The announcement was made during National Inclusion Week with the search to find the person for this role beginning today (Monday 3 October 2022). This role will help support the hospitality industry attract talent from a more diverse talent pool.  

Robert Richardson FIH, chief executive of IoH, said: “This is a ground-breaking initiative, and we are grateful that SET has recognised the importance of this role for our industry and provided us with the funding to put our people-centric EDI strategy into place.”

The role will encompass all aspects of EDI including LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, supporting people from disadvantaged backgrounds, gender reassignment, age, disability, religious beliefs and other important groups.

Julia Sibley MBE, chief executive of The Savoy Educational Trust, added: “[Our] main aim is to advance and develop education, training, and qualifications within the hospitality industry, so it is a logical step for us to back an initiative which encourages employers to make themselves more attractive to people from all outlooks and backgrounds and widen the talent pool, as well as provide a more welcoming environment for career progression to all.”