A charity is being established to help people from ethnic minority backgrounds progress within the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.
The One and All campaign, which was founded by recruitment and human resources consultancy Chess Executive in August last year, aims to develop emerging talent among black and Asian employees in the travel and tourism sectors.
As the campaign approaches its first anniversary, Chess Executive is getting ready to launch the One and All Foundation.
The foundation is in the process of becoming a registered charity and has had substantial funding from The Prince’s Trust. Set to officially launch in September, it will offer bursaries and scholarships as well as carrying out research into role models and communicating with the industry.
A working group of industry executives has been established to develop the charity’s strategy.
Chess Executive managing director Chris Sheppardson said: “We carried out a study last year and realised how much work was to be done. We found that there is a diversity at grassroots level but a lack of progression of black and Asian people into middle and senior management positions. It’s about educating people to think differently.”
Travel and tourism skills council People1st is one of the trustees of the foundation. Chief operating officer David McHattie said employers must be innovative in the way they look for staff.
“It’s getting ever tougher to find high–calibre people and everyone is fighting for the same talent. The travel industry has to work together to make sure people of all backgrounds are aware of the fantastic opportunities in the travel industry,” he said.