Introduction
In the UK, the course of your life, often called your social mobility, is like a road with many twists and turns. It’s shaped by a mix of factors, some obvious and others not so easy to see. Social mobility is currently on the decline in the UK and we will speak more about what determines your social mobility in this blog.
UNVAELD recently had the chance to be part of an eye-opening event about social mobility, hosted by Accenture and Blackbullion. This event really dug into what moulds our social mobility and how groups like these are striving to change things in this complex field.
The Expert Panel
The event featured a panel of experts who brought their unique perspectives to the discussion. Winnie Annan-Forson, Neha Shah, Sam Turnpenny and Kaushika Patel shared their insights on the intricate nature of social mobility. It was a privilege to hear from individuals deeply committed to unravelling this complexity.
Understanding the Elements of Social Mobility
The event shed light on the multifaceted aspects of social mobility and it became evident that it’s anything but straightforward. Nobody has it fully figured out yet so consider this list a non-exhaustive one of factors that can define your social mobility:
- Your race
- Your gender
- Whether or not you have a disability
- Your geographical location
- Your accent
- Access to a quality education
- Access to good schools and universities
- Whether you grew up in a single or dual-parent household
- Your family’s income
- Your family’s social class
- Your family’s educational background
- Access to jobs that allow wage and career growth
- Your family’s personal networks and connections
- Your personal networks and connections
- Access to physical healthcare
- Access to mental healthcare
- Access to affordable housing
The complexity of these interwoven factors paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by individuals seeking to climb the social ladder. Social mobility is not a puzzle with a single solution. The factors listed above interact in intricate and often unpredictable ways. Addressing social mobility requires a multifaceted approach, combining policies and concerted efforts to reduce disparities and build a more equitable society.
Panel POV
The event also showcased the remarkable work being done by the panellists from Blackbullion, Royal Mail, FTI Consulting and Accenture to tackle this pressing issue. From offering only paid internships, to qualifications in the role, removing the compulsory requirement for a degree, removing the requirement of an internship, adding more DE&I related questions to ensure a fair intake of grads and taking grads from various universities, not just Russell Groups. Their commitment to driving change in the realm of social mobility is commendable. As we look ahead, we can’t help but be inspired by their dedication to creating a more equitable future.
A Call to Action
As a society, we have a collective responsibility to champion the cause of social mobility. The event served as a powerful reminder that there is always more we can do. Stay tuned for more posts from UNVAELD as we continue to explore this vital topic and advocate for change.
Conclusion
The Accenture and Blackbullion event was enlightening and we are grateful to have been a part of it. It served as a stark reminder that social mobility is a pressing issue that demands our attention and action. The web of factors that influence it is intricate, but by working together, we can begin to create a more equitable society for all. Thank you to Accenture and Blackbullion for hosting this incredible event, and we are excited for the next one!
