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Why be a member?

To join LACA, the school food people simply click and complete the online form

LACA
The Benefits of LACA Membership

Campaigning and lobbyingCampaigning & Lobbying

LACA, the school food people works with Government and Industry Associations to represent the catering in schools sector interests. One current project is protecting and increasing the UIFSM value into the next comprehensive spending review.


The Main EventMain Event

The industry’s largest annual supplier exhibition and conference. Membership fee gains a reduction the cost of the conference covering the cost of membership. Networking opportunities, innovation and product launches. Gain national recognition for the work you and your team do at the annual awards ceremony.


National School Meals Week NSMW

Benefit from being part of a national promotion, boost uptake, attract new customers and retain your current ones by taking advantage of free resources and activities and being part of national media coverage.  Held in November each year, NSMW gives you the chance to celebrate and promote the value of meals. With a specific website for members, where you can access free and exciting support and theme day materials.
www.thegreatschoollunch.co.uk


School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) SCOTY

Benefit locally from being part of a national event which showcases your skills and talents.


Allergen Guidance Allergen Guidance

LACA have developed guidance for managing allergen requirements, including a process for analysing individual pupils.

Regional networking eventsRegional networking events

Phone 0333 005 0226 to find your local regional chair for local information.


Comprehensive and interactive websiteWebsite

Which is an invaluable source of information and news about your industry. Newsletters, magazine and handbook keeping you up to date.


Learning and developmentL&D

Easy to access on line learning for you and your team.


Workforce developmentSWD

Setting the standards for key posts in the sector which helps to engage and motivate staff, raise morale and encourage teamwork. The standards will assist you with recruitment, selection and induction.


Seminars and eventsSeminar

To assist in the development of new skills and make sure you are up to date with new legislation.


Menu Checking ServiceMenu Checking Service

Use the service and include the LACA Menu Checked logo to assure your customers the food you serve is legally compliant - reduced charge for members.


Buying GroupBuying Group

Our framework agreements to offer value for money and all our framework agreements are EU-compliant and member-led.





 

Included within your annual membership fee, LACA offers and organises the major events of the education catering industry;

Host a School ChefHost a School Chef

Host a School Chef is firmly established as one of the most popular events in the school catering calendar. The promotion offers school chefs the opportunity to spend a day in the kitchen of some of the most exclusive restaurants in the country, working alongside some of the most celebrated chefs in the catering industry, demonstrating the breadth and depth of talent of today’s education caterers.
www.hostaschoolchef.co.uk


Professional Standards/Learning and Development Pro StandardsL&D

The School Workforce Professional Standards clearly define the professional requirements that underpin the delivery of quality school food and the knowledge, skills and behaviours that an individual needs to achieve the best standard of performance in their job role.


E-learning packagese-learning

LACA Ltd., through Highfield Qualifications, offer and a suite of learning packages, each learner will receive a certificate on successful completion.Food Safety - Levels 1,2 & 3, Health & Safety - Levels 1,2 & 3
Manual Handling - Level 1, Allergen Awareness - Level 1
Fire Safety - Level 2, Customer Service - Level 2
There are also a number of short courses on offer


Why I'm a member


Communications

As a member you will receive legislation updates, regular newsletters, School Caterer magazine and annual yearbook providing a valuable reference tool.


How to join

To join LACA simply click here to complete the online form

Membership Grades & Annual Subscription Rates from January 2024

Membership Grade Membership Type Qualification Voting Rights Eligibility Criteria Fee Levels
Full Membership Individual

Management or supervisory position within multi-site organisations delivering catering services to primary, secondary and Special education establishments. LA client managers, nutritionists and dieticians

Full at National and Regional level Eligible to sit on Regional Committee and Board and take National Office £106+VAT
  Corporate As Above
Corporate membership is for at least five named members from a catering organisation
As Above As Above

Fee for first five members £470 +VAT

For each additional member above five £94 +VAT

  Individual Site Based Schools/Academies with in-house provision
e.g. catering manger, bursar, headteacher
As Above Eligible to sit on Regional Committee but not the Board nor take on National Office £106+VAT
  Retired Previously held individual or corporate membership at time of retirement As Above Eligible to sit on Regional Committee and the Board and take on National Office £32+VAT
  National Honorary As determined by LACA Board As Above As Above Free membership for life
Associate Membership Individuals from Supplier Companies Individuals from companies supplying goods, consultancy and other services to the industry Members select on region to be a member of.  Full voting rights. Eligible to sit on Regional Committee but not to the Board First Lead Associate member £347+VAT

Additional members from same company £141+VAT
  Partners As Above
The Partner Scheme includes two Associate members as one of the benefits
.
Both named Partner members can attend all Region's events, on of which has a free place.

Additional Partner members (above the first two) select one Region to be a member of.

Full voting rights.
Additional members of Partner Companies are eligible to sit on Regional Committee but not to the Board as above. Additional Partner members £141 +VAT
  Partner Representative
Attending Board Meetings
As above Has a vote at board meetings. The Representative is present as a non-executive member of the Board and is elected by Partners as their representative each year As above
Affiliate A like organisation The post of Chair or equivalent of a like organisation None None No fee, reliant on reciprocation


In the event of a new member, either Full Membership or Associate Membership there is a joining fee of £18 +VAT. This covers the set up costs and includes the welcome pack consisting of a badge, certificate, membership card and copy of the current Handbook.

Membership is renewed annually and runs from January to December each year.

The renewal process commences in November with a data cleanse of the system and notice sent to all paid up lead members and individuals to seek any updates to the names, number and details of members for the following year. Pro-forma invoices are raised on confirmation of receipt of this information. A number of chaser emails and calls are made between then and the end of March, when non-payers are lapsed.


For more information contact 0333 005 0226 or email admin@laca.co.uk