Marvin OnumonuMitie has launched ‘Plan Thrive’, aiming to uplift one million lives, improve 1,000 places, and support inclusive partnerships across the UK over the next three years.
Research commissioned by Mitie found only 18% of people in the UK said they were truly thriving, while the majority (37%) said they were just getting by.
Over half (52%) said financial stability was key for thriving, with quality sleep (48%) and good work/life balance (43%) also important factors.
Two fifths (39%) described thriving as always improving and learning.
Plan Thrive will offer inclusive recruitment, mentoring, wellbeing support, and training to help people into sustainable work.
This includes breaking down employment barriers for groups like care leavers, ex-offenders and the long-term unemployed.
The aim is to create more opportunities for long-term, fulfilling jobs for both new recruits and Mitie’s 76,000 staff.
For local communities, the programme will use local insight and demographic data to identify needs.
Mitie plans to work with customers and residents to co-create solutions, invest in local infrastructure, support skills development and revitalise shared spaces.
The company will encourage volunteering and community initiatives to foster pride and improve local areas.
The research found half (50%) of people said their community was thriving, but nearly one in five (18%) said it was not.
People linked thriving communities to safety (54%), low crime (53%), clean streets (50%), green spaces (48%), and friendly neighbours (46%), while high crime (50%) and visible decline, such as closed shops, homelessness, and high unemployment (all 32%), were seen as signs of struggling communities.
Two thirds said where they lived (85%) or worked (65%) affected their wellbeing, but only 42% felt their community helped them thrive.
Mitie will also work with customers, supply chain and partners such as Shaw Trust, Maximus, Catch 22, Fedcap and DWP to support people into employment and deliver on local priorities.
The Mitie Foundation will continue to play a central role in these partnerships.
Helen Longfils, director of social value at Mitie, said: “Plan Thrive is about creating pathways for sustainable futures, both for people and the communities they live in.
“It’s built on a simple but powerful belief: good jobs change lives. But it’s also about more than employment – it’s about fostering prosperity in places through inclusive growth, community investment, and long-term collaboration.
“By listening to local needs and working in partnership, we’re creating a programme that delivers real, lasting impact where it matters most.”
Phil Bentley, CEO at Mitie, said: “With over 76,000 colleagues touching seven million lives across Britain every day, Mitie plays a vital role in the fabric of society.
“What makes me most proud as the CEO of Mitie is that we can offer a job to anyone willing to work hard and invest in their development – and it’s work that gives people self-confidence, financial stability, and a sense of purpose.
“Plan Thrive is our next step in creating better places and thriving communities. It’s about delivering meaningful and measurable social value – uplifting lives, strengthening communities, and leaving a lasting legacy for the people and places we serve.”
The launch event took place at the London Transport Museum today, 1st July, bringing together customers, partners and community leaders to discuss collaboration in delivering social value.
