Neil Singleton – Hotel Maintenance Assistant

“I like to help people in the hotel and I love working with other people.”

Behind the scenes of every hotel are the people who aren’t often seen but whose roles are just as important as the ‘front of house’ staff who regularly meet and greet visitors. Neil Singleton of Doncaster is one of those people. He works as a Hotel Maintenance Assistant at the Danum Hotel in the heart of Doncaster.

Neil, who has a learning disability, has worked at the hotel for the last 12 years. He helps to sort out plumbing, electrical and other maintenance problems in the hotel. Neil works closely with maintenance manager Paul Scott and has general ‘handyman’ duties around the hotel. “I enjoy all aspects of my work” says Neil.

Employer's story

Neil’s personal qualities are a real asset to the hotel. Duty Manager Kevin McCoy says: “Neil is enthusiastic and does his job well. He is very committed and always willing to help.” Paul Scott who works regularly with Neil agrees: “Neil supports me very well at work and assists with all kinds of maintenance issues. Sometimes we also have to deal with emergencies.”

When the hotel was refurbished in 2007, Neil was on hand to offer support. Paul says that Neil’s key strengths as an employee are that he is willing to learn and willing to work.

Deputy Manager Maria McClymont has seen the difference work has made to Neil. “When he first came here, he was very shy but over the last ten years or so his confidence has grown” says Maria. She adds: “Employment has been good for Neil. He makes the most of his time at work and is very enthusiastic. Work has also given him the opportunity to make friends. He gets on very well with his colleagues and is a very conscientious employee.”

Employee's story

Neil is very committed to his job at the Danum hotel and enjoys the busy environment. He also likes the variety offered by his job because no two days are the same. Even within a day Neil could be working in a variety of locations. For example he could be helping to fix showerheads in hotel bedrooms or operating the car park gates to help customers get in and out of the hotel. He works across departments and will sometimes assist his colleagues in the housekeeping teams.

Strong commitment

As well as being an effective team member, Neil has tenacity and adapts well to change. Over the last 12 years he has worked effectively with three different maintenance engineers.

The hospitality industry depends on staff like Neil to make visitors feel comfortable. According to the Sector Skills Council for the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism industries, ‘the visitor is at the heart of the sector.’  The sector is set to grow over the next few years and employees like Neil who have a strong sense of committment will be crucial to its success.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•