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March 24, 2022 | SMC Admin
Recap – Employers Masterclass: Progression
How does someone successfully climb the career ladder in your workplace? In our first Employers Masterclass of 2022, we explored how employers can support employees to progress within their organisations by setting up clear frameworks, investing in training and supporting their career aspirations. Catch up on the session and read our key takeaways from Tuesday’s […]
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February 7, 2022 | SMC Admin
National Apprenticeships Week 2022: Help build the (inclusive) future
This Week (7-11 February) is National Apprenticeship Week, a celebration of the role that apprenticeships play in helping people to learn new skills while gaining access to a vast range of different career paths and businesses. This year’s theme is ‘build the future’. For both starters and the organisations they join, apprenticeships are stepping into […]
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October 25, 2021 | SMC Admin
Recap – Employers masterclass: Outreach
Our October masterclass looked at the ways in which employers can use Outreach to reach and attract a wide pool of talent. We were joined by Rachael Saunders and Funbi Akande from Speakers for Schools, a youth social mobility charity, formed in 2010 to make sure that every young person has access to the same […]
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October 14, 2021 | SMC Admin
Apprenticeships & social mobility: you can help apprenticeships reach their social mobility potential
The Social Mobility Commission’s new toolkit: ‘Apprenticeships that works for all’ has been launched today (14 October). This blog explores the current apprenticeship landscape and sets out why we developed this toolkit. View the toolkit We hosted a virtual toolkit launch event on Thursday 14 October, where a panel of experts explore key challenges around […]
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October 13, 2021 | SMC Admin
Event recap – Be inspired to make the change: Practical advice from those within the creative industries
Following our recent publication of our Employer’s Toolkit for building socio-economic inclusion in the creative industry – Farrah Storr, SMC Commissioner and Editor-in-Chief at ELLE UK – spoke with industry insiders to hear their experiences of the sector; what responsibility individuals and organisations have to think differently about socio-economic inclusion, and how they think the […]
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October 7, 2021 | SMC Admin
Long read: Pathways to success – how employer outreach programmes can help disadvantaged young people feel ‘career ready’
Increased productivity, better employee retention, improvements in employee wellbeing: the benefits of building a socio-economically diverse workforce and a workplace culture inclusive of those from low socio-economic backgrounds are becoming increasingly clear to many employers. More and more businesses are removing barriers in their hiring processes and driving cultural change to ensure that those from […]
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September 29, 2021 | SMC Admin
Tackling the #ClassCrisis in the creative industries: how Creative industries employers can promote socio-economic diversity and inclusion
The creative industries are among the United Kingdom’s most valuable sectors. Pre-pandemic, it was estimated that the creative industries employed over 2 million people, contribute £115.9bn to the UK economy and were growing four times faster than the economy as a whole. The impact of employment, work experience and training opportunities on an individual’s life […]
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September 21, 2021 | SMC Admin
Recap: Employers Masterclass – Social mobility, hiring and recruitment
In our latest masterclass (16 September), we put the focus on hiring and recruitment – exploring the common practices that can create artificial and unnecessary barriers to potential applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds. We were delighted to be joined by Danny Matthews and Hazel Remeika from Co-op, who shared their approach to hiring in a […]
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August 3, 2021 | SMC Admin
In-Work Progression Commission: why training and progression should matter to you and your staff – and how you can best support it
Earlier this month, the In-Work Progression Commission – led by Baroness McGregor-Smith – published their new report: Supporting progression out of low pay: a call to action. The report is a vital addition to the conversation around barriers to training and progression for those working in low-paying roles. We know a substantial proportion of the […]
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State of the nation 2021: Social mobility and the pandemic – Launch event
On Thursday 22 July, we hosted a virtual event to launch our latest state of the nation report. When the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK in early 2020, it prompted an unprecedented social and economic crisis which saw teachers, pupils, employers and their workforces forced to adapt to remote provision overnight. Millions of employees were […]
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July 20, 2021 | SMC Admin
State of the nation 2021: Post pandemic, employer practices will continue to be vital to progress on social mobility
Today, the Social Mobility Commission published its annual appraisal of social mobility in the UK’. Titled ‘State of the nation 2021; Social mobility and the pandemic’, the report draws on an extensive evidence base to lay bare the key barriers to social mobility that exist today. In this article, we outline the implications of the […]
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July 5, 2021 | SMC Admin
Social Mobility Masterclass Recap: Leadership & Culture – Who’s driving the social mobility agenda in your workplace?
In our latest masterclass on Leadership & Culture, we were joined by Caroline King, Head of People for Head office, Reward and Inclusion and Joanne Mackie, Customer & People Director, to reflect on their experiences of forging a compelling, shared vision of the importance of social mobility across Superdrug and Savers 18000+ workforce – and […]
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May 28, 2021 | SMC Admin
Recap: Progression Masterclass: As an employer, where do I start?
What steps can you – as an employer – take to remove barriers to progression within your organisation for people from low socio-economic backgrounds (SEB)? Following the publication of our report on progression in the civil service, Navigating the Labyrinth, our latest Employer Masterclass explored how to make sure that your processes aren’t actively getting […]
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May 19, 2021 | SMC Admin
New report: Are progression policies hindering social mobility?
