Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum

This conference is examining the next steps for developing food and climate policy in the UK.

It will discuss priorities for policymakers, the farming, food and drink sectors, and consumers and wider stakeholders in the context of:

• the Government Food Strategy
• issues outlined by the UK’s Third Climate Change Risk Assessment and outcomes from COP26
• the first UK Food Security Report
• the Environment Act
• sectoral initiatives, and government measures aimed at achieving net-zero ambitions including the 2030 Strategic framework for international climate and nature action

Sessions in the agenda look at:

• climate change adaptation - the current landscape and future outlook
• UK food security - priorities for tackling the impact of climate change on the UK
• challenges for UK farming - what support, systems and partnerships are needed if net-zero ambitions are to be achieved
• enabling the role of agriculture - mitigating the impact of climate change - sustainability alongside productivity - development and implementation of new farming practices - investment and support
• the food and drink industry - the impact of net-zero ambitions - achieving business resilience and maintaining growth - opportunities for collaboration
• decarbonising food and drink - investment - innovation - implementing technology transitions - addressing challenges across the supply chain - measuring progress
• strategic and competitive priorities - sector sustainability - key issues for consumer engagement
• policy - next steps and the way ahead for food and climate policy in the UK

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with: Victoria Prentis MP, Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Chair, Adaptation Sub-Committee, Climate Change Committee; Dr Riaz Bhunnoo, Director, Global Food Security Programme; Andrew Clark, Director of Policy, National Farmers Union; Katherine Clifford, Head of Public Affairs, Nestle UK & Ireland; and Emma Piercy, Head of Climate Change and Energy Policy, Food and Drink Federation.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from Defra; the Cabinet Office; CCC; Department for the Economy, NI; DAERA, NI; the DIT; Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland; FSA; Food Standards Scotland; POST; Veterinary Policy Research Foundation; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentarian pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament.

This conference focuses on tackling the current challenges for the UK food supply chain - looking at priorities for policy, what stakeholders need, and the action required to address key issues.

Taking place following the publication of the Government Food Strategy, delegates will discuss the ambitions within the strategy around skills and innovative food production, as well as whether the strategy goes far enough to address key challenges in the current context and longer-term.

The agenda also looks at building long-term resilience for agriculture, the food and drink systems - including trade priorities, freight and logistics, the future of UK borders, and opportunities from new technology and innovation.

It will be an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss with policymakers what can be done to address factors leading to disruption affecting the supply chain now and latest policy measures. Areas of focus include:

• staffing and logistics
• shortages, costs and other factors affecting equipment, energy and materials
• the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, Brexit and COVID recovery

Delegates will examine the impact of the Government’s measures to support the sector at this time and what more should be done, looking at:

• the delay of import controls
• support announced on CO2, and energy provision and fertiliser prices
• the Future of Freight plan
• the EFRA Committee report on Labour shortages in the food and farming sector, the extension of the Seasonal Worker Visa Route and the workforce review announced in the Government Food Strategy
• wider measures included in the Government Food Strategy

Further sessions consider key issues and opportunities for strengthening the long-term resilience of the food supply chain, with discussion on the future shape of the UK borders system in the context of the Government’s 2025 UK Border Strategy, as well as the innovation in infrastructure - and technology such as blockchain - that will be needed to support it.

Discussion also looks at key issues for trade, strategies for international and cross-sector collaboration, environmental sustainability, quality and standards, and consumer protection.

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Chris Tyas, Chair, GS1 UK; and Michael Bourlakis, Director of Research, Cranfield School of Management.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from the CCC; DAERA, NI; Department for the Economy, NI; the DIT; Food Standards Scotland; the Veterinary Policy Research Foundation; and the Scottish Government.

This conference is examining latest developments in the novel foods sector in the UK, including CBD products, new sources of protein, and GM crops.

It will be a timely opportunity to discuss developments including:

• The Benefits of Brexit report and next steps for reviewing the UK regulatory framework for novel foods
• CBD product applications and the release of preliminary FSA authorisations
• edible insect products safety assessments
• cultivated meat and GM crop research, technology developments and commercialisation

Stakeholders and policymakers will discuss options for new approaches to novel food regulation in the UK, along with consumer attitudes, safety and opportunities for innovation. They will also consider the role of novel foods in addressing strategic food security challenges.

Overall, areas for discussion include:

• the market - key trends - market developments - transition to UK regulation - future role of novel foods & processes in the food system - the trading landscape - challenges to traditional food products
• regulation - FSA regulation and application processes - regulatory system effectiveness - stakeholder priorities - short and long-term regulatory goals
• innovation - priorities for regulatory frameworks - support - collaboration - flexibility - risk assessment
• consumers - attitudes - priorities - perceptions of novel foods - implications for product development and safety assurance
• food security - the role of novel foods and processes - tackling the emerging issues - alleviating future pressures on food supply - contribution to sustainability in the UK food chain - gene editing technology
• key developments - edible insects - cultivated meat - plant-based foods - CBD - GMOs - challenges - opportunities

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with: Dr Camilla Alexander-White, Chair, The Advisory Committee of Novel Foods and Processes, Food Standards Agency; and Chemical Policy Lead, Royal Society of Chemistry; Paul Tossell, Head of Radiological, GM, Novel Foods and Feed Additives Team, Food Standards Agency; and Professor Martin Warren, Head, Food Innovation and Health Programme, Quadram Institute.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from FSA; Defra; DIT; Food Standards Scotland; DAERA, NI; Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland; POST; and the Welsh Government.

