The role requires a commitment to act as vice chair from May 2026 to December 2028 then as chair from December 2028-30. The vice chair role is largely in place to advise and support the chair when developing and recommending key decisions.
You will be invited to attend various events and the occasional meeting with outside organisations/influencers where the chair deems that some support would be required. Beyond that, the time requirements for this role are limited.
The chairs’ role is more demanding of time, and here is a summary of the functions expected:
- Regular (two to three times a week) email contact and decisions required with the support team at Public Sector Catering.
- Attendance at key industry events including those organised by Public Sector Catering and the support industry associations (approximately 10-12 days a year). There will also be occasional invites to other industry events and potentially some speaking requirements. This can be delegated to the vice chair if required.
- Provide a monthly blog of activities and views on any key industry issues.
- Chair and lead discussions at various events/meetings including the PSC Most Influential lunch.
- Be available if required for press commentary and quotes.
- Liaise with sector association chairs for advice, guidance and support as needed.
- Represent the Alliance at UK Government-related meetings if required.
The Public Sector Catering Alliance is the umbrella organisation for meal providers working in schools, hospitals, care settings, universities, prisons and the military. It also supports the caterers of tomorrow through catering colleges throughout the UK.
It is a co-operative organisation made up of industry associations, public sector caterers and contract caterers. There is no membership but it asks people to express their support of the Alliance and its objectives.
The Alliance has its own media and event platforms but also works alongside Public Sector Catering Magazine to exploit as many opportunities to facilitate cross sector cooperation as possible.
If you are interested in taking on the role of vice chair leading to chair, the Public Sector Catering Alliance asks you to submit a short summary (no more than 750 words) about yourself that covers:
- Industry expertise and experience
- Influence and contacts that you can bring to the organisation
- Short vision for the future of the industry
To be considered, you need to have an operations background with at least ten years industry experience. To put your name forward please send your Expression of Interest to pscalliance@dewberryredpoint.co.uk by 31st March 2026.
If you are not an operator but are interested in becoming a member of the advisory group then please contact andrewa@dewred.co.uk.
The principal associations driving the Alliance are: The school food people (LACA), the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA), the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO), ASSIST FM (local authority providers in Scotland), and the Professional Association for Catering Education (PACE).
The Public Sector Catering Alliance sponsors include Nisbets, Hoshizaki, Lakeland Dairies, Middleton Foods, Bel Group, Winterhalter, Wafflemeister, Hobart, Unox, Panasonic, Quorn Pro, Civica, Meiko, Bidfood, Essential Cuisine, Major, Premier Foods Foodservice, Radnor and Brakes.