2013
Annual Review
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2013
The Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) is a charity which
In 2013 we supported 682 students, 150 of whom came from all across the country to join our summer residential programmes with J.P. Morgan, Whitehall and Linklaters.
aims to make a practical improvement in social mobility
Edinburgh
Sunderland
York Blackpool Liverpool
for young people from low-income backgrounds.
MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO 2013 was a great year for the Social Mobility Foundation. In addition to strengthening our Aspiring Professionals Programme, we launched brand new programmes including the City Talent Initiative and the Linklaters Residential Programme, which both had very successful first years. During the course of the year there were a number of other highlights, including the visit of 30 SMF participants to No. 10 Downing Street, where they got to quiz the Prime Minister; and the Deputy Prime Minister’s attendance at our summer reception. Having begun our work with young people from London, 2013 saw us continue to expand our reach across the UK. Over a third of the students who we supported were drawn from outside London, ranging from Glasgow to Plymouth and the Isle of Wight. 2014 will see us deliver new residential programmes in partnership with CH2M HILL and KPMG, and we will be opening a new office in Manchester to support our work with young people across the North West. Exciting times ahead! Throughout the year we’ve benefited from wonderful support from both individuals and organisations, which has helped to set more young people on the path to following their ambitions. We are extremely grateful to everyone who helps us to do what we do.
Birmingham
David Johnston Chief Executive
Bristol
Portsmouth Plymouth
THE SMF WAS DELIGHTED TO WELCOME THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER TO OUR SUMMER RECEPTION, WHICH WAS KINDLY HOSTED BY EY AND SAW A FANTASTIC TURN OUT BY BOTH STUDENTS AND SUPPORTERS.
A group of our most dedicated students were selected to have a tour of No.10 Downing Street, where they were surprised with a Q & A session with the Prime Minister. 2
Images © Charlotte King Photography Design: www.catherinecharnock.co.uk
CONTENTS Our work
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Aspiring Professionals Programme (APP)
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University Application Support and Skills Sessions
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Futures Days
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MP Placements
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Where are they now?
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SMF in numbers
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Residential Internship Programmes
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Visit to No. 10 Downing Street
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City Talent Initiative
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Speaker’s Parliamentary Placements Scheme
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Looking forward
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Supporters, Notable Mentions, Trustees and Staff
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Work with us
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Social Mobility Foundation Annual Review 2013
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our
Work
We run a variety of programmes that are all carefully tailored to improve access to the professions for those who have the ability to join them, but who lack the guidance, support or networks to get there. We hope to equip young people with the skills and insight they need to enter the top professions. ASPIRING PROFESSIONALS PROGRAMME (APP) The APP is our core programme. It is open to motivated, ambitious students from less privileged backgrounds in Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Nottingham.
RESIDENTIAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAMMES Our residential programmes are designed to support students who come from lessprivileged backgrounds and live anywhere within the UK by providing them with activities including a prestigious residential internship in London.
CITY TALENT INITIATIVE The City Talent Initiative (CTI) is an initiative that enables high-achieving young people from low-income backgrounds to gain access to leading City firms.
SPEAKER’S PARLIAMENTARY PLACEMENTS SCHEME The Speaker’s Parliamentary Placements Scheme is the only programme we run that is not aimed at young people. It provides nine month paid internships in an MP’s office to people who wouldn’t usually be able to get a foot on the ladder.
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91
%
of employers said that working with the Social Mobility Foundation allows them to reach talented students who they do not usually reach through their traditional work placement/ graduate recruitment channels.
682
new students supported by the SMF in 2013
Social Mobility Foundation Annual Review 2013
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g n i r i Asp
APP
Professionals Programme (APP) 2013 saw us further enhance the APP, welcoming new volunteer mentors, new employers to provide internships and organising a greater range of university visits and skills workshops than ever before.
MENTORING In 2013, students from all of our programmes were matched with mentors who already work in their chosen profession. Mentors provide support throughout the year via email, and many pairs also meet in person at our mentoring meet-ups. David and Thomas were our Mentoring Pair of the Month in June 2013 and are one of our truly successful pairs from this year. David says, “When a mentoring relationship works it is a great feeling, but the greatest success comes when there is a real mutual understanding – people listen most to those who they see as friends. That kind of relationship does not happen without effort from both parties”.
