Compass Group appoints head of social value

The Compass Group UK and Ireland has appointed Laura Neville as its new head of social value, a position it said will be “dedicated to leading the social value agenda – with a focus on employees, clients and communities”.
Compass has also announced it is partnering with the Social Value Portal, which aims to “promote better business and community wellbeing through the integration of social value into day-to-day business”.

Nevile will develop and deliver social value in line with the National TOMs social value framework, aiming to support Compass’ “our climate promise”, social mobility and health and wellbeing strategies, as well as measuring the impact of initiatives to inform future programmes and best practice.

Nevile has a background in procurement and led the social value agenda for Compass’ procurement division, Foodbuy, from 2018. In 2020, she became Compass Group PLC’s global responsible sourcing lead.

The Portal is an online solution that allows organisations to measure and manage the contribution they and their supply chain makes to society, reporting both non-financial and financial data to demonstrate value and progress, underpinned by the National TOMs.

Neville said: “The Covid pandemic has further highlighted the impact that corporate organisations can have in delivering social value. I have been privileged to have worked with many social enterprises and seen the positive impact they can have on our society and communities in which we live and work.

“Compass employs thousands of people, supporting many clients – so sharing best practice and ideas in this area will have a huge impact for us and those we work with. This is an exciting opportunity to ensure our social value strategy delivers tangible changes for our people, clients and society.”

Robin Mills, managing director, Compass Group UK and Ireland, added: “Our social mobility strategy ensures whatever your background, you have an opportunity to progress and develop a career with us. Additionally, our net zero ambition has seen us put sustainability at the heart of all our decision making, as we work to transform the food system and achieve our net zero goal.

“Laura’s expertise and passion will further enhance our work in this area, especially through understanding our clients’ agendas alongside the communities they operate in – offering advice and support to maximise opportunities for doing good.”