IOH partners with Hospitality Action to support industry workers

The Institute of Hospitality has partnered with Hospitality Action to provide funded memberships for professionals facing financial difficulties.

The bursary scheme is now included within the charity’s care pack for grant recipients. The care pack offers practical and wellbeing support to workers during difficult periods.

By including the membership, the partnership aims to provide professional development and help individuals remain within the industry.

The funded membership provides 12 months of access to the professional body. Recipients can access mentoring, learning resources, and a network of more than 16,000 professionals. The confidential application process is open to both current and non-members.

Hospitality Action provided a record £1.05m in grant funding in 2025. The charity also offers debt, housing, and benefits advocacy alongside mental health support and a 24-hour helpline.

Robert Richardson, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality, said: “We are delighted to work with Hospitality Action and be involved in their Care Pack. From the 180 professionals we have already helped, we know that when people face personal or financial hardship, staying connected to their profession can be vital. IoH Funded Membership helps people maintain confidence, purpose and direction during difficult times, and this partnership allows us to extend that support even further thanks to Hospitality Action.”

Hospitality Action chief executive Mark Lewis added: “Our support goes far beyond financial assistance. We offer debt, housing and benefits advocacy, mental health support and access to specialist services through our advice hub and 24-hour helpline. By working in partnership with other organisations, we ensure beneficiaries can access the full range of support available, and we are delighted to welcome the Institute of Hospitality as part of this collective effort.”