Social Mobility Commission

Can devolution be a game changer for social mobility? New podcast episode: "Manchesterism": Building the UK’s Leading Engine of Social Mobility. Chair @FrancisAlun is joined by @greatermcr Mayor @AndyBurnhamGM to discuss his vision for Greater Manchester. Link in our bio

"If you let a place like Hartlepool or Blackpool set its own ambition, it will set it higher than one that would be set for it by someone somewhere else". @greatermcr Mayor @AndyBurnhamGM on why Whitehall underestimates the North.

More young people are in professional roles than their parents—a win for social mobility? 📈 Not quite. While high-level roles are increasing, those from professional backgrounds are reaping the most rewards.

"Traditional assessment centres don’t work for everyone." By partnering with @KingsTrust, @BAESystemsplc swapped interviews for work placements. The result? 1,000+ placements and a 90% completion rate. 🚀

How do we help spread opportunity to the “the kids without connections"? @greatermcr Mayor @AndyBurnhamGM tells Chair @FrancisAlun why your ambition or aspiration should not be defined by defined by who you know or your social status.

From dial-up to WIFI and floppy disks to AI the job market has changed massively in 25 years. However there remains a stark divide in job opportunities for young people between London and the South East and the rest of the UK. How does your area compare👉 bit.ly/41MTIKc

From a council estate in Durham to Project Manager at @BAESystemsplc, Anastacia was unemployed and losing confidence, until a work placement helped her to expand her horizons. A decade on from her apprenticeship, she’s now eyeing a degree and chartered status. Life-changing. ✨

@SciTechgovuk @leicesterliz If Tech is building the future, we need to look at who is sitting at the table. In our recent podcast @ReshamKotecha met with @ClaireThorne (@TechSheCan) to discuss how we can inspire the next generation of Tech leaders. Watch here - bit.ly/4bmunKT

👩‍💻Tech Secretary @leicesterliz chaired the Women in Tech Taskforce with Code First Girls ambassadors, launching a new package to get more women into tech: ✅ 300 paid tech placements ✅ Support for those returning after a career break ✅ TechFirst Girls Competition for thousands of 12-13 year-olds

"Successive governments have kind of maintained that obsession with the university route...but they never had a corresponding ambition for those kids who wanted different paths" @greatermcr Mayor @AndyBurnhamGM on the importance of alternative pathways.

"It’s not just about "who you know." Jack, a young carer with hearing loss, dreamed of being a lawyer but didn't know how. Via a widening participation program, he gained the confidence and experience to succeed. Now a trainee solicitor, he’s giving back to the next generation.

"There's too many young people growing up in this country with no hope" @greatermcr Mayor @AndyBurnhamGM calls for greater ambition and more local solutions to combat the lasting legacy of de-industrialisation. Listen here 👉 bit.ly/46KMokv

This #WorldBookDay, celebrates the power of a story. 📚 Studies show mothers from well off backgrounds can spend nearly half an hour longer each day on activities like reading with their children than those from a lower socio-economic background. More: bit.ly/3MGG4DT

After a 40 year career in nursing, Valy Ely came back from retirement to work at a local college, inspiring her to finally get her Maths GCSE. 🎓 This gave her a huge boost to her esteem enabling her to spend the next 3 years using the new skills she’d learnt helping others.

It’s National Careers Week! For #NCW2026, we’re championing the theme Own Your Future. Your background shouldn't determine your destination. We're working to ensure every young person has the guidance to succeed. 🚀 Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t—yet.

Our Deputy Chair @RobWilson_RDG is in Northern Ireland to hear from local leaders about how innovation & economic growth can drive #SocialMobility Thanks to all attendees, especially @Translink_NI & @nwrc_college for the local site visits!

"We’ve never offered equality of opportunity in this country. We’ve never had true social mobility." 🚨 Mayor of Greater Manchester @AndyBurnhamGM joins our Chair @FrancisAlun to discuss his vision for making GM the UK's leading engine of social mobility. Coming next week! 🎙️

Our Chair @FrancisAlun is featured in the latest @HolyroodDaily Mag on why transport is a vital lever for driving social mobility in Scotland.

A sense of belonging is a catalyst for social mobility. 🤝 @BarnsleyCouncil is proving it. By moving from doing things for to working with residents, their #LoveWhereYouLive campaign has boosted pride & engagement.

“Too many young people growing up today don't have that sense of purpose and hope. And I think that's what we need to restore.” @miriam_cates discusses what social mobility means to her.

Our Deputy Chair @RobWilson_RDG recently called for a serious review of the entire student finance system that is deepening class divides - x.com/LBC/status/201…