This conference is discussing the key priorities for the UK food system, in the build-up to the Government’s forthcoming Food Strategy White Paper, which will respond to the independent review and recommendations of the National Food Strategy.

It takes place with the recent announcement that the Government’s response will be delayed until after local elections in May 2022, and amidst speculation that the Government’s response may not take forward the independent report’s recommendations on HFSS taxation.

Areas for discussion include:

• the Food Strategy White Paper - key stakeholder perspectives, and coordination with wider government policy including the Levelling Up White Paper
• the UK food supply - emerging trends and challenges
• regulation - developing and monitoring an improved food system
• trade - The Trade and Agriculture Commission’s scrutiny of new UK Free Trade Agreements
• public health - priorities for improving accessibility to healthy food and latest government initiatives
• international best practice - developing a holistic food strategy

We are pleased to include keynote sessions with Jo Gideon MP, Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group on the National Food Strategy; Professor Susan Jebb, Chair, Food Standards Agency; Anna Taylor, Executive Director, The Food Foundation; and Chief Independent Adviser, National Food Strategy; Kristin Bash, Chair, Food Specialist Interest Group, Faculty of Public Health; and Honorary Lecturer, Public Health, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield; and Professor Tim Lang, Professor Emeritus of Food Policy, Centre for Food Policy, City University of London.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from DHSC; FSA; Food Standards Scotland; Defra; DAERA, NI; Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; NI Environment Agency; CCC; CCS; DIT; FCDO; GLD; NAO; OHID; OSR; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament.

This conference will examine the priorities for developing agricultural science and technology in the UK.

It will be an opportunity to discuss the regulatory landscape following exit from the EU, the areas where innovation can be supported and scaled up, as well as key issues for ensuring safety.

The conference takes place in the context of the Agricultural Transition Plan 2021 to 2024, the ongoing implementation of the Government’s Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS), the coming into force of the Agriculture Act, and the wider Levelling Up agenda.

Sessions in the agenda focus on:

• policy and regulation - supporting the role of science and technology in UK agriculture - coordination with the wider policy landscape - keynote contributions from Defra and the FSA
• funding and investment - identifying opportunities - priorities for research - investment sources - access to finance
• the farming community - key issues and priorities for agritech
• innovation - challenges, opportunities and priorities - productivity alongside sustainability - maximising the potential of data and emerging technology - stakeholder engagement and take-up
• the global context - latest developments - the international regulatory landscape - future trade agreements - keynote contributions from FAO, USDA and DIT
• GM - issues for gene editing - the future outlook for genetically modified crops in the UK

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with: Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Adviser, Food Standards Agency; and Professor of Infectious Disease, University of Birmingham; Tim Mordan, Deputy Director, Agri-Food Chain - Innovation, Productivity & Science, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Jaime Adams, Senior Advisor for International Affairs, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Dr Ismahane Elouafi, Chief Scientist, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO); Dr Helen Ferrier, Chief Science & Regulatory Affairs Adviser, National Farmers’ Union; Katrina Hayter, Challenge Director, Transforming Food Production, Innovate UK; and Dr Elizabeth Warham, Lead, Agritech Team, Department for International Trade.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from Defra; the FSA; DAERA NI; Food Standards Scotland; CCC; HSE; DIT; FCDO; Department for the Economy NI; Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, ROI; Department for Communities, NI; NIEA; The Planning Inspectorate; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords.

This conference focuses on policy to tackle obesity in England, along with its implementation and impact.

Stakeholders and policymakers will examine latest developments and initiatives, as well as the likely effects of forthcoming measures on consumers, public health, and the food and drink industry.

Taking place in the context of the Government’s Tackling Obesity strategy, we also expect discussion on its future direction, with recent speculation that some measures may not be implemented.

Delegates will also consider the wider policy landscape impacting obesity reduction - including the Levelling Up White Paper, the Food Strategy White Paper and the developing role of preventative healthcare.

Sessions in the agenda look at:

• strategy implementation - including priorities for the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities in leading improvements to public health at both national and local levels
• impact and outcomes - outstanding implementation issues for the strategy, and likely outcomes and impact on stakeholders
• health inequalities - including opportunities for addressing key challenges through the development of a new health disparities white paper
• collaboration - joint working and coordination between local health services and local government, including exercise provision and diet management
• clinical interventions - their developing role, with NICE approving the use of semaglutide injections alongside weight management programmes

We are pleased to be able to include keynotes sessions with Professor Jonathan Valabhji, National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity, NHS; and Professor Paul Gately, Professor of Exercise and Obesity, Leeds Beckett University; and Chief Executive, MoreLife.

Further contributions come from the Advertising Association; the Behavioural Insights Team; Birmingham City Council; Blackpool Central West Primary Care Network; The British Sandwich and Food to Go Association; EXi; the Food and Drink Federation; Kantar; Newcastle City Council; Starbucks Coffee Company; and Washingborough Academy and TastEd.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from DHSC; the FSA; the OHID; OLS; Defra; the DfE; Food Standards Scotland; UKHSA; DoH, Ireland; DIT; DLUHC; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords.

