The theme is ‘Shaping Tomorrow Together’, which organisers say reflects the school meals industry’s commitment to continuous improvement and aims to 'celebrate the power of collaboration and the strength of the relationships of members who continue to build to enhance the services that they deliver'.
In an era of increasing complexity and challenge, innovation, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge are more important than ever. There will be a exhibition of more than 40 suppliers all showcasing the latest products to help drive innovation in the industry.
The conference programme will offer valuable insights, practical knowledge and opportunities to explore new ideas, while the networking sessions provide space to connect, share experiences and strengthen partnerships.
By bringing together Scotland’s public sector across education, healthcare, and local authorities, ASSIST FM are building a strong, supportive network that enables safer, more sustainable environments.
Nicky Joiner, chair of ASSIST FM, will welcome delegates and invited guests during day one of the conference. MP Sharon Hodgson will host a keynote session titled ‘Hopes and aspirations for Free School Meals’.
Hodgson, who is a huge advocate for the school meal service and chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on School Food, will share her thoughts on where Government policies will go in the future and update delegates on current plans.
Other sessions on the first day of the conference will be on the menopause and mental health, the Good Food Nation update, a FM robotics panel discussion and a motivational speech from Victoria Humphries.
On day two of the ASSIST FM Conference Professor Kevin Morgan from Cardiff University will explore supporting provision, uptake and consumption of free school meals in a primary school research project.
The following session will be a four nation panel debate on school meals involving Neil Beattie (Scotland), Colm Bradley (Northern Ireland), immediate past chair of LACA Judith Gregory (Wales) and LACA vice chair Bryan Lygate (England).
The four nations panel will highlight what differs across the UK but also what individual nations are doing to improve the service and deal with the difficulties they encounter.
For more information and to book your place at the ASSIST FM Conference, visit: https://assistfmconference.co.uk/
