Read: Sodexo showcases positive social impact in new report

Sodexo has published its 2023 Social Impact Report, which highlights progress and outcomes delivered against the commitments laid out in its Social Impact Pledge. Each of these commitments were pledged in 2021, as part of a three-year social value strategy to deliver real change which improves quality of life for Sodexo’s people and in the communities where they live and work.

The report, published annually, provides a comprehensive overview of how Sodexo is making a positive difference across the UK and Ireland. It provides compelling data and real-life examples of what social impact the company has delivered and where it’s relevant and proportionate to do so, how much Social Return on Investment (SROI) it has created for communities using the National Themes, Outcomes and Measures (TOMs) framework where applicable.

Sodexo's Social Impact Pledge serves as an ethical manifesto, encompassing carefully selected commitments that aim to foster a healthier, greener, safer, and more prosperous society. These commitments are strategically mapped across four impact pathways crucial to Sodexo's business: our People, Planet, Places, and Partners. By focusing on these areas, Sodexo strives to create significant social value and make a positive difference in the communities where it operates.

The 2023 Social Impact Report highlights several key achievements across each of the four impact pathways, including:
 

People 

• A comprehensive apprenticeship programme, with circa 900 apprentices currently working across the UK and Ireland. 

• While Sodexo is a Ban the Box organisation, certain roles require disclosure. In 2021 and 2022, 82% of job applicants with positive Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) applications successfully secured employment. 
   

Planet 

• Sodexo has accelerated its ambition to achieve net zero across its value chain by 2040, five years ahead of the previously set target. 
   

Places 

• Over 4,000 hours of volunteering have been provided in the community through the Sodexo volunteering programme over the last year. 
   

Partners 

• Sodexo remains committed to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with 57% of its overall spend in the UK and Ireland being directed towards SME and VCSE suppliers. 

• In 2022, Sodexo colleagues recorded 800 hours of skills-based volunteering for PILOTLIGHT, a charity that amplifies the impact charities, business and individuals can bring to make a better world.
   

Commenting on the report, Sean Haley, CEO of Sodexo UK & Ireland, said:

“When we launched our most recent Pledge, we vowed to be transparent about how we were performing against the commitments we made.

In this report, we do just that – focused on understanding the difference we are making for individuals and across wider communities. We are, however, not complacent – we recognise there is always more we can do.

But we know that to be truly purpose-led, any organisation is limited on how much they can achieve in isolation. As such, we are extremely proud of the ecosystem we continue to build with our clients, suppliers, government and the many charities and third sector organisations who collectively support us in driving the positive impact that improves quality of life.  

We are immensely grateful to our colleagues who through their everyday work delivering excellent services, are also able to deliver social impact and encourage others to do so too.  We know all businesses have a direct responsibility to positively contribute to society and improve the communities where they operate, we take this seriously and will continue to ensure this is embedded in all that we do.”

Rt. Hon Justine Greening, Former Secretary of State for Education & Chair of the Purpose Coalition, added:

“As a leading member of the Purpose Coalition, Sodexo doesn’t just talk the social mobility talk, it walks the walk.

The Sodexo Levelling Up Impact Report published last year showcased its ambitious and wide-ranging approach and highlighted some of the ways it could go even further, building on its fantastic Social Impact Pledge. Crucially, it has gone a step further and published an update on that purpose-led work for 2023.

Its willingness to measure it progress means that it can target its work more effectively to where it will make the most difference.The Social Impact Report shows that it is continuing to create opportunities for its colleagues, its customers and its communities.”

Sodexo’s commitment to social impact spans several years, with the 2021 launch of its Social Value Pledge marking its fourth iteration. First published in 2015, the business has faithfully reported on its progress against the pledges each year, demonstrating with evidence and examples the positive impact it is creating.