Purpose Coalition Award winners walk the walk on social mobility
Individuals and organisations across the country were honoured at the Breaking Down Barriers Awards 2025, sponsored by Southeastern Railway, which took place in Parliament yesterday. It recognised social mobility champions who are not just talking the talk, but walking the walk, delivering opportunity for everyone, everywhere.
Each Award category aligns with one of 15 Purpose Goals which set out the core barriers to opportunity, encompassing a broad range of societal and economic issues. The Goals provide a structured framework for organisations to assess and strengthen their positive impact in society. There are also additional Spotlight Awards which shine a light on those who have shown exceptional dedication and impact in their particular fields.
For the first time, this year’s honours also include an Award for a Purpose Lab student, recognising their commitment to this innovative new project which connects students from universities with employers, bridging the gap between education and industry.
Congratulating the winners, Chair of the Purpose Coalition and former Education Secretary, Rt Hon Justine Greening, said:
“I am delighted to be able to honour each of our winners today with an award for their contribution to delivering opportunity. I am also grateful to our Purpose Coalition partner, Southeastern Railway, for sponsoring the event and to UK Power Networks, Lumo and Hull Trains, Travelodge and Enterprise for sponsoring individual awards. As successful purpose-led businesses, their vision and ambition are crucial in driving change.
“Our winners all lead by example and I hope they will inspire others to step up to the plate and consider what they can do to make a difference for their colleagues, customers and the communities they serve, especially in these challenging economic and social times.
“The breadth of sectors represented in our roll call of winners, and their geographical spread, demonstrate that a firm commitment to equality of opportunity is the key element, using accumulated knowledge, expertise and experience to shape a fairer future.”
Chair of the Breaking Down Barriers Commission and former member of Sir Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet, Nick Forbes CBE, said:
“These Awards are a celebration of innovation and ambition, and I congratulate all the winners for their work in shaping social impact. There is a very clear thread that runs through every category of award, and that is one of collaboration. The individuals and organisations here today recognise that working in partnership with others – whether that is within their own organisations or with other organisations, local authorities and charities – can have a much more powerful impact.
“The Breaking Down Barriers Commission brings the best purpose-led organisations together with the intention of forging a more cohesive approach to delivering opportunity, guided by the Purpose Goals and working collectively to share best practice and develop innovative solutions that will unlock potential.”
Steve White MD at Southeastern Railway said:
“The rail industry naturally connects people to employment, housing and opportunities but, beyond that, we recognise that we can also positively contribute to social mobility. Southeastern was the first passenger train operator to publish a Social Mobility Action Plan but it is extremely encouraging to see many more rail companies are now taking active steps to break down barriers. We are delighted to sponsor these awards and collaborate with likeminded organisations”.
Award Winners
Category 1: Strong Foundations in Early Years
Winner: RRSL – Bev Swindles
Bev and her team are breaking down barriers to STEM careers by engaging children as young as reception age with interactive sessions and tailored resources.
Winner: Bath Spa University – Sharon Collies
A champion of inclusivity and child-led learning, Sharon drives social inclusion in early years education through training, research, and advocacy, shaping practice nationwide.
Category 2: Successful School Years
Winner: Teleperformance – Dave Green
Dave’s work with My Big Career has empowered students with essential skills and career insights, fostering an inclusive and inspiring learning environment.
Category 3: Positive Destinations Post 16+ – Sponsored by UKPN
Winner: NCG
Through the NCG Guarantee, thousands of students from deprived communities gain essential employability and life skills, ensuring brighter futures.
Winner: University of Southampton – Emma Woozeer
Emma’s Ignite Your Journey programme supports students from low socioeconomic backgrounds in accessing top universities, breaking down barriers and broadening aspirations.
Category 4: Right Advice and Experiences
Winner: Clyde & Co – LIFT Programme
LIFT is breaking barriers in the legal sector by providing insight, confidence, and skills to diverse talent, ensuring greater access to the profession.
