Read: Shining a spotlight on social mobility winners - The Purpose Coalition Awards 2023

The winners of the prestigious Purpose Coalition Awards 2023, Breaking Down Barriers, were announced today, recognising the work and innovation that individuals and organisations have demonstrated in breaking down barriers to opportunity and boosting social mobility.

There are award categories for each of the 14 Purpose Goals, a framework developed by the Purpose Coalition to share knowledge and best practice and unify diverse efforts for change. They help identify the key elements that need to be in place to ensure equality of opportunity, from a child’s early years to fair recruitment processes, from closing the digital divide to harnessing the energy transition. There are also additional Spotlight Awards to shine a light on those who have shown exceptional dedication and impact in their particular fields, a Parliamentarian of the Year Award and several awards where MPs have nominated individuals and organisations.

The Breaking Down Barriers Awards are sponsored by leading Purpose Coalition partner, Sodexo, and the winners were announced by the Chair of the Purpose Coalition, Rt Hon Justine Greening, together with Engagement Directors, Rt Hon Anne Milton and Nick Forbes CBE.

The winners of the prestigious Purpose Coalition Awards 2023, Breaking Down Barriers, were announced today, recognising the work and innovation that individuals and organisations have demonstrated in breaking down barriers to opportunity and boosting social mobility.

Rt Hon Justine Greening said: “I’m absolutely delighted to give out these awards today. They are testament to the creativity and determination of those who have put social mobility at the top of their agendas. At a time when the country is continuing to face economic and social challenges, it is more important than ever to shape what it means to make a positive impact. Our winners are leading the way and I want to congratulate them personally for the commitment they have shown to spreading equality of opportunity. I hope their achievements will inspire others to look at their own organisations and communities to see where they could also make a difference.

“The Purpose Goals were developed specifically to help generate a cohesive approach to social impact. The fact that there are winners for each of the 14 Purpose Goals and that our winners represent such a wide range of sectors is a clear indication that the purpose-led movement is gathering pace. Many Coalition partners have an impact on a number of the Goals but often choose to have a strategic focus on those that are most relevant to their business and where they can benchmark their progress most effectively. Our winners today are fantastic examples of how successful that approach can be.

“These Awards also mark the end of 2023. It is a year which has seen the Purpose Coalition grow in size and extend its membership across sectors, with some outstanding work from our partners to maximise their social impact and some on the beginning of their journey. We are shaping the agenda like never before, at party conferences, with ministers and shadow Ministers and through our policy roundtables. I know that, collectively, we will continue to explore innovative solutions to break down barriers and unlock potential.”

Speaking during the awards, Sean Haley, CEO of Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “It is incumbent on us all to play our role in Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity across the country. To create positive social impact in the communities where we operate and where we live.” 

“I’d like to acknowledge all members of the Purpose Coalition and thank them for their continued efforts and leadership on this important agenda.`

AWARD WINNERS

1. Strong Foundations in Early Years Award

Channel 4

2. Successful School Years Award

Dave Green, Teleperformance

University of Southampton

3. Positive Destinations for Young People Award

Professor Graeme Atherton, University of West London

Clive Higgins, CEO & Chair, Leonardo UK

4. Right Advice and Experiences Award

University of Greenwich

Northumbria University

Peter Kay, Tarmac

5. Open Recruitment Award

Vicki Hurrell, Royal Mail 

6. Fair Career Progression Award

Travelodge

7. Widening Access to Savings and Credit Award

The Co-op Group

Ryan Walker, Virgin Money

8. Good Health and Well-being Award

Kent and Medway Partnership and Social Care Trust

James Etherson, South Warwickshire University Foundation Trust

The Wellbeing Team, Centrica

9. Extending Enterprise Award

Solent University

10. Closing the Digital Divide Award

University of Chester

11. Infrastructure for Opportunity Award

Professor George Holmes, University of Bolton

12. Building Homes & Sustainable Communities Award

Jericho Jump Start

13. Harness the Energy Transition Award

Gail Parker, Centrica

14. Achieve Equality, Through Diversity & Inclusion Award

Raj Jones, Sodexo

Professor & Vice-Chancellor Professor David Green, University of Worcester

SPOTLIGHT AWARDS

The Talent Management Award

Jonathan Carberry, Aldermore Bank 

Learning and Development Champion

Liz Nash, UK Power Networks

University Leader of the Year

Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice-Chancellor & Principal , University of Chester 

Professor Kath Mitchell,  Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, University of Derby

Outstanding Social Mobility Champion

Kerry Dryburgh, bp

PARLIAMENTARIAN AWARD

Alison McGovern MP, Shadow Minister for Employment