The Grand, York joins Accessible Hospitality Alliance, reinforcing its position as a leader in inclusive and people-centred hospitality.
Housed in a Grade II listed Edwardian building and operating as a hotel since 2010, The Grand, York is the city’s only five-star hotel. Under General Manager Adam Dyke, who took operational leadership in early 2025, the hotel has sharpened its focus on accessibility, workforce development, and inclusive culture.
Working alongside People Director Emma Bellwood, Dyke has overseen initiatives designed to strengthen the employee experience and support talent across departments. The Grand employs 265 team members representing 27 nationalities and 22 languages, supported by an approach that prioritises individual needs and operational cohesion.
Key updates to training include neurodivergent awareness across all levels, Deaf Awareness and basic BSL, and expanded Mental Health First Aid provision. These initiatives have contributed to a 13.28% turnover rate year-to-date, well below industry averages, with 73% of colleagues remaining with the hotel for more than a year.
The Grand is also the only Disability Confident Leader in York’s hospitality sector, originally accredited in 2022 and currently preparing for its three-year reassessment. Accessibility-focused enhancements to the heritage site are planned for 2026, including their new state-of-the-art accessible spa.
The hotel maintains community employment partnerships with United Response and Askham Grange Ladies Open Prison, creating work experience and employment routes for individuals with learning disabilities, neurodivergent colleagues, people with mental health needs, and women reintegrating into the community.
General Manager Adam Dyke said: “At The Grand, York, our people are at the heart of everything we do and I’m incredibly proud of the inclusive environment we’ve created. Becoming the city’s only Disability Confident Leader is a milestone for us, and our new fully accessible spa shows how deeply we value continual progress. It’s our diverse workforce that makes The Grand such a special place for everyone who works or stays here.”
Welcoming the hotel’s membership, Accessible Hospitality Alliance Co-Founder and Chair, Robin Sheppard, said: “The Grand, York has demonstrated a clear and measurable commitment to accessibility and workforce inclusion. Their leadership reflects the direction in which the hospitality sector is moving, towards environments that support every colleague and welcome every guest. We are delighted to welcome them as members of Accessible Hospitality Alliance.”
Amongst other benefits, members receive two tickets to both the Alliance’s biannual flagship events, The aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks, the next taking place in Spring 2025 in London.
Operators interested in membership can express their interest here, a member of the Accessible Hospitality Team will respond promptly.
