A new Ofqual-accredited qualification designed specifically for catering teams working in health and social care has welcomed its first cohort of learners, with 15 participants beginning the Level 2 Award this week.
Developed jointly by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) and the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA), the qualification is the only regulated award to support the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative framework and other specialist diets, according to the organisations.
The course combines online learning, workplace assessment and a practical examination, and is aimed at care home staff, as well as those working in hospitals, hospices, ‘meals on wheels’ services and other health and social care settings. It covers menu planning, nutrition and hydration, food hypersensitivities, texture-modified diets and patient safety.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) requires providers to ensure people receive adequate nutrition and hydration to sustain health and reduce the risk of malnutrition and dehydration, while food and drink must meet individual dietary, cultural and clinical needs.
Supporting workforce development
NACC national chairman Neel Radia said the qualification had been designed “by caterers, for caterers” and would provide both a benchmark skills standard for new staff and a career-development pathway for existing teams.
“As a regulated, quality-assured qualification the Level 2 Award will carry far more credibility than any existing unregulated training courses,” he said.
HCA national chair Nicola Strawther said healthcare catering colleagues play a “vital role in supporting patient safety, recovery and wellbeing”.
“The HCA is proud to have worked with the NACC to create a practical qualification that will strengthen professional standards, support career progression and help catering teams provide safe, nutritious and inclusive food for everyone in their care,” she said.
The next courses are scheduled to begin in the Midlands in October, followed by programmes in the South West and North during early 2027.
