Blog. Spotlight on: Red Carnation Hotels

We recently caught up with Jonathan Raggett, CEO of Red Carnation Hotels and our Chair of Trustees. Jonathan and his team have been incredible supporters over the years, touching countless hospitality lives. We’re delighted to share our interview with him.

Tell us about your role as Chair of Trustees, what do you hope to achieve and what are your highlights so far?

I have the privilege of working with a dedicated industry trustee team to set and monitor key performance indicators for our charity. This isn't just about numbers; it's about measuring the real impact of our efforts. I'm passionate about spreading the word of our vital support, especially through our Employee Assistance Programme. It's crucial that everyone in our industry knows they can count on us when they need help.

Our key message, "We’ve got you," is a commitment backed by principles that guide our every move. We aim to leave no one behind, offering pathways to improve lives. We operate within our means, using our reserves to ensure resilience and fund growth responsibly. We uphold the highest standards of governance with strong leadership and robust processes to future-proof our charity. Our vision? To make the entire hospitality sector fall in love with our work.

Why do you support Hospitality Action?

The hospitality industry is known for its demanding nature, often requiring long hours. By supporting Hospitality Action (HA), we ensure that these hardworking individuals have access to essential mental health resources, financial aid and addiction support.

Backing a charity like HA is a powerful statement that a business truly invests in its team’s wellbeing. When employees feel well-supported, they are more likely to stay in their roles, reducing turnover and fostering a more stable workforce. HA also helps create a vibrant sense of community within the industry. By participating in their initiatives and events, we promote a supportive network that encourages collaboration and shared support across various hospitality brands, from hotels to pubs, retail, and spas.

How have you supported Hospitality Action?

At Red Carnation Hotels, our support for HA has been extensive and impactful. We proudly sent volunteers to Back to the Floor, where they enthusiastically collected donations. Our volunteers marshalled Walk for Wellbeing, ensuring everything ran smoothly and everyone had a great time. We’ve also supported Hospitality Rocks at Battersea Evolution by sending helpers to encourage donations.

We have also taken on the HA Cycle Challenge, pedalling hard to raise funds and have participated in their annual virtual Challenge event, where we were honoured with the “Most Innovative” award for our creative efforts. We continue to support HA through much needed voucher donations including stays at our hotels.

By supporting HA you’re not just helping individuals - you’re investing in the wellbeing of the entire hospitality workforce. HA is a well-established charity with a long history of supporting hospitality workers, so you can trust that your contributions are managed responsibly and used effectively to help those in need.

Heartfelt thanks to Jonathan and Red Carnation Hotels for your unwavering support. If your workplace can do the same, please get in touch.