With entries now open for the 2025 UK Social Mobility Awards, we sat down with David Carrigan, Group Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing at Sky, to discuss social mobility at Sky and in the UK, and the importance of the SOMOs in advancing the cause.
Sky, one of Europe’s leading media and entertainment companies and part of Comcast Corporation, are category champions for the Mentor of the Year category at this year’s SOMOs, one of 15 categories open until June 27th for organisations and individuals to enter.
Sky were double winners at the 2024 UK Social Mobility Awards, taking home the Leadership and Community Programme of the Year titles. This year’s awards take place on October 2nd, and priority booking for tables is available now.
Here, David opens up on how the SOMOs has positively impacted Sky, and explains why other organisations should enter.
Why is social mobility so important to Sky?
Social mobility is crucial to Sky because it aligns with our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. By hiring and progressing individuals from varied socio-economic backgrounds, we bring in a wealth of perspectives and experiences that drive innovation and creativity.
Diverse thought processes lead to better problem-solving and more robust decision-making, ultimately enhancing our business performance. Moreover, promoting social mobility helps us contribute to societal equity, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of their background.
Social mobility also cuts across every community and can be a powerful amplifier for disadvantage, which is why it has been essential for us to develop an approach that considers all of our communities through the lens of potential socio-economic disadvantage and how we can create opportunities that empower individuals to overcome these barriers and thrive.
How do you feel about the current state of social mobility in the UK, and what can be done to advance the cause?
The current state of social mobility in the UK shows progress, but there is still much work to be done. While there have been initiatives to improve access to education and employment for underrepresented groups, barriers such as economic inequality and limited access to networks persist.
Diverse socio-economic hiring, however, can be a powerful driver of positive business outcomes and by bringing in talent from various socio-economic backgrounds, companies like Sky can benefit from a broader range of perspectives and experiences.
However, we still need to do more to make sure that people from less advantaged backgrounds can ‘get in and get on’ which is why we are making progression an area of key focus. Part of this work involves understanding exactly what barriers exist for our people when it comes to progression and how we can provide better access to networks, sponsorship and skills pathways that can leverage their many talents and aid further progression in our business.
All of this work is underpinned by data, however, and capturing employee socio-economic data remains a fundamental exercise that enables organisations like ours to not only gather insights as to the make up of our workforce but it also allows us to track where we are making progress. For any organisation starting out, gathering data is a must – even if it’s starting with the Social Mobility Commission’s recommended key question on parental occupation.
How has partnering with the SOMOs positively impacted Sky?
Partnering with the UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs) has had a significant positive impact on Sky. It has helped us gain recognition for our efforts in promoting social mobility and enhancing our reputation as a socially responsible employer.
It has helped us connect with other organisations committed to social mobility, allowing us to share best practices and collaborate on initiatives and sends a message to our existing and prospective workforce that we are committed to social equity and inclusion.
Why should organisations enter the SOMOs this year?
Organisations should enter the SOMOs this year for several reasons:
- Visibility: Gain national recognition for their efforts in promoting social mobility, which can enhance their brand and attract top talent.
- Impact: Demonstrate their commitment to social equity, which can positively impact employee morale and customer perception.
- Innovation: Drive innovation by embracing diverse perspectives and experiences within their workforce.
Enter the 2025 UK Social Mobility Awards here, with entries open until 5pm on June 27th. Find out more about the categories and entry guidelines here.
