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Employer Newsletter
April 19, 2023 | Paula Kemp
Employer Newsletter – 14 April 2023
If you want to receive regular updates from us, please complete this form here to join our mailing list. It was great to welcome almost 200 people to our most recent masterclass, ‘The art of using storytelling to build inclusion’! Don’t worry if you didn’t manage to join us – you can find our recap and recording […]
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March 29, 2023 | Paula Kemp
Storytelling to support social mobility
Storytelling is a powerful tool to support your organisation’s social mobility strategy. It can help colleagues to understand the challenges others have faced, helps leaders to understand how they can help and promotes an inclusive, trust-based culture. Ahead of our employers’ masterclass ‘The art of using storytelling to build inclusion’ we asked Shannon Miller, from […]
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June 17, 2022 | Paula Kemp
Alun Francis – what social mobility means to me
Organised by social mobility charity Making the Leap, the first Social Mobility Awareness Day takes place on 16 June 2022. The idea is to promote wider conversations about social mobility and to celebrate the organisations committed to bringing about positive change. Alun Francis, Deputy Chair of the Social Mobility Commission (SMC) and Principal and […]
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June 17, 2022 | Paula Kemp
Employer blog: Darrell Sharpe, Aviva Investors
In celebration of Social Mobility Awareness Day, which took place on 16 June 2022, we are sharing stories from some of the organisations that are committed to bringing about positive change. Our third blog comes from Darrell Sharpe, Junior Sovereign Analyst in the Emerging Market Debt, Aviva Investors telling his story of how accessing further […]
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June 16, 2022 | Rachael Cochrane
Social Mobility Awareness Day: Findings from 2021 British Social Attitudes Survey
This week, the first Social Mobility Awareness Day takes place, designed to promote wider conversations about social mobility. In light of this, Rosa Alonso, Senior Researcher at the Social Mobility Commission has been reviewing data from the 2021 British Social Attitudes Survey (BSAS). Running for nearly 40 years, the survey is an important barometer of […]
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June 16, 2022 | Paula Kemp
Employer blog: Maisha Rashid, Purchase Ledger Administrator, Jupiter Asset Management
In celebration of Social Mobility Awareness Day, which takes place on 16 June 2022, we are sharing stories from some of the organisations that are committed to bringing about positive change. Our second blog comes from Maisha Rashid, Purchase Ledger Administrator, Jupiter Asset Management telling her story of how undertaking an apprenticeship was the right […]
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June 15, 2022 | Paula Kemp
Employer blog: Lennon Ball at Phoenix Group
In celebration of Social Mobility Awareness Day, which takes place on 16 June 2022, we are sharing stories from some of the organisations that are committed to bringing about positive change. Our first blog comes from Lennon Ball, telling his story of how being employed at Phoenix through the recent Kickstart Scheme (a government-funded scheme […]
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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 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 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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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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Secondment opportunity
The Social Mobility Commission is looking to appoint two secondees to join our dynamic secretariat on a 3-month secondment. The Social Mobility Commission is an advisory arms-length body which is sponsored by the Cabinet Office. The Social Mobility Commission exists to create a United Kingdom where an individual’s future isn’t determined by the circumstances of […]
Latest Linkedin
18/05/2023
Employers play a key role in #socialmobility outcomes for many.
They determine where they set up their business, the types of job roles they create, and how and who they recruit; the income set by employers impacts living standards, pension contributions, as well as spending power in their local economy; they also play an important role in the health and wellbeing of employees.
However, with each part of the UK having an individual identity, history and economy, impacting its local population and their opportunities, the challenges to social mobility, and the solutions, may differ from region to region.
That’s where we think the use of our new #Data Explorer tool can help – join us at this event on 7 June at 12pm for employers to find out how you can utilise our new tool to understand your workforce distribution; provide insight for outreach activity and hiring activity; and to serve and support regional communities.
👇🏻 Register below.
Find out more