Lancaster London has been awarded Best Housekeeping Development Strategy at the Springboard Awards 2015, held on 2 November 2015, and scooping first prize for its innovative campaign, having been commended by Springboard for its ‘commitment and passion’ in ‘promoting the potential of housekeeping as a profession’.
Groundbreaking initiative: Accommodation Services Management Academy
The driver of the hotel’s success, Director of Accommodation Services Margo van der Werf, has carried Lancaster London to victory with the implementation of her groundbreaking Housekeeping initiative which saw Margo create Lancaster London’s Accommodation Services Management Academy – an initiative developed to make Housekeeping an attractive career option with long-term, fulfilling prospects.
From potential to actual progression
There is no denying the cleaning of one of Europe’s largest banqueting hotels, which houses 416 bedrooms and 16 conference suites, is a huge task which requires an incredibly dedicated and loyal housekeeping team. Lancaster London is also currently undergoing a £60 million refurbishment whilst remaining fully operational.
Changing the name of the Housekeeping department to Accommodation Services and introducing objectives and targets, which staff must meet in order to be promoted, means employees are able to visibly see their potential for progression.
Over the last five years, since inception, Margo and her academy have had over 27 team members develop themselves from cleaners through to floor supervisors and managers. As a result, a monumental impact has been made on not only Lancaster London, but the industry as a whole.
Seeking accredited status
Margo implemented her Accommodation Services Management Academy within the department with her sights set on eventually improving engagement, hope and enthusiasm within the entire industry. The award marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the hotel. Lancaster London has now set its sights on its academy being the first of its kind to achieve accredited status, an ambition that Margo and her Accommodation Services 93-strong team are now striving for.
Director of Accommodation Services, Margo van der Werf said, “I am incredibly grateful that the Academy has been recognised by Springboard. Every single member of our team has worked incredibly hard to achieve this. I have always sought to encourage ambitious spirit and empower employees, and I believe this should be the same in every hotel.”
General Manager Sally Beck said, ‘We are incredibly proud that Margo’s passion and commitment to her academy has been recognised. We are all determined to continue making progress with the initiative, and our next step will be attaining an official accreditation for the academy.’
Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY
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