The Grand, York joins Accessible Hospitality Alliance Membership

Accessible Hospitality Alliance warmly welcomes The Grand, York as our newest member, a five-star hotel where heritage, leadership, and inclusion come together with purpose.

Located in a Grade II listed Edwardian building built in 1906 and operating as a hotel since 2010, The Grand, York is widely recognised as York’s only five-star hotel. Under the leadership of General Manager Adam Dyke, who stepped into the role in early 2025, the hotel has become an example of how luxury hospitality can place accessibility and inclusion at its core.

Working closely with People Director Emma Bellwood, Adam has cultivated a workplace where every colleague, known internally as Grand Family Members, is valued for their individuality. The hotel’s 265-strong team, representing 27 nationalities and 22 languages, reflects a culture built on care, respect, and belonging.

The Grand has transformed its onboarding and development pathways to ensure every team member’s needs are understood and supported. This includes neurodivergent training for all levels, Deaf Awareness and basic BSL, and a strong network of Mental Health First Aiders.

This people-focused approach has delivered standout results: a 13.28% team turnover rate year-to-date and 73% of colleagues choosing to stay for more than a year.

The Grand is also proud to be York’s only Disability Confident Leader within the hospitality sector, first awarded in 2022 and now preparing for renewal as part of its ongoing commitment to improvement. Further accessible enhancements to the heritage property are planned for 2026, including their new state-of-the-art accessible spa.

Partnerships with United Response and Askham Grange Ladies Open Prison extend the hotel’s impact into the community, creating employment pathways for people with learning disabilities, neurodivergent colleagues, those with mental health needs, and women rebuilding independence.

Adam Dyke, General Manager of The Grand, York, said: “People are at the centre of everything we do at The Grand, York, and I’m proud of the inclusive culture we continue to build. Being the only Disability Confident Leader in the city is a significant achievement, and the launch of our fully accessible spa is a clear reflection of our ongoing commitment to improving our practices. Our diverse team is what truly sets The Grand apart, for both our colleagues and our guests.”

Welcoming The Grand into membership, Robin Sheppard, Co-Founder and Chair of Accessible Hospitality Alliance, said: “The Grand, York represents precisely the kind of leadership our industry needs, mindful, committed, and willing to do the work. Their approach shows that accessibility isn’t an add-on to luxury hospitality; it is part of what makes hospitality excellent in the first place. We are delighted to welcome Adam, Emma, and the entire Grand team into our community of change-makers.”

By joining Accessible Hospitality Alliance, The Grand, York becomes part of a growing community committed to one purpose: a hospitality world that welcomes everyone. Every guest, every colleague, every time.

Amongst other benefits, members receive two tickets to both the Alliance’s biannual flagship events, The aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks, the next taking place in Spring 2025 in London.