Not for Profit
Ursula Boardman, CRUMBS Centre Manager, and Lee Whalley, Head of Professional Training, with the Institute of Hospitality award.
Published: July 12, 2022 | Updated: 12th July 2022
A Bournemouth-based catering and hospitality training charity has won national recognition for being an outstanding employer.
The CRUMBS Project received The Gregory De La Peña-Hall MIH Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Employer of the Year Award 2022 (SME) at the annual Institute of Hospitality Dinner and Awards.
The event, held at the Hilton London Bankside, recognised and celebrated the best from across the global hospitality family.
CRUMBS aims to change the lack of opportunities for disadvantaged adults in the hospitality industry in the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole area.
It has structured educational programmes of practical vocational training and personal development, providing professional and life-skill opportunities to boost confidence and self-esteem for work and independent living.
The award was presented to Ursula Boardman, CRUMBS Centre Manager, along with colleague Lee Whalley, Head of Professional Training, by the Rt Hon The Viscount Thurso.
CRUMBS was recognised for creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued and people with disabilities are not treated less favourably.
Robert Richardson, CEO, Institute of Hospitality, said: “It was fantastic to see so many members and the wider hospitality family gather together to celebrate the considerable achievements of our industry and the people within it.
“We wanted to showcase and celebrate the best the global hospitality industry has to offer, across all segments, and we did just that.
“We were overwhelmed by the fantastic calibre of all the award nominations this year and it was fantastic to recognise the highly skilled talent we have.
“The winners truly deserve our adoration.”
Ursula, pictured with Lee and Brian Turner CBE, the chef, writer and TV personality, said: “We pride ourselves on encouraging and supporting all trainees and staff team members, ensuring fair treatment and opportunity for all.
“An inclusive environment can only be created once we are more aware of our unconscious biases and have learned how to manage them.
“This award from the Institute of Hospitality recognises what makes CRUMBS distinct and at the same time also values the contribution our charity makes to the hospitality industry.”