Social mobility isn’t just about who gets in, it is also about who gets on. While it is important to make sure that employment opportunities are open to individuals from a low socio-economic background (SEB), it is equally crucial that once onboard, all employees have equal access to opportunities for progression. The Social Mobility Commission’s (SMC) […]
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March 31, 2021 | SMC Admin
Social Mobility Data Masterclass – why you need to #AskTheQuestion
In our recent Social Mobility Data Masterclass, we explored the importance of collecting data on employee’s socio-economic backgrounds for creating effective diversity and inclusion strategies. You can watch the recording of the Social Mobility Data Masterclass here*. We were joined by Andrew Young, Workforce Diversity Lead at the BBC; Cliff Sale, Social Mobility Programme Lead, […]
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March 30, 2021 | SMC Admin
The cross-roads of social mobility: post 16 education choices
As they reach the age of 16, young people make critical decisions – this is a pivotal moment that will have a lasting impact on their future prospects in life. These choices strongly influence their future educational opportunities, employment prospects and how much they’ll go on to earn. In other words, they impact social mobility. […]
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March 3, 2021 | SMC Admin
Reaching talented people from all backgrounds
On 25 February we held the second employers’ masterclass series of the year, exploring how you can reach, attract and foster a diverse pool of talent. Outreach is about attracting candidates who may not traditionally apply for roles within your organisation, yet could make a significant contribution in future. They may not have been to […]
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February 15, 2021 | SMC Admin
Apprenticeships, a game-changer for social mobility
To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we held a special event on 10 February exploring how apprenticeships can drive social mobility. In this session we looked at the positive impact they can have on your workforce, but also delved into some of the key challenges faced by employers in reaching a diverse pipeline of talent. […]
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December 15, 2020 | SMC Admin
Social mobility masterclass for employers #6: Data
Data – the foundation of any diversity & inclusion strategy, with the Bridge Group In the last of our masterclass series on 3 December, we explored Data with the Bridge Group. This session followed the launch of our new guidance, which makes measuring socio-economic diversity in the workplace easier than ever – and we also […]
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December 10, 2020 | SMC Admin
Explore our new resource for financial & professional services
We’re proud to announce the launch of our very first sector-specific toolkit – financial & professional services. Following months of consultation with trade groups, academics and leading employers in law, accountancy, management consultancies and financial services – this new toolkit provides unique insights into how best to level the playing field, whilst driving competitive advantage. […]
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November 26, 2020 | SMC Admin
Social mobility masterclass for employers #5: Progression
Progression – opportunities to advance, with the Ministry of Justice The fifth session in our employers’ masterclass series, Progression, took place on 19 November. Our previous sessions covered outreach, hiring, culture & leadership and advocacy. Progression with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is all about how you can support employees throughout their careers, by offering equal access […]
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November 24, 2020 | SMC Admin
Explore our new guidance on data – launched today
Today marks the launch of new guidance, making measuring socio-economic data easier than ever for employers. Data is at the heart of every forward-thinking diversity & inclusion (D&I) strategy. In order to take the right action at the right time, you first have to understand where you are at, as a business. This guidance will […]
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November 16, 2020 | SMC Admin
Our new reports highlight training as the key route out of low pay
Two new studies from the Social Mobility Commission highlight the importance of in-work training to progress workers out of low pay and improve social mobility. Together, these two reports show how policy makers and employers can work together to get the most out of workplace training – benefiting individual workers, business and society at large. […]
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October 27, 2020 | SMC Admin
Social mobility masterclass for employers #4: Advocacy
Advocacy – becoming an advocate for change, with PWC The fourth session in our employers’ masterclass series, Advocacy, took place on 15 October. Our previous sessions covered outreach, hiring and culture & leadership. Advocacy with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) is about changing perceptions and striving for change beyond your organisation. Once you have pin-pointed the commercial, as well […]
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October 7, 2020 | SMC Admin
Social mobility masterclass for employers #3: Culture and leadership
Culture and Leadership – with Grant Thornton The third session in our employers’ masterclass series, Culture and Leadership, took place on 16 September. Inclusive teams make better business decisions 87% of the time – and twice as fast, delivering 60% better results; it makes sense for employers to nurture this talent. A diverse workforce is […]
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October 5, 2020 | SMC Admin
Social mobility masterclass for employers #2: Hiring
Hiring the best talent, with Accenture The second session in our employers’ masterclass series, which took place on 25 August, was Hiring. Our first session, Outreach, was geared towards reaching talent – attracting individuals from less privileged backgrounds who may not traditionally apply for roles within your organisation, yet may be able to make a […]
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October 1, 2020 | SMC Admin
New videos – top tips and inspiration for employers
Watch our videos to find out what socio-economic diversity can bring to your business and discover our top tips from the employers’ toolkit. As an employer, nothing is more important than the quality of your staff. Who you hire, how you hire and getting the best out of your people are the root of competitive […]
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September 18, 2020 | SMC Admin
