FAQ

This awards are open only to UK-based private and public sector organisations that have at least 50 employees* as well as, universities, schools and colleges.

*The Small Business of the Year category is open to organisations who have at least 20 employees.

Nothing! Entry is free.

The UK Social Mobility Awards is an event for organisations. The individual categories are only for individuals nominated by an executive sponsor in their eligible organisation.

No. The purpose of the UK Social Mobility Awards is to encourage those private and public sector organisations for whose purpose is otherwise, to make the advancement of social mobility a key part of how their “business” is run. There are many excellent charities and social enterprises whose purpose is social mobility, these awards are not aimed at them because given it’s what they exist to do, they are always likely to be better at it than those for whom it is an add-on.

Entries from such organisations are not eligible.

In the past, some charities and social enterprises have encouraged a business that they partner with to enter, and suggest that their work together forms all or part of the business’s submission.

You may enter as many relevant categories as you choose. There must be a separate submission for each category.

You may submit more than one entry for the individual categories only. There must be a separate submission for each person that you enter in an individual category.

The eligibility period is from 1st January 2024 to 31st March 2025. We will accept supporting evidence that came to light after this period as long as it refers to the eligible period.

To successfully submit your entry, you must complete the online application registration and complete a form for each submission you choose to make. You can register online when nominations open on Monday 28th April 2025.

The written submission will be in seven parts:

1. Executive summary (150-200 words)

2. Aims (150-200 words)
  – What problem was the activity initiated to address?

3. Activity (500-600 words)
  – Clear description of activity/activities and resources expended

4. Enablers (150-200 words)
  – Which stakeholders were involved?

5. Challenges (150-200 words)
  – Organisational or resource challenges experienced

6. Your reach (150-200 words)
  – Public promotion of activity and/or promotion of social mobility as a priority on website/social media

7. Outcome and how success was measured (200-300 words)
  – Impact of the activity that have been seen, or are expected, in relation to advancing social mobility

You can upload up to three files in pdf or jpeg format (of no more than 5mb each) as supporting information.

Entries open on 28th April 2025 and close at 5pm on 27th June 2025.

Entries will be judged by leading people from the business, public and the non-profit world. The Chair of the Judging Panel is Sir Ken Olisa OBE.

The initial shortlisting will take place between 30th June – 11th July 2025. The finalists will be announced on 15th July 2025.

Due to the amount of entries we receive, we will be unable to provide individual feedback. However, some generic details from the entry may be included in the emerging themes report.

Some generic details about the entry may be included in the emerging themes report and/or if it is a winning entry, there will be a detailed case study done.

The winners of the 2025 UK Social Mobility Awards will be announced at the Awards Fundraising Gala event, which will take place on October 2nd 2025.

The UK Social Mobility Awards celebration gala dress code is Black Tie.

If you have any further queries about the entry process, please email your query to paola.contessi@mtl.org.uk.