One and All

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The Working Party

As En Passant enters 2008, we are seeking to work with industry to create a strategy for the development of emerging talent from ethnic backgrounds.

There is a need to ensure the industry maximises the potential of all those that show a talent and enthusiasm for hospitality. Many great people have risen from humble beginnings to achieve great feats and become industry leaders. Most of the examples that spring to mind are, understandably, white males. This is beginning to change with emerging talent from other origins. Yet there is no clear strategy on diversity for the hospitality industry. We believe this needs to change.

One and All is a campaign being led by En Passant to promote the development of such a strategy; to focus on the development of tomorrow’s leaders regardless of origin, background and gender.

Ethnic diversity is one topic that comes to the fore. Why are there so few black and minority ethnics (BMEs) working in senior management within corporate business environments? More research is required, for there is little true data on such a complex subject. We must also develop action points which allow the industry to make real progress in developing leaders from BME groups. We are, therefore, delighted to announce the formation of a working party to discuss specific ideas on this subject, that can be taken to industry for debate.

En Passant will also be working with The Prince’s Trust in the forthcoming year to raise funds from industry to provide bursaries and scholarships for ethnic talent. This is not about political correctness. It is evident that the industry has not been successful in promoting or attracting individuals from these groups. It seems to be mildly ridiculous to discuss a requirement to solve the skills shortage by recruiting from Eastern Europe, when we have made so little progress with some second and third generation UK nationals. Many argue this is because of the lack of good educational opportunities. There is evidence to support this view. But it does not mean that talent cannot be nurtured if people are given the right encouragement and opportunity. Our challenge is to convince individuals from ethnic backgrounds that opportunities do exist and that industry will be committed to their development.

We are delighted that the DCMS are acting as observers to the working party. Yet, we do not want to ask for government’s aid. Hospitality has become a world-class industry, with an exciting future and can attract talent from all backgrounds. We just need to tell the story and find ways of developing talent from social groups which do not seem to be breaking through. Hopefully this talent will act as role models for others to follow.

One and All has a real challenge this year, but the issue must not be shirked and we will meet it head on. We simply hope that you will support this drive. If so, then we would be delighted if you would confirm your endorsement of this campaign by emailing: heather.gibson@epmagazine.co.uk