London, December 15 2025 – Celebrities, charities and corporate changemakers are among the groups who will be recognised at the Social Mobility List next month.
The List, an annual celebration of individuals and organisations advancing social mobility, has previously honoured figures such as Stormzy and companies including Sky and Barclays. This year, the List, published by social mobility charity Making The Leap, will be launched at a landmark event held at Mansion House, in the heart of the City of London, on 8 January 2026.
The Social Mobility List 2026 highlights those individuals, initiatives, and institutions working to expand opportunity and break down barriers for people from diverse backgrounds. Every year, it recognises champions of fairness across education, employment, culture, and community life, reflecting the extensive efforts underway to make Britain a place where talent and ambition are the true measures of success.
The 2026 listees reflect the organiser’s broadened vision for social mobility, showcasing 14 Movers and Shakers. This group includes not only long-standing champions such as policy-makers, educators, and corporate leaders, but also household names whose platforms and influence reach millions. They exemplify the belief that social mobility is not just about personal achievement but also about using one’s voice and influence to create opportunities for those who might otherwise be overlooked.
Tunde Banjoko OBE, Founder and CEO of Making The Leap and Chief Curator of The Social Mobility List says: “We proved a concept last year and, this year, we are launching a movement. The Social Mobility List isn’t just a publication, it’s a bold statement of intent to put social mobility in the mainstream: on our screens, in our headlines, and around our kitchen tables.
“From household names to grassroots changemakers, these champions show that when we invest in potential over polish and dismantle barriers instead of accepting them, talent flourishes and society thrives. This is everyone’s issue, and everyone has a role to play.”
This year’s launch at Mansion House promises to be the most ambitious celebration yet, uniting leaders from business, entertainment, civil society, and grassroots organisations. Attendees will include major employers such as Lloyds Banking Group, the event’s Gold Partner, alongside other prominent organisations investing in fair recruitment, charities enhancing access to education and skills, and artists and public figures advocating social mobility.
The event will feature a keynote from the first Lady Mayor of London, Dame Susan Langley, alongside new research findings and the formal announcement of the 2026 honourees across multiple categories. Its purpose is not only to acknowledge achievement but also to inspire further nationwide action, encouraging organisations to implement meaningful measures to widen opportunity.
Sharon Doherty (Chief People and Places Officer, Lloyds Banking Group) says: “Talent exists everywhere – it’s opportunity that doesn’t. My journey has taught me the power of backing yourself and the importance of creating pathways for others. At Lloyds Banking Group, we’re proud to champion social mobility, ensuring everyone has the chance to succeed, no matter where they start.”
The Social Mobility List aims to bring social mobility out of corporate boardrooms and into the national spotlight. Building on a successful inaugural year, the 2026 winners will be revealed at this high-profile reception.
Social mobility has traditionally been confined to corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The Social Mobility List seeks to widen the conversation, inspiring young people, informing parents, and highlighting relatable role models. By positioning social mobility as a mainstream societal concern, the publication strives to build a broad coalition that transcends political and corporate boundaries.
To maximise reach, The Social Mobility List will be distributed digitally with free online access at socialmobilitylist.com and through targeted print distribution to schools, universities, community centres, and youth organisations.
Tunde Banjoko OBE is available for interview.
Case studies are also available.
Please find a link to media assets here.
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Media Contacts
For more information, and to enquire about media interviews, please contact the Making The Leap press office using marketingcomms@mtl.org.uk or 020 8962 1900.
Or:
Media@es-pr.co.uk
Out of hours, contact the duty press officer on 07399 219 115.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
About Making The Leap
Making The Leap (MTL) is a societal change charity that was set up in 1993 to help young people from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds between the ages of 11 and 25, by raising their aspirations and increasing their opportunities in life.
We work directly with young people from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds in London, and we increase our influence & impact by working with partners nationwide to replicate our model.
Key information
- Making The Leap provides skills training, school and mentoring programmes and partners with businesses who want to drive forward social mobility via learning opportunities, internships, jobs and more.
- Making The Leap advocates for the importance of social mobility practice in UK businesses and encourages action. The charity organises the UK Social Mobility Awards, runs Social Mobility Day and produces the Social Mobility Podcast and The Social Mobility List, as well as provides bespoke support for companies looking to understand social mobility in their sector.
- Last year Making The Leap reached 4,000 young people, supporting them to develop the skills, behaviours and attitudes that will allow them to fulfil their potential and get into meaningful careers.
What is social mobility?
- At Making The Leap, social mobility means creating opportunities for individuals from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds, so they can fulfil their potential.
Event Details:
Location: Mansion House, Walbrook, London EC4N 8BH
Time: 8:30am arrival, to be seated and start at 8:45am
Event to finish at 10:15am
Breakfast will be included