Vine Hotels launches two staff development initiatives

Vine Hotels has announced the launch of two staff development initiatives, which are aimed at “identifying and accelerating” talent through its ranks as the business continues to expand. The news follows the hotel group’s acquisition of the Bredbury Hall Hotel in Cheshire and The Old Rectory in Handsworth. The introduction of these enhanced staff development programmes will see Vine Hotels “significantly” invest into its teams to “maximise their potential and performance”, as well as develop the group’s next generation of leaders. It is reported that a new ‘Leadership in Action’ learning programme is available to 10 trainees every year, each of whom have been selected from within the company as promising candidates for managerial positions. On the programme, the trainees will complete an intensive 12-month training schedule that covers all aspects of hotel management. Being rolled out alongside ‘Leadership in Action’ is also a new ‘Shadow Board’ made up of 12 employees from any of Vine Hotels properties, which will reportedly meet quarterly with chief executive, Garin Davies. The board will provide a platform for idea sharing and gauge valuable employee input on issues relevant to the business. As with the first initiative, candidates are nominated from across the company and are from all disciplines and levels of seniority, and as well as being given the unique opportunity to shape the future of the hotel group, Shadow Board members will reportedly be paid for their time in addition to their annual salary. Heather Stewart, human resources director at Vine Hotels, said: “We came into 2022 in a strong position and that is down to the exceptional teams we have in place across all our properties. At Vine Hotels we recognise the many ambitious and talented individuals who want to be given clear career pathways to help them reach their full potential. “The ‘Leadership in Action’ programme will communicate the progression people can make to management level and ensure that when we attract the best people to the company, they want to stay and grow with us as a business. I hope that it demonstrates to our team that we appreciate their ongoing commitment, diligence, and enthusiasm.” She added: “Another huge positive is that through our Shadow Board, we are now able to use the views and creativity of our team, who we know are brimming with ideas. As a management team the most important thing we can do is listen to our employees, who understand the inner workings of the hotels in a way that isn’t possible unless you are operating in those roles every day. “Vine Hotels is an independent group with ambitious growth plans around owning and managing properties across the UK. Initiatives such as these are crucial as we expand our workforce to manage an increasing number of hotels and venues.”