This conference looks at current priorities for tackling food waste in households, industry, and agriculture.

Delegates will share latest thinking and discuss developments in improving local waste management and recycling services, tackling plastic waste, reducing waste crime, and achieving positive behaviour change.

It will be an opportunity for key stakeholders and policymakers to assess government plans - including measures in the Environment Act - to reform England’s rubbish, recycling, and food waste collection.

Areas for discussion include:

• the Food Waste Reduction Roadmap
• household and industry food waste
• new plans to target waste crime
• waste in agriculture
• innovation in packaging
• food waste policy coordination with wider decarbonisation targets
• priorities for policy and the 2025 food waste reduction target

We also expect discussion on priorities for the coordination of strategies to tackle waste across the food chain, including:

• the proposed deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers
• an extended producer responsibility scheme
• further measures in the Environment Act for driving plastic waste reduction 
• introduction of the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme aiming to support waste reduction in agriculture

We are pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from Lord Deben, Chairman, Climate Change Committee; Dr David Moon, Head of Strategic Projects, WRAP; and Dawn Woodward, Deputy Head Resources and Waste, Defra.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from: Defra; the FSA; Food Standards Scotland; BEIS; the Cabinet Office; CAFRE; DAERA, NI; the DfE; the DIT; the FCDO; the Isle of Man Government; NIEA; OPSS; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This conference will examine policy priorities for strengthening food security in the UK and building sector resilience in the face of present and future challenges.

It will be a timely opportunity to assess key developments in the context of the including the Agriculture Act, the National Food Strategy and the Environment Act.

Overall, the agenda will bring out latest thinking on:

• policy priorities, including outcomes from COP26
• climate change, sustainability and productivity
• the food market, supply chain, and prices
• ethics, quality, transparency, and standards
• international approaches and trade
• consumer choice, access to healthy food options, and the National Food Strategy
• land use management and ELM schemes

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials who are due to attend from the Defra; the Food Standards Agency; HM Treasury; DIT; thje CCC; the DHSC; the Cabinet Office; CAFRE; the CCS; DAFM; Food Standards Scotland; the FCDO; the Government Legal Department; the Isle of Man Government; The Scottish Government; DAERA, NI; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.

This conference will consider next steps for UK fisheries.

It will be an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the future outlook and direction for fisheries management across the UK as the Government consults on the draft Joint Fisheries Statement.

Delegates will discuss:

• Fisheries Act implementation and enforcement, marine recovery, and policymaker engagement with the industry
• supporting coastal communities
• funding priorities, including for the EU European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund
• what is needed to promote competition, trade, and quotas, as well as priorities for future trade deals
• the way forward for the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) as it supports the UK in becoming an independent coastal state
• latest thinking on environmental practices, stewardship, and the future of Marine Protected Areas, and working with devolved administrations and other coastal states

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with: Mike Rowe, Director, Marine & Fisheries, Defra; Michael Coyle, Interim Director of Operations, Marine Management Organisation; Andrew Kuyk, Director General, UK Seafood Industry Alliance; and Duncan Vaughan, Senior Specialist - Marine Fisheries, Natural England.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from: Defra; the Food Standards Agency; Food Standards Scotland; Marine Scotland; the Office for Environmental Protection; BEIS; DIT; the FCDO; the Isle of Man Government; the Planning Inspectorate; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament.

This conference follows the publication of the Government’s Agricultural Transition Plan 2021 to 2024, and will discuss the changes it outlines alongside the implementation of the Government’s Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS), which include:

• the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme
• the Local Nature Recovery scheme
• the Landscape Recovery scheme

The discussion will also consider the future for agricultural land use in the context of wider policy developments, such as the Government’s recently passed Environment Act, in addition to the Agriculture Act and Action Plan for Animal Welfare, as well as the wider context of the pandemic and the impact of Brexit on the agriculture sector.

We are pleased to be able to include keynote contributions including:

• Next steps for agriculture policy - with Victoria Prentis MP, Minister of State, Defra
• Next steps for agriculture and land use management - with Professor Gideon Henderson, Chief Scientific Advisor, Defra
• Effective environmental land management and supporting biodiversity - with Professor Michael Winter, Professor of Land Economy and Society, Centre for Rural Policy Research, University of Exeter; Board Member, Natural England; and Member, Joint Nature Conservation Committee

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament and officials from BEIS; the Climate Change Committee; the College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise; DAERA, NI; Defra; the Department for International Trade; the Environment Agency; the Food Standards Agency; the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; the Forestry Commission; the Health and Safety Executive; the Isle of Man Government; the National Audit Office; Northern Ireland Environment Agency; the Planning Inspectorate; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This conference will look at priorities for policy and industry practice in the UK in the context of key developments affecting food labelling - including the Government’s Tackling Obesity strategy.

We are pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from senior speakers including Jim Cathcart, Policy Director, UKHospitality; Christopher Conder, Team Leader, Market Interventions and Labelling for Animal Welfare, Defra; Sarah Cunningham, Team Leader, Food Information to Consumers, Defra; and Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy, Food Standards Agency.

Delegates will consider what is needed to prepare the hospitality industry for the implementation of Natasha’s Law, which came into force in October 2021, and the introduction of calorie labelling as part of the Government’s drive to tackle obesity, as well as wider issues for food safety.

