Winners of the UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs), in association with National Grid, were announced at a gala in London on Tuesday 6th October. The event was hosted by acclaimed presenter, writer, actor, director and comedian Sue Perkins.
As government and the Milburn Review warn of a growing opportunity crisis among young people, with one million not in employment, education or training (NEET) the UK’s leading employers including KPMG, Linklaters, Lloyds Banking Group and Microsoft are demonstrating what effective action looks like.
The winners
Individual categories
Champion of the Year
- Darren Hardman, Microsoft UK&I
Mentor of the Year
- Lauren Moore, Pinsent Masons
Rising Star, championed by PwC
- Josh Wilkins, A&O Shearman
- Highly commended: Tom Glenn, Lewis Silkin LLP
Organisational categories
Organisation of the Year, championed by BP
- KPMG
Innovation, championed by Barclays
- Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Leadership of the Year
- Sodexo
- Highly commended: Wychavon District Council
Social Mobility Network of the Year
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Highly commended: HSBC Bank plc
Pre-Recruitment Programme of the Year, championed by BNP Paribas
- University of Warwick
- Highly commended: Trowers & Hamlins
Recruitment Programme of the Year, championed by Hedley May
- Howden Group Holdings
- Highly commended: Lloyds Banking Group
Progression Programme of the Year
- Close Brothers
- Highly commended: Sodexo
Community Programme of the Year
- Linklaters
- Highly commended: Aberdeen Group plc
University of the Year, championed by Sky
- University of Worcester
- Highly commended: University of Exeter
Tech for Social Mobility, championed by Lloyds Banking Group
- PA Consulting
- Highly commended: NTT DATA Business Solutions UK&I
In addition, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, was presented with a special award: Outstanding Contribution to Social Mobility.
The UK Social Mobility Awards provide a national benchmark for organisations committed to ensuring that a person’s socio-economic background does not determine their future prospects. At a time when access to opportunity is increasing in focus, the SOMOs celebrate organisations driving meaningful progress on social mobility.
Tunde Banjoko OBE, CEO & founder of Making The Leap and founder of the UK Social Mobility Awards says: “A decade after the launch of the SOMOs, social mobility has, rightly, become a national priority. I want to congratulate all of this year’s winners: as employers, government and communities look for ways to expand opportunity, they are helping to build a stronger economy and a fairer society.
“My hope is the success of this year’s SOMOs winners will inspire many more employers and institutions to take action, open doors for young people from all backgrounds and help drive social mobility forward.”
Carl Trower, President of Global Capital at National Grid says: “Congratulations to this year’s winners and finalists. The SOMOs showcase the organisations turning commitment into action and demonstrate that social mobility advances fastest when we work together to create clear pathways into meaningful careers, because talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.”
Sue Perkins adds: “I loved hosting The UK Social Mobility Awards; it was inspiring to see and hear from individuals and organisations who are driving real change – whether by challenging barriers, creating new opportunities, or sharing their own experiences to support others.
“This year’s winners have all, through meaningful, impactful and genuinely committed work, made a powerful contribution to improving social mobility across the UK.
“I hope this momentum continues, and more organisations are encouraged to play their part in opening up access and ensuring that everybody can thrive, no matter where they start in life.”
The SOMOs is a national initiative driven by social mobility charity Making The Leap. It has taken place since 2017 marking almost a decade of recognising organisations and individuals creating opportunities and advancing social mobility across the UK.
The winners were selected by an independent judging panel chaired by Sir Kenneth Olisa. The SOMOs were supported by partners National Grid, Barclays, BNP Paribas, bp, Hedley May, Lloyds Banking Group, PwC, Sky and Financial Times.
