Sodexo and LDN Apprenticeships have launched a transformative new Social Impact Academy, bringing together Sodexo colleagues to build the skills, knowledge and confidence to drive meaningful societal and environmental change.
The Academy generated overwhelming interest from colleagues across Sodexo’s diverse business areas, highlighting a strong appetite to contribute to the organisation’s social impact and sustainability ambitions irrespective of role or career stage.
It also provides a structured opportunity for colleagues to develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to Sodexo's sustainability goals.
“I'm excited to see how the Academy develops over the coming months. The fact there was a waiting list says a lot about the appetite across Sodexo for people to build their knowledge and play a more active role in creating positive social and environmental impact. Many colleagues are looking for opportunities to connect their work to something with purpose and meaning. From my perspective, it's also about creating more advocates across the business, people who are curious, challenge how things are done, and help us find better ways to support our people, strengthen our places and reduce our environmental impact.”
Claire Atkins-Morris
Sustainability and Workplace Culture Director
Sodexo UK & Ireland
Turning ambition into action
The Academy brings Sodexo’s Social Impact Pledge 2030 to life, focusing on its four priorities: People, Planet, Places and Partners.
Through expert-led masterclasses, participants will gain the knowledge, tools and practical insight to drive and apply positive change where it matters most: in their everyday roles.
More than a learning programme, the Academy creates a community of social impact champions across the business, creating momentum for lasting change and helping embed sustainability into Sodexo’s daily working practices.
It also reflects Sodexo’s belief that achieving Net Zero targets and fostering an inclusive culture is the responsibility of the entire company.
Sustainability learning for every role
There’s no requirement for participants to work in sustainability, ESG or social value to join the Academy. They’ll learn how to apply sustainability principles within their existing roles, whether through managing projects, supporting communities, influencing stakeholders, analysing data, improving processes or collaborating with suppliers.
The programme covers:
🌍 Environmental sustainability
🤝 Social value and community impact
📈 Governance and responsible business
This organisation-wide approach recognises that every colleague can contribute and that the greatest impact comes when different teams, professions and locations work together towards a shared goal.
Building a community of changemakers
Over 17 months, Academy members will complete the Level 4 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner apprenticeship, delivered by LDN Apprenticeships and funded through Sodexo UK & Ireland’s Growth and Skills Levy.
As well as gaining specialist sustainability expertise, participants will strengthen their skills in:
Communication and influencing
Project and change management
Data and insight
Leadership and collaboration
Strategic thinking
Personal effectiveness
Through workplace projects and real-world application, Academy members will also develop the skills and confidence to influence others, drive change and deliver measurable impact.
Supporting professional recognition through ISEP
LDN Apprenticeships and Sodexo UK and Ireland are corporate partners of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP).
Academy members will receive ISEP membership for the duration of the programme, providing access to professional resources, learning opportunities and a wider sustainability network.
ISEP content is embedded within the programme, and participants will have the option to sit the Associate-level examination, creating an additional pathway towards professional recognition.
Creating impact across Sodexo
We’re delighted to welcome the inaugural cohort of Academy members as they begin developing the skills and expertise to drive meaningful social and environmental impact across Sodexo’s business in the UK.
Although the founding cohort includes approximately 30 colleagues, its influence will extend far beyond the programme. Through workplace projects and shared learning, participants will help embed social impact across the business.
The Academy demonstrates how apprenticeships can support both individual development and organisational priorities. By combining professional learning with practical application, the programme will help participants build the knowledge and skills to contribute positively to Sodexo's Social Impact Pledge 2030.
The Academy also represents a significant investment in Sodexo’s people and sustainability ambitions. LDN Apprenticeships is pleased to partner with Sodexo to deliver the programme and support its colleagues as they develop their sustainability expertise and drive their ambitions forward.
As the first cohort begins the programme, the foundations are in place for the Sodexo Social Impact Academy to grow, extending its reach and supporting even more colleagues to contribute to Sodexo’s social and environmental ambitions.
For more information on the Sodexo Social Impact Academy, please contact Amy Sheppard at amy.sheppard@ldnapprenticeships.com.