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Sodexo UK & Ireland has received the Ambassador Charter Mark Award by the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group, becoming the first organisation to achieve this highest level of recognition.
This milestone reflects Sodexo’s long-standing commitment to creating social impact in the communities it serves and operates in, with each of its 30,000 colleagues supporting the delivery of its varied services and taking collective responsibility for driving positive change every day.
The Social Recruitment Advocacy Group was founded in 2022 by PeoplePlus, a leading organisation in social value creation, and is chaired by Rt. Hon. Anne Milton, former Minister of State for Skills and Apprenticeships. Bringing together over 100 organisations including Lidl, IKEA, Amey, DHL and the NHS, the Group is focused on breaking down employment barriers by expanding access to skills development, and sustainable job opportunities, including for individuals with criminal convictions and supporting military communities. Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy, the Group is driving a lasting movement for social change.
The Ambassador Level represents the highest commitment to social value and innovative recruitment practices. Employers who achieve this status are true champions of social responsibility, embedding social impact into their corporate DNA while serving as advocates and role models within their industries.
Sodexo’s achievement as the first organisation to receive Ambassador status reflects its dedication to creating positive change with the advocacy group highlighting the following:
- Guaranteed interviews for ex-offenders through its Starting Fresh programme, helping reduce reoffending by providing meaningful employment.
- Support for military communities, offering employment pathways for veterans, reservists, and military families.
- Supporting unpaid carers through its Parents and Carers employee network.
- Encouragement of employee volunteering, offering up to three paid days per year for volunteering and fundraising through the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation.
- Mentoring organisations new to social recruitment, ensuring a long-lasting impact across industries.
Sodexo’s charitable work also contributed to it achieving Ambassador status, particularly the fundraising efforts of the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation which includes its support to 2.8 million people through the redistribution of more than 160,000 meals and by dedicating 56 per cent of its funding to addressing food insecurity’s root causes, as reported in its 2024 annual impact report.
In February 2025, Sodexo UK & Ireland reinforced its long-standing commitment to social impact by launching its Social Impact Pledge 2030. This five-year plan sets ambitious goals across its people, planet, places, and partners pathways. As part of its People pathway, Sodexo prioritises social mobility by expanding access to apprenticeships, supporting individuals with criminal convictions into sustainable employment, and helping veterans, reservists, and military families secure meaningful job opportunities.
Angela Halliday, Director of Sodexo Impact at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “We are incredibly proud to be the first organisation to achieve Ambassador status with The Social Recruitment Advocacy Group. This recognition reflects our commitment to creating real opportunities for those facing employment barriers. At Sodexo, we believe responsible recruitment is not just the right thing to do—it strengthens businesses, communities, and society as a whole.”
Kenny Boyle, CEO at PeoplePlus, commented: “Achieving Ambassador status is a fantastic milestone for Sodexo. They have emerged as leaders in their industry and true champions of social responsibility. Their commitment to social impact is consistently embedded in their ethos and approach.”
