Mitie, the UK’s leading facilities management company, was last week recognised for its school volunteering programme, with a silver award at the sixth annual UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs). 

The initiative, which is part of Mitie’s wider ‘Giving Back’ programme, offers various sessions, activities and mentoring opportunities to students in schools across the UK, helping them navigate the often confusing path from education into employment.

Mitie colleagues can volunteer to support to students of all ages, locations and backgrounds, ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make an informed career choice.

These initiatives also aim to address stereotypes and the notion of gender-specific roles, highlighting the opportunities that exist for everyone in industries such as tech or engineering.

Returning as an in-person event for the first time in three years following the COVID-19 pandemic, last week’s awards fundraising gala celebrated organisations from a range of industries, which are committed to advancing social mobility across the UK.

The 2022 awards received the highest number of entries since they were launched in 2017, with entrants from a range of industries including education, finance, law, media and retail.

The UK Social Mobility Awards were set up to recognise organisations that are prioritising social mobility, for example through recruitment processes and progression programmes, outreach within the local community, or by developing innovative ways to create change.

Jasmine Hudson, Chief People Officer, Mitie, said:

“We are proud that Mitie has achieved a SOMO silver award for our colleague volunteering programme, showcasing our dedication to enriching the lives of students. As a people business employing 72,000 colleagues we recognise the vital role we play in supporting tomorrow’s workforce, which is why education is one of the key pillars of our community outreach strategy. Through this initiative, we are providing the next generation with valuable employment skills, while breaking down barriers and perceptions to champion a much more inclusive future for tomorrow’s talent.”

Tunde Banjoko OBE, Founder of the UK Social Mobility Awards, added:

“The UK Social Mobility Awards is a vehicle to raise awareness of social mobility and showcases the individuals and organisations who are dedicated to its advancement. The number and quality of entries we received for this year’s awards is an indication of the increasing significance of social mobility to UK business. I would like to congratulate all the inspiring organisations and individuals who took home a trophy this year. All the UK Social Mobility Awards finalists are making a tangible difference to social mobility in this country and this recognition is extremely well-deserved.”

Notes to editors

About Mitie 

Founded in 1987, Mitie’s job is to look after places where Britain works and is the leading facilities management company in the UK. We offer a range of services to the Public Sectors in Central Government and Defence and Communities (Healthcare, Education and Campus & Critical). Our Technical Services (Engineering Services, Energy, Water and Real Estate Services) and Business Services (Security, Cleaning and  Office  Services)  divisions  serve  private  sector  customers  in  Telecoms,  Financial  & Professional  Services,  Transport  and  Industrials  and  increasingly  to  the  public  sector.  Finally, our Specialist Services  (Care  & Custody, Landscapes, Waste Management and Spain) division serves both the public and private sectors in these niche businesses.

Mitie acquired Interserve’s facilities management business on 30 November 2020 and now employs 72,000 people. We are the champion of the ‘Frontline Heroes’ who have kept Britain working during the COVID pandemic. We take care of our customers’ people and buildings, through the ‘Science of Service,’ delivering essential services and deploying industry-leading technology to create safe and effective workspaces.

The business continues to execute its technology-led strategy and in the past twelve months has received multiple awards.

Find out more at https://www.mitie.com.