Sam Coulstock FIH has been appointed Head of Professional Development at Institute of Hospitality
Sam Coulstock FIH, award-winning founder of social enterprise, Inspired Community Group, has been appointed the new head of professional development of the Institute of Hospitality. Sam assumes his post on 23 August, taking over responsibility for the division currently led by Alistair Sandall FIH, who is moving on from the Institute after four successful years.
As the only international professional body for current and aspiring hospitality leaders and managers, professional development forms the core of the Institute of Hospitality's work.
Sam, who has spent twenty-five years in hospitality operations, business development, apprenticeship training and careers – notably for the Springboard Charity and Springboard UK - will drive the growth strategy and execution of the Institute's mandate for lifelong learning and continuing professional development.
This includes the on-going accreditation and endorsement of academic and vocational training programmes, mentorships, and the organisation of professional workshops and webinars. Sam's new role will also involve cultivating close relationships with employers, universities, colleges, training providers, and careers organisations.
Sam is well-known to the UK hospitality industry. He was behind a number of high-profile initiatives such as the nationwide 'Big Hospitality Conversation' which created over 60,000 jobs, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities across the UK. From 2016-2020, Sam was business relations director for apprenticeship company, Umbrella Training. In the past year, his consultancy business has carried out strategic-level projects in addition to setting up Kickstart programmes for organisations wishing to support unemployed young people into jobs in hospitality.
His record of voluntary work includes spending ten years as vice-chair of HR in Hospitality, the forum for people and talent management professionals, and serving on the editorial board of HQ, the Institute of Hospitality's quarterly members' magazine. In November 2020, Sam launched the Inspired Community Group with the aim of 'stimulating minds in hospitality careers.' The initiative has drawn support from the likes of Red Carnation Hotels and the Savoy Educational Trust. He is also a guest writer for Caterer.com
In 2020, Sam was named Enter prise Advisor of the Year by the London Enterprise Adviser Network, co-founded by the Mayor of London. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and a Member of the Institute of Employability Professionals.
