Firms recognised in 2021 social mobility index
Several North West companies have been recognised as top employers for social mobility.
Now in its fifth year the Social Mobility Index is regarded as the benchmark for ranking British employers and the social mobility actions they are taking.
Leading the way is Everton Football Club, which has become the first and only football club to participate in the Social Mobility Employer Index further cementing a commitment to inclusivity.
The aim of the Index is to encourage firms to share their initiatives on how to become more inclusive employers and to reveal which sectors and companies are taking the issue of social mobility most seriously.
As the first and only club to participate in the index, Everton aims to encourage other clubs and sporting organisations to follow suit and move towards improving social mobility both within the local area and wider sports industry.
Director of People, Culture and Workplace Wellbeing at Everton Football Club, Kim Healey said: “We are incredibly proud to participate in the Social Mobility Employer Index – a statement which proves our intention to better understand our local communities, to remove barriers which prevent people from realising their potential and to develop social mobility policies that enable people to thrive.
“Everton is an inclusive place to work. We want the best talent to join our Club and become successful and visible role models. Our senior leaders drive our aims for inclusivity from the top, ensuring that they are accountable for the Club’s social mobility progress and development.”
Joining Everton is also law firm Squire Patton Boggs which has been ranked 15th in this year’s Social Mobility Employer Index, up from 46th place in 2020, underlining the firm’s commitment to social mobility.
Partner Rob Elvin, who leads the firm’s Social Mobility Resource Group, said: “Social mobility is an issue we take very seriously at Squire Patton Boggs. To have made such tremendous progress after entering the index for the first time last year underlines how hard we have worked, not only to address barriers to recruitment, but also to improve mobility within the firm.
“We have benefitted from the recommendations and advice of the Social Mobility Foundation and their rigorous assessment of our progress which has helped us to set meaningful priorities and bring about positive change.”
UK law firm Browne Jacobson has taken the first place in the ranking followed by KPMG.
This is the first time that any law firm has topped the rankings in the history of the Index.
Caroline Green , Senior Partner at Browne Jacobson, who leads on diversity, inclusion and well-being at the firm, said: “Employers large and small have a huge role in creating a fairer society and delivering the levelling up agenda.
“The last 18 months has been difficult for so many young people and we are delighted that the steps we have taken and our ground-breaking FAIRE initiative, in particular, have opened up the legal profession to some of those most disadvantaged by the pandemic; we have been able to demonstrate just how much can be achieved if the will and determination is there.
“For us, the journey does not stop here. There is always more we can do and our commitment to improving social mobility within our firm, the wider legal profession and amongst the communities and clients we serve is stronger than ever.”
203 businesses and public sector organisations were considered for the top 75 ranking
