Case Study

Maryam’s made for Mayfair

24 Jun. 2026

From cooking, reading and oriental dancing to studying, mentoring, and volunteering, full time mum turned full time hotel receptionist, Maryam, has many interests. She seizes every opportunity to live life to the full while bringing up her two daughters, one of whom has a disability. Yet self-doubt shrouded her many talents when looking for work. It took her Restart Advisor and a new Ingeus hospitality partnership to uncover her potential.

Maryam moved from Iraq to London with her husband in 2011. While taking a career break to raise her family, continual learning still sat high on her agenda. She studied conversion courses to top up her Iraqi qualifications to Masters degree level, was selected as a student peer mentor at her university and volunteered at a high street charity shop. More than a decade out of work however had taken its toll: 

“I felt like I’d been away from the working world for too long, I really doubted myself,” says Maryam, who joined the Restart Scheme in the summer of 2025. Delivered by Ingeus across Central and West London to support unemployed people back into work, Maryam met ‘one of the most amazing people’ Restart Advisor, Dean. 

“Dean did everything he could to help me. He saw something in me and he is the reason I’m where I am today,” adds Maryam. 

Dean worked with Maryam to build her confidence, develop her CV, and practice interview techniques. He also recommended her for a new opportunity: a programme developed by Ingeus with partner, Saira Hospitality.

Saira identifies and upskills people with natural hospitality traits, working alongside recruiting London hotels. After attending an immersion day to learn about hospitality roles, Maryam undertook personal development sessions and practical work experience before her interview with the prestigious COMO Metropolitan Hotel in Mayfair. She was an instant hit and has since completed her three-month probation period as a receptionist.    

Pinder Dayal from the People & Culture Office at COMO Metropolitan London says: “Maryam has been an exceptional addition not only to our front office team, but to the entire hotel. She embodies the very best of Saira – showcasing the practical skills, confidence and true hospitality spirit the programme was designed to nurture. We are incredibly proud to have Maryam as part of our team.” 

Maryam hopes in time to progress her hospitality career to fully utilise her business administration qualifications. 

“This is such a great restart for me and I am so grateful for it,” she adds. “Working in a five star hotel means always being proactive, helpful, and welcoming. I feel that comes naturally to me; I enjoy it. Hosting and greeting people is a large part of my Iraqi background.

“Aspects of my life have been very hard, but I have learned to be positive and appreciative of every opportunity I’m offered. Dean, and this partnership, have changed my life.”

Watch Maryam's story