the first, freely available, British Dietetic Association (BDA) Nutrition and Hydration Digest written specifically for the care catering sector.
The live cookery theatre returns with numerous inspiring demonstrations including:
AFTERNOON TEA: Gary Kilminster & Robin Dudley, Business Development Chefs, Essential Cuisine
ADDING BENEFICIAL NUTRIENTS FOR YOUR RESIDENTS: Alex Hall, Executive Chef, Unilever Food Solutions & Preston Walker Director, Oak House Kitchen
FROM DESSERTS TO DRESSINGS: Steve Munkley, Consultant Chef, will be showcasing how easy it is to make EasiYo Yogurt, and how versatile the product is for any care sector kitchen application from curries to dressings and even served as a dessert on its own.
The NACC Training & Development Forum will also see the culmination of the 2023 NACC Care Chef of the Year competition and the Gala Dinner will the showcase the NACC Awards, as the winners are revealed and celebrated.
Sue Cawthray, National Chair, NACC, said:
“Once again, I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Nottingham in October. We continue to be in the middle of a serious cost-of-living crisis that is seeing everyone tested to the limit as well as the challenges around staff shortages within our sector. We are confident that the programme that has been put together by our organisers for this two-day event will be one that people will feel that they can take time out of their busy work places as the benefits of attending are inspiring.
“The need for care caterers to be informed, innovative and agile has never been stronger and our programme has been designed to support this.
“The event is an opportunity for people to come together, share knowledge and learning, and benefit from the experiences of like-minded people. It is also a cause for celebration as we recognise excellence through the crowning of this year’s NACC Care Chef of the Year and the eagerly awaited NACC Awards 2023. I urge everyone working in or associated with care catering to come along and benefit from our excellent speakers, presenters and culinary experts, and of course, from each other, whilst also having some fun. I truly believe that we are stronger together and this collaboration will give us the tools and energy to continue to overcome the ongoing challenges.”
The expert keynote speakers set to inform and inspire include:
Simply the best: Phil Raynsford, Trainer & Motivational Speaker.
As managers and leaders, how can we best help our teams recognise and reach their true potential in an increasingly challenging environment? Join Phil for some practical takeaways in a workshop guaranteed to be informative, interactive and, very importantly, fun!
A new trilateral approach to raising nutrition: David Titman, Director & Jenna Mosimann, Chief Executive Officer, RaisingNutrition
The social enterprise, RaisingNutrition will be providing an interactive workshop that will take delegates on a journey where the worlds of nutrition, food science, and health psychology seamlessly converge, raising the bar on nutritional standards. Where the provision of great nutrition needs to be managed alongside technical challenges (e.g., texture modification), and meeting individual food choices, this integrated approach comes into its own. Through relevant examples and case studies delegates will be introduced to innovative techniques, research-driven insights, and practical strategies for improving the well-being of those in their care.
Talking Mats: Improving the eating and drinking experiences of residents with communications difficulties: Amanda Woodvine, Chief Executive, Vegetarian for Life & Rachel McMurray, Clinical Specialist Speech & Language Therapist
Talking Mats is a communication tool that can benefit a wide range of people experiencing communication difficulties – not least, those living with dementia. Extensive research supports the use of Talking Mats to support person-centred planning and practice in health and social care. Talking Mats users report that the mats foster closer relationships between residents and care givers; enhance work satisfaction; and motivate residents towards social activities, eating, exercise, and more.
Rachel as a Speech and Language therapist will show how Talking Mats can enhance the eating and drinking experiences of residents with communication difficulties in this interactive workshop.
Food for thought: Inclusivity, Mood Food, Nutrition & Wellbeing: Paul Mannering, Principal, Mark Belford, Vice Principal, Pauline Batey, Training & Development Specialist & Rebecca Ashley, Training & Development Specialist, HIT Chef Academy/Connect2Care
In this workshop, the team will explore the direct correlation between mental health, wellbeing, nutrition and what you eat! Learn how to combine ingredients and food groups to provide essential nutrients and neurotransmitters to better support your service users and staff. Food should be inclusive, nutritious and delicious - this workshop will help you get the best out of fresh food and be creative with your culinary offer. Connect2Care and HIT’s Chef Academy will deliver an engaging and interactive workshop with the opportunity to sample some of the featured dishes and take part in a Q&A.
Innovative suppliers and strong, supportive relationships are essential to the care catering sector. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with suppliers one-to-one and learn about the best options for their business during the ‘Meet the buyer’ session. In addition, they can explore the supplier exhibition, running alongside the forum, where practical solutions, new ideas and innovations, and delicious produce and dishes will be on show ready to taste and test.
The prestigious NACC Awards 2023 recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation, dedication and outstanding contributions within the care catering sector. This year’s winners will be announced and celebrated at the gala dinner and awards on the evening of Thursday 5 October, in front of NACC members and industry colleagues, partners and guests.
The winners of the esteemed NACC Care Chef of the Year competition will also be announced and celebrated as part of the gala dinner and awards evening on Thursday 5 October. The NACC Care Chef of the Year culinary competition showcases the incredible talent, skill and knowledge of chefs working within the care sector.
For further information and to book a place at the NACC Training & Development Forum 2023 visit https://www.thenacc.co.uk/events/nacc-training--development-forum-2023
