Benedict’s Law in Force: Closing the Compliance Gaps in Allergy Safety

Benedict’s Law is no longer on the horizon. It is now the standard schools and trusts are expected to meet.

Following the introduction of new statutory allergy safety requirements in September, schools must now be able to demonstrate that their allergy management arrangements are effective, embedded and working in practice.

With allergies affecting around one in five children and contributing to more than 500,000 school days lost each year through allergy-related illness and medical appointments (Gov), effective allergy management remains a critical health and safety, safeguarding and operational priority.

The question is no longer “are you prepared?” It is “can you evidence that your approach is working?”

Join our session as we explore what Benedict's Law is already meaning in practice, the emerging risks schools and trusts are encountering, where compliance gaps are emerging, and the immediate actions leaders should take to strengthen their approach.

During the session, you'll learn:

• What we are seeing on the ground since Benedict’s Law became a statutory requirement
• The emerging risks schools and trusts should be identifying since the legislation went into force
• How Benedict's Law is expected to influence inspections, governance and accountability.
• How to stress-test your allergy management processes to ensure your policies, procedures and training align with the new national standard.

• Sue Roberts

Sue, a member of LACA, has spent the past seven years as a catering consultant with Judicium, supporting schools with all aspects of their meal services, kitchen operations, and contract management. With over 35 years of catering experience spanning the NHS, private hospitals, corporate catering, and education, she brings deep industry expertise and practical insight. She holds an HND in Hotel, Catering & Institutional Management and an HABC Award in Food Allergen Management. Outside of work, Sue enjoys experimenting with global cuisines (especially spicy Asian dishes), and dreams of exploring Thailand’s vibrant food culture.

Nick Elliott

Nick is a Chartered Safety Professional with a strong focus on supporting schools to manage their health, safety, and fire responsibilities with confidence and clarity.

Since joining Judicium, Nick has worked closely with schools and trusts to provide practical, accessible advice that helps them maintain compliance and create safer environments for staff and pupils. Known for his approachable and supportive style, he is particularly effective at making complex areas of health and safety feel manageable—bringing clarity and, where possible, a sense of engagement to topics often seen as overly technical. Nick is a Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH), reflecting his professional expertise and commitment to high standards in health and safety practice. Outside of work, he enjoys boxing and spending time with his young family.