Social Impact is no longer a ‘nice to have’— it’s becoming a core business strategy that drives innovation, builds resilience, and sets companies apart in increasingly crowded markets.

Whether it’s developing partnerships with social enterprises third-sector organisations, building Social Impact into bids, or embedding sustainability into day-to-day operations, it reinforces the role of business as a force for good—tackling inequality, advancing social mobility, and supporting inclusive economic growth alongside commercial success.

Why does it matter to us? 

  • For our clients – We help clients build strong, resilient workforces and plug skills gaps with diverse talent, driving business growth and innovation whilst meeting their own ESG, DEI and Social Value commitments.
  • For our colleagues – A supportive, inclusive workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and can thrive in order to drive client outcomes.
  • For our candidates – We remove barriers and systemic bias for underrepresented talent so that all have fair opportunity to succeed and secure meaningful employment.
  • For our suppliers – We expect responsible supplier practices that align with our values on human rights and ethical conduct, in order maximise Social Impact.  
  • For our communities – We understand our role in society to fuel inclusive, economic growth, contributing our time, skills and resources to make a positive impact in communities we operate.

A critical part of responsible business is making impact measurable, both globally and on a local level, so that we can translate our commitments into real outcomes. In turn, this helps colleagues, clients and suppliers feel directly connected to the impact we’re making.

Leading with purpose – our Social Impact

At AMS, we recognise that we are in a unique position to drive Social Impact through our inclusive and sustainable talent strategies – from creating diverse talent pipelines, to addressing bias in the recruitment process, to tapping into underrepresented talent pools.  

That’s why we integrate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts, to align with the ‘S’ in ESG. Our ‘Social’ pillar is anchored in three UN Sustainable Development Goals: Gender Equality, Reduced Inequalities and Good Health & Wellbeing. These goals guide how we support our colleagues, partner with clients, engage suppliers, and contribute to the communities where we live and work.

Below are a few impact examples, read more in our latest Annual DEIB Impact Report. 

Closing the Social Mobility gap 

AMS jumped to 12th place in the 2024 Social Mobility Foundation Employer Index, up from 39th. Drivers behind this were: 

 

Breaking down barriers for young talent with the King’s Trust

Our social mobility efforts also include fundraising through the King’s Trust Million Makers initiative, delivering inspiring career insight days, aiming to reach younger populations in the most deprived areas in the UK. 

The AMS Skills Creation ‘Limitless Horizons’ campaign has reached over 300 students across 9 London schools in the LDBS Academy, featuring speakers who shared inspiring stories of overcoming adversity, and a creative writing competition focused on inspiring careers and their dream jobs. This culminated in a celebration at our AMS London office. 

A second virtual event reached 150 students aged 16–19 across underserved communities in Lancashire, with local industry leaders sharing their diverse journeys and routes to a successful career. 

 

Redefining opportunities for over-50s with 55/ Redefined

Social mobility isn’t limited to young people, and needs a multi-generational approach. Through our exclusive partnership with 55/ Redefined, we’re on a journey to make age inclusion a strategic business priority for our clients, helping to break down ageist barriers. 

Together, we’re driving multi-generational workforce inclusion and reshaping how businesses attract, retain, and engage over-50s talent. Recognising this we also hosted a cohort of over-50s talent from the A&O Shearman Restart programme for our Global Day of Giving to support them into their next career transition – with mock interviews, CV clinics and a panel with our Executive Leadership.

 

Creating a Gender Inclusive and Family Friendly Workplace

AMS are recognised as a Fertility Friendly Employer, in partnership with Fertility Matters at Work. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to supporting colleagues through all paths to parenthood, breaking down stigma, and ensuring inclusive policies and practices are in place. 
We are also proud to have achieved Menopause Friendly Accreditation, recognising the support we provide to colleagues experiencing menopause. This reflects our commitment to wellbeing, inclusivity, and building a workplace where everyone feels supported.

 

Leveraging our skills to support global communities 

From our Global Day of Giving, to Employee Resource Group (ERG) outreach initiatives, AMS have many examples of using our skills and expertise for good:

  • Inspiring hope at the Refugee Job Fair (EMEA) – In November 2024, a group of AMS volunteers came together to support the Refugee Job Fair in Berlin to provide CV support and personal branding guidance to refugees seeking new opportunities and hope for their future.
  • Supporting Veterans outreach (Americas) – Members of our Military ERG spent Veterans Day in America supporting the unhoused population in Southern Arizona, covering 36 miles they engaged the people living on the streets offering support where they could.
  • Empowering young learners in Pune (APAC) – in partnership with the Samarthanam Trust, AMS Pune embraced the true spirit of giving back. Jim Sykes (AMS COO) and Shankar Bhukya (Pune GCC Head), along with other leaders, visited Barrister Vitthalrao Gadgil Primary School to spend time with nearly 200 bright students, touring classrooms and sharing stories. Each child received a school bag with essential supplies and the school was gifted new sports equipment. 
  • Mentoring for International Women’s Day (UK & EMEA) – To mark International Women’s Day 2025, our Women’s ERG partnered with BelEve to pair 52 women and girls in the UK and Poland with AMS mentors.  The initiative had full involvement from our Executive Leadership team to help empower young women.  

Now is the time for businesses to lead with purpose. 

Read more about our Social Impact in our latest DEIB Annual Impact Report and Sustainability Report

Register your interest to join our Social Impact Summit at LinkedIn London on 30th October – exploring how skills-first hiring uncovers hidden talent and creates meaningful opportunities for overlooked individuals and communities