Annual Review 2014
Welcome to the SMF...
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The Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) is a charity which aims to make a practical improvement in social mobility for young people from low-income backgrounds.
MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
CONTENTS: Welcome to the SMF
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The Issue
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plan when we opened our first regional office in Manchester. This is the
The SMF Approach
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first of several offices planned for the coming years so that by the end
SMF Programmes
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of 2018 young people can access what we offer wherever they reside in
University Application Support
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the UK.
Work Placements
2014 saw the SMF embark on the first step of an exciting expansion
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Access to High-Level Professionals 12
Another key part of the strategy to reach the rest of the UK is our residential programmes. We were very pleased that CH2M HILL and
Skills Sessions
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KPMG began supporting these programmes in 2014 and that Clifford
Into Employment
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Chance LLP and Health Education England will begin doing so in 2015.
Regional Expansion
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Celebrating the SMF
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went from strength to strength with our biggest ever cohort, the bulk
SMF Impact
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of nearly 900 young people overall, and with 60 events delivered – the
Thanks to our Supporters
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Our core programme, The Aspiring Professionals Programme (APP),
largest number to date. We also had guest appearances from prominent individuals at our events, including Boris Johnson and Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP. We topped off the year with a special event at which participants from our programmes shared their stories. This was a vivid reminder to the hundreds of individuals who support us why their involvement is so important and why we’re very grateful for it. David Johnston Chief Executive
In 2014, we began our journey to become a national charity, working across the UK by 2018.
2013 One London office
2014 Offices in London and Manchester
2015 Offices in London, Manchester and Glasgow
2016 Offices in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and Newcastle
2017-18 The SMF becomes a national charity
Social Mobility Foundation 2014 Annual Review
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The Issue
Top employers recruit from an average of only 20 out of 115 universities
THE MOST ADVANTAGED STUDENTS ARE SIX TIMES MORE LIKELY TO ENTER A HIGHLY SELECTIVE UNIVERSITY THAN THE MOST DISADVANTAGED1
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Over 60% of trainee barristers are from Russell Group universities. 28% are Oxbridge graduates
7+93+O
‘Bridging the Social Divide’, The Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission, March 2015
71+29+O 43+57+O 33+67+O
7%
of the population attend independent schools and yet independent school alumni make up:
ONLY 8.3% OF DOCTORS IN TRAINING IN THE UK ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS2
8.3% 4
‘National Training Survey 2013: Socioeconomic Status Questions’, General Medical Council
of senior judges
43%
of newspaper columnists
33%
of MPs
In a year3 of the BBC’s Question Time, 65% of guests were Russell Group graduates4 3 4
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71%
September 2013–July 2014 Social Mobility Foundation research 2014
1 in 4 employers across all professions use unpaid interns Unpaid internships an option for
are rarely e students from low-incom backgrounds
Sources for profession and education-related statistics in this review are: ‘Elitist Britain? (2014)’ and ‘State of the Nation 2014’, Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission, unless otherwise stated All SMF-related statistics in this review are based on the responses received at the time of writing
h c a o r p p A F The SM 1
come Low-in unds o backgr
We draw from more than 400 schools and colleges across the UK to support eligible sixth form students. Students are hand-picked for suitability.
• Eligible for Free School Meals OR • First in their family to attend university, and school has high number of students on Free School Meals
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• Predicted at least ABB at A-Level AND • Obtained at least 4 As at GCSE
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Students are presented with an
array of opportunities:
A mentor working in their chosen profession
Bursting with potential
Students start university with the SMF by their side and can access...
Sessions to develop students’ soft skills Support with applications for paid internships
Advice on applying to top universities
Work placements in the profession they wish to enter
Regular updates on their dream professions
Workshops on succeeding at assessment centres
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With our assistance, students embark on
professional careers
they otherwise might never have accessed, including:
Accountant
Lawyer
Doctor
Civil Servant
Investment Banker
Social Mobility Foundation 2014 Annual Review
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s e m m a r g o SMF Pr
Student participants are supported through three broad SMF programmes: the Aspiring Professionals Programme, Residential Programmes and the City Talent Initiative. We are proud to continue to manage the Speaker’s Parliamentary Placements Scheme, which provides paid internships in Parliament.
