Sally Beck launches Hoteliers’ Charter to raise industry profile

The Hoteliers’ Charter has launched, designed to raise the profile of the hospitality industry and promote the sector as a profession of choice to parents, schools, colleges and universities.

The idea was conceived by Sally Beck, 2019 Hotelier of the Year and general manager of the 411-bedroom Royal Lancaster London. The charter seeks to dispel the notion that those working in hotels suffer "long hours for little pay" and highlights the benefits of being part of the industry.

The charter has already secured the support of hundreds of hoteliers as well as industry bodies including UKHospitality, the Master Innholders, St Julian’s Scholars, the Institute of Hospitality and the AA.

Signing up to the Hoteliers’ Charter means hoteliers will encourage employment from their locality into the industry, primarily through hotels, and will agree to 10 points. These include providing a positive and nourishing work environment with a commitment to training and development; providing a good work/life balance; and fair wages to position hospitality jobs as careers. In addition, those signing up agree to support industry charities, drive environmentally sustainable businesses and advocate diversity, inclusion and equality.

Beck said: “We need to show that the industry stands together, supporting our colleagues through what has been a difficult time for everyone. It is now more important than ever to recognise the value of not only looking after, retaining and developing people already in the industry, but also attracting new talent into the fold.

“The Hoteliers’ Charter is intended to spread the good word about our industry, to educate both parents and youngsters about the benefits of attending a catering or hospitality college, or working with a charter hotelier, where they can benefit from a good work-life balance, training, mentoring and apprenticeships.

“Brexit has meant that UK hotels no longer have the same access to EU employees, so, as the industry readies itself to bounce back after the pandemic, now is a key time to appeal to students and young adults in the UK to consider a career in hotels and hospitality.

“The Hoteliers Charter will therefore serve as a force for good in helping us to improve awareness of all of the great career opportunities that exist in hotels in the whole of the UK.”

Visit the Hoteliers’ Charter website.