“Achieving a PRA, recipients become recognised leaders, setting the standard for innovation and professionalism in hospitality.
It’s more than an award — it’s a career-defining milestone!Robert Richardson, FIH, MI – CEO, Institute of Hospitality
Why apply for an IoH Professional Recognition Award?
1
Career Advancement
The IoH professional recognition award can enhance your resume, making you a more attractive candidate for promotions or new job opportunities. It demonstrates a high level of expertise and achievement in your field
2
Personal Validation
Earning the IoH professional award provides personal satisfaction and validation of your hard work, skills, and dedication. It serves as recognition from peers and industry leaders, boosting self-esteem and morale
3
Increased Visibility
The IoH professional award can significantly increase your or your organisation’s visibility in the industry. It can lead to increased networking opportunities and invitations to participate in prestigious industry events
4
Reputation Enhancement
The IoH professional award can enhance your reputation, showcasing your commitment to excellence and innovation. It can establish you as a thought leader and a trusted expert in your field
5
Inspiration and Influence
Being awarded an IoH professional award can inspire others within the same field or industry.You can serve as a role model for peers, mentees, and younger professionals, encouraging them to strive for excellence and pursue their goals
6
Team Recognition
For those working within teams, an IoH professional award can serve as recognition for the entire team’s efforts and contributions. It can foster a sense of unity and collective pride, reinforcing teamwork and collaboration
7
Professional Development
Applying for an IoH professional award often requires reflecting on your accomplishments and contributions, which can help identify areas for further professional development. It encourages continuous learning and improvement
8
Motivation and Morale
Recognition through the IoH professional recognition award can boost morale and motivation, both for you and your colleagues. It can foster a culture of excellence and encourage continued high performance and innovation
The IoH Professional Award application process
“The IoH Professional Recognition Awards (PRA) are a powerful way for managers to gain external recognition for their commitment to personal development. Development is not always a course or programme with a certificate. The Institute’s PRA’s give the opportunity for a manager to demonstrate their lived experiences, talents, and the opportunity through their role to impact business and personal success. This is a fitting opportunity for Hospitality professionals to gain recognition in such a varied and dynamic sector.”
Edward Gallier FIH | Head of Learning & Development | Leonardo Hotels (UK and Ireland)
Supporting career and professional development
As the global body for hospitality professionals, the Institute of Hospitality’s Professional Recognition Awards (PRA), are the highest level of professional recognition offered.
Designed to celebrate and reward professionals who have achieved significant growth as individuals and who have successfully impacted their organisation, achieving a PRA demonstrates an individual’s passion for achieving excellence.
As the awarding body, the Institute’s PRAs have been meticulously tailored to provide a level of professional recognition for hospitality professionals to help them elevate their careers and inspire personal growth, setting them apart from other global hospitality professionals.
Achieving a PRA demonstrates an individual meets the highest professional standards at their level and is a powerful endorsement of their skills, impact and commitment to professional excellence – designed to recognise an individual’s contribution to their own development and that of the organisation.
Importantly, they are not ‘qualifications’ in the traditional sense. The Awards will support career and professional progression, which could be as, or even more, valuable than a formal academic qualification.
In turn, the Awards will help improve staff retention and encourage ongoing continued professional development
Which is the right Professional Recognition Award level for me?
Institute of Hospitality Hospitality Professional Recognition Award of Hospitality Management and Leadership
o This title focuses on the core, essential skills and knowledge for entry-level managers, suggesting a strong foundation for future growth
Institute of Hospitality Professional Recognition Certificate of Senior Hospitality Management and Leadership
o This title highlights the next step in skill development, this name conveys a deeper level of expertise in both leadership and management, aimed at mid-level managers or those expanding their role
Institute of Hospitality Professional Recognition Diploma of Executive Strategic Hospitality Management and Leadership
o This title signals mastery at the executive level, focusing on strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership for senior managers or those aiming for high-level leadership roles
For more details please see the IoH website Professional Awards
“The Institute’s pilot of their Professional Recognition Awards (PRA) was a humbling experience; it was a chance for me to discuss my career in hospitality and I was left feeling very proud of my personal achievements, my progression in hospitality and the success I have had. Recognition is such an important part of your journey not only to receive it but to leave feeling proud of yourself, which is exactly how I felt.”
Deanne Hope-Fowler | Deputy General Manager | Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford
The application process
- Select the Professional Recognition Award level
Choose the level you want to apply for e.g. Award, Certificate, Diploma - Complete the application
Complete the application form below and attach a reflective statement of your career to date and your CV - Initial application assessment
Your application, reflective statement and CV are assessed by the Institute’s panel of Fellows - Application Assessment successful
You will receive a written email confirmation that your application has been accepted and a case study to examine. You can then proceed to Step 6 (payment) - Pay for your PRA Assessment
Once your application has been assessed you will be sent a link to the IoH shop to pay your fee (£400 GBP inc VAT). Please ensure you wait until your application form has been assessed and you have received written confirmation, before paying for your online assessment. - Book your Online PRA Assessment/Discussion
Once you have paid for your PRA in our shop you will be redirected to THRIVE Hospitality to book a date and time for your online PRA Assessment. (See link below) - Attend your Online PRA Assessment/Discussion
The assessment discussion will be undertaken by a highly qualified Fellow of the Institute and will consist of a professional discussion based on the case study previously provided and your own experiences. The outcome of the assessment is usually provided on the same day. -
Professional AwardOnce you have received successful confirmation you will be provided with an Institute of Hospitality PRA Certificate recognising your professional award and a digital badge to use on your personal stationery and social media.
