When you work in hospitality, no two shifts are quite the same. Teams need to be ready for everything from everyday health and safety risks to those moments when a guest or colleague needs help.
That’s why effective hospitality safety training matters. It’s not just about knowing the rules, but knowing what to do when a real-situation unfolds.
Yet recent reports have highlighted concerning gaps in how safety procedures are being put into practice, particularly around initiatives such as Ask for Angela and the response to drink spiking incidents.
Gaps in safety training: The need for immediate action
A undercover investigation by BBC revealed a significant flaw in how the Ask for Angela safety initiative is being executed in pubs, bars and clubs across the UK. The scheme, designed to provide a discreet way for customers, particularly women, to seek help when feeling unsafe, has been poorly implemented in many establishments.
Staff at several venues, including major chains, failed to recognise the code word “Angela”, leaving vulnerable customers without the protection they needed in potentially dangerous situations.
This investigation shines a light on the ongoing issue of inconsistent training and the impact it has on the safety of patrons. For hospitality operators, one gap in knowledge can have consequences beyond a single interaction. Teams need to understand the procedures in place, why they matter and how to put them into practice consistently when a situation arises.
The Ask for Angela initiative is just one example of a growing need for specialised safety learning in hospitality. Beyond personal safety issues like harassment or spiking, staff need to be equipped to handle a range of potentially dangerous situations that can arise in busy environments.
How Mapal’s learning module supports comprehensive safety
In response to the gaps identified in the industry, Mapal has updated its Staying Safe and Sound learning module to better support venues in safeguarding their guests and staff.
This updated module provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to safety in hospitality, offering explicit guidance on a range of initiatives designed to protect vulnerable individuals.
Alongside Ask for Angela, Mapal’s updated training now references key resources such as the Ask for Clive initiative and the Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) course.
Aligning with these initiatives helps to create a more inclusive, responsive and safe environment for all.
These initiatives are just part of a broader movement toward creating safer spaces for all patrons in the hospitality sector. To support this shift, it’s essential that staff aren’t only familiar with the policies in place but also know how to act when situations arise. . For multi-site operators in particular, consistent learning can help ensure teams across every site understand the same procedures and know what’s expected of them.
Key features of the updated Mapal learning module
- Enhanced safeguarding guidance: The Staying Safe and Sound module includes detailed best practices for safeguarding vulnerable people.
Staff are taught how to recognise signs of vulnerability and how to respond when a guest asks for help. The module includes practical steps such as escorting guests to safety, calling for transportation, or notifying authorities when necessary.
- Comprehensive coverage of safety protocols: In addition to the Ask for Angela and Ask for Clive initiatives, the module offers guidance on a range of other safety issues, ensuring that staff are equipped to handle everything from harassment to emergencies.
This comprehensive coverage helps to ensure that venues are truly safe spaces for all patrons.
- Real-world scenarios and response protocols: The updated learning incorporates practical, real-world scenarios that demonstrate how to manage safety concerns effectively.
These scenarios help staff build confidence in responding to situations, ensuring that they’re not only aware of safety protocols but also prepared to implement them immediately when required.
- Improved accessibility: Mapal has ensured that the learning module meets accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA).
This includes better colour contrast, updated alt-text for videos and the inclusion of transcripts, ensuring that all staff, regardless of their needs, can access and benefit from the learning.
A step towards a safer hospitality environment
The safety of both customers and staff in the hospitality industry cannot be left to chance.
With incidents such as harassment and personal safety concerns becoming increasingly important for operators to address, teams need consistent, effective learning that helps them understand what to look out for, what action to take and how to respond confidently when someone needs help.
Mapal’s updated Staying Safe and Sound learning module helps operators provide that knowledge consistently, equipping teams to recognise risks, respond appropriately and contribute to a safer environment for everyone.
