30 April 2021
The Lord Mayor's Dragon Awards recognise businesses and community organisations that go above and beyond their core purpose to significantly impact the regeneration of local communities
Marsh McLennan, a global professional services firm leading in the areas of risk, strategy and people, today announced that it has received the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Dragon Award for the social impact achieved through Surviving to Thriving (‘STT’), a strategic regional initiative developed by British Red Cross to support unaccompanied refugees and asylum seekers aged 11-25. Support for STT formed part of Marsh McLennan’s long-term and strategic UK partnership with British Red Cross (2014-20), which aimed to build more resilient UK communities through their combined skills and expertise in disaster preparedness and emergency response.
British Red Cross is the largest charity providing support to refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, with STT being their flagship refugee initiative, focused on improving the lives of young people across the country. Since Marsh McLennan became the first of British Red Cross’ corporate partners to invest in STT in 2019, the initiative has provided 194 young people with life-changing support. Over 1,100 Marsh McLennan colleagues further volunteered 2,000 hours in support of British Red Cross’ refugee work. STT helps to empower young people through increasing their understanding of their rights, and provides young refugees and asylum seekers with the skills, advice and specialist practical advice to rebuild their lives in the UK.
Beneath three pillars of ‘prepare, respond and recover’, the partnership between Marsh McLennan and BRC supported over 40,000 vulnerable people in the UK, and raised £1.7 million for vital initiatives such as STT.
Chris Lay, Chief Executive Officer, Marsh UK & Ireland & Country Corporate Officer, Marsh McLennan UK, commented: “We are humbled to have received this award, which is a testament to the extraordinary impact that can be achieved through strategic collaboration between businesses like ours and charities like British Red Cross. I extend my thanks to the amazing volunteers who gave up their time to help young refugees and provide them with the tools and access to services they need as they make their way in a new country. Programmes like these underscore Marsh McLennan’s commitment to make a difference in the moments that matter and to help society rise to meet today’s urgent challenges.”
Mike Adamson, Chief Executive at British Red Cross, reflected: “I am delighted that Marsh McLennan has received this award, in recognition of their critical support for our Surviving to Thriving project. Young refugees and people seeking asylum who arrive on UK shores have often been separated from their families, braved exploitation, or taken arduous and unthinkable journeys to get here. Surviving to Thriving works to ensure that these young people are equipped with the holistic support they need, from advice on navigating the complex asylum system, to help with tackling the mental health issues that their experiences have created. This recognition comes at an important moment, following the Government’s recent proposals to reform the asylum system, and we are incredibly grateful for Marsh McLennan’s continued support for young people seeking asylum. Through this committed support, our teams have been able to make a critical difference to many young people across the UK, and I am so proud that our work in partnership has been recognised.”
The Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards are held every year by the City of London Corporation to recognise businesses which build strong community relationships, tackle disadvantage or inequality, promote inclusion or boost skills. This year’s awards were organised for the first time by Heart of the City, the City Corporation-funded charity which supports hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises with their responsible business programmes.
Lord Mayor of London, William Russell, said: “This extraordinary year has presented enormous challenges for individuals and organisations across London and the UK, and has highlighted more than ever the important role businesses can play in working for the benefit of their communities. I was really impressed with the innovative, creative and impactful ways companies like Marsh McLennan, which have themselves faced difficult times during the pandemic, have given their time and effort to help make a positive impact on people’s lives.”
About British Red Cross
The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies. We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on with their lives. www.redcross.org.uk
About The City of London Corporation
The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
