Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Chief People Officer, Carol Sommerville, has joined the Social Mobility Commission’s Employer Advisory Group (EAG), which works to support organisations to create better socio-economic inclusion in their workforce.
The Social Mobility Commission is an independent statutory body that exists to help create a country where the circumstances of someone’s birth does not determine their outcome in life. The EAG discusses the challenges around social mobility across the workforce, and considers how the group can influence change at employer and industry level. Together they address issues such as career guidance in schools, or ensuring data to monitor progress within organisations and recruitment is collected and monitored.
Carol is passionate about improving social mobility and is responsible for delivering Compass’ ‘Our Social Promise’ – a commitment to support a million people with opportunities such as job creation, education, training, community and charitable engagement, by 2030.
Carol Sommerville, Chief People Officer, Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “It’s great to join this industry-leading group, which is driving the agenda for businesses on social mobility. Working for the largest food and support services provider in the country – I believe there is so much we can do to improve social mobility and provide opportunities for everyone. I am looking forward to sharing ideas and best practice, as well as discussing how we can act together to address the challenges people are facing across the country and what more businesses can do to unlock them.”
Social Mobility Commissioner Parminder Kohli, Senior Vice President Europe, Middle East & Africa for Shell Lubricants, leads the EAG. He said: “This is an engaged group of employers from across the UK. I have been heartened to hear the activities they are already doing, both within their organisation but also across their industries. It’s clear that they are dedicated to leveraging strategic influence, fostering collaborative learning, and utilising their collective networks to address social mobility challenges innovatively and effectively. It is great to have Carol on board.”
Carol joined Compass Group UK & Ireland from Watchfinder, a luxury pre-owned watch specialist business, part of Richemont Group, where she was Global HR Director. Prior to this she held senior HR roles at Net-a-Porter and began her career at BT, where she worked as HR Director for the Openreach Service Centres, Director of Meritocracy BT Group and Vice President of HR EMEA within BT Global Services.