ASPIRING PROFESSIONALS PROGRAMME
7 Target Cities
• Our core and most established programme GLASGOW
• Supports the largest number of students • Runs in 7 cities
LEEDS
• Covers 11 professional sectors ACCOUNTANCY
ARCHITECTURE
BANKING & FINANCE
MANCHESTER LIVERPOOL
BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY
BUSINESS
NOTTINGHAM
ENGINEERING & PHYSICS BIRMINGHAM
LONDON
LAW
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
MEDICINE
POLITICS
TECHNOLOGY
NO PREFERENCE
Target city
SMF office
CITY TALENT INITIATIVE • Established in 2013 • Aimed at our highest achieving students who have an interest in a career in the City • Support comes from prestigious City firms: Bank of America Merrill Lynch, EY, J.P. Morgan and Strutt & Parker • Participants commit to a placement with a firm every year until the students graduate
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5 year commitment
Students on all of our programmes access unparalleled support, which includes:
A professional mentor
University application support
Skills sessions
Work placement opportunities
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMMES
New providers in 2015
• For students who would otherwise be unable to access our services in their home areas • Students travel to another city and get a taste of life in their chosen profession • Placement providers are CH2M HILL, the Civil Service, J.P. Morgan, KPMG and Linklaters LLP • In 2015 we welcome two new placement partners: Clifford Chance LLP and Health Education England
SPEAKER’S PARLIAMENTARY PLACEMENTS SCHEME
Any age
• Set up by Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP to tackle the culture of unpaid work placements in Parliament and open the doors to a wider population • For people from any educational background • The 2013–14 cohort were the most successful so far in obtaining employment, with 7 out of 10 entering related professions shortly after their 9 month placement with an MP
Social Mobility Foundation 2014 Annual Review
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University n o i t a c i l App Support
Almost double the number of students had their personal statements checked by volunteers in 2014 compared to 2013
“I really enjoyed the visit to the University of Edinburgh. It was such a great opportunity for me and it’s now my top choice university. Trips like these to universities are so helpful, especially to those in my situation. I’m really grateful to have been given the chance to visit.” Chloe, 2014 SMF student
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Because we understand the relationship between university destinations and entry to our target professions, we continue to encourage students to consider highly selective universities.
UNIVERSITY VISITS In 2014, students travelled with us to visit 16 of the UK’s leading universities, ranging from an overnight stay at the University of Exeter to a day trip at the University of Edinburgh. These visits are tailored for our students, with all travel costs covered, ensuring that students make informed decisions about which universities they apply to. After visiting a university with the SMF, more than half the students (57%) decide to apply to that institution.
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of SMF student After the Medicine Interview workshop, university the percentage of students who felt destinations confident in their interview technique in 2014 were increased from 14% to 97% Russell Group universities
63%
WORKSHOPS 97%
We have expanded the workshops we offer to students who are applying to university courses that require admissions tests and interviews. As well as continuing to deliver UKCAT/BMAT and interview practice for students on our Medicine strand, students applying to Oxbridge were supported with sessions from admissions tutors on the required tests and interviews.
CAREERS FAIR Another successful University & Careers Fair was hosted by ICAEW, which saw us welcome 30 employers and universities to meet more than 200 students and talk to them about their options.
14% BEFORE
AFTER
After the Medicine Interview Workshop, the percentage of students who felt confident in their interview technique increased from 14% to 97%
Social Mobility Foundation 2014 Annual Review
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s t n e m e c a l P Work
“Being able to get hands-on experience of the collections within the Natural History Museum was both a privilege and an honour. Thanks to the SMF, I gained an insight into the kind of things getting a degree in a Life Science could offer me as well as learning more about my subject in the wider world.� Alisha, 2014 APP student (pictured)
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An important part of the support SMF students receive continues to be the short work placements within their professional sector of choice. These give students an invaluable insight into the sort of work environment they hope to enter in the future, and enables employers to engage with them at an early age.
