The charity coalition, made up of leading employers, civil society and government, aims to tackle youth unemployment and encourage employers to unlock the potential of young people by creating high-quality work placements with the goal of investing in our economy by pushing for systemic change.

The Social Mobility Awards celebrate and recognise the outstanding contribution made by individuals and organisations over the year to their goal of helping disadvantaged young people gain skills and employment.

Springboard’s achievement was down to their successful long-standing collaboration with Diageo and delivery of the UK-wide Diageo Learning for Life programmes. Inga McVicar, Springboard’s National Head of Employability, has worked with Diageo to deliver the employability programmes for several years during her time at The Springboard Charity. Speaking on the win, Inga said:

“The whole team at The Springboard Charity are delighted to have been recognised as Partner of the Year at the Movement to Work Social Mobility Awards. Having delivered Diageo Learning for Life since 2014, and with over 1800 graduates to date, our partnership with Diageo has helped support individuals into sustainable careers while scouting new talent to join the hospitality industry. On average, 78% of Diageo Learning for Life graduates secure long-term employment after they have completed training.

“Celebrating our 30th anniversary, The Springboard Charity is proud to be proactively working throughout the UK and Ireland with a wide range of funders and industry partners to help young people achieve their potential, and nurture unemployed people of any age into work, alleviating poverty by supporting disadvantaged and underprivileged people into sustainable employment within hospitality, leisure and tourism.”

Lucy Lamb, programme manager, Diageo Learning for Life said:

“We’re really pleased that The Springboard Charity has won Partner of the Year award. The team’s commitment, expertise and enthusiasm is vital to the ongoing success of the Diageo Learning for Life programme, helping young people learn new skills, gain recognised hospitality qualifications and build confidence. A big well done and thank you to all those involved!”

In 2014, Scotland became the first country in Europe to deliver the Diageo Learning for Life programme, which has inspired and transformed the lives of young, unemployed people throughout the UK by providing access to training, skills and qualifications.

If you would like to find out more about The Springboard Charity, then contact stephaniel@springboarduk.org.uk to learn more, or head to our website www.springboard.uk.net