New Level 2 Award for Catering in Health and Social Care Launched by HCA and NACC
After more than two years in development, the new Level 2 Award for Catering in Health and Social Care has welcomed its first cohort of 15 learners, who began their studies on 7 September 2026.
Co-produced by the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) and the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), the specialist Level 2 Award for Catering in Health and Social Care is the only Ofqual-accredited qualification that supports the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework and other special diets.
It is externally quality-assured by the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH) and sits within funding frameworks, helping to reduce the cost for many employers.
The course combines online and face-to-face learning, workplace assessments and a one-day practical assessment. It is available to people working in catering roles as part of their career pathway in health and social care kitchens, including catering assistants, catering supervisors, cooks, chefs, assistant catering managers, food service assistants and housekeepers in hospitals, care homes, hospices, Meals on Wheels services and other health and social care settings.
The qualification will help participants prepare safe, nutritious and appetising meals that meet a wide range of dietary requirements, including texture-modified diets, dysphagia needs, allergies, intolerances and specialist clinical diets. Learners will build the knowledge to plan balanced, compliant menus using national nutrition guidelines, while considering hydration, malnutrition, sustainability, seasonality and the diverse needs of different service-user groups. They will also develop an understanding of food standards, multidisciplinary working and best practice in health and social care settings, enabling them to provide high-quality dining experiences that improve nutrition, safety and quality of care.
The HCA and the NACC have worked collaboratively to create sector-specific content around nutrition and dietary needs for the bespoke qualification, which is delivered in two modules.
Said NACC National Chairman Neel Radia: “I am delighted that this landmark qualification is now available to all catering personnel in our two sectors. The Level 2 Award has been designed by caterers, for caterers and is suitable for any level as a benchmark standard, be that as a core skills standard for all new inductions or a career-enhancing qualification for existing staff.
“With health and social care facing ever-worsening challenges when it comes to recruitment and retention, food price inflation and squeezed budgets, demonstrating support through clear career progression pathways is more important than ever. As a regulated, quality-assured qualification the Level 2 Award will carry far more credibility than any existing unregulated training courses. Not only will it give successful candidates the confidence to safely deliver nutritional support to their service users, but it will also provide valuable recognition in their chosen career.”
Nicola Strawther, National Chair of the HCA, said: “The launch of this qualification is an important milestone for healthcare catering. Our workforce has a vital role in supporting patient safety, recovery and wellbeing. Providing colleagues with access to recognised, high-quality development ensures they can build the specialist knowledge their roles require.
“The HCA is proud to have worked with the NACC to create a practical qualification that will strengthen professional standards, support career progression and help catering teams provide safe, nutritious and inclusive food for everyone in their care.”
