Thomas Franks, the UK’s leading family-owned catering partner, has announced the appointment of four access champions to lead its bid to become a destination employer for people living with disabilities. The decision to appoint access champions comes as part of an ongoing partnership with the Accessible Hospitality Alliance, an organisation working to unite the hospitality sector around the common goal of inclusivity.
Vicky Freeman, Chief People Officer, will be responsible for accessibility strategy and policy, as well as access to head office and operational roles. Vicky will also lead partnership development, ensuring Thomas Franks benefits from the experience and expertise of business, charities and social enterprises with shared ambitions.
Alison Ryan, Regional Managing Director, will lead on accessibility in England, with a focus on craft and kitchen roles. John Fleming, Managing Director, Scotland, will have the same remit north of the border, and Robbie Laidlaw, Managing Director, London will build on his long-standing commitment to inclusive employment in London.
Blain Shepherd, CEO, will join Frank Bothwell, Founder, on the Advisory Board of the Accessible Hospitality Alliance.
Vicky Freeman, Chief People Officer at Thomas Franks, said: “Thomas Franks is a business with kindness at its heart. We’ve had a longstanding desire to become a more inclusive employer, but our partnership with the Accessible Hospitality Alliance has taught us that desire isn’t enough. The appointment of four senior colleagues as Access Champions evidences our commitment to creating opportunity for everyone to thrive, and I know that we will be a stronger organisation for it. I look forward to sharing our progress in the months and years ahead.”
Denis Sheehan, Managing Director, Accessible Hospitality Alliance said: “The call for hospitality and catering businesses to appoint Access Champions that emerged from our first Forum last June has since been met with real momentum, reflected in the actions now being taken by market-leading organisations across our industry.
“Access Champions are central to turning intent into progress, ensuring accessibility and inclusion are consciously owned and actively represented within an organisation.
“The whole team at Accessible Hospitality Alliance and I are deeply appreciative of the way Thomas Franks has responded, not only through the appointment of senior leaders, but through the breadth and intent behind those appointments.
“We look forward to working with Vicky, Alison, John, and Robbie as Access Champions, and as part of the soon-to-be-announced ‘Access Champions Collective’.”
Thomas Franks is committed to working collaboratively across the sector to remove barriers to employment, and to ensure hospitality is a place where everyone is welcomed, supported and able to succeed.
