Meet Our Staff
About Us
The Grampian Hotel and Catering Training Association was formed in November 1990, and is the natural development of a local project between 14 hoteliers from Grampian and the Economic Development and Planning Department of Grampian Regional Council.
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We were formed in response to skills shortages, and our aim is to develop and train personnel in the industry, raising standards and the up-take of qualifications.
The Association now trades as Hospitality Training, and is a not-for-profit organisation with a fee paying membership.
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By supporting Hospitality Training, you are assisting us in the development of people within the sector, and the attraction of future candidates to the industry. You give us a voice in order to communicate your needs and work in partnership with funding bodies to ensure the sustained development of the industry and the skills required to deliver an excellent product to the customer.
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We hope you will enjoy the benefits of becoming part of the association and look forward to working with you.
The Team
Karen Black
The General Manager of our group training association is passionate about supporting people and the development of skills within the industry.
Gerard Rattray
Held various senior management roles. Through running companies on behalf of well known local employers he has a thorough knowledge of businesses and has first hand experience of the practical issues that affect our industry.
Audrey Kirkpatrick
Has knowledge of all departments within the hotel and catering sector, Management, Rooms Management, and Front of House. Audrey delivers courses in these occupational areas.
Carol Leith
Carol Leith is a recent returner to the hospitality industry fold after several years of running her own business. She is vastly experienced in training and management, having worked in a variety of roles, including National Training Manager for a branded pub and restaurant chain with over 300 outlets across the country. Carol will be supporting our Foundation Apprenticeship and course delivery and we look forward to working with her and tapping into all of that experience.
Natalie Taylor
Natalie joined us in 2022, as Office Administrator and is looking forward to working with our members, customers, and suppliers. You are in safe hands; Natalie has worked for a number of years in administrative and bookkeeping roles. She is a great addition to our team as we streamline our training services and maximise the efficiency of our office systems. Natalie has recently been promoted of Office Manager.
David Henderson
David is a chef to trade and brings a wealth of culinary and management experience to the team. He has worked in some of the North East’s busiest kitchens. Initially David will be responsible for supporting the delivery of the Foundation Apprenticeship in Hospitality including sharing his skills and expertise in practical cookery lessons with pupils. We are thrilled that David has joined us.
Equality, diversity and inclusion statement
Purpose
Hospitality Training is committed to creating and sustaining a positive and inclusive working environment for our employees. Our aim is to ensure that employees are equally valued and respected and that our organisation is representative of all members of society. We define diversity as valuing everyone as an individual – we value our employees, job applicants, students, teachers, associates and visitors as people. This is reflected within our values.
Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe that everyone stands to benefit when we embrace and value the diversity of thoughts, ideas and ways of working that people from different backgrounds, experiences and identities bring. It helps our employees to grow and learn, enables them to realise their potential, improves decision-making, boosts engagement and innovation, and enables us to better meet the needs of our diverse customer base of teachers and students.
To this end, we have made the following commitments:
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To create an environment in which individual differences and the contribution of all team members are recognised and valued.
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To not tolerate any form of unacceptable behaviour, harassment, discrimination, bullying (including cyber bullying) or victimisation in any area of employment or in the provision of our services to our customers.
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To provide guidance and training to employees, contractors, trustees and associates on diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity.
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To encourage anyone who feels they have been subject to or witnessed discrimination to raise their concerns with their manager, People Group or an Employee Forum or Trade Union representative.
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To make every person aware of their personal responsibility for implementing and promoting equal opportunities in their day to day dealings with people and encourage employees to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
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To regularly review all our employment practices, policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the requirements of this statement.
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To monitor the effectiveness of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and the supporting policies and procedures and review annually.
We require all members of our association to recognise these commitments and act in accordance with them. In addition, we will comply with all relevant legislation and good practice.
No individual will be unjustly discriminated against. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Dealing with discrimination
Unacceptable behaviour, harassment, discrimination, bullying (including cyber bullying) or victimisation of any individual is perceived as contradictory to our aspirations for a supportive working environment and will not be tolerated. Any allegations of such behaviour will be investigated, and ultimately disciplined, in accordance with the Dignity and Respect at Work Policy and Procedure.
Responsibility
Our Committee has overall responsibility for ensuring that we operate within a framework of equality of opportunity.
Our General Manager has overall management responsibility, delegated to all managers throughout the organisation.
All employees have a duty to support and uphold the principles of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and its supporting policies and procedures.
Responsibility for the review of this statement lies with the Committee and General Manager. This statement will be reviewed regularly and if necessary, revised in the light of legislative or organisational changes. It will be made available to the public through the Hospitality Training website and other means.