Purpose Coalition partners came together recently at the iconic Terrace Pavilion in the House of Commons to celebrate the conclusion of the first session of the new Parliament. Sponsored by Sodexo UK & Ireland, the event brought together MPs, ministers, senior business executives and influential leaders from business, education, health and the government.
The Summer Reception highlighted significant progress achieved by Purpose Coalition members, including Sodexo, in driving social mobility and fostering purpose-driven initiatives across the UK. It provided a valuable platform for businesses to engage directly with MPs and newly appointed ministers, giving them the opportunity to forge closer links and develop discussions on extending their collective social impact.
Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of the Purpose Coalition, commented: “Yesterday’s event highlights the vital role our members play in driving social mobility, as well as the wide range of innovative and ground-breaking purpose-led initiatives they generate. There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that everyone, whatever their background or wherever they are from, has access to opportunity so it’s inspiring to see such diverse leaders united in their commitment to sustained, impactful change.
“I am particularly grateful to Sodexo for sponsoring this event and for showing real leadership in promoting equality of opportunity through their various initiatives and programmes such as Starting Fresh which is making a real impact, helping prison leavers secure meaningful employment opportunities.”
Chair of the Breaking Down Barriers Commission, Nick Forbes CBE, said: “Through the exploration of our shared experiences and the fantastic examples of best practice demonstrated by our partners, we are building an invaluable evidence base of what works well and where there are still gaps in opportunity. The collaborative projects that are being developed between partners will make an invaluable contribution to breaking down the barriers that still prevent too many people from making the most of their talent and getting on.”
Jean Renton, COO of Sodexo UK & Ireland, added: “It was inspirational to be in a room with so many organisations and people committed to the common goal of breaking down barriers to employment and creating opportunities for all. Collaboration is essential, and we’ve seen firsthand the progress that’s possible when organisations – including our clients and supply partners, Government, charities, social enterprises and communities all work together. At Sodexo, our work through the Stop Hunger Foundation and Starting Fresh programme – among other initiatives – could not be possible without the contribution each of these stakeholders make. Events like this remind us how far we’ve come and how much further we can go together.”
The informal reception offered attendees an excellent opportunity for networking and exchanging innovative ideas, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing purposeful change and social mobility in communities nationwide.