We worked with employers to provide placements to students across all of our seven
target cities.
We were pleased to welcome new
ACCOUNTANCY
ARCHITECTURE
BANKING & FINANCE
BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY
BUSINESS
ENGINEERING & PHYSICS
LAW
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
MEDICINE
POLITICS
TECHNOLOGY
NO PREFERENCE
hosts this year, including
the Financial Times, Crossrail and a number of physics employers through our relationship with the Institute of Physics. In addition, one of the most positive developments for the SMF in recent years has been the creation of residential work placement
programmes that allow us to work with young people wherever they reside in the UK. For students living outside our target cities, the London-based residentials present the opportunity to gain professional insight in sectors that are not easily accessible in their home area. We ran such residential programmes in partnership with the Civil Service, J.P. Morgan, Linklaters LLP, and for the first time, CH2M HILL and KPMG.
97+3+O 90+10+O 97%
of students who undertook their placement at J.P. Morgan said they would like to work there in the future
90%
82% 57%
of employers said that working with the SMF helps them to reach students that they wouldn’t normally reach through traditional work placement channels
After their work placement at Linklaters LLP, 82% of students are confident that they will have a successful career Before the work placement this figure was 57%
BEFORE
AFTER
“Working in partnership with the SMF allows us to reach talented young people who we may otherwise not have access to. We’re delighted that SMF student, Danielle, has been offered a place on our school leaver programme this year – it’s a clear indication of how working with the SMF is helping us to improve access to the profession for young people from a variety of backgrounds.” Emily Milne-Home, Head of Student Attraction, KPMG
Danielle Social Mobility Foundation 2014 Annual Review 11
l e v e L h g i Access to H s l a n o i s s e f Pro
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“Pru has been a wonderful mentor. She supported me greatly when I was writing my personal statement, introduced me to intellectually stimulating topics and encouraged me to debate. Most importantly, she was welcoming, approachable, clever and cool – what more could you want?”
“I have really enjoyed working with Surya over the past year. It has not felt like a traditional mentoring relationship as I think we both have a lot to learn from each other. It has been really inspiring to watch someone intelligent, passionate and ambitious pursuing their goals.”
Surya, 2014 SMF student
Prudence, 2014 SMF mentor
Every young person on our programmes is matched to someone from their chosen profession who commits to mentor them for a year. Mentoring plays a key part in ensuring SMF students receive sector-specific advice and encouragement at a crucial time in their education.
More than 15,000 emails exchanged between our 2014 mentoring pairs
MENTORING In 2014, we increased the number of large scale meet-ups for mentoring pairs. Taylor Wessing LLP provided the setting for mentors and mentees to get to know one another and for the students to build their networks. “I was delighted to join the team of mentors on the SMF programme. The matching of mentees and mentors works really well and is strongly supported by staff at the SMF. My involvement with my mentees enables me to share my academic and professional experiences and networks in a way that I hope will make a real difference as they begin their journeys into higher education and the world of work.” Dr Ricky Joseph, SMF mentor
We are fortunate to have the support of the three main political parties. The party leaders, as well as a significant number of other MPs, each hosted an SMF student on a work experience placement. Access to the world of politics and these senior figures helps to give our students the exposure and confidence to believe that they too can work in highly influential professions.
Crown Copyright 2014 Arron Hoare
MP PLACEMENTS
Akian meets the Prime Minister, David Cameron “My week in the parliamentary office of Ed Miliband allowed me to see how the office goes about preparing for everything from Prime Minister’s Questions to creating policy and responding to constituent queries. Above all, it gave me an insight into the side of politics the media neglects – the hard work, long hours and dedication put in by staff.” Naeem, Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP’s office
Naeem with Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP
Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, chats to SMF student, Oniqa
Social Mobility Foundation 2014 Annual Review 13
s n o i s s e S s Skill
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Students benefited from a wider range of insight and skills sessions. Our supporters work with us to provide essential advice about career options and the skills students will need at university and in the workplace.