INTERNSHIPS One of the most valuable parts of the APP for students is the opportunity to undertake a short internship within their sector. Some of the UK’s top graduate employers gave SMF students an invaluable insight into working life, which we hope will act as the beginning of their professional careers.
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“It has motivated me to work hard at college and university in order to get a job in this profession.” —Freya, a 2013 APP Media and Creative Student, who undertook her placement at The Observer “I LEARNT MORE ABOUT THE PROFESSION IN THE ONE WEEK INTERNSHIP THAN I WOULD IN A WHOLE YEAR OF RESEARCH.” —ABID, A 2013 APP BANKING AND FINANCE STUDENT, WHO UNDERTOOK HIS PLACEMENT AT HENDERSON GLOBAL INVESTORS
“Everybody in the office was very helpful and easy to talk to. My knowledge of the industry has improved and the nature of the office meant that I could speak to people who didn’t work in my department.” —Arantos, 2013 APP student, who undertook his placement at CSM Sports and Marketing
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APP
University Application
t r o p p u S
and Skills Sessions UNIVERSITY VISITS / CAREERS FAIR An important element of helping students with their university applications is ensuring that they make informed decisions about which universities to apply to. The SMF encourages students on the APP to consider highly selective universities and this year was no exception, as we took students to visit a number of top institutions, including: London School of Economics School of Oriental and African Studies University College London University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Cambridge University of Edinburgh University of Manchester University of Oxford University of Sheffield University of Southampton University of York Once again we facilitated a successful University and Careers Fair, which was hosted by 25 universities and businesses, and attended by 233 students.
APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY Our personal statement checking service, supported by our professional mentors, enabled 290 students to have their personal statement reviewed in 2013. Students were also given guidance on their personal statement content by SMF staff.
School of Medicine, students applying to medicine attended a guidance session on UKCAT/BMAT aptitude tests, and a medicine interview workshop. With a large number of students applying to Oxbridge, the SMF was pleased to be able to provide an Oxbridge Interview Workshop again this year, with the help of tutors and undergraduates from both universities.
“THE PERSONAL STATEMENT WORKSHOP WAS GREAT AS IT GAVE ME A DISTINCT UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT NOT TO PUT IN YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT AND WHAT MAY MAKE YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT STAND OUT FROM OTHERS.” —RAVINDER, 2013 APP ENGINEERING STUDENT
SKILLS SESSIONS Students aged 16 to 21 completed a two day workshop hosted by Accenture, with the aim of improving their employability prospects. Sessions included time management skills, leaderships skills and CV writing skills. Hosted by Clifford Chance LLP, SMF staff put on a ‘Making an Impression’ workshop for 100 APP students. They were given guidance on making an impression online, in person and in their personal statement.
Thanks to the support of Vision, an established society at Imperial College
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Social Mobility Foundation Annual Review 2013
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APP
s y a D s e r u t u F
“It was a unique and insightful event, which informed me more about political careers, which I would not otherwise have been able to find out for myself.” —Zahra, 2013 APP Politics student
Throughout 2013, with the invaluable support of volunteers from the professions, the SMF organised a number of ‘Futures Days’ so that students could reflect on how professionals already in their chosen industries realised their ambitions.
LAW FUTURES DAY
MEDICINE FUTURES DAY
SCIENCE FUTURES DAY
Our aspiring lawyers had a Q & A session with professionals from leading firms, as well as trying their hand at being lawyers for the afternoon by participating in a murder trial case, which tested their negotiation and persuasion skills.
UCLH kindly hosted a taster day for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Students had the opportunity to meet doctors, radiographers, nurses and a speech therapist.
Aspiring scientists attended an insight day hosted by the Wellcome Trust. Students got to hear from scientists working in a range of careers, as well as debating topical scientific issues using the Wellcome Trust’s new interactive ‘Debating the Brain’ app.
“I FOUND THE LAW FUTURES DAY AMAZING. THE DAY FUELLED MY PASSION FOR THE CAREER SECTOR AND HEIGHTENED MY MOTIVATION AND DRIVE.” —MYLES, 2013 APP LAW STUDENT
BANKING & FINANCE AND ACCOUNTANCY FUTURES DAY Organisations such as EY, J.P. Morgan, Lloyds and Santander made themselves available to answer students’ questions. Students were also given the chance to participate in a graduate recruitment exercise, enhancing their teamwork skills and industry knowledge.
