The Tourism and Hospitality Skills Group (THSG) is an industry-led initiative, established to identify and address skill capability issues faced by the sector.
The Group works closely with partners and stakeholders to influence skills solutions that support the growth of the industry, in line with Scotland Outlook 2030, Scotland’s National Tourism Strategy.
Led by Chair Kelly Johnstone, the Chief Operations Officer at Springboard, members of the THSG are a mixture of industry representatives (employers), public agencies and industry stakeholders (including professional and trade bodies, Sector Skills Council, Enterprise Agencies, HIT Scotland, FE and HE sectors, SDS, UK Hospitality, FSB, and training providers).
Our Passionate People
Our people make a significant contribution to our businesses, industry, and Scotland’s economy, and they do so with immense pride.
As outlined in Scotland Outlook 2030, our passionate people is identified as one of four key priorities required to deliver on Scotland’s ambition to be a world leader in 21st century tourism.
A commitment to rewarding our people and acknowledging their talent as well as shaping an industry that’s known for fair work, exciting opportunities and supportive workplaces with a workforce that more closely reflects the population of Scotland, will be fundamental in delivering against this priority.
Remit and Members
This paper details the purpose and remit of the Tourism and Hospitality Skills Group (THSG) and its interaction with the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group (ILG). It also outlines the current THSG membership.
Find out more and read the full paper here.
Current THSG Membership
Kelly Johnstone – The Springboard Charity (Chair)
Andrew McKean – Renfrewshire Council
Andrew Thomson – St Andrews Links
Audrey Maclennan – Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Bryan Simpson – Unite Hospitality
Catherine Cartmell – Historic Environment Scotland
Clare Gibson – Developing the Young Workforce National
David Cochrane – HIT Scotland
Frances Woodifield – South of Scotland Enterprise
Gillian Barrett – Scottish Tourist Guide Association
Gordon McIntyre – Hospitality Health
Helen Henderson – Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions
James Johnston – Scottish Government
Marc Crothall – Scottish Tourism Alliance
Kevin Keenan – Institute of Hospitality/ Effective Hospitality
Gillian Barret – Scottish Tour Guides Association
Jane Ali-Knight – Edinburgh Napier University
Clare Gibson – Developing the Young Workforce (DYW)
Leon Thompson– UK Hospitality
Audrey Maclennan – Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Kat Brogan – Mercat Tours
Bryan Simpson – Unite Hospitality
Andrew Thomson – St Andrews Links Trust
Helen Henderson – Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions
Andrew McKean – Renfrewshire Council/SLAED Tourism Group
Anne Morrison – DWP
Frances Woodifield – South of Scotland Enterprise
Catherine Cartmell – Historic Environment Scotland
Greg McCulloch – IT Academy
Nick Stansfeld – Scottish Fund Council
Work Overview
Further details about the Tourism and Hospitality Skills Group (THSG), including the remit and work of the Group, can be found via the PowerPoint below.
Resources
Support & Advice
– Become a Springboard Ambassador
– Our Skillsforce
– Tourism Webinar: Sectoral Skills Assessment
– Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland
– Age Scotland Tourism support
– Young Person’s Guarantee
– Staff Induction Toolkit
– Developing the Young Workforce
– Hospitality Health
– Hospitality Rising Campaign
– STA Industry Support Hub
– Find Business Support
Reports
– Tourism Sector Skills Assessment
– Fair Work Convention Hospitality Inquiry
– Economy, People and Skills
– Historic Environment Skills Investment Plan
– Traveltech for Scotland
– James Withers Skills Review Report
–The Fraser of Allander Institute:
Pathways into Hospitality – How do hospitality workers interact with the Scottish education system?
– The Job Skills of 2024 report
Job Postings