I learned so much. Scotland is incredibly ahead of the curve on so many matters relating to our industry, but it was interesting to hear that so many of our current broader UK issues are shared by colleagues north of the border. We had presentations on so many subjects, but it was interesting to see key themes emerging time and time again around poverty, lack of supply, mental health and wellbeing, difficulties in recruitment and retention and, of course, funding.
What really struck me is the innovation around these issues. The conference delegates spoke openly about their solutions and ‘can-do’ attitudes and, of course, personal commitment. This bought home to me the results of our Public Sector Catering Alliance (PSCA) survey that showed people are still managing to deliver standards even when faced with the most extraordinary obstacles. Public Sector caterers really are a resilient lot, but it is key we continue to highlight where there are issues so that we can effectively campaign for good.
I spoke at the conference and highlighted the survey results and the outputs of our House of Commons debate, and it was startling how much rang true for the operators across Scotland. Our job at the PSCA is to ensure we collect from the wider public sector all of the issues and join them up to present a cohesive, single argument for those in government to act upon.
Our services are critical to the nation’s health and wellbeing and if the passion and zeal I experienced up in Glasgow is anything to go by, we can be sure of one thing and that is we are committed to continuing to grow and develop our services in line with the needs of the communities we serve.
Thank you ASSIST FM and congratulations to all your members who work so hard to deliver day in and day out! #publicfood
