Meet Our Committee Members

  • Will Davies

    CO-FOUNDER

    Hi there my name is Will and I have a day job and a gay job!

    My day job is Director of hotel and hospitality recruitment business HBD Partners but my gay job is as one of  the Co-Founders of Checking-IN, the LGBTQ+ Hospitality Network.

    We initially launched Checking-IN as a network to champion LGBTQ+ people in hospitality and to advance diversity and inclusion in what was a very complacent industry.

    Since launching in 2018 we’ve seen the implementation of new LGBTQ+ specific policies such as shared parental leave, adoption of pronouns, policies safeguarding trans people at work and improved equity for the community within hospitality.

    We continue to shine a light on LGBTQ+ people in hospitality and encourage role models in the sector through our 10 LGBTQ+ Hospitality Champions List and regular talks and networking events throughout the year.

    To find out more or be a part of our network just click on the Register button on our homepage.

  • Francesca Kelsall

    I am a lifelong hospitality enthusiast specialising in HR, Talent, and DE&I. Working for IHG Hotels & Resorts since 2017, I have taken a variety of hospitality roles and locations, from the sunny island of Malta to IHG’s Global HQ in Windsor.

    I have been a member of the Checking-IN committee since August 2022 and I am passionate about making hospitality a trailblazing industry for inclusion for customers and colleagues alike, andI am particularly driven by gender inclusion policies and practices.

  • Jad Lian

    As a dynamic professional in the field of Marketing at Andaz London, I am not only an advocate for hospitality but also a dedicated member of the Checking-IN committee.

    My passion lies in fostering inclusivity and creating better opportunities for LGBTQIA+ members within the hospitality industry.

    With a keen focus on communication and networking, I strive to build bridges that enhance support and open doors for advancement. My personal commitment aligns seamlessly with Andaz London's and Hyatt’s values and ethos, contributing to a more inclusive and vibrant hospitality landscape.

  • Lucy Pugh

    Heading up the sales team at Working From_ The Hoxton for nearly 5 years now. Prior to this my experience included sales and events within the hospitality industry.  

    In addition to my current role, I actively support workplace diversity, including advocating for LGBT+ inclusion.

  • Ollie Palmer

    As the Director of Global Sales for The Standard Hotels, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the realm of hospitality.

    Beyond this professional role, I am dedicated to creating a positive impact by actively participating in a committee focused on ensuring a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ individuals within the hospitality industry.

    My commitment to inclusivity and the well-being of all patrons reflects The Standard Hotels' dedication to providing a welcoming and secure environment for everyone.

 

CHECKING-IN
IS LOOKING FOR YOU!

JOIN OUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

With the highly anticipated re-opening of the hospitality industry fast approaching, there is a sense of relief and excitement in the air. However, over the last year, our community has been dealt a double blow. The COVID19 pandemic continues to disproportionately impact both the travel and hospitality sector as well as LGBTQ+ people.

 

Since launching in 2018, the need for Checking-IN has never been greater. For that reason, we are excited to build on our success and increase our capacity with the formation of an Executive Committee. The team will be lead by our co-founders, Will and Liam and will be involved in decision making, shaping the network and instrumental in moving us forward. 

To do this, we need YOU. We're looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to join us on this journey to creating an even more inclusive industry by promoting and championing LGBTQ+ equality. 

These are the functions we're looking for volunteers to lead: 

  • Content & Digital Marketing

  • Social Media & Communications

  • Industry Affairs

  • Partnerships & Outreach

  • Membership

  • Events

  • Administration

  • Finance

We anticipate this team's commitment to be approximately 2-3 hours a month, including a monthly planning meeting. Whether you're from hospitality, the wider leisure, catering or travel sectors or even potentially outside the industry, we're just looking for dedicated people committed to the cause. 

Please read more about the roles and how to apply below.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER ROLES

Content & Digital Marketing   

Manage the Checking-IN website and create, design and deploy digital content on the website and for social media channels to promote the network, events and activities.

Social Media & Communications

Manage the Checking-IN social channels. Create and post updates and activities across these channels to promote events, activities and to engage with our network on a regular basis.

Industry Affairs and PR

Actively seek out industry news and updates relevant to LGBT+ affairs in hospitality and outside the sector that are of interest to the network. Keep the network up to date with the latest Checking-IN news and views and work with the ExComm team to communicate these across digital and social media channels. Work with media partners such as CODE Hospitality to promote the network and activities.

Partnerships & Outreach

Build relationships with both hospitality partners (such as Hotels, The Points Guy etc) and LGBT+ associations and organisations (such as Pride in London, Be Inclusive Hospitality) to cross-promote Checking-IN and identify potential opportunities to collaborate and raise awareness of the network and what we do across the sector.

Membership

Manage engagement with our individual members and also seek out new members. Look at opportunities to formalise corporate memberships and potential for sponsorship and funding.

Events

Co-ordinate and manage live events such as networking events and round table discussions. Work with the ExComm team to communicate and promote the events and be the liaison with the hosting venue to manage all aspects of planning and executing the events.

Administration

Co-ordinate between ExComm members and provide support to the committee to deliver events, activities and updates.

Finance

Manage the Checking-IN accounts, ensure all invoices and bills and expenses are tracked and collated. Manage income including sponsorship fees, donations and membership fees.

APPLICATION FORM

If that sounds like you, please complete the form below to apply.