Environment Secretary Appoints Will Quince as Independent Advisor for Public Sector Food Procurement

On Monday, March 11, Environment Secretary Steve Barclay announced the appointment of Will Quince MP as an independent advisor. Quince’s role is to support the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance food procurement within the public sector.

Key Objectives of Quince’s Review:

1. Accessibility Enhancement: Quince’s review will explore ways to make the system more accessible to small- and medium-sized businesses, as well as farmers. Additionally, it aims to boost animal welfare and environmental standards.
2. Promoting High Standards: The review will examine how the government can further promote high standards for food and catering services. This includes settings such as hospitals, local authorities, and residential care facilities.
3. Framework Extension: Opportunities to extend the reach of the existing framework—the Government Buying Standard for food and catering services—will be considered. Education settings, in particular, will be a focus.
4. Compliance and Beyond: Quince will explore strategies to ensure greater compliance with the Government Buying Standard for food (GBSF). Institutions may also be encouraged to go above and beyond in areas like nutrition and waste prevention.

Will Quince’s Background:

Before entering politics, Will Quince worked in the food and drink industry. Since becoming an MP, he has held ministerial roles at both the Department for Education and the Department for Health and Social Care.

Engaging Stakeholders:

Mr. Quince will engage with stakeholders across the public sector food and catering supply chain. Additionally, he will examine international practices to inform his recommendations.

Environment Secretary’s Statement:

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay expressed his satisfaction with the appointment, emphasising the importance of sustainable food production. He highlighted that British animal welfare standards are among the best globally, and Quince’s experience makes him an ideal leader for this critical review.

Quince’s Perspective:

Will Quince MP emphasised the significance of food procurement’s impact on the environment and local communities. With public bodies spending approximately £5 billion on food annually, he believes it’s essential to explore opportunities for positive change.

Whether it’s schools, armed forces, hospitals, or prisons, Quince’s review aims to enhance food procurement practices for the benefit of all.