Social mobility masterclass for employers #4: Advocacy
Advocacy – becoming an advocate for change, with PWC Thursday 15 October 2020, 2pm Our fourth session in this masterclass series, Advocacy, with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) is about changing perceptions and striving for change beyond your organisation. Once you have pin-pointed the commercial, as well as the moral, arguments for increasing socio-economic diversity, it then becomes […]
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September 15, 2020 | SMC Admin
SMC report finds that social mobility across England is a ‘postcode lottery’
A socially mobile country provides equal opportunities for everyone, irrespective of circumstances of birth. The Social Mobility Commission’s previous work identified a series of ‘hot’ and ‘cold spots’ across England, reflecting varying prospects in terms of education and employment. What this research did not tell us was the degree to which the place you grow […]
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September 10, 2020 | SMC Admin
Social mobility masterclass for employers #3: Leadership & Culture
Leadership and Culture – building a diverse workforce, with Grant Thornton Wednesday 16 September 2020, 3pm Our third session in this series, Leadership & Culture, with Grant Thornton, is all about building the foundations of a truly diverse and talented workforce. Inclusive teams make better business decisions 87% of the time – and twice as […]
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August 18, 2020 | SMC Admin
Social mobility masterclass for employers #2: Hiring
Hiring the best talent, with Accenture Tuesday 25 August 2020, 3pm The second session in our employers’ masterclass series is Hiring, which is all about reaching talent – attracting individuals from less privileged backgrounds who may not traditionally apply for roles within your organisation, yet may be able to make a significant contribution in future. […]
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August 5, 2020 | SMC Admin
The early years workforce: underpaid, overworked and undervalued
Our new report – The stability of the early years workforce in England – shows that the 280,000 people who look after and educate our children are at risk of becoming our forgotten key workers. The first five years of a child’s life are critical to their future development – this is also the time when […]
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August 3, 2020 | SMC Admin
Young peoples’ prospects impacted by Covid and new Employer Guidance from Sutton Trust
The pandemic has already had a considerable impact on the economy, with job vacancies down, redundancies announced and more job losses likely in future. Young people entering the job market this year are likely to be particularly badly hit by the current economic crisis. Last week, new research from the Sutton Trust found that: […]
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July 31, 2020 | SMC Admin
Social mobility masterclass for employers #1: Outreach
How to reach the best talent, with Santander On 23 July, we held the first in our new social mobility masterclass series for employers – Outreach, exploring how you can reach, attract and foster a diverse pool of talent. Below you can find a recording of the webinar, including an in-depth case-study from Santander delving […]
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July 23, 2020 | SMC Admin
Do you still need to leave home for a better life? SMC publishes new report
Our new report – Moving out to move on: Understanding the link between migration and disadvantage – investigates the relationship between migration within Great Britain and social mobility. The choices people make in terms of moving regions are crucial as they have a direct impact on job prospects and earnings. ‘The report reveals stark geographical […]
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July 21, 2020 | SMC Admin
ELLE and Social Mobility Commission launch initiative to find the next generation of creative talent
ELLE UK today launched a joint initiative with the Social Mobility Commission to find the next generation of creative talent in the UK. “Everyone deserves a door to be opened for them” said our Commissioner and Editor-in-Chief of Elle UK, Farrah Storr, talking about the initiative which has given students aged 16 to 19 unparalleled access […]
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July 8, 2020 | SMC Admin
SMC response to the Chancellor’s multi-billion pound “plan for jobs”
The Joint Deputy Chairs of the Social Mobility Commission, Steven Cooper and Sandra Wallace, have put out a joint statement in which they said the SMC welcomes the Chancellor’s multi-billion pound “plan for jobs” announced earlier today – in particular the targeted approach to supporting young people: “The current recession will hurt disadvantaged younger people […]
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Webinar for employers – develop talent through apprenticeships
Last week we held a webinar and workshop for employers – Be bold: Develop talent through apprenticeships, drive social mobility – exploring the positive impact more diverse apprentices can have on an organisation and what you, as an employer, can do to create paths of opportunity. In this webinar, we consider some of the key […]
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June 26, 2020 | SMC Admin
How to get the most out of apprenticeships – guide for employers
Apprenticeships are not only a useful way for individuals from less advantaged backgrounds to show their true potential, they are also a golden opportunity for you, as an employer, to nurture talent that is tailored to the needs of your business. Research shows that 43% of businesses with more a diverse workforce have higher profits […]
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June 25, 2020 | SMC Admin
Apprenticeships – why hiring diverse talent is smart business
Apprenticeships are one of the most powerful and effective means of boosting social mobility amongst workers from less advantaged backgrounds – not only that, it’s smart business. Whether you lead a manufacturing business, a professional services firm or a creative platform, attracting and retaining a diverse talent pool is a must for any forward-thinking […]
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Employer newsletter – 15 August 2023
If you want to receive regular updates from us, please complete this form here to join our mailing list. We hope you are having a great summer break. Don’t have anything on your summer reading list? – Why not take a look at the recaps from our previous employers’ masterclasses, we list some great topics below. You […]
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12/06/2023
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