Outstanding Contributions in Care Catering Celebrated at NACC Awards 2022
Last night (6th October 2022) the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) recognised and celebrated exceptional achievements in care catering at the NACC Awards 2022.
The prestigious awards recognise and celebrate teams and individuals that epitomise excellence, innovation, dedication and outstanding contributions within the care catering sector.
NACC members and industry colleagues, partners and guests gathered at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham for the gala awards dinner, which is part of the NACC Training & Development Forum, to honour the finalists and winners, as well as the whole care catering sector.
Across six categories – including the new Bev Puxley Award, introduced in memory of Bev Puxley, a longstanding friend, supporter and champion of the NACC who sadly passed earlier this year – the audience showed their appreciation for the finalists and the winners.
Sue Cawthray, National Chair of the NACC, said:
“My heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of the NACC Awards 2022. We enjoyed an incredible evening celebrating our wonderful sector and our inspirational winners who embody the passion, dedication, innovation and care that our sector has in abundance. Despite the continued challenging circumstances that we find ourselves operating in, care catering professionals have demonstrated that they can adapt with energy and flair to find solutions. They are driven by making a real difference to the lives of many through delicious, nutritious food and meaningful mealtime experiences. All our winners and finalists should be very proud of their contribution to society and their achievements, as should our whole sector. I, for one, am very proud to be part of it.”
The 2022 NACC Award winners are:
• Care Establishment of the Year Award, sponsored by Hobart UK: Chandler Court, Care UK
Chandler Court stood out to the judges for its person-centered approach that engages residents daily by adjusting menus, caters for residents’ nightly needs, sees staff eating with residents on the dementia floor, and involves residents in making afternoon tea boxes.
• Meals on Wheels Award, sponsored by apetito: Monmouthshire Meals
The judges praised Monmouthshire’s service for genuinely being more than a meal, its innovation through meals and services supplied together, and its engagement with service users. The team goes the extra mile making time for each service user.
• Catering Team of the Year Award, sponsored by e-f group: The HC One Catering & Housekeeping Support Services, HC One Limited
The team at HC One impressed the judges with the user-centric design of its food offering that demonstrates modern creativity through its digital system and training. Starting with strong consumer engagement, the team connects with residents to design food that meets not only the nutritional requirements but also the pleasure and experience factor that is so important in care.
• Catering Manager of the Year Award, sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions: Vicky Meakin, Kitchen Manager, Aspen Court & Chris Burdett, Group Food & Beverage Manager, Signature Senior Lifestyle
The judges decided on joint winners to recognise the achievements of an individual catering manager and a group manager.
Individual Catering Manager: Vicky supports growth around her and is always ready to develop the skills of her team. She acts as a mentor and coaches with compassion and understanding of the challenges the chefs are facing, inspiring her colleagues to achieve the standard she upholds.
Group Catering Manager: Chris has worked extensively to design the Signature Dining experience and to drive quality improvement. He regularly dons his chef whites to work alongside kitchen colleagues and actively demonstrate the high standards the organisation prides itself on delivering.
• Our Care Catering Hero Award, sponsored by Bullseye Food Packaging: Valerie Kelly, Chef Manager, Houndswood House
The judges agreed that Valerie’s attention to detail makes her unique. The residents have total confidence in her and her relationship with them is amazing. She not only delivers high quality meals but also the best cakes this side of the world. Valerie dedicates her knowledge and compassion to residents, family and staff.
• The Bev Puxley Award, sponsored by Worshipful Company of Cooks: Christopher Rees, Head Chef, Shipston Lodge Nursing Home
It was clear to the judges that nothing is too much trouble for Chris and his team. The residents enjoy choice in all aspects of their food and nutrition and the kitchen team is always happy to serve ‘off menu’ options. Nobody is excluded from the food experiences. Whether a puréed diet, gluten free, lactose free or diabetic specific, the food maintains its colour, taste and appearance. Chris continually develops his team and communication, engaging and initiating an interactive atmosphere.
• NACC Region of the Year Award, sponsored by Meiko: North Region
The North region scooped this coveted award for its successful regional seminars and high engagement with members. The team has also been recognised for its excellent, consistent support of national activities.
• Pam Rhodes Award, sponsored by Anglia Crown: Pauline Batty, Corporate Catering Manager, Monmouthshire County Council
Pauline has been involved with the NACC since 1990 and has given her time and expertise as chair of the Welsh region on three occasions. Her commitment to the NACC is legendary and her service to the care sector and particularly the Meals on Wheels service epitomises the Pam Rhodes Award, making her a most worthy recipient.
• National Chair’s Award: Roger Bayliss, National Treasurer, The National Association of Care Catering
Roger Bayliss became a member of the Bristol region of the NACC (then ABSCC) in 1990. He was working for Wolverhampton Council in social services response from welfare catering to changing legislation. He grew the provision expanding the Meals on Wheels service to encompass a seven-day year-round facility. He very quickly became a key member of the NACC and went on to serve on the committee of the Midlands and Wales regions and was an important member of the team that delivered the National Conference in 1995.
When he retired in 2010, Roger retained his interest and commitment to the association and continued to serve as National Treasurer. Roger plans to step away from this role at the end of 2022 and his outstanding contribution to the NACC is recognised, along with the enormous gratitude of the association, with the National Chair’s Award.