FUTURES DAYS
In 2014, our supporters hosted ‘Futures Days’ that offer our Year 12 students the opportunity to hear from professionals across their sector of interest. This year, our Futures Days were generously supported by organisations including Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, the Wellcome Trust and the Royal Academy of Engineering. MAKING AN IMPRESSION
SMF staff continued to work alongside the students to prepare them for entering a work environment. Our ‘Making an Impression’ workshops in Manchester and London equipped students with the knowledge they need to impress employers and feel more confident in an environment that they are unlikely to have previously experienced. DISCUSSION GROUPS
We broadened our discussion groups to include an increased number of sectors. Prestigious organisations facilitating the sessions included: the New Statesman; Little, Brown Book Group and Essex Court Chambers. Discussion groups provide an opportunity for students to develop their research skills and articulacy in preparation for interviews and seminar settings at university.
“I think the SMF selection process is clearly working: we were incredibly impressed by the calibre of the students. I honestly would not have been surprised had we been told we were working with university undergraduates, rather than students still at school.” Tom Ford, Barrister, Essex Court Chambers
91+9+O 91%
of students who attended our Engineering & Physics Futures Day now feel they have a better understanding of the careers available to them
Students at the Financial Conduct Authority discussing workplace culture in the finance sector
Social Mobility Foundation 2014 Annual Review 15
t n e m y o l p m Into e
“Through the provision of work placements and networking opportunities, the SMF has enabled me to gain the necessary experience to launch a successful career.� Akeem (pictured), who has secured employment with Accenture in 2015
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We are especially pleased when we hear from participants on our programmes who have been offered full-time employment in the professions we target, particularly when it’s with our supporters such as Accenture, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and KPMG.
We have expanded the activities offered to SMF students currently at university, with events to develop their ability to
impress employers and tackle graduate recruitment assessment centres.
Career Insight Day
One such event was a for undergraduate students who are looking to find out more about the careers available to them following their degrees. We were fortunate to have speakers from ICAEW, the Civil Service and the Financial Conduct Authority. Longstanding SMF supporter, The Spectator, invited students they have hosted on work placements in previous years to a
networking tea
with Chairman, Andrew Neil, and Editor, Fraser Nelson. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to reconnect with the magazine and network with their SMF peers. The Spectator has thus far employed two former SMF students full-time and we look forward to following their progress.
“The Career Insight Day introduced me to the numerous possibilities available with my degree, and how I can adapt my skills to the working world.” Asyma, SMF undergraduate
Organisations now employing SMF alumni include: Accenture, Baker & McKenzie LLP, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, the Civil Service, Clifford Chance LLP, KPMG and J.P. Morgan
Andrew Neil addresses returning SMF students at The Spectator
Social Mobility Foundation 2014 Annual Review 17
EXCITING NEWS!
n o i s n a p x Regional E 2014: MANCHESTER OFFICE OPENED FIRST OFFICE OUTSIDE OUR
LONDON HQ
18+82+O 18%
A BIG STEP TOWARDS OUR GOAL
OF ACCESS FOR
ALL YOUNG PEOPLE
WHEREVER THEY RESIDE IN THE UK
ONLY 18%
OF POOR CHILDREN IN THE NORTH WEST PROGRESS TO
Zehra © Photography by
HIGHER EDUCATION
STUDENT
APPLICATIONS
FROM THE REGION
INCREASED BY
170% IN 2014 MORE SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS IN
THEIR HOME AREA
“It was a great honour to be part of the Social Mobility Foundation’s launch event in Manchester. Meeting the people who have been helped by the organisation and hearing about the projects they are running in the area was truly inspirational. It is so important to inspire young people whatever background they have and the SMF is providing a great bridge between students and businesses to make sure that this happens.” the reception to 60 people attended ester office, launch our Manch hosted by DWF
Steph McGovern, BBC Business presenter
“I am lucky to be mentored by the Head of BBC North West. He invited me to Media City and gave me a tour around one of the buildings and studios, while giving me further advice on my future. It was such a wonderful opportunity.” Katie, 2014 SMF student from Manchester
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Katie at Media City
We have supported students across several target cities (below) for a number of years and the opening of our Manchester office in 2014 was the first step towards extending the support we can offer in students’ home areas. We also continue to bring students from across the UK to residential programmes in London, meaning we were able to support young people from places such as Londonderry, Plymouth and Dunfermline in 2014.
