Established in partnership with recruitment specialists, Odgers Berndtson, BTSport and Elliotts, the ‘UKH Diversity Forum’ will bring organisation members together to share best practice and solutions, “to ensure that the sector continues to provide opportunities irrespective of gender, ethnicity, age or sexuality.”
It will also provide mentoring, advice and motivation in hope of achieving a 50:50 gender split in position shortlists.
UKH chief executive, Kate Nicholls, said: “One of the hospitality sector’s biggest strengths is its openness and diversity.
“We see people from all walks of life in our venues - as both customers and team members - and we want it to continue to be the case.
“A diverse sector is a strong and resilient sector and UKHospitality’s Diversity Forum will give us a chance to ensure that it remains so.
“The hospitality sector has great record on issues like gender balance and pay. One of our biggest strengths is that we are a true meritocracy that provides opportunities without discrimination.
“There is, however, more that we can do to ensure that representation is equal at all levels of business, including senior management and board levels.
“Our Diversity Forum will provide members with an opportunity to share best practice and solutions to tackle inequality and promote equality in their businesses and the wider sector.
“This means tackling issues such as pay but also ensuring that team members are supported and free from harassment or discrimination.
“The scope of the forum will be deliberately wide to make sure that we address any concerns that our members and their teams may have, and to make hospitality more welcoming.”