Further areas for discussion include:

• the role of labelling in food safety and standards
• dovetailing with wider public health, animal welfare, and environmental goals
• the future outlook for food labelling across the supply chain
• priorities for future trade and independent geographical indications schemes

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials from CAFRE; DAERA, NI; Defra; DIT; DHSC; the Drinking Water Inspectorate; the Food Standards Agency; Food Standards Scotland; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.

When it happened…

Wednesday, 15 September 2021

What delegates came to discuss…

This conference will examine priorities and next steps for the National Food Strategy and the forthcoming white paper from the Government - and legislation that is expected to follow - as well as wider key issues for the food and drink sector.

It will be an opportunity to discuss priorities for the development of the white paper, which intends to effect a transformative improvement on the food system to make it fit for the future, with a particular focus on health and sustainability. The white paper is expected to be published in six months’ time, informed by Part Two of the National Food Strategy.

Speaking on the importance of the strategy, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rt Hon George Eustice MP, said:

“The coronavirus pandemic has reminded us all of the vital role our food system plays in our daily lives.

With the growing pressures of climate change, biodiversity loss and the need for healthy affordable food, this key review will tackle issues of the utmost importance to us all.

The National Food Strategy is an opportunity for us to shape what food means to us as a society, and I look forward to working closely with Henry Dimbleby as we strive to build a robust food system fit for the future.”

The conference also takes place in the context of other relevant policy developments impacting the UK food and drink landscape, including the Government’s obesity strategy, the Environment Bill, and the Agriculture Act - as well as the impact of COVID-19 and the UK’s exit from the EU, with knock-on effects for future trade agreements.

Attendees

Oficials from the Cabinet Office; DAERA, NI; Defra; the Department for Communities, NI; the Department for International Trade; the Department of Health and Social Care; the Department of Health, ROI; the Food Standards Agency; Food Standards Scotland; the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office; the National Audit Office; the Planning Inspectorate; and the Welsh Government.

Representatives from Ashbury Labelling; A Team Foundation; Bangor University; BASF; Berry Gardens; Brighton and Hove City Council; British Association for Shooting and Conservation; British Soft Drinks Association; Cardiff University - School of Law and Politics; Clarke Willmott; Danone; Dawn Meats; FERA; Food and Drink Federation; Food Standards Agency; Food Standards Scotland; Frontier Economics; GM Freeze; Growing Real Food for Nutrition; Guy's and St Thomas Foundation; ICF Consulting; International Meat Trade Association; King's College London; Klinge Chemicals; Lancashire County Council; Landworkers Alliance; Leeds & York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Leeds City Council; McCormick; Neath Port Talbot Council; Obesity Action Scotland; Plunkett Foundation; Public Health England; REfUSE; Rothschild Foundation; Royal Agricultural University; Safefood; Savills; Slow Food Birmingham; Southampton City Council; Tees Esk Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust; University of Edinburgh; University of Exeter; University of Leeds; University of Surrey; Warwickshire County Council; West Wales Action for Mental Health; and Zero Carbon Forum.

Press: Food & Drink Technology and Transform Magazine.

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference follows the Government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare, and will consider priorities for taking it forward and improving animal health, welfare, and standards in the UK.

The discussion will also take into account key policy developments delivered as part of the Action Plan, such as the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill and the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, which aim to legislate on core aspects of animal welfare, enhance protections for kept animals and pets, and formally recognise animals as sentient beings.

We are pleased to be able to welcome keynote contributions on core issues from:

• Michael Seals, Chairman, Animal Health & Welfare Board for England, Defra
• Gareth Baynham-Hughes, Director, Animal and Plant Health and Welfare, Defra
• David Bowles, Head Public Affairs, RSPCA
• Professor Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales
• Dr Steven McCulloch, Senior Lecturer in Human-Animal Studies, University of Winchester
• Mandy Nevel, Head of Animal Health and Welfare, AHDB

The agenda is structured to bring out latest thinking on:

• plans for a new approach to animal health, welfare, and standards
• improving welfare across the food and farming sector
• the development of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway
• enshrining animal sentience in law and improving the welfare of kept animals in the UK
• promoting high animal welfare standards abroad and in future trade

Attendees

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons, and officials from DAERA, NI; Defra; the Department for International Trade; the Food Standards Agency; Food Standards Scotland; the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland; the Veterinary Medicines Directorate; and the Welsh Government. Also due to attend are representatives from AB Agri; Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute; AIC; Animal Welfare Committee; Aquaculture Stewardship Council; Beta Bugs; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council; British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums; Clarke Willmott; Compassion in World Farming; Downland Marketing; Dunbia; Farm Animal Welfare Consulting; Foyle Food Group; French Embassy; Humane Slaughter Association; International Meat Trade Association; IVC Evidensia; National Office Animal Health; NSF International; RSPCA; The British Horse Society; The Donkey Sanctuary; UK Centre for Animal Law (A-Law); University of Bristol/Animal Welfare Research Network; University of Edinburgh; University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science; University of Sussex; US Department of Agriculture; VetPartners; and World Horse Welfare.

