This network will bring together colleagues from within the sector to look at how we can support people from marginalised economic backgrounds to get a foothold into the sector. Social Economic Mobility (SEM) diversity is just as important as other areas. Employers need to be more aware of the importance of social mobility for everyone; not just those from disadvantaged backgrounds but also those who have benefited from privilege. Network members will look at multiple routes into employment (e.g. apprenticeships) that provide suitable pathways for people to get into work, regardless of their background. They will also look at how to overcome biases during recruitment processes.

Supporting social mobility is all about creating pathways for those from disadvantaged backgrounds so they can fulfil their potential. Work experience, education and social mobility are inextricably connected. If we want to reduce inequality, we need to get more people from disadvantaged backgrounds into the workplace and support their learning. The problem is that there are a lot of barriers for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. More than often, they don’t have the same access to education or preparation for the working world as those from more privileged backgrounds. Social mobility can be improved by creating pathways for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, but it will take time and effort from everyone involved in order to achieve this goal.