Blog

September 21, 2021 | Huw Penson

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 […]

Blog

August 3, 2021 | Huw Penson

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 […]

Events

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 […]

BlogNews

July 20, 2021 | Huw Penson

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 […]

Blog

July 5, 2021 | Huw Penson

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 […]

Blog

May 28, 2021 | Huw Penson

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 […]

News

May 19, 2021 | Huw Penson

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) […]

Blog

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, […]

Blog

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. […]

Blog

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 […]

Blog

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. […]

Blog

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 […]

Blog

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. […]

Blog

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 […]

Blog

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 […]

Blog

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. […]

Blog

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 […]

Blog

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 […]

Blog

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 […]

Blog

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 […]

Blog

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 […]

Blog

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 […]

Blog

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 […]

Blog

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. […]

Blog

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 […]

Blog

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: […]

Blog

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 […]

BlogNews

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 […]

News

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 […]

News

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 […]

Events

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 […]

Blog

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 […]

Blog

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 […]

News

June 24, 2020 | SMC Admin

SMC publishes major report on apprenticeships

  Apprenticeships are one of the most powerful and effective means of boosting social mobility amongst workers from less advantaged backgrounds – if they can get into the system.​   Between 2015/16 and 2017/18, the number of apprenticeship starters from disadvantaged backgrounds fell by 36%. The impact was even greater for older (aged 25+) and female […]

News

June 10, 2020 | SMC Admin

Monitoring social mobility since 2013 – major report published

‘Half of adults from low socio-economic backgrounds have received no training since leaving school’ Apprenticeships and adult education are often considered a ladder of social mobility. They enable people to gain skills that make them more employable. They also upskill and reskill workers who are already employed, opening up future opportunities. Yet, according to a […]

Events

UK Social Mobility Awards – entries close on 26 June

There is only one month left to submit entries to the UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs). The SOMOs celebrate the achievements of businesses and organisations across the country in their work of advancing social mobility. You have until 26 June to enter, with the awards gala being held in London on 8 October. Don’t miss […]

Events

Making the most out of apprenticeships – webinar on 25 June

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 […]

Blog

May 20, 2020 | SMC Admin

The impact of COVID-19 on social mobility, what employers can do – webinar and panel discussion

COVID-19 is impacting those from lower socio-economic backgrounds more than most. If organisations stop supporting them, the current gap will continue to widen. On Thursday 23 April and Thursday 7 May, we held a webinar to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on social mobility. It was encouraging to see so many employers attend, across industry. […]

Blog

February 4, 2020 | SMC Admin

Elitist Britain 2019: Why do we desperately need to deconstruct the pathways to Britain’s elite, and why should business care?

The findings of our 2019 Elitist Britain report showcase a nation steeped in deep and persistent class divisions – a country whose power structures are still dominated by a very narrow section of the population the majority of whom are born in unfair advantage.

Events

24 March 2020 – Join us to drive sustainable change in social mobility – Sunderland

Show your commitment to social mobility by attending our upcoming interactive event in Sunderland, with exclusive access, guest speakers and practical application through working sessions.