The NACC Training & Development Forum 2016 Is Set To Inform, Update And Inspire Care Catering Professionals

The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Training & Development Forum 2016 returns to the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, on 5-7 October with the clear objective to inform, update and inspire delegates on the latest issues affecting care catering.

The two-day event has a strong reputation for introducing new perspectives and ideas through relevant, thought-provoking speakers.  This year is no exception and the NACC is honoured to welcome Chris and Jayne Roberts, who will talk candidly about ‘Living with dementia at 50’. Chris, a 50-year old dementia sufferer who has appeared on BBC’s Panorama, will share his personal journey and highlight the real issue that care homes and care provision are simply not appropriate for his age group.

The forum programme is set to engage delegates through speakers, training workshops and practical culinary demonstration, specifically designed to stimulate discussion and offer fresh approaches, skills and advice to enhance their catering provision.

Delegates can look forward to gaining insight and practical guidance on: ‘The Thought of Food: An end of life perspective’, delivered by Phil Pettitt, a highly-qualified chef of St Lukes Hospice, and Sara Jones, a Namaste Care Project worker; ‘The apprenticeship levy and funding for non-levy payers’, presented by Jill Whittaker and Lindsey Appleby-Flynn of Connect2Care; and ‘Nutritional guidance’ an interactive workshop by Mabel Blades of the Nutrition & Dietetic Services. Steve Sarossy, a motivational speaker from UK Body Talk, will also demonstrate how body language can help create better rapport, impact and more effectively communicate messages.

Alex Morte, the NACC Care Cook of the Year 2016, will showcase exactly what it takes to be an award-winning care catering chef at just 21 years of age, in a live culinary demonstration.

Connecting the Care Sector

The NACC Training & Development Forum brings together professionals working in or associated with the care catering sector* from across the UK and its interactive format ensures that ideas, experiences and best practice are shared in order to promote continued excellence across the board.

The popular ‘Meet the Buyer’ sessions enable care catering professionals to meet with key suppliers to the sector on a one-to-one basis to discuss individual requirements in greater depth.

The CaterCare Expo, the biggest care catering exhibition in the UK, runs alongside the forum and gives delegates the opportunity to link with more than 40 manufacturers and suppliers to explore, experience, sample and test the very latest innovations in food, drink, technology, equipment and services appropriate for care establishments.

NACC Awards 2016

The NACC Training & Development Forum has the honour of hosting the prestigious NACC Awards 2016. On the evening of Thursday 6 October, excellence, innovation and dedication in care catering will be spotlighted and celebrated, together with the sector’s unsung heroes.

The coveted awards up for grabs include Care Establishment of the Year; Meals on Wheels Award; Catering Team of the Year; Catering Manager of the Year; Our Care Catering Hero; Region of the Year; Pam Rhodes Outstanding Achievement Award; and National Chairman’s Award.

Neel Radia, national chair, NACC, comments: “The need for the NACC Training & Development Forum has never been so relevant. Catering in the care sector is incredibly challenging and it is vital that professionals have the opportunity to come together to learn new skills, ideas and perspectives to employ in their workplace, and to engage with colleagues to share experiences and best practice. Our comprehensive forum programme has been designed to help delegates navigate the challenges faced when catering for the elderly, vulnerable and young in care environments. From dementia and end of life care through to ongoing legislative changes, such as the apprenticeship levy, and the uncertainty brought about by Brexit, we have it all covered.

“The NACC Training & Development Forum also gives the sector the welcome opportunity to step back and reflect on the great work that is being done on the frontline across the UK to ensure the best nutritional care is afforded to those entrusted to our care. The wonderful NACC Awards 2016 will highlight the incredible innovation and dedication of teams and individuals and I cannot wait to celebrate and honour this year’s worthy winners.”

For further information and to book a delegate place at the NACC Training & Development Forum 2016 visit www.mcculloughmoore.co.uk/nacc