Our 2023/24 Impact Report reflects a transformative year of empowering young people, breaking barriers, and driving social mobility.
This year has been transformative for Speakers for Schools as we continued to break down barriers to social mobility and equip young people with the tools to achieve their aspirations. From enhancing work experience programmes to amplifying youth voices, this report highlights five key insights that demonstrate the impact of our mission.
Prioritising quality over quantity in Work Experience
This year, we made a significant shift in how we approach work experience, placing greater emphasis on longer, multi-day placements. By extending these opportunities to three to five days, we offer young people a more immersive and meaningful experience.
This shift ensures every placement leaves a lasting impression, allowing participants to develop practical skills, build their confidence, and gain a clearer understanding of potential career paths. The impact is clear: 85% of participants now feel informed about the career opportunities available to them – an impressive increase from 59% last year.
Empowering through knowledge and confidence
One of the most significant impacts of our programmes has been the boost in participants’ confidence and career clarity. After completing a work experience placement, 89% of young people felt confident they could achieve their career goals. Confidence in essential skills like speaking and listening also increased, equipping participants to navigate their future paths more effectively.
Importantly, these benefits were particularly pronounced for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. For instance, 88% of young people eligible for Free School Meals reported that their work experience placement helped them decide on their future careers, highlighting our strides toward closing opportunity gaps.
Broadening horizons through Inspirational Talks
Our Inspirational Talks Programme continues to be a cornerstone of our mission. This year, we introduced Industry Spotlight Talks, which provided targeted insights into specific sectors, helping young people visualise their future in new ways. These sessions not only inspire ambition but also offer practical knowledge about the skills and pathways needed to succeed.
Participants have shared how our talks have opened their eyes to new possibilities. In fact, 79% of attendees said the talks introduced them to career options they hadn’t considered before. These moments of inspiration can be life-changing, especially for young people lacking access to professional networks.
Harnessing the power of youth voices
The voices of young people have been at the heart of our work this year. Our Youth Council has played an active role in shaping programmes, offering insights on challenges young people face, and representing their perspectives at national events.
One of the council’s standout contributions was delivering a letter of hope for young people to the Prime Minister. Their involvement ensures our initiatives remain relevant, impactful, and driven by the needs of the young people we serve.
Innovation in access and inclusivity
This year, we piloted innovative approaches to expand access to opportunities. For example, the Your Sustainable Future programme introduced young people to green careers, while our partnership with the Careers and Enterprise Company reimagined virtual work experiences to make them more effective and accessible. These targeted initiatives highlight our adaptability and focus on emerging challenges.
Additionally, we’ve taken significant steps to ensure that our programmes are inclusive. For instance, 91% of young people who participated in in-person work experiences came from outside London and the Southeast, demonstrating our commitment to reaching young people across the UK.
Looking Forward
As we move into the second year of our five-year strategy, our mission remains clear: to ensure that every state-educated young person has access to high-quality work experience before leaving secondary school.
This year’s achievements are a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential of young people when given the right opportunities.
To learn more about our impact and join us in driving change, explore the full report and get involved in our mission to build a fairer future for all.