Working with schools to improve social mobility and support less-advantaged students has earned Bristol-headquartered national law firm Burges Salmon a major award.
The firm secured Gold at the UK Social Mobility Awards 2022 (SOMOs), having been highly commended in the Community Programme of the Year category. 
The SOMOs recognise organisations that are prioritising social mobility through recruitment processes and progression programmes, outreach within the local community, or by developing innovative ways to create change.
Burges Salmon’s victory was in recognition of its Working with Schools programme, which includes providing financial funding, deploying volunteers, hosting online sessions, creating new virtual content, establishing new collaborations and donating books and IT equipment.
It was transformed last year after being impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic to become effective as both a remote and a hybrid model, meaning that young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds could continue being supported.
The firm, which employs 800 people in its Bristol HQ and London and Edinburgh offices, is also continuing to offer apprenticeship opportunities, use contextual recruitment practices and have a strong focus on an inclusive workplace.
Burges Salmon head of corporate responsibility Kirsty Green-Mann, pictured, said: “Social mobility is a key priority in terms of our diversity and inclusion agenda and community engagement activities.
“We understand the difference social mobility makes to individuals, families and communities.
“It also means we are better placed to attract and retain the best talent and, ensure we have an inclusive workplace that enjoys and learns from different perspectives and ideas.”
The 2022 SOMOs received the highest number of entries across a range of sectors spanning education, finance, law, media and retail since they were launched in 2017.
Business professionals from all over the UK attended the awards fundraising gala in The Royal Lancaster London Hotel to watch as the winners were announced.
Awards founder Tunde Banjoko OBE said: “The UK Social Mobility Awards are a vehicle to raise awareness of social mobility and showcases the individuals and organisations who are dedicated to its advancement.
“The number and quality of entries we received for this year’s awards is an indication of the increasing significance of social mobility to UK business.
“I would like to congratulate Burges Salmon for achieving a Gold Award in the Community Programme category and for the inspiring work it is doing to further this important movement.”
