CPD in the Hospitality sector

Overview of the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality sector is a substantial contributor to the UK economy. For example, there are approximately 10,000 hotel businesses in the UK contributing to around £18 billion. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has calculated that hotels and restaurants, together with distribution, make up 18% of the entire UK services industry.

The British Hospitality Association (BHA) is the private sector forum for the 6th largest contributor to export earnings and 4th largest employer in the UK. Approximately 3 million people, or 10% of the workforce and over 180,000 businesses work within the overall UK hospitality industry. BHA, together with Oxford Economics, examined hospitality industry contribution to each of the 406 local authorities in England which they found is responsible annually for providing £46bn in wages and profits to local economies.

CPD in the Hospitality Industry

The Institute of Hospitality is the professional body for managers and aspirant managers working in the industry. The Institute formed in the 1930s in the UK but now has members spanning 100 countries across the world. The Institute of Hospitality requires members to complete CPD activities to ensure they continue as competent and knowledgeable. Members are encouraged to keep a log of CPD activities undertaken and can use resources and tools available through Institute of Hospitality membership.

The Hotel & Catering International Management Association (HCIMA) has introduced an inventive approach to Continuing Professional Development. HCIMA has developed a voluntary CPD scheme, based on a concept of an ‘Extended Curriculum Vitae’ (CV) that aims to maximise the benefits of CPD recording and minimise negatives. The scheme is voluntary at present but, as an expectation of good professional practice, would become mandatory for HCIMA members. The objective of this approach to CPD is to encourage HCIMA members to record development in an ‘Extended CV’ operating as a database of skills and achievements. An individual can record achievements in terms of education, CPD and experience, and can be updated regularly as CPD activities are completed.