A press pass has been reserved by a representative from IHS Markit.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials are made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

Westminster Energy, Environment & Transport Forum policy conference
Net-zero, climate change and the food, drink and agriculture sector
Morning, Wednesday, 23rd June 2021

Full replays of Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

When it happened…

Wednesday, 14 July 2021

What delegates came to discuss…

This conference will be a timely opportunity to discuss key issues against a backdrop of significant change, with:

• the UK setting its own course for regulation and standards following Brexit
• the sector facing challenges in the wake of COVID-19
• the UK beginning to establish and finalise new international trade deals
• developments in consumer preferences, and opportunities they present for novel foods and other areas of innovation, as well as new approaches being adopted by food and drink businesses

Delegates will assess the implications for UK food safety, standards, and regulation, as well as the outlook for the sector, and priorities for conditions and pressures arising from future trade deals.

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions at this conference from Emily Miles, Chief Executive Officer, Food Standards Agency; Helen Munday, President, Institute of Food Science & Technology; Tom Forshaw, Senior Analyst, Policy, AHDB; and Nick von Westenholz, Director, Trade and Business Strategy, NFU, and Member, Trade and Agriculture Commission - as well as contributions from Addleshaw Goddard; Burges Salmon; BSI Group; the Chartered Trading Standards Institute; Fera Science; Tate & Lyle PLC; UK Hospitality; and Which?.

Taking place as the UK agrees a free trade deal with Australia, the conference will also discuss the possible implications of the agreement for food standards in the UK and for future trade agreements. We are delighted to be able to welcome a contribution on food standards priorities and regulation from Professor Mark Booth, Chief Executive Officer, Food Standards Australia New Zealand at this conference.

Delegates will also discuss the key strategic priorities going forward to protect food standards following the Trade and Agriculture Commission’s final report, how the recent trade agreement followed the Commission’s report, and the opportunities for the UK to play a leading role on the global stage.

With the Government setting out its agenda for improving animal welfare in the Queen’s Speech - including a new action plan and developing an Animal Health and Welfare Pathway for the production of healthier animals - delegates will have the opportunity to assess what this raising of standards in domestic policy means for food standards in trade deals and food imports.

Overall, areas for discussion include:

• food regulation following exit from the EU - assessing the UK’s approach, and the future for regulatory collaboration and cooperation
• the impact of the pandemic - its effect on the regulatory landscape, and overcoming the challenges posed by COVID-19
• regulatory reform - assessing progress, as well as identifying further areas and options for change
• keeping pace - what more can be done to help local authorities, safety professionals, and the food industry as they adapt in an evolving, and increasingly diverse and innovative environment
• policy and international relationships - the future of food standards in the UK, and the outlook for future trade deals and their impact
• UK-Australia trade deal - assessing the protection of food standards within the agreement and the precedent it sets for future agreements

Who attended…

Officials from DAERA, NI; Defra; the Department for International Trade; the Department of Health and Social Care; the Drinking Water Inspectorate; the Food Standards Agency; Food Standards Scotland; the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; the National Audit Office; the National Food Crime Unit; and the Welsh Government.

Representatives from Agricultural Industries Confederation; Aldi; Ashbury Labelling; Associated British Foods; Berry Gardens; Beyond GM; Clarke Willmott; Dawn Meats Group; Derbyshire County Council; Elanco Animal Health; Fera Science; Food Safety Authority of Ireland; Futura Foods UK; GLOBALG.A.P.; GM Freeze; Gowling WLG; Hovis; Institute of Food Science & Technology; Klinge Chemicals; Leatherhead Food Research; ML3 Technical Services; Moy Park; North Yorkshire County Council; NSF International; Quadram Institute Bioscience; Red Bull; Richardson Milling UK; Tate & Lyle; Tesco; The Andersons Centre; The Cannabis Trades Association; UK Association of Milk Banks; Unilever; University of Lincoln; University of Reading; University of Sussex; Waters Corporation and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

Press: Bureau of Investigative Journalism; H2o Publishing and Unearthed.

Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum policy conference
Policy on consumption of HFSS products
Morning, Thursday, 1st July 2021

Full replays of Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum
The UK food supply chain - policy and support, EU and global relationships, fairness and environmental sustainability, and moving forward from COVID
Morning, Thursday, 27th May 2021

Full replays of Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum policy conference
New and emerging novel foods - the UK regulatory system, market development, safety, and innovation in the food sector
Morning, Tuesday, 27th April 2021

Full replays of Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will assess the key priorities for taking forward UK agriculture policy in the context of implementation of the Agriculture Act and the UK’s exit from the EU.

We are delighted to be able to include a ministerial address at this conference from Victoria Prentis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Defra.

Areas for discussion include:

• the new payment system - managing the transition and priorities for collaboration, support, and engagement with the agriculture sector
• environmental land management - lessons from the pilots, fair measurement of the value of public goods, and taking into account the needs of farmers in more challenging settings
• regulation - setting and enforcing requirements and standards, coordination and support, and the way forward for simplification
• productivity and sustainability - achieving both economic and environmental goals, building net-zero into the future of agriculture, and priority areas for innovation, research and investment

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from Defra; BEIS; the Committee on Climate Change; the Environment Agency; the Forestry Commission; DAERA, NI; the Department for Infrastructure, NI; HM Revenue & Customs; the National Audit Office; The Scottish Government; The Planning Inspectorate; the Welsh Government; the Department for International Trade; and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The seminar is supported by The Icon Group, and organised on the basis of strict impartiality by the Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum.

