Social Mobility List

The Social Mobility List 2024

The Social Mobility List 2024 – the first of its kind – was a ground-breaking new publication focused on highlighting the key contributors and initiatives that are driving social mobility in the UK.

There are 10 Movers and Shakers highlighted, who across 2024, actively made an impact in the field of social mobility through policy, advocacy, innovation or direct action. The List also celebrates 56 different organisations across 12 categories as well as 18 individuals across a further three categories, and five charities leading the way in social mobility.

Read the first Social Mobility List below.

“Change begins at the top” – Insights on LSEB recruitment and progression from the List launch event

At the launch of The Social Mobility List in December 2024, we asked 70 senior leaders and junior staff from less-advantaged socio-economic backgrounds (LSEBs) across multiple industries to list their biggest barriers and solutions to the recruitment and progression of LSEB candidates/employees.

The Key Findings Report from the 2024 UK Social Mobility Awards found that while many employers have launched community and pre-recruitment initiatives, there remains a lack of actual employment and career progression of LSEB candidates.

The findings from the working breakfast were fascinating. For recruitment, dozens of attendees noted issues with awareness of opportunities on the part of the prospective employees, and a lack of confidence. On the part of the employee, attendees identified a tendency on the part of hiring managers to prioritise traditional qualifications over potential and aptitude. To solve these issues, attendees suggested early engagement with young people to raise awareness, training for hiring managers, a removal of grade biases and more.

For those who are recruited, progression of those from LSEBs remains low. Attendees identified issues including confidence again, a lack of network and sponsorship, while dozens referenced a feeling of imposter syndrome that young LSEB staff may experience. To solve these issues, attendees suggested a promotion of LSEB role models, creating clear and transparent pathways based on merit, tailored support, including confidence-building workshops, and much more.