Inclusive leadership in focus as new DEIB course launched by Institute of Hospitality in conjunction with The Crumbs Project

The Institute of Hospitality has launched a new online Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) course for managers and hospitality professionals, supporting inclusive workplace practices across the industry.

Designed in collaboration with The Crumbs Project, a UK charity supporting individuals with learning disabilities through hospitality training and employment, and eHotelier, a global hospitality education provider, the course is delivered through the Institute’s online learning platform powered by eHotelier.

The course provides practical guidance to help managers apply DEIB principles within day-to-day operations. It focuses on building inclusive teams, supporting employee engagement and strengthening workplace culture, with clear links to team performance and guest experience. Content includes approaches to recruitment, training, workplace adjustments and policy development, enabling managers to implement inclusive practices consistently across teams.

It also supports managers in reviewing existing practices, engaging teams in discussion and setting measurable actions to improve workplace culture, with outcomes including improved team morale, employee engagement and retention.

The launch forms part of the Institute’s ongoing DEIB initiatives that enhance its range of professional development CPD learning for members and the wider hospitality industry.

Robert Richardson FIH MI, Chief Executive of the Institute of Hospitality, said: “Hospitality is a people-focused industry and the way organisations support and develop their teams continues to evolve. This course has been developed to provide managers with practical guidance to support inclusive working environments and consistent team performance.”

Aymen Fetouak MIH, Head of Professional Development at the Institute of Hospitality, added: “The course focuses on how inclusive leadership can be applied in practice. It is designed to support managers in their day-to-day roles, with a clear focus on team culture, communication and operational delivery.”

Chairman of The Crumbs Project, Professor Peter A. Jones MBE FCGI FIH commented: “DEIB isn’t new but is absolutely central to hospitality. Over 15 centuries ago, St Benedict best described it as welcoming, humble, attentive, caring for the individual and valuing work.  This course, like St Benedict’s guidance, offers a modern guide to truly inclusive hospitality.” 

The DEIB for Managers course is available free to Institute of Hospitality members by going to the official website and entering the exclusive member code here.

The course is available to non-members on the eHotelier platform here.