University shortlisted for Social Mobility Awards 2024
The University of Bradford has been shortlisted for the eighth annual Social Mobility Awards 2024 for its range of projects designed to increase social mobility.
These include loans, support for care leavers, scholarships, and a range of support for students and graduates, including careers advice up to five years after graduation.
The university was shortlisted for the SOMOs University of the Year category, championed by Nationwide.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Professor Udy Archibong, pictured above, said: “It is an exceptional achievement for the staff and students at the University of Bradford that follows through with our vision, which is a world of inclusion and equality of opportunity where people want to, and can, make a difference, and it is inspiring to know we will be that place.”
The University of Bradford’s commitment to social mobility is reflected by a range of initiatives, including offering students screening for disabilities such as dyslexia, by offering support to disadvantaged groups including care-leavers, asylum seekers and refugees, and by working with employers and other stakeholders to create opportunities.
The University was previously shortlisted for a Social Mobility Award in 2021 and has been ranked first on the Higher Education Policy Institute’s Social Mobility Index in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
About the SOMOs
The Awards were established to 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.
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.
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.”
* Report by Ruby Hullah