Winner: Leonardo UK - Leonardo UK
Leonardo’s STEM team has driven national initiatives to inspire young minds, particularly young women, into engineering careers.
Category 5: Open Recruitment – Sponsored by Travelodge
Winner: Essex County Council - Circles Alternative Education
Supporting young people with unique challenges, Circles offers alternative education and employment opportunities for individuals with SEND and learning disabilities.
Category 6: Fair Career Progression
Winner: Travelodge – Aspire Programme
With over 1,000 colleagues onboarded in 2024, Aspire is transforming career progression, developing future leaders, and promoting internal mobility.
Winner: Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust – EDI Team
By championing BAME talent progression, this initiative has empowered nurses to advance their careers, creating lasting change in the workforce.
Category 7: Widening Access to Savings and Credit
Winner: Aldermore – Jonny Carberry
Since 2021, Jonny has led Aldermore’s Talent and Learning strategy, driving equity through initiatives like the 10,000 Black Interns Partnership and Change 100.
Category 8: Good Health and Wellbeing
Winner: South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust – Sandheep Singh
A compassionate and patient-led approach has earned Sandheep recognition for outstanding care, improving health outcomes and empowering patients.
Winner: Ramsay Health Care UK
Ramsay Health Care UK for providing high quality healthcare services through hospitals and day care centres across the UK and with a focus on prioritising employee and community wellbeing.
Category 9: Extending Enterprise
Winner: Capital City College Group – Visionnaires
Providing free support to underrepresented entrepreneurs, Visionnaires is driving economic mobility and business success for those without traditional opportunities.
Winner: Liverpool John Moores University
LJMU's student-led Business Clinic within Liverpool Business School provides a range of support options to organisations in the Liverpool City Region, as well as giving students the opportunity to practically apply and develop their theoretical knowledge in a real-world professional environment.
Category 10: Closing the Digital Divide
Winner: Colt Technology Services – Marta Trzaska
Colt’s support for Ignite Hubs is providing digital skills to disadvantaged young people, ensuring no one is left behind in a tech-driven world.
Category 11: Infrastructure for Opportunity
Winner: Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast – as operator of the West Coast Main Line service Avanti connects major cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, enabling customers to access education, employment and leisure opportunities and facilitating economic growth and investment.
Category 12: Building Sustainable Communities – Sponsored by Lumo
Winner: Stop Hunger Foundation – Sodexo UK&I
Through Rose Vouchers, Sodexo is tackling food insecurity, improving health, and strengthening local economies, with lasting impact on families and communities.
Winner: Karbon Homes – Karbon Homes
Karbon Homes win for their Thriving Byker Strategy, a transformative initiative investing over £21 million into neighbourhood improvements, home renovations, affordable housing, community food support, and local engagement projects—creating a safer, more sustainable, and thriving community in Byker.
Category 13: Harnessing the Energy Transition
Winner: Lumo
Lumo leads the way in sustainable transport with its all-electric, renewable-powered fleet, significantly cutting carbon emissions. Its commitment to efficiency and reduced energy use sets a new standard for green business practices in the sector.
Category 14: Opportunity for All – Everyone, Everywhere
Winner: GEDU
With diversity and inclusion at its heart, GEDU, through GBS in the UK, provides life-changing education for underrepresented groups, transforming communities across the UK.
Category 15: Working in Partnership
Winner: Tees Valley Business Board – Siobhan McCardle
Led by Chair, Siobhan McCardle, Tees Valley Business Board actively collaborates with organisations to foster economic growth and social development in the region.
Student Ambassador Awards - Sponsored by Enterprise Mobility
Winners: Teniola Lamidi (Royal Holloway, University of London), Ashray Rakesh (University of Salford), Naomi Olowabi (Royal Holloway, University of London), Katrin Ivanova (University of West London).
Spotlight Awards
Winner: Serco
Serco won a Spotlight Award for its strong commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing through its ABC Strategy, which embeds safety into every aspect of its operations. Visible leadership, with senior leaders taking personal safety pledges, has driven a 133% increase in near-miss reporting and measurable safety improvements. By integrating physical and mental wellbeing into its approach, Serco ensures a safer, healthier workplace, especially for employees in high-risk roles.
