17/7/2024

Cardiff Commitment has been named a finalist for Public Sector Organisation of the Year at the eighth annual UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs).

The awards 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.

The Cardiff Commitment is a citywide alliance of employers, educational institutions, and community partners dedicated to leveraging Cardiff's economic, cultural, and social resources to benefit children and young people.

The initiative has been recognised for the work undertaken to secure opportunities that raise ambitions and develop essential skills which through collaboration, helps pupils fulfil their potential and contribute to the city's economic growth.

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.

Cardiff's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "The Cardiff Commitment has been instrumental in driving forward several key areas focused on providing ambition, opportunities, and skills to those who need it most and aims to inspire the next generation, create partnerships between employers and educators, and support young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to succeed in education, employment, and life.

"The initiative providesopportunities for employers to prepare Cardiff's young people for the world of work by giving them first hand opportunities and providing invaluable guidance and inspiration to the next generation of workersand aligns with our wider mission to making children's rights a reality in Cardiff, following our achievement of becoming the first UK Child Friendly City in 2023.

"I am delighted the Cardiff Commitment have been named finalists in the UK Social Mobility Awards and I wish the team the best of luck for the award ceremony in October."

Tunde Banjoko OBE, Founder of the UK Social Mobility Awards, said: "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."

Winners for the awards are determined by an independent judging panel, made up of leading figures from busine s, 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 3rd October 2024.