London Met was a finalist and took home a Silver Award in the 'University of the Year' award at the sixth annual UK Social Mobility Awards.
Date: 14 October 2022
The winners of the 2022 UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs) were announced at an Awards Fundraising Gala held at The Royal Lancaster London Hotel on Thursday 13 October, with London Met taking home a Silver Award in the University of the Year category.
The gala returned as an in-person event for the first time in three years, and was hosted by comedian and former TV Executive, Cally Beaton. It saw organisations and institutions committed to advancing social mobility across the UK come together to celebrate their work and share best practise.
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. This year’s judges included a panel of esteemed leaders chaired by Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE.
The 2022 awards received the highest number of entries since they were launched in 2017. Entrants came from a range of industries including education, finance, law, media and retail. Business professionals from all over the UK attended the Awards Fundraising Gala in London to watch as the winners were announced. Businessman and former CEO of the Co-op Group, Steve Murrells OBE, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Social Mobility Award.
Head of Widening Participation and Outreach at the University Liz Routhorn, said, "We believe that everyone, whatever their background, should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Everyone at the University works hard every day to bring that ambition to life, and we are delighted that London Met's commitment to social mobility has been recognised in the SOMO Awards."
Neelam Thapar, Head of Careers and Employability at London Met said, "University can transform the opportunities and lives of everyone but especially those from less represented backgrounds. In our Careers and Employability team and across the University, we are always working collaboratively to find new ways to enhance the future goals and prospects of our students and to open up opportunities to a wider range of people."
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."
