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Sodexo UK & Ireland has been recognised as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality is the UK’s most established benchmark for organisations taking meaningful action to create workplaces where everyone, regardless of gender, can succeed. The assessment process is designed and managed by Business in the Community and promoted by The Times.
The annual listing recognises employers that are embedding gender equality throughout their organisations while driving measurable progress and supporting wider change across their sectors.
This year’s recognition reflects Sodexo’s continued focus on using enhanced data and insight to improve accountability and deliver better outcomes for employees across its UK and Ireland operations.
Jean Renton, CEO of Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Creating opportunities for everyone to succeed is fundamental to who we are at Sodexo. Being recognised in The Times Top 50 for a third consecutive year reflects the progress we are making to build a more inclusive workplace, with women now representing 45% of our UK & Ireland senior leadership team and 36% of our operational leadership roles.
“While we are proud of this progress, we know there is more to do. We remain committed to removing barriers, widening opportunities and ensuring every colleague has the chance to thrive.
“Diverse and inclusive teams bring different perspectives, stronger ideas and better decision-making, helping us drive growth, deliver better outcomes for our clients and create a positive impact in the communities we serve across the UK and Ireland.”
Sodexo continues to strengthen its diversity and inclusion strategy through a range of initiatives designed to improve access, progression and workplace support.
These include participation in the Social Mobility Employer Index, enhanced family-friendly policies, paid carers’ leave, menopause and endometriosis support programmes, and its SoTogether gender equity network, which provides practical support and development opportunities for employees.
The company has also continued its work supporting colleagues affected by domestic abuse and remains committed to improving representation across all levels of the organisation through structured development pathways and ongoing investment in career progression.
Ndidi Okezie OBE, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said: “The case for gender equality in business is unequivocal. Now, more than ever, employers must continue to take action on gender equality, creating workplaces where employees can reach their true potential.
“Progress on gender equality is not only vital for fairness, but for business performance and long-term economic growth. I want the TT50 to help businesses recognise that gender equality has multifaceted benefits. It isn’t just about businesses doing good – it’s about the fact that doing good makes you do well.”
Sodexo employs more than 30,000 people across the UK and Ireland and continues to deliver its Social Impact Pledge 2030, which includes a dedicated people-focused pathway aimed at creating workplaces where employees can belong, thrive and progress.
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