Nutrition is high on the agenda at the NACC National Training and Development Forum 2011

'There is no place for malnutrition amongst older people in modern society. It is imperative that its existence is recognised and that the issue is tackled as a matter of urgency.'

This was the vehement message to the industry and Government from the 2011 National Association of Care Catering (NACC) National Training & Development Forum that took place at the Hilton Hotel Blackpool last week (14-16 September).

Delegates at the annual gathering of the care catering sector united behind the NACC’s ongoing No One Should Go Hungry campaign to raise awareness of malnutrition in the care sector. Born out of the shocking findings of the ‘Personalisation, Nutrition and the Role of Community Meals’ report that revealed that one in ten older people in the UK are at risk from malnutrition, the campaign champions a single up-to-date Nutrition Standard that gives definitive guidance to those providing community meals services to ensure the elderly have consistent access to food with the correct nutrition content.

The NACC is petitioning the Government to support the standard in order to help lower the risk of malnutrition for older people – a commitment that needs to be made as a matter of urgency to prevent the issue being compounded by factors such as budget cuts and the ever-growing older population.

In addition to highlighting the crucial No One Should Go Hungry campaign, the action-packed two-day forum also succeeded in educating delegates, facilitating valuable networking, approving a new NACC publication, appointing a new NACC Chair, and recognising and celebrating the sector’s unsung heroes.

An environment of education Delegates at the NACC National Training & Development Forum benefitted from a comprehensive programme of learning and development. The specially-designed itinerary of highly relevant and thought-provoking presentations and workshops gave delegates new tools to ensure that they and their care establishments stay abreast of current trends and guidelines, and that in times of austerity all opportunities are maximised.

The excellent deliveries of the respected speakers – including Geoff Booth, Vice Principal, Westminster Kingsway College, Mo Baines, Principal Advisor, APSE, Ruth Bell MSc, Food Safety Consultant and Trainer, Verner Wheelock Associates Ltd and Alan Hatton-Yeo, CEO, Beth Johnson Foundation – covered topical and urgent issues affecting catering in the care sector, and gave delegates much to think about on subjects such as funding, nutrition and public policy. For example, the well-received session entitled ‘Is there any funding left? – The value of maintaining a skilled workforce’ opened up many opportunities and new avenues for members to seek further funding for training and other projects.

The on-site exhibition also gave delegates a comprehensive look at what is available in the marketplace and allowed for the valuable two-way flow of information between those at ground level and suppliers to the sector.

A new Chair Derek Johnson’s award-winning term as Chair of the NACC ended at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting that took place on 14 September 2011, when he passed the baton on to his successor, Karen Oliver. Previously the Deputy Chair, Karen stepped up to take the reins and continue the proactive campaigning of the NACC instigated by Derek Johnson – in particular the valuable No One Should Go Hungry campaign that tackles the issue of malnutrition.

Karen is Nottingham City Council’s Assistant Operations Manager and a long-term, active member of the NACC. Her experience as Midlands Regional Chair and Deputy Chair will make for a seamless transition of leadership.

A seal of approval NACC members gave their seal of approval to the association’s new publication that is to be launched in November of this year – Evidencing Outcome 5: Meeting Nutritional Needs. The guidelines, produced with the English Community Care Association, will give those providing catering in the care sector an understanding of the Care Quality Commission inspection tool that will be used to asses Outcome 5 and offer practical ways of ensuring expectations are met.

As a direct result of the forum, the new publication will be enhanced by the inclusion of the latest advice shared by the Speech and Language Therapists in their workshop ‘Difficulties with communication and swallowing – what can you do?’

Celebrating Excellence The dinner that took place on Thursday 15 September 2011 played host to the NACC Awards. The prestigious annual awards recognise and celebrate those who have demonstrated excellence in their field and have made a significant contribution to catering in the care sector.

The 2011 winners joining the NACC Awards Roll of Honour include: • Community Meals Award – Dorset Partnership for Older People Programme, Dorset County Council / NHS Dorset • Innovation or Achievement Award – E & R Moffat Ltd • Regional Award – Scotland • Catering Team or Individual of the Year Award – Sheila Mingay, Sales, Crocusfields • Care Establishment of the Year Award – Broadlands, Greensleeves Homes Trust • Chairman’s Award – Scotland’s Community Meals Services

Derek Johnson, former Chair, NACC enthused: “The 2011 NACC National Training & Development Forum was a resounding success. The objectives we set out to achieve were met and in many cases surpassed, setting us in good stead to continue to improve standards in the provision of catering in the care sector. The strong support for the No One Should Go Hungry campaign was overwhelming and boosted the campaign’s momentum, the calibre of the workshops and presentations was first rate and we are incredibly proud of the quality of information and advice that delegates were able to take away with them, and the opportunity to celebrate excellence within our sector was invigorating and humbling.

“It is with great pride and pleasure that I pass the baton of Chair of the NACC on to Karen Oliver. Her proven commitment to the association and work within the sector renders her the perfect choice to continue the vital work that the NACC champions.”

Karen Oliver, Chair, NACC concludes: “The National Training & Development Forum proved a fantastic start to my term as Chair and I very much look forward to progressing the valuable and imperative work of the NACC. In his time as Chair, Derek has set in motion vital campaigns, such as the No One Should Go Hungry campaign. I am dedicated to continuing his exceptional record and continuing to raise the excellent standard of work and commitment delivered by all of the NACC members on a daily basis.”