Sodexo delivers on social impact pledges

Sodexo has published its 2024 Social Impact Report, providing a detailed account of the positive impact created throughout the company’s three-year social value strategy.

This strategy, which was initiated in 2021 with the launch of its latest Social Impact Pledge, underpins Sodexo’s commitment, leading the way to improve quality of life for its colleagues, society and the planet.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the actions Sodexo has taken over the last three years, to create meaningful impact for its people, planet, places and partners. It showcases compelling data and case studies bringing to life the ways in which the business – in partnership with its clients and suppliers – has addressed a variety of societal challenges.

Developments since 2021 include:

• Increasing average spend with SME/VCSE supply partners to 50 per cent, exceeding the 40 per cent target.
• Providing over 1,000 hours of mentoring to supply partners and charities with diverse ownership.
• Reducing supply chain emissions by 30 per cent since 2017.
• Reducing food service Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 21 per cent by increasing sales of sustainable options.
• Investing in the Starting Fresh programme to encourage even more businesses and Sodexo managers to employ 567 prison leavers within six weeks of release, and 701 within six months of leaving prison.
• Donating over £1.1 million to charity partners and social enterprises, supporting 105 organisations through the Stop Hunger Foundation.
• Graduating 643 apprentices by ensuring appropriate vacancies and job roles are considered for apprenticeships.
• Gifting £2.28 million of apprenticeship levy to support small and not-for-profit organisations.
• Co-founding the cross-industry BSA Modern Slavery Council, which now has 20-plus members collectively representing two billion employees.

In 2025, Sodexo will announce the next phase of its social impact strategy, with commitments that focus on existing and emerging issues that align with the company’s responsibilities and priorities as a leading provider of sustainable food services and valued experiences. This will mark Sodexo’s 10th year of publicly pledging its social impact commitments.

Commenting on the report, Sean Haley, CEO of Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Sodexo has always been a purpose-led business, but since 2021 we have seen a real shift in how deeply ingrained and essential social impact has become – this is reflected in our day-to-day operations.

“I am confident that every contract we retain, or win is – in part at least – in recognition of the quantified and tangible positive social impact we deliver in partnership with our clients and suppliers.

“Our various commitments, such as accelerating the decarbonisation of our business to achieve our net zero target sooner and recruiting more ex-offenders into our business, drives us to continue making progress.”