“I ENJOYED THE DAY AND THOUGHT IT WAS VERY USEFUL IN OPENING MY EYES TO THE MANY WAYS TO GET INTO FINANCE.” —ANISAH, 2013 APP BANKING & FINANCE STUDENT
POLITICS FUTURES DAY
ENGINEERING FUTURES DAY
As well as a tour of the House of Commons and a day inside Portcullis House, students were fortunate enough to hear from people within a variety of political roles – including the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister.
Speakers from a range of professions within engineering came to talk about their careers. Students had to harness their practical and teamwork skills by using everyday household items to build a glider, with mixed success! “WE ALL KNOW WHAT ENGINEERING INVOLVES BUT IT WAS REALLY GOOD TO SEE WHAT OUR FUTURE WOULD BE LIKE IF WE MADE IT.” —SABAH, 2013 APP ENGINEERING STUDENT
My favourite part of the APP was…
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Social Mobility Foundation Annual Review 2013
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M PPlacements APP
A selection of APP and CTI students were given the opportunity to spend a week in an MP’s office discovering what goes on behind the walls of Westminster. A number of high profile MPs participated, including the Prime Minister, David Cameron, and Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP.
“I am incredibly grateful for the internship; it was such an unbelievable experience! I loved the opportunity to truly understand what the role of an MP entails.” —Agatha, Prime Minister’s office
“I can’t express just how grateful I am. It has been one of the most thrilling weeks of my life.” —Khobaib, Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP’s office
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er e ? Whare w o n they Support for SMF students continues throughout their time at university, including opportunities to attend skills sessions and undertake internships as undergraduates. We are delighted to track the progress of our students and share some of their stories.
Kamil
has been supported by the SMF since 2007. During his time with the SMF he was provided with work experience in a barrister’s chambers. Kamil is now a trainee solicitor at Allen & Overy.
Paula
has been supported by the SMF since 2011. As an aspiring medic, she was matched with a mentor in the medical profession and gained work experience at King’s College Hospital. She is now studying Medicine at King’s College London.
Rebecca
has been supported by the SMF since 2012. With an interest in the banking sector, the SMF provided her with a professional mentor from J.P. Morgan, where she also undertook an internship. She has recently been accepted on to the Lloyd’s Scholars programme.
“The SMF introduced me to concepts and opportunities that would otherwise have been alien to me. They provided that crucial first step and invaluable work experience pre-university, which would ultimately shape the path of my career.”
“My experience as part of the SMF’s Aspiring Professionals Programme was an enjoyable one, which opened up a wealth of opportunities including work experience, university advice and the chance to meet like-minded students. I am grateful for all these experiences – which were important for my application to university and beyond – and for the continued work of the SMF.”
“I am very grateful for the support I received from the SMF. During my internship, the staff at J.P. Morgan greeted me with enthusiasm and passion, taking a lot of time out of their busy days to answer my questions. My mentor in particular has been truly outstanding in the support he has given me, not only for my application to university, but to other programmes such as the Lloyds Scholars programme, which I am now part of because of my experiences with SMF.” Social Mobility Foundation Annual Review 2013
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After attending one of our skills sessions,
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S M F
IN
new students supported by the SMF in 2013
In the past 7 years,
53
%
of student university destinations have been Russell Group Universities
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of students now feel more confident about their ability to enter their In 2013 the SMF chosen profession travelled nearly
NUMBERS
682
95
More than
40
events in 2013
24 64%
The average number of emails exchanged between mentoring pairs
2,250
%
%
of students would want to work at the organisation they were placed at
97
increase in applications for the Speaker’s Parliamentary Placements Scheme
92
miles visiting universities across the country
of students said they wouldn’t have got their placement without the assistance of the SMF
85
%
%
of students rated SMF university trips as excellent or very good
The 2012 SMF cohort achieved
of students said their
internship either met or exceeded their expectations
%
1068 A* or A grades at A Level in 2013
The 2013 SMF cohort achieved
1126 A grades
99
%
of employers would
recommend the Social Mobility Foundation to other employers
at AS Level
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We are very proud of the work we do to increase social mobility for students beyond our target cities. One of the ways we do this is by coordinating Residential Internship Programmes with top graduate employers. The programmes are a chance for students to experience working life in a busy city, and for employers to gain early access to talented young people who may wish to enter their profession. 2013 saw the addition of a Law residential internship programme in partnership with Linklaters, as well as the development of our programmes with J.P. Morgan and Whitehall. More than 150 students from all over the UK made the trip to London for the residential programmes and were provided with accommodation, an internship placement, a mentor, skills sessions and a variety of evening events. This year also saw the first non-London residential internship programme, with the introduction of Whitehall Scotland in Glasgow.
