Catering
management teams confidence in their sustainability claims.
Aligning with ESG and board-level strategy As environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals become embedded into business planning, the ability to report catering sustainability metrics to boards and external stakeholders is increasingly essential. Procurement platforms that track carbon emissions, supplier ethics and local sourcing can provide the data needed for meaningful reporting. These insights strengthen the position
of catering and hospitality teams as key contributors to organisational strategy and public accountability, enabling care groups to demonstrate leadership in responsible operations.
From procurement to plates Digital transformation is not just theoretical – it can deliver real results. Recently, care group Taylor & Taylor
benefited from enhanced digital tools, having identified the need for access to data and reports to help inform their decision- making, along with easier ordering and management of stock and deliveries, to support their ambitious plans for growth. As well as providing useful stock taking
facilities, the proposed catering controls platform gave them access to management reports, facilitated central billing and converted all their supplier invoices to one per month per cost centre. Tablets were provided to support
ordering, access buy rights, track delists and product availability and simplify stock taking. Staff could access The Pass – allmanhall’s client portal – to view relevant resources, reports, and updates with ease.
Future policy trends The care sector is under growing pressure not just to improve outcomes, but to do so in a way that aligns with wider public policy goals – particularly around sustainability and digital transformation. NHS England’s Net Zero strategy and Defra’s commitments on reducing food waste are influencing expectations across healthcare and care settings alike. Although care homes are not NHS-funded, many local authority- funded placements are starting to carry ESG reporting expectations or incentives for environmentally conscious procurement. Policy direction is also increasingly focused on digitalisation. Future funding
rounds or frameworks may prioritise providers who can demonstrate strong data capabilities, particularly in areas such as carbon accounting, waste reporting and supply chain resilience. As procurement becomes more integrated into broader governance and ESG frameworks, care homes with the ability to provide accurate, real-time catering data will be in a stronger position to secure funding, demonstrate accountability and meet future compliance benchmarks.
The time for sustainable action is now As care homes continue to evolve, the role of data-driven, sustainable foodservice will only grow. Emerging technologies such as AI-driven menu planning – discussed at the NACC’s recent Training & Development Forum – automated stock control and predictive analytics are already reshaping the industry. At the same time, regulation and public expectation around carbon reporting and supply-chain ethics are rising. Catering in care homes is undergoing a
transformation, and with it comes a vital opportunity. By embracing technology and embedding sustainability into procurement and operations, care providers can deliver better outcomes – for residents, for budgets, and ultimately for the planet. Sustainability is not a luxury, but a
strategic advantage. Through transparent dashboards, carbon labelling tools, and expert support to make the right ingredient choices, an effective and empathetic procurement partner can enable care settings to take control of their foodservice operations in a way that is measurable,
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com January 2026
meaningful and future proof. For care home operators seeking to align
nutrition, cost and climate goals, the way forward is clear – and the technological tools are at their fingertips.n
Jo Hall
Jo Hall is one of the allmanhall family co-owners and a hands-on director, playing a key role in ensuring allmanhall continues to listen to and support the evolving needs of care providers through thoughtful, client-centred solutions. With a strong background in strategic project management for major corporations, Jo brings structure, high standards and empathy to her leadership, ensuring that technology, sustainability, and nutrition are aligned with the practical realities of care settings. Her focus is on relationships and on listening to care clients, staying ahead of sector challenges, and leading allmanhall’s commitment to long-term partnerships built on integrity and impact.
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