All Aboard! Social Mobility Pledge on track for big numbers
It’s full steam ahead for the Social Mobility Pledge after more of Britain’s best-known businesses got on board in February, signalling their intent to transform social mobility.
Virgin Trains has become the first train operating company to be named an accredited Social
Mobility Employer after signing the Pledge. Currently Virgin Trains run a number of initiatives including a programme aiming to get ex-offenders back in to work, partnering with schools where pupils have an introduction into the railway industry as well as providing work experience placement and apprenticeships.
Natasha Grice, People Director of Virgin Trains, said: “We are absolutely delighted to sign the Social Mobility Pledge and to be officially recognised as a social mobility employer. We have many exceptionally talented people working with us from diverse and individual backgrounds. It’s the collection of those talents and experiences that makes us a successful business.”
February also saw Wessex Water, banking group Close Brothers, built environment consultancy Curtins, Cavanna Homes as well as Sunderland and Bristol Universities sign up to the Pledge.
They have all helped take us to over 1.8 million people now covered by the Social Mobility Pledge, which is a commitment from businesses large and small across Britain to take three simple steps:
1. Partnership- with schools or colleges to provide coaching through quality careers advice, enrichment experience and/ or mentoring to people from disadvantaged backgrounds or circumstances.
2. Access- providing structured work experience and/or apprenticeship opportunities to people from disadvantaged backgrounds or circumstances
3. Recruitment- adopting open employee recruitment practices which promote a level playing field for people from disadvantaged backgrounds or circumstances, such as name blind recruitment or contextual recruitment.
Thanks to all the businesses and organisations that are supporting the Pledge. If you haven’t signed up yet, please get on board and help change Britain for the better.