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Sodexo UK & Ireland has been included in 2025 Social Mobility Employer Index for the second year running.
Compiled annually since 2017 by the Social Mobility Foundation, the Social Mobility Employer Index, 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.
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.
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.”
The way we work has changed – yet, many organisations are still relying on rigid, one-size-fits-all tools to manage desks and meeting rooms, according to a new study from workplace management solutions provider, Matrix Booking.
Spreadsheets, calendars, and generic booking software may have worked once, but they’re struggling to keep pace with today’s flexible, hybrid workforce. The result? Wasted time, frustrated employees, and expensive underutilised space.
Matrix Booking’s new study, ‘One-size-fits-all booking systems don’t work for today’s workforce’, explores why current systems are falling short – and how organisations can reimagine workspace management to boost efficiency, employee experience, and cost savings.
To download your FREE copy click here.
