The Serving the Future project was born out of a recognition that the hospitality industry urgently needs sustainable solutions which improve the situations of both employers and workers
This evaluation suggests that the Tourism and Hospitality Toolkit is a valued and credible resource with potential to support fairer work practices, skills development, and improved workforce experiences across Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector. Feedback from workers, employers, and students was largely positive, particularly in relation to the Toolkit’s professionalism, accessibility, and the breadth of practical information provided. Where participants engaged meaningfully with the Toolkit, it was commonly described as comprehensive, trustworthy, and useful for navigating complex issues such as workers’ rights, mental health, training, and retention. However, the findings also highlight a clear gap between the Toolkit’s potential impact and its current reach. Limited awareness of the Toolkit, combined with broader structural challenges in engaging workers and employers in the sector, constrained participation in the evaluation and likely also limits real-world uptake. These challenges mirror those identified throughout the Serving the Future project and reflect the realities of a sector