October 12, 2022 | Social Mobility Commission

In conversation with Ann Francke OBE: The building blocks of social mobility in the workplace

In our next event for employers we will be exploring the building blocks of social mobility with Ann Franke OBE, Chief Executive of the Chartered Management institute (CMI). Through our conversation with Ann, we will explore: how organisations can develop an social mobility strategy; the initial steps organisations should take to kickstart their socio-economic diversity journey; the role of senior leaders and managers in boosting inclusion and widening opportunities; how to ensure your organisation is an environment where all staff can thrive, regardless of background

August 31, 2022 | Paula Kemp

Social Mobility Employers Masterclass: Mentoring as a tool to support social mobility

To celebrate National Mentoring Day (27 October), our October employers’ masterclass will explore the importance of mentoring in supporting workplace progression and social mobility.
Mentoring partnerships can range from a localised, informal arrangement to a highly organised, official programme that spans across industries. Participants in mentoring programmes range from students from lower socio-economic backgrounds being matched with employees from a particular industry, to senior leaders being matched with junior members of staff in reverse mentoring programmes.

August 31, 2022 | Paula Kemp

Launch of the Social Mobility Commission’s Employer Consultation and Employer Advisory Group

During October 2022, the Social Mobility Commission (SMC) will be running our first ever Employer Consultation. We aim to understand what activities and interventions employers are finding most effective in improving social mobility within their organisations and communities. 

We will use the information provided to publish a “What Works” Report later this year, working closely with a newly established SMC Employer Advisory Group. This group will meet quarterly, and comprise 10-12 members across different sectors who have responded to the Consultation. 

August 10, 2022 | Paula Kemp

The importance of culture and leadership – in conversation with I. Stephanie Boyce, President of the Law Society

The importance of culture and leadership to within an organisation to support social mobility cannot be underestimated. In conversation with I. Stephanie Boyce, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, we’ll be discussing how organisations can develop a culture that fosters inclusion and the role colleagues at all levels play.

February 18, 2022 | SMC Admin

Employers social mobility masterclass: progression

How does someone successfully climb the career ladder in your workplace?  If you’re a junior employee struggling to progress to the next level or your career seems to be moving slower than those around you, the barriers to career progression – particularly for employees in low pay or from a low socioeconomic background – can […]

November 1, 2021 | SMC Admin

Social mobility: steps for boosting opportunity in the workplace

Please note: this is an external event run by the Social Mobility Foundation. A person’s socio-economic background should never determine their career success. But for many in the UK, it does. Three-quarters (74%) of people believe there’s a large opportunity gap in the UK, according to research from the Social Mobility Commission, with only a […]

August 31, 2021 | SMC Admin

Apprenticeships and social mobility: a practice-oriented virtual lunch conversation between practitioners

Apprenticeships are one of the most powerful tools to enable social mobility and develop a talented workforce that can meet the challenges of the future.  But apprenticeships in England are not fulfilling this promise – apprentices from working class backgrounds face barriers at every stage, while organisations are missing out on talented people. The pandemic […]

August 24, 2021 | Rachael Cochrane

Be inspired to make the change – Socio-economic inclusion in the Creative Industries

Attracting and retaining a wide and diverse talent pool is a must for any forward-thinking team.  Yet those from privileged backgrounds are more than twice as likely as those from working class backgrounds to land a job in a creative occupation, dominating key creative roles in the sector.   What goes on in the creative sector […]

August 18, 2021 | Rachael Cochrane

Employers’ masterclass: Social Mobility and outreach

Our October masterclass will cover how employers can use Outreach to reach and attract a wide pool of talent. Engaging with candidates from a low socio-economic background through outreach enables you to: raise awareness of your organisation and industry to a wider reach of prospective employees. build a pipeline of diverse talent that reflect the […]

August 16, 2021 | Rachael Cochrane

Employers Masterclass: Social mobility, hiring and recruitment

Our latest masterclass puts 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. Join the session to understand the simple steps that you can take to promote diversity at each stage of the recruitment process. From writing clear job […]