Winner: University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich is an institution that is committed to giving students from diverse backgrounds a wide range of opportunities. Most of its students are from the local area and nearly 60 per cent come from under-represented backgrounds.
Winner: Anchor
Anchor wins a Spotlight Award for its commitment to digital inclusion, community safety, diversity, and resident wellbeing. Through initiatives like Be Digital, Connected Properties, and the Community Safety Team, it has enhanced digital access, neighbourhood safety, and inclusivity, while also securing £5.6 million in financial support for residents. Its Be Well programme promotes holistic wellness, and its efforts have generated £226.3 million in social value, making a lasting impact on communities.
Winner: The Wise Group
The Wise Group are one of our spotlight winners today because they are a truly inspirational social enterprise, dedicated to transforming lives and lifting people out of poverty. They are at the heart of breaking down the barriers to opportunity in everything they do - from supporting people into meaningful jobs, lifting families out of fuel poverty, and assisting those leaving prison in brighter futures.
Winner: Equiniti
Equiniti has received a Breaking Down Barriers Award for its commitment to driving financial inclusion and employee empowerment through its Employee Share Plans. By making share ownership more accessible, Equiniti is helping employees at all levels build financial resilience and share in their organisation’s success. Their dedication to education, engagement, and innovation in employee share plans ensures that more people, regardless of background, have the opportunity to benefit from long-term financial growth, breaking down barriers to financial wellbeing and economic opportunity.
Winner: Travelodge
Travelodge has received a Breaking Down Barriers Award for its Aspire programme, which plays a vital role in fostering social mobility and career progression. Aspire provides employees with structured development opportunities, equipping them with the skills and experience needed to advance within the company, regardless of their background. By focusing on internal talent and creating clear pathways for growth, Travelodge is breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring that career success is based on ability and ambition rather than circumstance.
Winner: EMS Healthcare
EMS Healthcare deserves a Spotlight Award for its groundbreaking work in bringing essential healthcare services directly to communities, breaking down barriers to access. Through its mobile medical units, EMS Healthcare has transformed how patients receive care, ensuring that underserved and remote populations can access vital treatments, diagnostics, and clinical trials without the limitations of traditional healthcare settings. By reducing health inequalities and ensuring that care reaches those who need it most, EMS Healthcare is making a lasting impact on public health and community wellbeing
Winner: NES Healthcare
NES Healthcare deserves a Spotlight Award for its outstanding commitment to breaking down barriers in healthcare. Through innovative initiatives, they’ve focused on improving accessibility and inclusivity in the healthcare sector, particularly by enhancing training opportunities and fostering a diverse workforce. Their proactive approach to addressing health disparities has empowered healthcare professionals and provided greater access to essential services, making a significant, positive impact on both patients and communities.
Winner: Southeastern Railway
Southeastern, whose commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and opportunity has transformed lives and opened doors for so many. Whether it’s improving transport accessibility, creating career opportunities, or ensuring that communities stay connected, Southeastern continues to lead the way in breaking down barriers.
Special Recognition Awards
Tim Proctor - Director of HSEQ UK & E Serco at Serco
Louise Wood - Deputy Director, Communications & Public Relations at University of Chester
Chris Biggs - Head of Student Development and Employability at Liverpool Hope University
Jo Horton, Head of Sustainability at E.ON UK
Kirstie Mackey OBE, Director of Citizenship, Consumer Affairs & LifeSkills at Barclays
Adam Green, Chief Risk Officer at Equiniti
Philip Pratley, Director, Trade & External Relations at Leonardo
Laura Nash - EMS
Dr Theresa Roberts, Social Value and Accessibility Manager at Avanti West Coast
Kaz the Assistance Dog who supports Theresea.
Lisa Dolan, Regional VP of Employee Experience for UKISSA at Teleperformance