WHITEHALL With 100 places being made available on the Whitehall programme, the decision was made to split the residential programme into a Whitehall London programme for 80 students and a Whitehall Scotland programme for 20 students. Both programmes placed students in a government department for two weeks, where they got to see the inner workings of the civil service.
l a i t n e d i R es
Internship Programmes
95
%
of students on the J.P. Morgan Programme said it exceeded their expectations
“THIS WHOLE EXPERIENCE HAS MADE ME MUCH MORE CONFIDENT ABOUT MY FUTURE PROSPECTS AND GIVEN ME THE DRIVE TO ACHIEVE AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS.” —WHITEHALL INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME STUDENT
“My time at Linklaters was such fantastic experience and, given the chance, I would do it all over again.” —Linklaters Internship Programme student
J.P. MORGAN Following the success of 2012, the J.P. Morgan programme was enhanced to allow 50 students the chance to experience first-hand what the world of banking entails. As well as their work placements, students were able to attend networking events and skills sessions put on by J.P. Morgan staff.
LINKLATERS The addition of a Law residential programme in partnership with Linklaters was a great success and students got a taste of working life in a magic-circle law firm. All of the students who undertook the placement said that they would like to work at Linklaters in the future.
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ABOVE: STUDENTS ON THE SUMMER RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMMES WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO MEET THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, NICK CLEGG, AT OUR ANNUAL SUMMER RECEPTION.
Social Mobility Foundation Annual Review 2013
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Visit to
No. 10
Downing Street
“It was really great having the chance to meet the Prime Minister and ask him a few questions. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I am really glad I had the opportunity to attend.” —Abdulbasit
On 24th July 2013, 30 aspiring professionals were invited to No. 10 Downing Street for a tour of the historic house. The SMF selected the students based on their engagement with our programmes and the progress that they’ve made with our support. Although we had arranged for the Prime Minister to meet the students so that they could quiz him, we hadn’t told the participating students about this and they were both surprised and delighted when he entered the room. He then took their questions, which ranged from what he thought his legacy would be, to the development of London’s Tech City.
Students in on e of No. 10’s dining rooms
they find students what ies ks as r te is in M vit ti Prime about SMF ac most valuable
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that not many people can say they have had. It goes to show that the rewards can be huge for putting hard work and dedication into your studies.” —Usman
e White Room e gran deur of th th s us sc di s S tudent
Students stop for a photo in the Pillared Room
“The SMF has assisted me in more ways than I could ever have imagined. The visit to No. 10 was surreal; being able to have a tour of the premises and meet David Cameron was beyond amazing. Words cannot describe my gratitude.” —Oreoluwa 18
In the No. 10 garden
Outside No. 10
Cabin et of the future ? S tudents the history lea rn a of the Ca bin et Room bout
“It was an amazing experience, that not everyone has the opportunity to have. So to actually go there and meet the Prime Minister was great. It most definitely is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many of us.” —Jinali
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“My internship at EY changed my stereotypical view of the accountancy world and showed me that it isn’t just about numbers and long nights. It opened my eyes to a profession where every day isn’t the same.” —Reshma, 2013 CTI Student
City
alent TInitiative The City Talent Initiative (CTI) was launched in 2013 to help our target students gain sustained access to leading city firms. We are delighted to be working with the founding sponsor firms: Bruin Financial, EY, J.P. Morgan, RBS and Strutt & Parker. The initiative also has cross-party support from Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Mark Field MP and Baroness Kramer. The CTI has two key differences from other SMF programmes: it is the first time that firms have collaborated with each other on a single programme, and it is also the first time that they have committed to provide students with a work placement every year until they graduate from university. The City Talent Initiative provides students with: • • • •
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Mentoring University advice Skills sessions Internships throughout sixth form and university
“It is not every day one is offered such an exciting and once-ina-lifetime opportunity to undertake a summer internship with J.P. Morgan, one of the most respected financial institutions in the world.” —Suresh, 2013 CTI Student “THIS UNIQUE SUMMER INTERN EXPERIENCE AT RBS HAS BEEN REWARDING, ENRICHING, AND EDUCATIONAL. I TRULY ENJOYED MY TIME AT RBS AND ESTABLISHED A GREATER PASSION FOR THE FINANCIAL AND BANKING INDUSTRY.” —MOHAMMED, 2013 CTI STUDENT
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s ’ r e k S p ea Parliamentary Placements scheme
looking
d r a w for
Our third year of running the SPPS has seen new supporters join the scheme, including the Asfari Foundation, alongside the continued support of companies such as CH2M HILL and Aviva. We welcomed an increased interest from within Westminster and the scheme is delighted to have new MPs hosting this year, including the Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, Steve Barclay MP and Paul Burstow MP. The Speaker’s Parliamentary Placements Scheme was set up by Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP and has cross-party sponsorship from Eric Ollerenshaw MP and Jo Swinson MP, with support from the Speaker of the House of Commons. It aims to provide essential experience to people who are unable to undertake an unpaid internship in Parliament but have the passion and desire to pursue a career in politics.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? The second year of the scheme proved to be a hugely valuable experience for those taking part. The SMF is pleased to report that five out of nine participants are still working for an MP in Parliament, with others having secured employment in their chosen field. Angie undertook her placement on the scheme with the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, and we are delighted that she now has a full time role in his office.