July 13, 2021 | Alice Viner

Launch Event: State of the Nation 2021: Social Mobility and the Pandemic

The Social Mobility Commission invites you to join us on Thursday 22nd July for the launch event of our report: ‘State of the nation 2021: Social mobility and the pandemic’ – charting the evolving social mobility landscape across the United Kingdom.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Social Mobility Employers Masterclass Series: Outreach

The first in this series, Outreach, is all about reaching that 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. It is aimed at employers in any industry, predominantly decision makers – Head of HR, Head of D&I.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Social Mobility Employers Masterclass Series: Hiring

The second session in this series, Hiring, is all about reaching talent – attracting individuals from less advantaged backgrounds who may not traditionally apply for roles within your organisation, yet may be able to make a significant contribution in future.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Social Mobility Employers Masterclass Series: Leadership & Culture

Our third session in this series, Leadership & Culture, 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 fast, delivering 60% better results; so it makes sense for employers to nurture this talent.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Social Mobility Employers Masterclass Series: Advocacy

Our fourth session in this series, Advocacy, with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) is about changing perceptions and striving for change beyond your organisation. Advocating for change will not just do good, it will increase your visibility as a business and has the potential to shape your reputation.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Social Mobility Employers Masterclass Series: Progression

Social mobility isn’t just about who gets in, it’s also about who gets on. So have a defined list of skills required for each promotion – and build flexibility into job specifications. This helps ensure that the very best person is able to step up and no one is accidentally overlooked.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Social Mobility Employers Masterclass Series: Data

In the last of our masterclass series, we will be exploring Data with the Bridge Group. This session follows the launch of our new guidance, which makes measuring socio-economic diversity in the workplace easier than ever – we will also be providing you with insights from that work.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Interactive launch of our new Financial & Professional Services Toolkit

We will be hosting a presentation and roundtable, in partnership with a number of organisations across the sector, where you will be able gain exclusive insights into this valuable new resource for employers.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

How to drive social mobility through apprenticeships

To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we are hosting a workshop during which you will be able to gain unique insights from the latest data and learn how you can maximise your current initiatives.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Social Mobility Employers Masterclass 2021 Series: Outreach

Outreach is about attracting candidates who may not traditionally apply for roles within your organisation, yet may be able to make a significant contribution in future. These could be the ‘bright stars’ of tomorrow, but may not hold traditional academic qualifications or come from a deprived area.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Social Mobility Employers Masterclass Series: Data

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. It not only guides the hiring process, but enables you to monitor access to opportunities as people progress through the ranks.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Social Mobility Employers Masterclass Series: Progression

Social mobility isn’t just about who gets in, it’s also about who gets on. Learn about how you can support employees throughout their careers, by offering equal access to opportunities and removing any artificial barriers to progression.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Employers’ masterclass: Social Mobility, Culture and Leadership

Our latest masterclass puts culture and leadership under the spotlight to explore how employers can forge a compelling, shared vision of the importance of social mobility in any organisation.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Webinar for employers – develop talent through apprenticeships

In this webinar, we consider some of the key benefits for employers – 92% of companies who run an apprenticeship scheme believe it leads to a more motivated and satisfied workforce, while 80% report higher retention rates.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Making the most out of apprenticeships webinar

This session is an opportunity for you, as an employer, to learn how to use apprenticeships to improve your socio-economic diversity and inclusion strategy. You will be able to gain unique insights from the latest data and learn how you can maximise your programme. We will look at apprenticeships’ social mobility potential, the immediate impacts of COVID-19 on training, and the practical steps you can take as an employer to help improve your offer.

July 8, 2021 | Alice Viner

Join us to drive sustainable change in social mobility

You are cordially invited to show your commitment to social mobility by attending our upcoming interactive event in your region. This is an unmissable event designed to introduce you to our new employer’s toolkit.

July 7, 2021 | SMC Admin

2020 Youth Voice Census Report launches on 23 June

Youth Employment UK will be hosting an online event on 23 June to mark the launch for their 2020 Youth Voice Census Report. This is an opportunity for you to hear from key members of their team and young people as they discuss the key findings.