Equal Measures UK – the leading non-profit driving intersectional inclusion in the drinks and hospitality industries – has announced the opening of applications for its Education & Mentorship Programme 2026. The programme is supported by WSET and Gerard Basset Foundation.
Since its formation in 2020, the organisation has supported beneficiaries from marginalised backgrounds who work within the spirits and cocktail spaces, providing fully funded WSET Level 1, 2, and 3 in Spirits, mentorship with key figures in the global industry, community days, upskilling and more. Last year, it partnered with WSET and Queena Wong (Founder of Curious Vines) to expand its support for those who also have face systemic barriers to their careers within the wine sector.
Equal Measures’ beneficiary, Michael Hilton, states:
“Equal Measures has been a huge help to me, allowing to meet and learn from many incredible people, including my mentor Nate, whose invaluable advice has helped navigate many a crisis. Equal Measures has also supported me to study for my WSET Level 2 and 3 in spirits, which has opened up a whole new world of understanding and job prospects.”
People working within the UK drinks industry can apply to the programme via this form on Equal Measures UK’s website. Places are available to those working in the UK cocktails, spirits & wine industries (not beer currently) from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds. The non-profit also has a number of places for those from marginalised groups outside of these demographics who can demonstrate the ways in which they have faced
substantial, systemic barriers to their career progression due to their identity/identities. This includes queer and genderqueer persons, as well as those who are neurodivergent. An option to have a video call is also available for those who struggle with written forms (bookable by emailing vicky@equalmeasuresuk.org).
Equal Measures UK also works with the global drinks industry through Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) trainings & consultancy to improve safeguarding, education, policy change, hiring, and more. Clients include Fortnum & Masons Food & Drinks Awards, World Class GB, London Cocktail Week, and William Grant & Sons.
To find out more about Equal Measures’ EDI work, brand partnerships, events, applications and more, contact hello@equalmeasuresuk.org).
Application link – https://bit.ly/em-application-2026
