Time for social mobility champions to shine as Breaking Down Barriers Awards shortlist is published
Nominees for the Breaking Down Barriers Awards 2025 have been revealed in advance of a ceremony in Parliament on Monday 24 March which will announce the final winners.
The Awards – headline sponsored this year by Southeastern Railway, and with support from Travelodge, UK Power Networks, Enterprise Mobility and Lumo and Hull Trains - honour individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to breaking down barriers and boosting social mobility across the UK.
Each award category aligns with one of 15 Purpose Goals which set out the core barriers to opportunity in the UK and encompass 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.
For the first time, there is also an Award for a Purpose Lab student who has shown particular commitment to this innovative project which connects students from universities with employers, bridging the gap between education and industry.
Chair of the Purpose Coalition and former Education Secretary, Rt Hon Justine Greening, congratulated those shortlisted:
“The depth and breadth of the nominees in this year’s awards are testament to the determination of our partner organisations to make a tangible difference for their colleagues, customers and the communities they serve. Measuring their activities against the framework of the 15 Goals helps show them where there are still gaps and where they can go even further in their efforts to make this country one in which everyone can reach their full potential, no matter where they are from or what their background. I look forward to meeting the winners next month when we can hear directly from organisations that are not just talking the talk on social impact but walking the walk.”
Chair of the Breaking Down Barriers Commission and former member of Sir Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet, Nick Forbes CBE, said:
“Breaking down barriers to opportunity is integral to the Government’s mission to make our society a fairer one. The nominations for these Awards shine a spotlight on the organisations that work intentionally and ambitiously to deliver opportunity, using their expertise and knowledge to drive better outcomes for everyone. Importantly, much of their best work is done in partnership with others and shows the importance of innovative and effective collaboration in tackling the challenges we face together.”
Award Nominees
Click here to see the nominees
Category 1: Strong foundations in early years recognises an individual or organisation that has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing early education, supporting families, and creating environments where children can develop essential skills before starting school.
Bath Spa University
Sodexo UK&I
Rolls Royce Submarines
System C Healthcare
South Warwickshire University NHS Trust
Category 2: Successful school years recognises an individual or organisation that has demonstrated a commitment to closing the attainment gap, supporting disadvantaged students, and driving improvements in school performance through innovative teaching, leadership, or community engagement.
University of Worcester
E.ON
Teleperformance
University of Salford
Essex County Council
Category 3: Positive destinations post 16+ (Sponsored by UK Power Networks) recognises an individual or organisation that has played a pivotal role in equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and career guidance needed to unlock opportunities and succeed in their chosen post-16 journey.
Leonardo
NCG
University of West London
University of Southampton
Category 4: Right advice and experiences recognises an individual or organisation that has played a crucial role in offering timely and high-quality advice, opening doors to career possibilities, and equipping young people with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue their ambitions.
Royal Holloway, University of London
Liverpool Hope University
Clyde & Co
Capital City College
Lumo and Hull Trains
Leonardo UK
Category 5: Open recruitment (Sponsored by Travelodge) recognises an individual or organisation that has fostered an inclusive hiring process, eliminated barriers to employment, and created pathways for continuous professional growth, enabling employees to thrive and reach their full potential.
Sodexo UK&I
Essex County Council
Leonardo
NES Healthcare
Anchor
Category 6: Fair career progression recognises an individual or organisation that has created clear and transparent pathways for employee development, enabling individuals to build meaningful careers through promotions, upskilling, and continuous learning, regardless of their background.
Travelodge
Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust
Curtins
Merlin
Lumo and Hull Trains
Teleperformance
Category 7: Widening access to savings and credit recognises an individual or organisation that has supported people in managing their finances, reducing debt, and building financial resilience through innovative programs, services, or policy advocacy.
Barclays
PGL Beyond
PIB Insurance
Category 8: Good health and well-being recognises an individual or organisation that has addressed health inequalities, promoted mental and physical wellness, and developed initiatives that create healthier environments, enabling individuals to reach their full potential.
E.ON
Teleperformance
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust
Ramsay Health Care UK
Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust
Category 9: Extending enterprise recognises an individual or organisation that has empowered individuals to start businesses, supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship through mentoring, investment, or community development initiatives.
Capital City College
Liverpool John Moores University
University of West London
Solent University, Southampton
University of Chester
Category 10: Closing the digital and AI divides recognises an individual or organisation that has worked to increase digital access, improve digital literacy, and create opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive in a technology-driven world.
Colt Technology Services
NCG
University of Greenwich
Anchor
Optegra
Category 11: Infrastructure for opportunity recognises an individual or organisation that has driven investment in transportation, digital connectivity, or public services that enable individuals to access education, employment, and essential services.
University of Chester
Greater Anglia
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Category 12: Place: Building sustainable communities (Sponsored by Lumo and Hull Trains) recognises an individual or organisation that has championed initiatives focused on improving housing quality, reducing crime, enhancing public spaces, or fostering local economic development through place-based strategies.
Karbon Homes
E.ON
Sodexo UK&I
Essex County Council
Bath Spa University
Category 13: Harness the energy transition recognises an individual or organisation that has driven initiatives focused on sustainability, clean energy innovation, and reducing carbon emissions while ensuring that the benefits of the green economy are shared equitably across all communities.
Northern Gas Networks
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust
Sodexo UK&I
Lumo and Hull Trains
University of Salford
Category 14: Opportunity for all - everyone, everywhere recognises an individual or organisation that has implemented initiatives that break down barriers to leadership, close pay gaps, and ensure representation across all levels of business, government, and society.
Aldermore
GEDU
Enterprise Mobility
c2c
Teleperformance
Category 15: Working in partnership to tackle social challenges recognises an individual or organisation that has demonstrated a commitment to working collaboratively with trade unions, community groups, and other external stakeholders to create inclusive initiatives and policies.
E.ON
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust
Sodexo UK&I
Southeastern
SERCO
Tees Valley Business Board