How much does it cost?
The PRA costs GBP £400 Inclusive of VAT, which includes the professional discussion and certificate. You will receive one free re-sit if required.
N.B You must ensure you have access to an excellent internet signal that will stay constant for 1.5. hours
“Being part of the pilot process for the Institute’s Professional Recognition Awards (PRA) was an incredible experience. The interview and discussion provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on my 22-year journey in hospitality, celebrate my achievements, and envision new possibilities for growth. Recognition like this not only elevates hoteliers’ profiles but also showcase the exceptional talent within hospitality on a global stage. Such awards serve as powerful reminders that working hard and having passion can lead to extraordinary opportunities, inspiring others to view hospitality as a preferred career choice.”
Umesh Dalal | General Manager | Leonardo Royal London City
The IoH Professional Recognition Awards:
- Support the Institute’s drive to raise professionalism
- Embrace and be accessible to the whole sector
- Are accessible to individuals in both the UK and overseas
- Link directly to the Institute’s Management Standards.
- Are set at three levels – Award, Certificate, and Diploma – reflecting your personal journey and leadership level
- Are not time-bound (individuals can start and finish their awards journey when appropriate)
The IoH professional recognition awards are controlled and administered by the Institute.
These awards are not an accredited qualification, and so will not be bound in any way by funding rules or regulations.
IoH members can download a complimentary copy of the IOH Management Standards here: IoH Management Standards.
Non-members can view a sample of the Management Standards and purchase a copy from the IoH online shop for £75.
How will the PRA be assessed?
At least two industry peers and Fellows of the Institute will undertake this assessment by reviewing your reflective writing and CV, followed by a professional discussion, exploring your opinions, reflections, and solutions to a comprehensive and appropriate industry case study.
The conversation normally runs for 45 minutes and after a deliberation interval, you will be called back into the meeting to discuss and be provided with the decision. The decision is final. A further application can be made, full details of which will be provided
What do I say in my reflective statement?
This should be no more than 1,000 words and can be submitted as a PDF or Word document.
A career reflective statement is a personal and professional reflection – in which you assess your growth, experiences, accomplishments, and learning within your career. It often involves examining past roles, key milestones, and skills acquired, along with evaluating challenges and successes.
What do I need to evidence in my conversation?
The following contain learning outcomes derived from five key areas of the IoH Management Standards. The learning outcomes are set at three levels to reflect the different expectations of candidates applying at each level
Topic Area 1 : Customer service
• Learning Outcome at Award Level: Explain the importance of customer service to the organisation
• Learning Outcome at Certificate Level: Discuss the importance of customer retention strategies to the organisation
• Learning Outcome at Diploma Level: Critically discuss the importance of developing a customer retention strategy and embedding it effectively within organisation
Topic Area 2: Recruiting, developing and leading teams
• Learning Outcome at Award: Explain the importance of effective management and leadership
• Learning Outcome at Certificate Level: Discuss the importance of different leadership styles and the effect of good leadership on the business
• Learning Outcome at Diploma Level: Critically discuss the importance of organisational culture and strategies to develop and implement an effective culture
Topic Area 3: Developing and implementing strategy
• Learning Outcome at Award: Explain the tactical measures an organisation can take to increase profit
• Learning Outcomes at Certificate Level: Discuss how strategy is developed and applied to improve competitive advantage
• Learning Outcome at Diploma Level: Critically discuss the development and implementation of strategy across the business and how strategic plans will be monitored and evaluated
Topic Area 4: Marketing and Public Relations
• Learning Outcome at Award: Explain the role of marketing and public relations in a hospitality business
• Learning Outcome at Certificate Level: Discuss strategies to build a brand and increase market share
• Learning Outcome at Diploma Level: Critically discuss the importance of strategic marketing to business success
Topic Area 5: Managing Profit
• Learning Outcome at Award Level: Explain the importance of setting and monitoring a budget
• Learning Outcome at Certificate Level: Discuss the role of financial tools (such as risk analysis, break-even analysis, etc) when developing a budget and/or evaluating a potential investment
• Learning Outcome at Diploma Level: Critically discuss strategies to assess the profitability of the business and minimise costs
How do I book my evaluation?
Normally there are at least two monthly dates when you can book your time online via the ‘Bookwhen’ website.
The ‘Bookwhen’ link is below.
One of these available slots will normally involve an evening session to try and accommodate datelines and working patterns.
More dates and times are added depending on demand.
We will try our best to accommodate everyone, but please use the ‘Bookwhen’ website initially and email us with any requests for small variations.