Chaired by Chris Ross and current chair Nicky Joiner, the two-day event highlighted policy shifts, innovative technology, and a profound commitment to staff well-being.
A primary focus was the ongoing implementation of the Good Food Nation (GFN) Act. Policy official Lesley Curtis provided an update on the ‘whole-food system’ approach, noting that local authorities must publish their own aligned food plans by 1 April 2028, with work commencing in 2027.
Despite paused funding due to the election, Curtis emphasised that GFN links existing targets like Net Zero and health equality.
Shifting to the wider school food landscape, Professor Kevin Morgan of Cardiff University compared UK-wide policies, praising Scotland and Wales for retaining robust, legislated, local-authority-led provision. He argued that Universal Free School Meals are the premier investment for health and economic development.
A Glasgow catering official reinforced this, noting that because uptake remains lower in less affluent areas, menu changes must be paired with proactive family engagement.
Technology emerged as a major theme, particularly during an insightful panel discussion on FM robotics chaired by Anne Goldie. Delegates from East Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, and Highland Councils shared their experiences with autonomous scrubber-driers and vacuums.
The panel stressed that ‘co-botics’ is about supplementing workforce gaps and freeing staff for detailed work rather than replacing human roles.
Key takeaways included the necessity of involving trade unions early, ensuring robust IT and Wi-Fi infrastructure, and addressing lesser-known risks such as lithium battery fire hazards.
Complementing this, Gary Ennis of NS Design demystified Artificial Intelligence. He advised delegates to treat AI tools like a ‘junior member of staff’ – useful for augmentation but requiring strict verification due to risks regarding bias and data hallucinations.
Staff welfare was addresses with striking candour. Professor Kathleen Riach highlighted the workplace impact of the menopause, offering low-resource, high-impact solutions through the MAPLE framework to support ‘deskless’ FM workers.
Charlie Hodson from Hospitality Action delivered a moving personal testimony on mental health and addiction, reminding attendees of the charity’s instant-access support for public sector caterers.
The conference also included the Four Nations panel, featuring updates on Northern Ireland’s successful ‘Eat Smart Week’ and Wales’s upcoming Healthy Eating Regulations.
The School Food People (TSFP) also discussed consultations surrounding the new School Food Standards, highlighting the delicate balance required to reformulate school menus successfully.