The Institute of Hospitality shortlisted for 2021 UK & Ireland Chartered Governance Institute Awards

The Institute of Hospitality (IoH) has been honoured as one of three shortlisted organisations for the national UK & Ireland Chartered Governance Institute awards, in the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year 2021 category, for the launch of its Youth Council and Diversity Shield campaign earlier this year.

This shortlist, which was announced today, signals another historic milestone in the IoH’s history.  The prestigious UK & Ireland Chartered Governance Institute, which was founded in 1891, has Her Majesty the Queen as Patron, after receiving its Royal Charter in 1902.

The award is designed to recognise organisations that have an effective plan for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, not just a 'nice to have', but as an essential part of its strategy. The criteria for entrants was to clearly demonstrate that the organisation had moved the dial on diversity. And aims to recognise those initiatives which are designed to boost diversity and inclusion around the organisation, that isn’t simply “business as usual”. They will be participative and collaborative, and will draw upon input from customers, investors and other stakeholders. The judges will be looking, not just for a positive story, but for evidence that the work has enjoyed support at the highest levels, and that the learning has been shared across the organisation.

On hearing the momentous announcement, Robert Richardson FIH, the IoH’s CEO said: “I am so proud of the response to the launch of our Youth Council and our Diversity Shield campaign initiatives and how, in a relatively short space of time, they have found their way into the mainstream consciousness of both our industry and the wider community,” explained Robert.

“The fact that the IoH has been recognised for its progressive approach to championing the diversity of our hospitality family cements the foundations of the next chapter of our evolution as a progressive, global, professional voice for our members, whatever stage of their career they are at.”

He went on to say: “This has been a team effort, and our team, supervisory board, youth council, and the many, many IoH members who proudly posted online, wearing their Diversity Shields and saying #imin to supporting our aspirations for a more inclusive industry, deserve a round of applause and our thanks for helping us get this far. This is a truly incredible achievement” confirmed Robert.

The other two shortlisted candidates alongside the IoH are:

Girls Friendly Society - Leadership and governance initiative

Notting Hill Genesis - Diversity and inclusion initiatives

The winners will be announced at the Hilton Park Lane, London on 16 November 2021.

For more information about the UK & Ireland Chartered Governance Institute awards please visit:

https://www.cgi.org.uk/awards/shortlists/nominated-awards-shortlists/diversity-inclusion-initiative-of-the-year-shortlist-2021