Research consultancy KAM and an Equality, Equity and Inclusion consultancy, SISU have joined forces to carry out a comprehensive survey within the Hospitality Industry to understand and enhance diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing.
 
Following research that less than 3-in-4 hospitality employees feel their company has a ‘diverse workforce’ and 1-in-3 hospitality employees say their current role negatively affects their mental health, KAM and SISU will launch the Hii Report (Hospitality's Inclusivity Insights Report) early next year.

The survey seeks to explore how factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, cultural and religious beliefs, as well as physical disabilities and neurodiversity, influence experiences in the hospitality workplace.

The ‘Hii’ report will establish benchmarks offer a comprehensive understanding of each sector within the industry, supplying data to inform and drive our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) strategy in the field. 
 
Katy Moses, Founder/MD of insights consultancy KAM; “Research KAM has carried out over the last year suggests we have a long way to go to truly being an inclusive industry to work in. But quite simply, we don’t know enough about where we currently stand as an industry to really deliver purposeful change. Knowledge is power and very few hospitality companies really understand their current position and where they need to be.”
 
“We’re delighted to bring together KAM’s research and SISU’s expertise to give hospitality businesses a real understanding of where we are as an industry in terms of inclusivity and also an opportunity to understand more about their own teams’ experience in the work place. This report is an exciting opportunity to help create a more inclusive and equitable future for the Hospitality Industry.”

KAM research has also found many employees feel they have experienced being treated unfairly in their hospitality roles due to either their gender (32% of females), age (22%), ethnicity (6%) or sexuality (14%.)
 
Olajide Alabi, Co-creator of SISU; "Inspired by Nelson Mandela's wisdom, 'It always seems impossible until it's done', the Hii Report is our journey to turn the 'impossible'—a truly inclusive and accessible hospitality industry—into reality. We aim to paint a detailed picture of representation within the industry, examining the authentic experiences of individuals in various roles and from marginalised communities.”
 
“SISU, born from the passion to shatter stereotypes and societal boxes, we believe in the power of people. The hospitality industry is a space I've grown up in and learned so much from. There is a need to ensure every voice is heard, every barrier to senior roles is broken, and every individual's story shapes the narrative. We want to give hospitality brands the knowledge to transform the 'impossible' into a harmonious reality, celebrating diversity, making representation the norm, and ensuring everyone contributes to the vibrant story of hospitality." 
 
KAM and SISU are asking hospitality employees to take 5 minutes to complete the survey here.

Stats on diversity and inclusivity in the hospitality workplace:
💡Only 3-in-4 hospitality employees feel their company has a ‘diverse workforce’
💡An astounding 1-in-3 hospitality employees say their work negatively affects their mental health
💡Only 42% of hospitality employees think their workplace is doing enough to address gender inequality
💡Hospitality employees feel they have experienced being treated unfairly due to:
o Gender 32% females / 7% males
o Age 22%
o Ethnicity 6%
o Sexuality 14%

• HIT Training joins forces with The Clink Charity to launch a new apprenticeship training scheme for serving prisoners that will prepare them for employment
 
• The partnership provides a direct pathway to employment for prisoners who will gain a nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification
 
• Industry-specific training is delivered on-site by HIT Training alongside employers and The Clink Charity
 
Leading hospitality training provider HIT Training has partnered with The Clink Charity, an organisation dedicated to rehabilitating people in prison and reducing reoffending rates, to launch an apprenticeship scheme for serving prisoners.
 
The programme will offer hands-on hospitality training, access to workplace-relevant qualifications and a direct pathway into employment on release. Candidates will be enrolled onto the scheme via a comprehensive selection process and will initially train for approximately six months alongside The Clink’s other students on-site. The Clink Charity operates restaurants open to the public, an award-winning bakery and Clink Events, a prestigious operation serving the City of London from HMP Downview.  
 
On release, individuals will be matched to a job that fits their skills and lifestyle. Learners will then complete their apprenticeship with HIT Training who will provide expert workshops and face-to-face training on site alongside the employer. Apprenticeships on offer will be Food Production and Commis Chef.
 
During their apprenticeship, learners will also receive support and mentoring from The Clink’s regional support team. This level of support includes, but is not limited to, assisting with benefits, housing, reintegration and relocation as well as many other aspects such as food, accommodation and childcare.
 
The ultimate aim is that prisoners will continue working for their apprenticeship employer and successfully reintegrate into society while contributing to the success of the business they work for.
Initially this pilot will be offered to learners at HMP Downview women’s prison in Surrey and HMP Styal in Cheshire, with a national expansion planned.
 
HIT Training Executive Chair Jill Whittaker says: “This is a ground-breaking scheme and we are very excited to launch this partnership with The Clink Charity who, like us, believe in giving those who want to change their lives a second chance.
 
“There are so many advantages to businesses taking on a prisoner apprentice. Not only do they make reliable, loyal and attentive members of staff due to the wraparound support they receive, but they can also boost motivation within teams, and increase productivity.
 
“By providing industry-leading training and qualifications, prisoners gain the skills and training they need to improve their employability prospects on release and contribute to their communities.
 
“We would urge all employers to contact us and get involved with the scheme and help reduce reoffending.”
 
Yvonne Thomas, Chief Executive at The Clink Charity, said: “We are so proud of this fantastic new scheme that will provide a direct route into employment for serving prisoners. The Clink has been working with ex-offenders for nearly 14 years and we have a proven track record of reducing reoffending.
 
“This is the first time a scheme like this has been established that combines high quality training and qualifications, direct employer engagement and the duty of care that is required to ensure ex-offenders succeed on release.
 
“We are extremely excited and privileged to be working with HIT Training, an organisation which matches our own values, and we look forward to supporting many cohorts of learners in the near future.”
 
To find out more about HIT Training, please visit www.hittraining.co.uk
To find out more about The Clink Charity, go to: www.theclinkcharity.org