Leicester College has been named as a finalist in the School/College of the Year category of the 2024 UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs).

The Awards were established to recognise and celebrate forward-thinking organisations that are actively creating positive social change for their employees and in their communities, by embedding social mobility initiatives into their core business strategy.

In response to a growing number of students presenting with multiple barriers on reaching further education, Leicester College has expanded its range of activities and services to support social mobility through education. These support activities include:

• Care experienced events
• Specialist mentoring
• Sexual health drop-ins
• Food parcels and care packages
• Student enrichment sessions
• Leaders unlocked
• Summer programme
• Library activities
• Young adult carers

Since their launch in 2017, the SOMOs have become an important platform for promoting social mobility in the UK and have attracted entries from leading organisations across the country, spanning multiple sectors. The awards provide valuable recognition for organisations who are leading the way in social mobility.

Winners for the awards are determined by an independent judging panel, made up of leading figures from business, charity, and the public sector, chaired by the HM Lord Lieutenant of London, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE. The winners will be announced at an in-person awards gala in London on Thursday 3 October 2024.

Verity Hancock, Principal and CEO of Leicester College said: “We’re delighted to be selected as a finalist in the UK Social Mobility Awards. This recognition is testament to the work of our team who are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and engagement for groups who often experience barriers and are overlooked.

“Through these activities and initiatives, we are helping individuals to progress and improve social mobility through further learning, volunteering, employment, or international work experience opportunities.”

Tunde Banjoko OBE, Founder of the UK Social Mobility Awards, added: “Our vision is for every employer and educator in the UK to guide meaningful action to achieve socio-economic diversity, equity and inclusion, so we’re thrilled with the action shown by this year’s finalists.”

For the past eight years, the UK Social Mobility Awards have been championing the advancement of social mobility by recognising and celebrating employers and educators working to improve it.