The 2025 UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs) shortlist has been announced, with financial services and property firms earning strong representation across multiple categories.
Run by social mobility charity Making The Leap, the SOMOs recognise organisations and individuals driving socio-economic inclusion across UK workplaces.
This year’s nominations reflect growing momentum within finance to address barriers to opportunity at all stages of the employment journey – from outreach and recruitment to progression and leadership.
Among the leading contenders, Lloyds Banking Group received four nominations: Organisation of the Year, Social Mobility Network of the Year, Pre-Recruitment Programme of the Year, and Champion of the Year for Paul Speight.
Knight Frank also featured prominently, earning shortlist places in the Innovation category and two individual honours, including Champion of the Year for Chelsea Whelan and Rising Star for Joel Cooper.
Other financial and property sector finalists include Coventry Building Society and Savills (Leadership of the Year), Schroders (Recruitment Programme), Nationwide and KPMG (Progression Programme), NatWest (Social Mobility Network), and Pemberton Asset Management (Leadership of the Year).
Winners will be revealed at the SOMOs Fundraising Gala on Wednesday 2nd October 2025 in London – a key fixture in the DEI calendar attended by senior HR, CSR, and executive leaders from across industries.
Tunde Banjoko, founder and CEO of Making The Leap, said: “We’re really pleased to see such strong representation from the property and financial sectors this year.
“The work being carried out by these organisations highlights how institutions are shifting their mindsets.
“We’re especially pleased to see individual changemakers being recognised alongside large-scale initiatives.
“I’d strongly encourage organisations looking to build or deepen their social mobility efforts to get in touch. There are powerful opportunities to partner, learn, and lead in this space.”
