People 1st, the sector skills council for hospitality, has submitted its business plan for a National Skills Academy.

The outcome of the business planning stage will be announced by government in September, and if successful, will make hospitality one of the first business sectors to have a dedicated National Skills Academy.

The proposed Academy will work with government and catering colleges within the hospitality industry and aims to become an employer-led centre of excellence.

Mike Burton, chairman of the shadow board for the Academy and HR director of Compass Group, said: “This is an important milestone that has been achieved by a shadow board of leading employers and educationalists, and a great deal of dedication from the team at People 1st.”

People 1st will be hosting a series of consultations in the autumn to allow employers – which have pledged £16m in capital investment and £50m in dedicated time and resources – to understand the next steps for the Academy and how they can be involved.

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By Daniel Thomas

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