2013-14 SPPS PARTICIPANTS AT SPEAKER’S HOUSE, WESTMINSTER
“THE SPEAKER’S PARLIAMENTARY PLACEMENTS SCHEME HAS BEEN LIFE CHANGING. I NOW HAVE A FULL TIME, PERMANENT JOB WITH THE MP WITH WHOM I HAD MY PLACEMENT. THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT BEING ON THE SCHEME.” —SURAJ, OFFICE OF FIONA MACTAGGART MP
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“Applying for the scheme was the best thing I ever did. It gave me a fast track to the job I have always wanted but would not have been able to secure on my own. Having other interns to relate to really made every day on the scheme a joy. It exceeded my expectations and greatly improved my employment prospects.” —Angie, Office of Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP
“Our employees are looking forward to getting engaged with the SMF and helping to make a difference to the prospects of young people in our local communities.” —Rachel White, CH2M HILL
REGIONAL EXPANSION The SMF has ambitious expansion plans for the next few years, with the launch of regional hubs to run our programmes from different areas of the country. New staff will work at our London office for the first seven months to learn how we manage our programmes. They will then move to the regional office where they will build relationships with schools and employers. We will be starting in Manchester in 2014, with plans to add Glasgow in 2015, Birmingham in 2016 and two other cities thereafter.
CH2M HILL RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMME
KPMG RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMME
With the high demand for STEM graduates, we are pleased to announce that we will be working with a leading engineering company, CH2M HILL, on a new residential programme for students wishing to enter the profession. We are honoured to be the first UK grantee of the CH2M HILL Foundation and look forward to supporting students through what will be a comprehensive programme.
We are delighted to be entering into a new partnership with KPMG, by organising a residential internship programme for students across the country, who have an interest in accountancy. The programme will include mentoring from a KPMG employee, a placement at KPMG’s London office and intensive support from the SMF on university applications and skills.
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s to our k n a h t
Supporters
The SMF would like to thank its 200+ supporters, without whom we would not be able to continue working to inspire and motivate young people to fulfil their potential. Supporters include:
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NOTABLE MENTIONS
TRUSTEES
STAFF
Greg Banner Steven Barrett Ric Berke Kate Brittain Dr. Laura Edwards Karen Goodfellow Elaine Hutton Zoe Lambourne Rob Thesiger The Bar Council Good Relations ICAEW Institute of Physics UCLH
Lis Astall Sir Victor Blank Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP Peter Boursnell MBE Tom Cassels Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell MP Simon Hughes MP Sir Terry Leahy Theresa Loar Dr. Geoff Parks Trevor Phillips OBE Polly Toynbee
Emily Hodgson Rubeca Hussain David Johnston Fiona McCourt Zoë Plant Charlie Roe Aimee Welch
Work with us As a charity we rely on the dedicated support of employers and volunteers who provide us with a broad range of support, from mentoring and internships to venues, speakers and financial backing. We hope to improve social mobility across the whole of the UK and would love to hear from you if you would like to join us in making our vision a reality for more and more young people.
Social Mobility Foundation Annual Review 2013
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info@socialmobility.org.uk www.socialmobility.org.uk Registered charity no. 1115888
2013
Annual Review
2013
Annual Review