Professor Kevin Morgan from Cardiff University will host a session titled ‘Public Sector Food Procurement in Schools Hospitals and Prisons’.
He has spent over 20 years researching the issues around food procurement in the public sector. His new book on the topic draws on recent trends in the UK, Sweden and the US. The book was published in January and he will share some of the headline findings with a focus on hospital catering.
The Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) Leadership & Development Forum, which will take place from 1-2nd April 2025 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, has unveiled ‘food at our core’ as the theme for the event.
The HCA Forum is the only national event dedicated to the production, delivery and service of nutritious food to patients, staff and visitors in the NHS. To complement the programme there will also be an exhibition of over 90 suppliers showcasing products, services and solutions.
Carolyn Ball, director for delivery of net zero at Compass Group and Rees Bramwell, head of nutrition & sustainability at Compass Group will deliver a session on ‘Achieving Net Zero Targets’. Compass Group is committed to reaching climate net zero by 2030. The duo will share some of the transition plans that they have been implementing.
Lucy Rowe will present on the NHS Estates and Facilities workforce, examining its key features, challenges and priority actions. She will highlight NHS England’s efforts to tackle workforce shortages through enhanced attraction, strategic recruitment, retention and inclusion.
There will be a Four Nations panel session involving Duncan O’Neil (England), Deborah McNeil (Northern Ireland) and Jayne Jones (Scotland) as well as a representative from Wales. The quartet will discuss what they are doing in to improve recruitment and retention outcomes. They will also share their strategies for inclusivity and diversity.
Milton Keynes Hospital are an NHS England exemplar site that have achieved exceptional change by working with their local farming community. Local sourcing, the highest quality produce and the positive impact of working with Love British Food will all be covered in this ‘inspirational’ case study.
Psychologist and author Dr Kimberley Wilson will host a motivational session where she will discuss the importance of improving the nation's diet and its positive impact on mental health outcomes.