NACC 2011 – a closer look

An environment of education Delegates at the NACC National Training & Development Forum benefitted from a programme of learning and development. The specially-designed itinerary of presentations and workshops gave delegates new tools to ensure that they and their care establishments stay ahead of current trends and guidelines. Speakers included 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, chief executive officer, Beth Johnson Foundation – covered topical 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 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. 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 onto Karen Oliver. Previously the deputy chair, Oliver stepped up to take the reins and continue the campaigning of the NACC instigated by Derek Johnson – in particular the No One Should Go Hungry campaign that tackles the issue of malnutrition. Oliver is Nottingham City Council's assistant operations manager and a long-term, active member of the NACC. 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 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 commented: "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, added: "The National Train