The agenda

• The future for UK agricultural policy following EU exit
• ‘Successfully applying the concept of paying for environmental public goods’
• Priorities for managing the transition to the new payment system, inclusive approaches for effective delivery, and taking forward wider new national agricultural policy
• Land use, resource management and the future for productivity in the new rural policy landscape
• Delivering effective environmental land management - pilot progress, practicalities and support for farmers, the future for land use, resource management and productivity, and aligning with net-zero emission targets
• Next steps for agriculture policy in the UK

Key areas for discussion:

• the Agriculture Act - taking forward the new national policy for agriculture in the UK, following exit from the EU and the transition from CAP payments, looking at:
  
  • priorities for effective implementation
  • opportunities for working collaboratively to achieve successful delivery
  • engagement with the sector throughout the process
• transition and support - managing the transition to the new payment system, including:
  
  • the £1m Future Farming Resilience Funding Scheme - its impact in supporting farmers and providing guidance for the move towards the new approach to farming
  • addressing concerns over a lack of clarity on the latter years of the transition period for payments
  • the Government’s future subsidy approach - priorities for its development, and concerns that a UK approach to the agriculture industry around this would not be appropriate due to its devolved nature
• payments - the impact of moving towards a system of payment based on public goods, as well as:
  
  • ways that payments can incentivise the use of sustainable practices and provide a benefit to farmers
  • assessing the phased reduction of payments, and mitigating the impact of transition on farm businesses
  • addressing concerns around tenant farmer access to new payments
• environmental land management:
  
  • pilots so far - assessing progress, and lessons learnt to inform the development of the scheme, including around planning, payments, collaboration, guidance and delivery
  • measuring value:
    
    • latest thinking and approaches to fairly and effectively assessing environmental outcomes
    • options for accommodating the situation of farmers in more environmentally challenging areas
  • implementation - priorities for the successful application of paying for environmental public goods, and for making it work
  • land use and resource management - evaluating the environmental benefits and long-term opportunities, as well as:
    
    • impact of the payment transition - what the move to a payment system based on public money for public goods means for the future of land use and how resources are managed
    • priorities for local nature recovery - including habitat, species and natural flood management, as well as landscape recovery
• regulation - next steps for reform, including:
  
  • balancing minimum requirements with standards that farmers are paid to exceed
  • making the regulatory system more supportive and advisory
  • how to simplify and improve coordination in the regulatory landscape for farming
• improving productivity:
  
  • the contribution and role of productivity as part of the future outlook for farming
  • how the drive for productivity sits alongside environmental policy aims
  • identifying priority areas for innovation, research and investment
• net-zero - building climate adaptation and the meeting of decarbonisation targets into the future of agriculture:
  
  • the potential contribution of environmental management schemes and how they should be configured
  • supporting the sector to deliver the action required, at a time of considerable change and transition
  • what more needs to be done to meet the net-zero agenda

The policy context:

• the Agriculture Act - setting out the future for UK agriculture policy following the UK leaving the EU, and the move away from CAP to a public money for public goods system
• Environmental Land Management: test and trials - an update from Defra including findings so far around planning, guidance, collaboration, payments and delivery
• The Path to Sustainable Farming: An Agricultural Transition Plan 2021 to 2024 - from Defra:
  
  • setting out the agricultural transition period as the UK leaves the EU
  • outlining the phased reduction of direct payments, and the development and introduction of environmental land management schemes
• Farming Innovation Pathways - the competition launched by UKRI and Defra looking to advance research and development in agricultural innovation to address farming challenges, with funding split between feasibility projects and industrial research
• National food strategy for England - the independent review led by Henry Dimbleby, with recommendations on addressing systemic food chain challenges in agriculture, sustainability and the environment
• the Environment Secretary’s speech at the NFU conference 2021 - outlining the future of agriculture, and inviting farmers to take part in the Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot, with expressions of interest being accepted in March
• Trade and Agriculture Commission: Final Report - with recommendations including that Government must maintain high food standards for imports in any future trade deal
• Subsidy control: designing a new approach for the UK - the Government’s closed consultation on the development of a national domestic subsidy approach, which works across the UK, following exit from the EU

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament and the House of Commons Library, and officials from BEIS; the Committee on Climate Change; DAERA, NI; Defra; the Department for Infrastructure, NI; the Department for International Trade; the Environment Agency; the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; the Forestry Commission; HM Revenue & Customs; the National Audit Office; The Scottish Government; The Planning Inspectorate; the Valuation Office Agency and the Welsh Government.

Overall, we expect speakers and attendees to be a senior and informed group including Members of both Houses of Parliament, senior government and regulatory officials involved in this area of public policy, together with representatives of the agriculture and food and drink industry - including associations, manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers - local government officials, representatives of the agritech and crop science industries, environmental and conservation groups, academics, lawyers and consultancies, international attendees, charities and consumer groups, together with reporters from the national and trade media.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will be an early opportunity to discuss key developments in UK fisheries policy and implementation of the Fisheries Act following the end of the EU exit transition period and the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

We are delighted to be able to include a keynote contribution from Fisheries Minister, Victoria Prentis MP.

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials who are due to attend from Defra; DfT; the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; DIT; and the Welsh Government.

