The event will kick-off with HCA national chair Iain Robertson updating delegates on the work and objectives of the association as he comes to the end of his period as chair.
Forum Facilitator Chris Bavin, who is known for his work on TV helping people to eat more healthily on a budget, will demo one of his dishes whilst talking about his career, his passion for food and what he can do to help improve the nation’s health.
Attendees will then have the opportunity to have some lunch and view the stands on the exhibition. Following lunch, Craig Gilson from Radnor Hills will explain how the Deposit Return System (DRS) is going to impact on the hospital catering sector when it launches in October 2027.
The Food Safety Updates panel will include Tina Potter from the Food Standards Agency, Fiona Sinclair from Inspectrum as well as Nadim & Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE founders of the Natasha's Allergy Research Foundation.
The challenge of providing a safe service for NHS customers gets increasingly difficult, particularly as we learn more about food safety and allergens. A panel will initially update delegates on key legislation, great practice and research & development, before taking questions and insight from the audience.
Charlie Hodson and Camilla Woods from charity Hospitality Action will host a session on ‘Managing and Supporting Mental Health Issues’. Charlie will share his story before his colleague Camilla talks to delegates about the support available from Hospitality Action for both themselves and their staff.
New chair of the Public Sector Catering Alliance Anita Brown will host a session titled ‘Working Together as an Industry’. The PSC Alliance has been working with the HCA and other industry associations for a number of years to help increase representation and profile. Anita will update HCA delegates on the collaborations.
Later that day the HCA Awards will be presented at a black tie dinner. To book your place at the 2026 HCA Forum, visit here.