The Hastings Hotels Management Ambassador Programme

Hastings Hotels recognise that employee attitudes can significantly impact organisational success in terms of motivation and as brand ambassadors. In collaboration with the Ulster University Business School, Hastings Hotels developed the Management Ambassador Programme (MAP) to support continuous professional development within the hospitality sector.

Initially established in 2014, MAP primarily focuses on developing first-line and trainee managers through the Hastings ‘Vision & Values’. Its main objectives include deepening participants' understanding of customer service and staff team management within the hospitality environment, promoting a positive personal and team image of the Hastings Group, understanding the role of Key Performance Indicators, facilitating continuous professional development of key management skills, and enabling first-line managers to obtain accredited CPPD qualifications to raise their aspirations in higher education. Each year the learning modules are refreshed to include changes and advancements across the group, specifically in people, processes and technology.

Several cohorts have graduated from MAP, benefiting from rapid advancement across all six Hastings Hotels properties.

What can you expect:

The program takes place over six months, running from January to June each year, enabling effective cross-company networking and best practice sharing. University and hotel residential workshops are combined to alleviate any concerns participants may have about studying or returning to higher education.

The Importance of MAP in developing a Sustainable Workforce

To date, 45 out of 48 participants have successfully completed the Management Ambassador Programme, with 41% of them being promoted within the Group. This has also led to an improved manager retention rate of 77%. The Hastings Hotel Group recognises the importance of investing in the MAP as a crucial strategy to address the current skills shortage in the Northern Ireland hospitality industry. The rapid growth of the hotel industry in Belfast and the surrounding areas has made the retention of well-trained and motivated staff more critical than ever. The impressive retention rate of 77% among MAP participants is a testament to the value of the program and its impact on staff.