IoH announces Future Forum to tackle diversity issues

The Institute of Hospitality (IoH) has announced the formation of its first 'Future Forum', established to address disability, diversity and inclusion issues across the hospitality industry. 

Chaired by Kelly-Marie Staunton MIH, assistant front of house manager at Champneys Health Resorts at Mottram Hall in Cheshire, the Forum will develop strategies to promote education about the benefits of talent diversity and inclusion accross the IoH and the sector at large. 

Staunton is joined by a prestigious line-up of industry professionals, including joint vice-chair Fiona Jarvis, founder of Blue Badge Style and Blue Badge Access Awards; joint vice-chair Dr Maria Gebbels MIH, senior lecturer in hospitality management at the University of Greenwich; Sean Wheeler BEM FIH and former Acorn winner, Sean Wheeler Consultancy Ltd; past Acorn winner Gabrielle Le Roux MIH, food and beverage partner at Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland; Paul Gilley FIH & IoH Supervisory Board Member and managing director of PJ Search; Gregory Hall MIH, senior operations manager at Bartlett and Mitchell; Elizabeth Mistry, freelance writer and editor of Print and Digital Media Ltd; James Clark MIH, deputy GM at Red Carnation Hotel Collection; and Robert Richardson FIH, CEO of the IoH. 

The Forum recognise an urgent need for employers to recognise all types of disability, including invisible ones and have started work with momentum to gather information from IoH members and across the industry.

Focused on supporting UN Sustainable Development goals 5 – gender equality, 8 – decent work and economic growth, and 10 – reduced inequalities, the Forum will look to meet specific strategic diversity and inclusion objectives to tackle issues around: leadership, learning and development; physical environment adjustments; retention, customers, procurement, communication and technology. One outcome already agreed will be to provide a Disability and Diversity Check List for Employers.

“I am delighted to be chairing such an important group for the IoH and working alongside such talent," says Staunton. "This Forum has a great deal to cover in helping move the issue of disability, diversity, and inclusion into the mainstream."

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