Social Impact Report 2024 - Flipbook - Page 5
Introduction
This report which, summarises the positive impact created by
three years of my colleagues’ ambition and hard work, is both
extraordinary and humbling.
Sodexo has always been a purposeful business, built on the
principles of improving quality of life for our colleagues, the
people we serve and the communities in which we operate. But
in the last three years we’ve seen a real shi昀琀 in how deeply
ingrained and essential social impact has become.
I am now con昀椀dent that every contract we retain, or win is –
in part at least – in recognition of the quanti昀椀ed and tangible
positive social impact we deliver in partnership with our clients
and suppliers.
We 昀椀rst published our social impact pledge in 2015 – at that
time, known as our Public Service Pledge – and since then the
business has publicly reported on its progress against the
pledges each year, demonstrating with evidence and examples
the positive impact it is making.
and supporting SME and VCSE businesses through responsible
supply chain management, pro-bono coaching and mentoring.
We are always mindful that there is still so much to do.
Partnering with both large and small charitable organisations
highlights the ongoing need for action and drives us to make a
greater impact, as we possess the purpose and scale necessary
to e昀昀ect meaningful change.
In 2025, we will announce the next phase of our social impact
strategy, with commitments that focus on existing and emerging
issues that align with our responsibilities and priorities as a
provider of food services and valued experiences.
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our
colleagues for their support in creating social impact.
I hope you 昀椀nd this report inspiring. Please do follow Sodexo UK
and Ireland on LinkedIn for more updates.
Three years ago, when we launched our fourth social impact
pledge, we did not have a published net zero target. We do now.
And it is science-based, ambitious and externally validated –
and we are ahead of schedule.
We also set an ambition to recruit more ex-o昀昀enders into our
business. We have now invested further in the Starting Fresh
programme which has so far supported over 700 prison-leavers
into job opportunities within six months of release.
We have seen progress in these and our other commitments
such as creating a more inclusive workplace; driving social
mobility through apprenticeships; cutting food waste; raising
funds and volunteering through our Stop Hunger Foundation;
Sean Haley
CEO, Sodexo UK & Ireland
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