The shortlist for the 2025 UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs) has been announced, with notable mention of estate agents in contention for the highly respected prizes.

The SOMOs, run by social mobility charity Making The Leap, recognise organisations and individuals working to advance socio-economic inclusion in the UK workforce.

This year’s shortlist highlights the growing momentum within property and sectors to deliver meaningful change – from recruitment and early careers, to progression and leadership.

Amongst the nominees are

• Savills – Leadership of the Year and Rising Star (Sarah Katherine Thorley)
• Knight Frank – Innovation, Champion of the Year (Chelsea Whelan), and Rising Star (Joel Cooper)
• Lloyds Banking Group – Organisation of the Year, Social Mobility Network of the Year, Pre-Recruitment Programme of the Year, and Champion of the Year (Paul Speight)
• Coventry Building Society – Leadership of the Year
• NatWest – Social Mobility Network of the Year
• Schroders – Recruitment Programme of the Year

Winners will be announced at the UK Social Mobility Awards Fundraising Gala taking place in London on Wednesday 2nd October 2025. The event is considered one of the highlights of the corporate DEI calendar, drawing significant attention from HR, CSR, and leadership teams.

Tunde Banjoko, founder and CEO at 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.”