Social Mobility Commission

Earlier this week, Commissioner Ryan Henson held the first of a Regional Insights Roundtable in #LiverpoolCityRegion to understand how this devolved region develops strategies that improve opportunity and upskilling, and increase innovation. Thank you to Liverpool City Region Combined Authority for hosting and everyone who attended, including Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region | Katherine Fairclough | Richard McGuckin | Kirsty McLean | Tim Games | Rob Tabb | Paul Amann | Camilla Mankabady"

A real pleasure and privilege to join a round table convened by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the Social Mobility Commission this week, discussing on-the-ground realities and best practice when it comes to allowing all talent & aspiration to thrive, regardless of background. I was in excellent company, including Mayor Steve Rotherham; representatives of the region's colleges & universities; inclusive employers both large (KPMG; Grant Thornton) and SME / microbusiness (Ruth Hartnoll of Matchstick Creative providing a timely reminder of the excellent Good Growth Guidelines); and critical third sector organisations such as Catch22 and MERSEYSIDE YOUTH ASSOCIATION LIMITED. Discussion included: - The life-changing value of champions, advocates & mentors as a fast track to social capital - Increasing mental health challenges among young people, leading to economic inactivity - The risk of AI impacting those who cannot access the latest tools or where use of AI is not part of the day-to-day - The barriers to progression presented by lower Maths and English attainment - The importance of listening, understanding, respecting and Trauma Informed Practice - The need for scaffolding for SMEs and microbusinesses to access the diverse talent & skills they need to thrive It was uplifting to experience the sincere commitment & pride of place in the room and I look forward to the Social Mobility Commission's findings and recommendations this Autumn once they've completed their tour of Combined Authorities across the country.

Our Global Head of Policy Resham Kotecha is also Deputy Chair of the Social Mobility Commission. Last week, she and her SMC colleagues appeared in front of a House of Lords Special Committee on Social Mobility. The ability of any government to react to changes in circumstances in real-time and to design effective policies depends on reliable and well-integrated data. In order for data to drive meaningful change, the government must treat it as a form of public infrastructure, ensuring high-quality, well-integrated, and widely accessible datasets. By improving data interoperability, ensuring robust evaluation of policies, and leveraging AI responsibly, we can create a more informed, responsive, and equitable society where the circumstances of your birth do not determine your future. Find out more. #SocialMobility #Data #AI https://lnkd.in/ey4BRBHD

Today marks 15 years since the passage of the Child Poverty Act 2010.  The Act is our founding legislation, establishing us as the only independent statutory body for social mobility in the UK.  Thank you to everyone who has supported our work over the past 15 years. We look forward to continuing to work together as we set out our vision for improving social mobility in the years ahead.

Last week Commissioners Resham Kotecha & Rob Wilson visited Peckham Jobcentre to discuss and observe insights from those directly supporting young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs). #SocialMobility

Yesterday, the Economic Growth and Investment Group met for the second time to engage in a productive discussion on key factors influencing business investment decisions across the UK. Members shared insight on the positive elements that businesses consider when choosing where to invest and locate their organisations Find out more https://bit.ly/4gLOId6

Today, Commissioners attended the Social Mobility Policy Committee. They focused on crucial areas to enhance social mobility in the UK, including adequate attention and support to young people NEETs, promoting economic growth and innovation, place-based regional solutions and the importance of data. Key insights from the discussion: - Alternative routes: We must broaden our approach to post-school career advancement beyond university pathways to ensure equal opportunities for all. - Economic innovation: Innovative companies create job opportunities that support upward mobility. - Place-based approach: Value in adopting place-based approaches, bringing together national, regional and local leaders and stakeholders - Data gaps: Need to be improved in the UK, to better understand the issues, and to know what works 

"People aren’t just training for work', 'they’re training for life." In his latest op-ed for FE Week, our Chair, Alun Francis, describes how reforms to remove maths and English requirements for adult apprenticeships could have unforeseen implications for social mobility. He argues that in an economy that is driven by knowledge, and a society where status is closely associated with educational attainment, literacy and numeracy must be prioritised. Read Alun Francis' full op-ed here: https://bit.ly/4kH8dqn