Serco’s Believe in People social mobility campaign

Serco, the international provider of critical government services, has launched a new campaign championing social mobility called Believe in People, underlining the company’s commitment to taking practical steps to close the gap between talent and opportunity.

Unlocking access to skills and development opportunities for those who may face barriers to employment - such as people with criminal records, veterans and their families, and the long-term unemployed - is essential to improving social mobility in the UK. The initiative focuses on opening routes to meaningful work for people who have faced structural barriers to employment, through tailored support, targeted partnerships and hiring reforms.

In 2026, we are targeting:

• Over 1 million skills development hours for professional and personal growth,
• Sustainable employment for more than 120 people through Serco Pathways
• 30,000 hours of local community volunteering.

Shaun Stacey, Serco UK & Europe Chief People and Culture Officer said: “We’re opening doors and creating routes for people to show what they can achieve regardless of their background or previous experiences. Organisations delivering public services can transform the lives of disadvantaged groups by creating fair, supported and sustainable routes into work.

“Thriving communities are built on the stability of lasting employment.  It’s this belief which powers Believe in People - we believe that when people who have faced unfair barriers to work are given the opportunity to contribute their skills, experience and potential, we all benefit.”

Serco is creating real routes into lasting employment through:

Restart scheme: Serco has supported more than 30,400 people who were long‑term unemployed into steady employment since 2021 through its work for the Department of Work and Pensions.

Serco Pathways Programme: Supports those who’ve faced systemic barriers to employment - including prison leavers, those with criminal records, military veterans, care leavers and people who have experienced homelessness. Pathways provides access to long-term, worthwhile careers across Serco. In Q1 of this year, Serco has hired 89 people through Pathways, 57 of which are veterans.

People with criminal convictions: Serco shares the government’s goal of reducing reoffending. In partnership with organisations such as Offploy, Working Chance and Clean Sheet, Serco is improving its recruitment process and expanding job opportunities at Serco for people with criminal convictions. In Q1 of this year, 28 people have been hired.

Prison skills and training initiatives: We tailor our programmes to labour market intelligence and job opportunities locally, to ensure prisoners are equipped with the skills they need to find lasting future employment.

Care Leaver Covenant and the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter – Serco is a signatory to both as part of its commitment to provide opportunities for young people aged 16 to 25 who have spent time in care.

Youth unemployment –Serco is committed to providing apprenticeship opportunities for young people, with 4,352 16-24-year-olds making up around 15% of Serco’s UK workforce. In the last 12 months, Serco has supported 943 colleagues on apprenticeships.