The agenda:

• UK fisheries policy and key priorities
• Opportunities going forward for UK fisheries and next steps for policy
• Developing fair and competitive practices around trade and quotas
• Strategic priorities for fisheries management across the UK
• The role of regulation in fisheries and marine life protection
• Fisheries within the wider maritime and ports environment
• Implementing sustainable fisheries management and protecting marine life

Relevant developments:

• The end of the transition period and the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement­ - with the MMO and devolved administrations issuing new fishing licences
• the Fisheries Act - with provisions on fishing rights as the UK leaves EU agreements, conservation, support for the fishing industry and ports, and for the Marine Management Organisation
• international agreements:
  
  • UK and Norway sign historic fisheries agreement - including annual agreements on quotas and access to waters for the two countries
  • a further UK agreement with the Faroe Islands, and a bilateral arrangements with Iceland and Greenland
• The Marine Management Organisation fast-tracks grants to help England’s ports and fishing industry - the MMO inviting applications for grants to help ports or harbours impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and seeking views on managing fisheries in Marine Protection Areas
• International Fisheries Management - the Government’s recent outline of developments and its policy approach for managing shared and international fisheries, working with other coastal states, RFMOs, the UN and other supranational organisations, and with devolved UK governments
• UK signs agreement with ICES demonstrating commitment to international marine science collaboration - Defra announcing cooperation with the International Council of the Exploration of the Sea on conservation, protection, the sustainable use of the marine environment and sustainable fisheries

Key areas for discussion:

• the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement­, further trade agreements and next steps for policy and implementation
  
  • assessing UK-EU trade deal outcomes - what they mean for the future of UK fisheries:
  • supporting fair trading - how best to determine which fish stocks fall under each territorial water in order to agree and develop the quotas
  • future opportunities
• internal UK relationships - the future for strategic coordination between the UK government and devolved administrations:
  
  • the shape of future joint working, with provisions in the Fisheries Act for a Joint Fisheries Statement to coordinate fisheries management and planning for sustainable stocks
  • priorities for the UK’s devolved administrations and for equitable sharing of opportunities, benefits and other outcomes of agreements with the EU and more widely
• sustainable fisheries management
  
  • the legislative framework - provisions and safeguards in the Fisheries Act and whether they go far enough, further priorities, and options for addressing concerns over possible loopholes
  • climate-smart fishing - implementation priorities and the impact of the Act in setting out a plan for protecting marine species
  • international leadership - the UK as a champion in sustainable fisheries policy and practice, and working with other coastal states on sustainability and marine species protection
  • regulation - the role of the Marine Management Organisation as it takes on powers to manage fishing activity and provide advice and guidance on sustainable fisheries
  • support and funding - replacing the EU European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and what social, economic and employment support is most needed by the fishing industry and communities
• the wider policy environment:
  
  • levelling-up and green recovery policy agendas - the role of fisheries and how they can be supported going forward to realise benefits and access funding and support
  • innovation - the development of Free Ports and development of the modernisation and digitisation of ports
  • the Government’s Maritime 2050 vision with its ambitions to improve the safety, employment protections and performance of the fishing industry, as well as on addressing environmental and climate challenges

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons, and officials from BEIS; Defra; the Department of International Trade; the Department for Transport; the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; the Isle of Man Government; and the Welsh Government.
Overall, we expect speakers and attendees to be a senior and informed group including Members of both Houses of Parliament, senior government officials in this area of public policy, together with other stakeholders concerned with or affected by developments in UK fisheries policy, including food market and supply chain personnel, fisherman and fishery advocacy groups, foreign embassies, conservation authorities, local government, environmental campaigners, members from the wider ports and maritime sector, scientists, academics and researchers, as well as members of the national and trade media.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference focuses on key policy developments and next steps for reducing obesity in England.  

Areas for discussion include:

• the Government’s Tackling Obesity strategy - looking at implementation and next steps for enabling healthy food choices
• the food environment - including labelling, marketing and in-house promotions, as well as local public health initiatives and encouraging healthy lifestyles
• tackling inequalities - including access to weight management services and the role of primary care
• COVID-19 - the impact of the pandemic on food and lifestyle habits, assessing support measures, and implications for public health going forward

The conference is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials who are due to attend from DCMS; DHSC; MHCLG; Defra; the National Audit Office; DAERA NI; and the Welsh Government.

The agenda:

• Assessing the progress and effectiveness of obesity interventions so far
• The impact of COVID-19 on consumer behaviour and eating habits
• The obesity challenge and the food and drink industry
• The Obesity Strategy and supporting consumers to make healthy choices - calorie labelling implementation, HFSS product marketing, and in-store promotions
• Opportunities for supporting people access a healthy active lifestyle
• Improving public health and developing a healthy local food environment
• Priorities for tackling health inequalities, supporting access to expanded weight management services and the role of primary care
• Next steps for taking forward the Obesity Strategy

Areas for discussion:

• Tackling Obesity and the wider policy context:
  
  • next steps - options going forward in the context of the Obesity Strategy and options for further measures that may be required, including around reformulation programmes, infant food calorie labelling, and health in the workplace
  • coordination - how the obesity strategy fits in with the wider policy environment, including:
    
