Celia Walters MA, Chartered MCIPD, FHEA
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Business, Law and Digital Technologies
Room no. SMY04Biography
Celia has extensive experience as a human resources professional in the food service sector, hotels and the cruise industry, as both an internal and external consultant.
She worked initially across regional training roles, then over a decade ran her own business with a wide variety of clients across the hospitality sector. One of those clients then persuaded her to join them – this was the start of her relationship with P&O and Cunard, links which are still current today. This experience is now brought to bear at Solent as real world scenarios bring theory to life, enabling students to apply their learning.
Courses
Further information
Teaching experience
- Attainment of Training Diploma 1990s from Hotel and Catering Industry Training Board and ongoing bi-annual train the trainer delivery updates, setup and running of the learning and development function in FTSE 100 organisations including design and delivery of interventions, from 1990-2011.
- Associate lecturer Bournemouth University and New College Swindon (from 2011) delivering hospitality management and human resources management.
- Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring 2006 at L5 – Oxford School of Coaching and Mentoring.
- Associate lecturer at Solent from 2011 leading to full-time position in 2014, teaching a range of people management and human resources topics. Experience evidenced by attaining Fellowship of the HEA in 2016.
Industry experience
Celia is an HR consultant in my own business. She is a registered centre for Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, an Investors in People consultant advising organisations towards accreditation, and a consultant for Business Link delivering expertise for small business.
Celia was head of training for 10 ships in the cruising brands of P&O and Cunard, leading a team consisting of peripatetic on board trainers and the training team in the manning office in Mumbai, India. She was responsible for the training cycle of compliance, vocational training and professional development for approximately 9000 on board hotel crew.
She has also held various training roles in the food service sector, ultimately including setting up and running the T&D function in the south of England, covering 1500 staff.
Research interests
Celia's research interests lie in student placement experience and impact on employability, encouraging participation in placements, and employer perceptions towards student placement.
Qualifications
- 2014 - MA HRM, Southampton Solent University.
- 2012 - Enhancing learning in higher education, Southampton Solent University.
- 2006 - Certification in coaching and mentoring.
- 1999 - Biennial update - training diploma, people 1st (sector skills council for tourism leisure and travel).
- 1998 - Advanced award in food safety management, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
- 1979 - HND Hotel Management, Dorset Institute of Higher Education.
- Chartered member of The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
- Member of The Institute of Hospitality.
- Honorary member of The Cruise Research Society.
- Associate fellow of The Higher Education Academy.
Recent publications
- Research collaboration with Dr Philip Gibson at Plymouth University Cruise Industry management.
- Contribution to Vogel et al (2011) ‘The Business and Management of Ocean Cruises’ – published chapter.
- Presented at the 2nd International Cruise Conference at Plymouth University in February 2010.
- Appointed as personal mentor at diagnostic workshops for small businesses, part of the Small Business Charter; running ‘HR Strategies’ a workshop originally compiled by Aston, for several local small businesses.
