Sofia signs to become a Cornerstone employer

Sofia has signed up to become a Cornerstone Employer through an initiative of Tees Valley Careers and The Careers & Enterprise Company.

A Cornerstone Employer is a business invested in successfully and sustainably delivering careers education for young people and one that commits to joining a leadership group of local businesses to support the schools, colleges and young people in their area. 

Through Sofia's work with local primary and secondary schools, and with colleges and universities, the project team is already fulfilling many of the Cornerstone Employer criteria including: engaging with education and leading by example; investing time and resources to support school and students; engaging with business networks - in Sofia's case through our contractors and supply chain - to collaboratively meet the needs of schools, colleges and young people, and with a focus on sustainability.

By signing on to become a Cornerstone Employer, Sofia commits to formalising the activity that is underway, with the key aim being to help young people in the area to reach their full potential. Sofia will:

• Work in partnership with local schools, colleges, the Department for Education and The Careers & Enterprise Company, to help promote social mobility and support equal opportunity for all.
• Work collaboratively to build on locally-led best practice including existing relationships between businesses and schools in the local area.
• Fulfil agreed commitments and attend regular roundtable meetings to discuss progress against these plans.

The Cornerstone Employer agreement aligns closely with Sofia's own supply chain plan commitments, particularly in relation to working closely with the Tees Valley Combined Authority, via Tees Valley Careers. Updates on relevant activities and initiatives will be published on the Sofia website as the project progresses.