Launching the Social Mobility Directory: Connecting employers with a mission to drive change
Social mobility remains a cornerstone of a fair and thriving society, yet many young people in the UK face systemic barriers that limit their potential. This inequality is not just a social issue – it’s an economic one, impacting the nation’s talent pipeline and productivity. Employers have the power to reverse this trend by bridging the gap between aspiration and opportunity through transformative work experience.
Today, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our Social Mobility Partner Directory – an initiative designed to showcase our partner network and our shared mission to close the opportunity gap and enhance socioeconomic diversity in the workplace.
Why is social mobility important?
Social mobility in the UK has stagnated over the past decades, meaning that while talent exists everywhere, opportunities do not. We cannot sustain a system where life chances are determined by who you know or where you come from. Too often, young people must rely on their parents’ connections to access life-changing opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of inequality. Disparities in access to support, advice, guidance, and experiences continue to regenerate social inequities. Employers have the power to change this by offering high-quality experiences, particularly to those who need them most, breaking down barriers and unlocking potential.
The role of our Social Mobility Partner Directory
The Social Mobility Partner Directory brings together our network of employers, educational institutions and national bodies to showcase their involvement in Speakers for Schools charitable mission via the Speakers for Schools website. Visitors to the website can peruse our list of partner organisations and in turn those organisations link directly back to the Speakers for Schools website for their users to find out more about Speakers for Schools and our work.
By working with us, our partners provide insight and information on diverse career paths, helping young people build skills, and inspiring and supporting them to achieve their aspirations. By fostering these connections, the Directory is an opportunity to celebrate the organisations directly influencing social change and shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
Supporting social mobility to drive impact
For employers, social mobility is not only a moral obligation but a crucial component of social impact. Supporting social mobility aligns with corporate goals by promoting a more inclusive society while simultaneously contributing to economic growth. Research shows that companies that engage in social mobility initiatives can foster a more diverse talent pool, which has a long-term positive impact on their brand and employee engagement.
As the largest work experience provider in the UK, we make it easy for companies to support social mobility while meeting their recruitment, social impact/CSR goals and more.
Benefits of becoming a Social Mobility Partner
- Strengthen early talent pipelines: Create an inclusive approach to hiring by engaging early with young talent from diverse backgrounds, establishing connections that support your recruitment goals.
- Overcome traditional barriers: Contribute to improving social mobility by reaching young people who lack traditional connections to professional opportunities.
- Flexible, accessible options: Provide virtual or in-person work experiences, making it possible to include students who may be geographically or economically disadvantaged.
- Boost brand reputation: Show your commitment to social impact, enhancing your brand’s image among customers and stakeholders alike.
- Access to networking & collaboration opportunities: join a network of like-minded organizations and stakeholders, opening doors to collaborations and a broader reach for your initiatives.
- Strengthening community impact & social responsibility: Demonstrate your commitment to addressing educational inequality, helping level the playing field for young people from all backgrounds to build a more inclusive future.
Ready to take action on social mobility?
By joining the Social Mobility Partner Directory, organisations can make a tangible difference in the lives of young people across the UK.
Join BBC, NHS, Boots, National Trust and many other organisations on this journey towards social change through the provision of work experience opportunities or promotion of our mission to your network. Contact our Business Development team today to find out more: employers@speakersforschools.org