HU IN CALL TO ENSURE STAFF ARE ASK FOR ANGELA TRAINED

13 November 2024

HU has today reinforced the importance of participating hospitality businesses adquately training their staff in the ‘Ask For Angela’ scheme, as a recently published BBC article shows staff in participating businesses in London unaware of the code phrase.

The voluntary scheme, introduced in Northern Ireland by Hospitality Ulster in partnership with PSNI, is used around the world and acts as a support mechanism aimed at informing and educating hospitality industry staff about customer welfare and vulnerability. 

Through a simple code phrase that can be used by customers to discretely seek help from appropriately trained staff, 'Ask for Angela' reassures customers that support is available if someone feels vulnerable or in danger.

Hospitality Ulster Chief Executive Colin Neill said:

“This week, an article published by the BBC in London showed evidence of staff at participating businesses being unaware of the scheme.”

“The code phrase is pointless without the proper and straightforward training provided to all businesses when they sign up. We know that running a businesses in the current climate is time consuming and difficult, so the training has been specifically designed for simplicity and ease of use.”

“It is absolutely critical that all staff in a participating business, including new starts, are aware of the scheme and recieve the training provided, so that they are equipped to act promptly on the duty of care we all share for customers.”

“I would also encourage businesses who have not yet signed up to consider doing so, particularly as we head into the busy festive period. When used properly, Ask For Angela is a brilliant scheme which equips our businesses with an additional tool to take care of their customers.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO THE ‘ASK FOR ANGELA’ SCHEME

CLICK HERE TO READ: BBC FILMING SHOWS PUBS NOT ENFORCING SAFETY SCHEME - BBC