The Grand, York has joined the Accessible Hospitality Alliance, becoming the latest UK hotel to take part in the organisation’s work on accessibility and inclusion across the sector.
The hotel, based in a Grade II listed Edwardian building, has operated since 2010 and is recognised as York’s only five-star property.
The membership follows a period of internal development under general manager Adam Dyke, who took on the role in early 2025.
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The Grand has introduced training programmes covering neurodiversity, deaf awareness and basic British Sign Language, as well as providing access to mental health first aiders across its workforce.
The hotel employs around 265 staff representing 27 nationalities and 22 languages. The company said employee retention had improved, with a turnover rate of 13.28% so far this year and 73% of staff choosing to stay for more than 12 months.
The Grand is currently the only Disability Confident Leader within York’s hospitality sector, a status first awarded in 2022. Further accessibility improvements are planned for 2026, including a new accessible spa.
The hotel also works with partners including United Response and Askham Grange women’s prison to create employment pathways for candidates with learning disabilities, mental health needs and those returning to work.
Dyke said: “People are at the centre of everything we do at The Grand, York, and I’m proud of the inclusive culture we continue to build. Being the only Disability Confident Leader in the city is a significant achievement, and the launch of our fully accessible spa is a clear reflection of our ongoing commitment to improving our practices. Our diverse team is what truly sets The Grand apart, for both our colleagues and our guests.”
Robin Sheppard, co-founder and chair of the Accessible Hospitality Alliance, added: “The Grand, York represents precisely the kind of leadership our industry needs, mindful, committed, and willing to do the work. Their approach shows that accessibility isn’t an add-on to luxury hospitality; it is part of what makes hospitality excellent in the first place. We are delighted to welcome Adam, Emma, and the entire Grand team into our community of change-makers.”
