Sodexo has been working with The Purpose Coalition for number of years, focusing on driving social mobility and working with businesses to assist in delivering this agenda.
Six current Sodexo apprentices attended the reception, sharing their stories with guests on how their apprenticeships are helping them kickstart or further develop their careers. Key attendees included:
- Rt Hon Justine Greening, chair of the Purpose Coalition
- Sean Haley, chief executive of Sodexo UK & Ireland
- Matt Dawson MBE, former England Rugby World Cup winner and Sodexo ambassador
- Ruth Cadbury MP, Shadow Minister of Prisons, Parole and Probation
- Nick Forbes CBE, engagement director at the Purpose Coalition
Sodexo launched their ‘Starting Fresh’ initiative earlier this year that aims to support businesses considering recruiting prison leavers.
Sodexo, which has been delivering social value since the 1960s, is focused on making a ‘tangible impact’ on its own people, the people it serves and the communities where it operates. It is a business that works across multiple sectors, from large corporates to education, energy to defence, through multiple partnerships, including its extensive supply chain.
Sean Haley, chief executive of Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: "We can't thrive in isolation; collaboration is vital. Reflecting on the event's success, every conversation I had echoed a collective eagerness to collaborate and a steadfast commitment to improving the communities where we live, work, and serve.”