Savoy Society Mentoring Scheme

An update by Stuart Johnson.

It was only two years ago that the idea establishing a Savoy Mentoring Scheme was first introduced and I must admit that I am amazed and delighted at the progress that has been made in that short time.

The original concept was to return to the industry in some small way a few of the benefits that many of us had gained from our early training with the Savoy Group.  Not only did that give us the knowledge and thorough grounding that we needed for our future careers, it also gave us all a passion for the industry that has enriched our working lives.  Statistics show that only 40% of young people who begin hospitality degrees end up working in the industry and we all need to do what we can to improve that figure.

As well as investing in the future, it was thought that the Savoy Mentoring Scheme would add credibility to the Savoy Society, raising its profile from that of a networking and social group to that of a serious industry pressure group.

I have to say at the outset that the scheme would not have got underway at all without the guidance and support of the Springboard and the Savoy Educational Trust.  Our thanks must go first to them for their encouragement and advice but then to the following sponsors who all in various ways have contributed to the success of the scheme:

Profile, Casna, Howard Field, Louis Jadot, Master Inn holders Charitable Trust, Forte Foundation, Worshipful Company of Inn holders and Caterer and Hotelkeeper. 

We must also thank Sally Atkinson who sponsored and provided all the training for the scheme.

So today I am proud to report that we have 15 students, who having been nominated by their colleges and passed a selection process, are in regular contact with their 15 Savoy Society Mentors on a one to one basis.  The contact takes various forms and is individually designed for the people involved but is regular, ongoing and proving invaluable for the mentees. 

This is the scheme’s first year but already applications are underway for the second intake: I think we can safely declare the Savoy Mentoring Scheme a success and I hope a valuable contribution to the hospitality industry.