Welcome to The Social Mobility List

Social mobility isn’t just a corporate buzzword — it’s about fairness, opportunity, and life chances for everyone. Our mission is simple: take social mobility out of boardrooms and into the national conversation.

Each year, we celebrate the individuals and organisations driving real change across the UK. From inspiring stories and role models to evidence-based insights, The Social Mobility List shines a spotlight on those making a difference.

Join us in building a movement. Explore compelling stories, discover those driving change, and see how you can help create a society where background never limits potential.

Join us and be part of the change. Read The Social Mobility List 2026 and make your commitment to change.

“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.

News