    • the National Food Strategy, which is expected to publish recommendations for government in the Spring
    • development of the new National Institute for Health Protection which brings together functions for health improvement and prevention 
• changing the food environment:
  
  • implementation - and impact of restrictions affecting labelling, marketing and advertising of foods on better enabling people to make informed, healthy food choices
  • FOPNL - clarity and accessibility, effectively supporting healthier choices, balancing warnings and positive choices, and how much labelling should follow dietary advice around sugar
  • calorie labelling on food menus:
    
    • implementation - key issues for the out of home industry, and support that might be needed to enable new rules to be put in place
    • consumers - priority target groups, and best practice for effectively supporting both healthy decisions and the understanding of the nutritional value of a meal, as well as its calories
    • innovation - the opportunities presented for out of home meal reformulation
  • in-store HFSS promotions:
    
    • support for retailer compliance including smaller stores
    • the impact of placement restrictions for HFSS products
    • opportunities for using volume and location-based promotions for healthy products
    • the potential impact of new restrictions on HFSS product promotions in retail settings from April 2022, and enforcement processes and sanctions
  • advertising restrictions - the impact and implications for marketers and advertising platforms on encouraging reformulation to meet requirements, and on reducing rates of obesity
  • voluntary sugar reduction targets - assessing implementation by industry, remaining barriers, and how to improve progress in the out of home sector 
• COVID-19 - assessing the impact, the policy response and resulting changes:
  
  • support - with the increased risk of more extreme symptoms, assessing Government help for those affected to lose excess weight during the pandemic, and its impact
  • lockdown - working from home and changes to lifestyles and eating habits, and what this has meant for people’s food choices, weight and health during the pandemic, and the implications 
• tackling inequalities and improving access to services:
  
  • priorities - particularly in addressing obesity in the context of the pandemic
  • tackling underlying factors:
    
    • latest thinking on the links between deprivation and poverty
    • implications of research finding people from a BAME background are more likely to have poor health outcomes, and be more vulnerable to obesity and other related conditions
  • promoting public health and engagement:
    
    • assessing what is needed from the new Better Health campaign
    • opportunities for enabling people to have a healthy, active lifestyle
    • the ways that people can be supported to access weight management services
  • the role of primary care - assessing how services are being made more widely available on the NHS, and learning from the strong uptake of the expanded diabetes prevention programme

Relevant developments:

• Restricting promotions of products high in fat, sugar and salt: enforcement - consultation on processes for checking compliance, and on potential sanctions
• Tackling Obesity: empowering adults and children to live healthier lives - the Government’s strategy focusing on:
  
  • the food environment - introducing change and helping people to make healthier decisions by:
    
    • Front-of-pack nutrition labelling in the UK: building on success - consulting on the traffic light system currently in place, as well as alcohol calorie labelling
    • calories and promotions - legislating for large out of home companies having to include calorie food labels, and on HFSS promotion based on volume and in-store location
    • marketing - introducing a 9pm watershed for the advertisement of HFSS products and consulting on restricting HFSS advertising online
  • preventative healthcare - and provision of NHS support to those who are overweight:
    
    • services - expansion of weight management and improving access given to those with obesity and at high risk, and expanding the NHS diabetes prevention programme
    • Major new campaign encourages millions to lose weight and cut COVID-19 risk - a new Better Health campaign as well as a free 12-week NHS Weight Loss Plan app
    • workforce development - the opportunity for primary care network staff to train as healthy weight coaches, easing access to specialist support, and incentivising GP referrals
  • Introducing a total online advertising restriction for products high in fat, sugar and salt­ - DHSC consulting on how this measure could be designed 
• COVID-19:
  
  • recently reported comments from Professor Dame Sally Davies attributing the UK’s number of COVID-19 fatalities in part to a failure to tackle obesity
  • the impact on eating and exercise habits, and the disproportionate risks to people who are obese and those from some ethnic minority backgrounds 
• Surge in people checking their risk of type 2 diabetes - NHS reporting that almost 300,000 people have taken up the Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme since it was expanded in July
• Third year of industry progress to reduce sugar published - PHE’s annual voluntary sugar reduction report finding average reduction across all categories at 3%, and soft drinks industry levy success 
• Government response: mandating calorie labelling in the out-of-home sector - the consultation outcome with:
  
  • forthcoming legislation to make it compulsory for larger businesses
  • possible extension to smaller businesses, who are meanwhile encouraged to voluntarily calorie label
• the National Food Strategy for England - with the second chapter in the spring which will include recommendations related to the Obesity Strategy
• Childhood obesity - the NAO’s recent report on the progress made so far in the Government’s approach to reducing child obesity and calling for greater urgency, coordination and commitment
• National Child Measurement Programme: childhood obesity - research by University College London on what can be learned from local authorities that have a downward trend in childhood obesity
• the National Institute for Health Protection - bringing together PHE and other bodies for the COVID-19 response, as well as other key functions of health improvement and prevention
• the Health and Wellbeing Fund ­- £7.6m from government
  
  • supporting 19 projects to reduce health inequalities among new mothers and babies, including preventing obesity and diabetes
  • the fund will focus on mothers living in black, Asian or minority ethnic communities or deprived areas

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by officials from the DCMS; Defra; DAERA NI; the DHSC; the MHCLG; the National Audit Office and the Welsh Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference