Sodexo UK & Ireland has once again been named among the UK’s top 75 employers driving social mobility, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for people from all walks of life.
The well sought after Social Mobility Employer Index, compiled annually since 2017 by the Social Mobility Foundation, recognises organisations that are taking meaningful action to remove barriers to opportunity and enable everyone to thrive. Being included for the second consecutive year reflects Sodexo’s sustained progress and impact in this space.
Founded in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo was built on the belief that economic and social progress go hand in hand. That founding purpose – improving quality of life for all and using business as a force for good – remains at the heart of Sodexo today. From its first contracts in Marseille to the thousands of workplaces it serves across the UK & Ireland, social mobility, belonging and opportunity have always been part of its DNA.
Jean Renton, CEO, Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “When Pierre Bellon founded Sodexo almost 60 years ago, he wanted to create a company where everyone could grow – colleagues, clients and communities alike. That belief continues to shape who we are and how we work. Social mobility isn’t new to us; it’s embedded in our purpose and runs through everything we do – from creating inclusive workplaces and opening doors for those facing barriers, to championing fair access to skills, learning and meaningful work. I’m incredibly proud that the Social Mobility Foundation has once again recognised Sodexo’s impact. It’s a testament to the passion of our people and the partnerships that help us make a difference every day.”
As an employer of more than 30,000 people across the UK and Ireland, Sodexo uses its scale to drive positive change through its Social Impact Pledge 2030, which includes a dedicated ‘People’ pathway focused on creating workplaces where everyone can belong, thrive and progress.
Highlights include:
Expanding access to apprenticeships and lifelong learning for those who need it most.
Supporting veterans, reservists and military families to transition into civilian careers.
Championing sustainable employment for prison-leavers through the award-winning Starting Fresh programme.
Providing mentoring, internships and placements for refugees, care leavers, people with learning disabilities and individuals moving out of homelessness.
Sodexo’s efforts are strengthened by partnerships with organisations such as the Purpose Coalition, Business in the Community and the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group (SRAG) – from which it recently became the first organisation to achieve the Ambassador Charter Mark, the group’s highest level of recognition.
New collaborations, including with Unifrog, are inspiring the next generation by providing virtual work experience and career insights to students exploring future opportunities in the hospitality and services sector.
Earlier this year, Sodexo marked ten years of its Social Impact Pledge, reinforcing its purpose to create a better everyday for everyone – colleagues, consumers and communities alike – and to build a better life for all.
Find out more about Sodexo’s pledge here.
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