Welcome to theAspiring Leaders Diploma
Now in its 13th year, the Aspiring Leaders Diploma (MIALD) is one of the most sought-after hospitality qualifications in the industry, offering junior-level supervisors and managers the opportunity to develop their skills and further their career prospects.
The programme has long held the prestigious Princess Royal Training Award for its contributions to hospitality training and development, an award that highlights the outstanding training and skills provided by the MIALD programme. In 2024, MIALD was awarded the Princess Royal Training Award for the third time, marking the third time in a row the diploma has been bestowed with the award.
Applications for the Aspiring Leaders Diploma 2025/26 are now closed.
The Aspiring Leaders Diploma offers ambitious hotel managers a 12-month development experience like no other. Comprised of eight key learning modules that take place every six to eight weeks across the UK in several esteemed hotel properties and are headed by hoteliers with extensive knowledge and experience in the industry.
Endorsed by the Institute of Hospitality and linked to the Institute of Leadership & Management Level 5 Award, successful applicants will become studying members of the Institute of Leadership & Management.
Members will also receive access to a vast array of online resources to support them in their studies, including e-books, e-journals and over 400 digital learning resources. They are also entitled to invites and discounts to unique events, including the annual Hotel Leadership Conference and MIALD exclusive events.
Upon completion of the diploma, students will become Innholder Graduates and gain access to the extensive network of graduates from the programme, providing a way for all to continue to grow and expand their network while also supporting each other throughout their continued careers.
Every six to eight weeks, members will enjoy an action and information-packed two-day workshop across several exciting topics taught by leading UK hotel professionals, including:
- Professional Development
- Professional Management
- Marketing for Managers
- Finance for Managers
- People Management
- Service Operations Management
- Managing and Motivating Teams
- Leadership Development
Sessions are composed of various learning opportunities, including group workshops, project work, guest speakers, private study and more. Alongside these sessions, successful candidates will also undertake three written assignments which will help reaffirm the knowledge and skills gained on the programme.
Delivery of these sessions is undertaken in a residential setting at a range of attractive venues, with such iconic hotels as The Dorchester, the London Edition and the Vineyard at Stockcross amongst those hosting sessions in previous years.
The dates of the 8 modules for 2025/26 are:
Sunday 27th to Tuesday 29th April 2025
Monday 2nd to Tuesday 3rd June 2025
Monday 14th to Tuesday 15th July 2025
Monday 8th to Tuesday 9th September 2025
Monday 20th to Tuesday 21st October 2025
Monday 24th to Tuesday 25th November 2025
Monday 2nd to Tuesday 3rd February 2026
Sunday 15th to Tuesday 17th March 2026
Applications for the Aspiring Leaders Diploma 2025/26 are now closed.
Although the programme is subsidised by the Master Innholders and the Master Innholders Charitable Trust, those attending the course are required to make a financial contribution to meet its costs. The employer of each successful applicant will be required to contribute £1,850 towards the overall cost of the programme.
The overwhelming conclusion of employers involved to date is that this level of investment has been more than matched by the benefits their businesses have accrued from having a more highly motivated and well-trained member of their junior management team.
For further details and enquiries concerning the Aspiring Leaders Diploma, please contact: secretary@masterinnholders.co.uk
Thank you to everyone that took the time to submit an application this year. Please welcome our 2025 Aspiring Leaders! A huge congratulations to:
- Adrien Lecerf, Front Office Manager, The Goring
- Megan Murphy, Reception Operations Manager, The Montague On The Gardens Hotel
- Ayoub Nadji, Events Operations Manager, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London
- Erika Natalini, Reception Manager, The Savoy
- Jade Whelan, Marketing & Events Operations Manager, Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
- Rosie Wilkins, Deputy General Manager, The Pig In The South Downs
- Natalia Chemaitelli, Reception Manager, Foxhills Country Club
- Ashna Patel, Food & Beverage Outlets Manager, Fairmont, Windsor Park
- Anastasia Barnes, Front Of House Manager, Watergate Bay Hotel
- Emma Costello, Deputy Front Office Manager, The Gilpin Hotel & Lakehouse
- Michaela Farr, House Manager, Fowey Hall Hotel & Spa
- Chloe Lupson, Operations Manager , Harbour Hotel Salcombe
- Matthew Maylin, Front Of House Manager, Champneys Mottram Hall
- Danielle Mottram, House Manager, Seaham Hall Hotel & Serenity Spa
- Ryan Parry-Jones, Front Of House Manager, The Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff
- Kai Sinkevicius, Assistant Operations Manager, The Headland Hotel & Spa, Newquay
- Cherry Spicer, Guest Relations Manager, Homewood Hotel & Spa
Graduates of the Aspiring Leaders Programme are invited to join the alumni community of Innholder Graduates upon completion of the programme and use the post-nominal IG where appropriate.
The Innholder Graduates committee is composed of several graduates of the Aspiring Leaders Diploma who oversee the graduate network and help support with the creation of various events throughout the year.
The current Innholder Graduates committee is comprised of the following members:
|
Damien Martin MIH IG IS |
Chair |
|
Oliver Harris MIH IG |
Vice Chair |
|
Adam Hersey IG FIH |
Secretary |
|
Vicky Neilson MIH IG |
Social Media Lead |
|
Ewen Thomas IG FIH |
Past Chair and Committee Member |
|
David Ryan IG |
Committee Member |
|
Ross Cunnah IG |
Committee Member |
|
Karen de Koning MIH IG IS |
Committee Member |
|
Raul Deflorian IG |
Committee Member |
Institute of Hospitality strengthens team to enhance commercial focus
The Institute of Hospitality (IoH) has announced a series of new appointments and promotions, as it continues to adapt to the evolving needs of its global membership, and the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality industry.
Institute of Hospitality CEO appointed Visiting Professor at Ulster University Business School
The Institute of Hospitality (IoH) Chief Executive, Robert Richardson FIH MI, has been appointed a Visiting Professor at Ulster University Business School, Northern Ireland.
Global search begins for IoH Best Hospitality Student Paper 2025
The Institute of Hospitality (IoH) has begun its search for the Best Hospitality Student Paper 2025 and is inviting students to submit a personal and reflective paper on the topic: ’My Passion for Hospitality.’
AI, guest experience, and hybrid hospitality to top the agenda at Independent Hotel Show 2025
Changing perceptions of luxury and the latest trends in hospitality – from AI to experiences – will shape the 2025 agenda of the Independent Hotel Show on 6-7 October at Olympia.
Master Innholders Spotlight - Darren Walsh MI
In our next Master Innholders Spotlight, we speak to Darren Walsh MI, Cluster General Manager at Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland.
Master Innholder Spotlight - Mark Gregory White MI
In the latest in our spotlight series on Master Innholders, we speak to Mark Gregory White MI, General Manager at Stamford Bridge Hotel at Chelsea FC.
Independent Hotel Show opens registration for 2025
Registration is now open for Independent Hotel Show 2025, in partnership with James Hallam, returning to Olympia London on 6–7 October.
2025
Top Tips for Applying for Innholder Scholarships
With the deadline approaching, we reached out to previous recipients of the Innholder Scholarships, the alumni of Innholder Scholars, for their advice on crafting a winning application and how to make the most of the exciting opportunity.
Deadline extended for Innholder Scholarships
The deadline to apply for this year's Innholder Scholarships has been extended.