“We are delighted to support this excellent initiative, with the benefits it brings to a number of our young people. Widening access is something that Glasgow is passionate about and we will do all that we can to push the boundaries and open doors for Glasgow pupils.” Maureen McKenna, Executive Director of Education, Glasgow City Council
GLASGOW
“The SMF students were fantastic and there are great benefits that working together brings to the students, the Trust and hopefully our future patients. I felt that the students we were accepting via the SMF often were far more keen and interested than those we see from well-known high performing schools.” Stephanie Cater, Work Experience Coordinator, Royal Liverpool University Hospital
“The Social Mobility Foundation’s programmes have been an excellent resource to help raise the aspirations of our students. As a school based in one of the most uniformly deprived boroughs of the UK it has opened up outstanding opportunities for students that they would be unable to source themselves, as well as encouraging the development of softer skills that are required by top employers alongside academic ability.” Hasmita Mistry, Careers Advisor, Sandwell Academy
LEEDS MANCHESTER LIVERPOOL NOTTINGHAM
BIRMINGHAM
LONDON
Residential student locations Target city SMF office Social Mobility Foundation 2014 Annual Review 19
F M S e h t g n Celebrati
“To say the Social Mobility Foundation gave me direction in life is an understatement. I have gone from being a student who was disillusioned with a world seemingly void of opportunity, to one that has found the motivation and determination to drive me to become a successful investment banker.� Joe, 2014 SMF student (pictured addressing guests at J.P. Morgan)
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We were delighted to deliver three large-scale events that brought together professionals and students in a relaxed setting to reflect on the impact of the charity’s work.
In January 2014, the Financial Services Lawyers Association very generously put on a second
fundraising dinner for the SMF,
attended by more than 140 individuals from across financial services and raising c.£25,000 towards our regional expansion. One
of the highlights of the evening was an appearance from the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who met with a group of participants from our programmes before giving an entertaining speech to the assembled guests.
SMF students with Boris Johnson
In July, we thanked our supporters at our annual
summer
reception, kindly hosted by Bank of America Merrill Lynch. It was attended by 200 people, who heard from Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP about the importance of social mobility.
Alan Johnson with guests
In December, more than 150 guests joined us at J.P. Morgan for the SMF’s first event of its kind – one planned and delivered almost entirely by young people we have supported. Year 13 and undergraduate SMF students volunteered from around the country to share their SMF stories in the event, entitled ‘Stories
of
Aspiring Professionals’. Apart from a brief appearance by a representative from J.P. Morgan at the beginning and our Chief Executive at the end, every speaker had been a participant in our activities in recent years. Many guests accepted our invitation to bring someone who may want to become involved with our work in 2015.
Renato talks to asse mbled guests
Social Mobility Foundation 2014 Annual Review 21
sMF Impact
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has published results of an evaluation1 of our impact on higher education outcomes, funded by J.P. Morgan. It found:
We increased the probability of attending a Russell Group university by up to
27%
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We increased the probability of attending a university most visited by top employers by up to
43%
The scale of our impact on elite university entry is akin to a candidate having A*A*A* at A-Level rather than AAA
‘An Evaluation of the Impact of the Social Mobility Foundation Programmes on Education Outcomes’, IFS Report R102 (2015)
2014 at a glance:
869 new students supported
Of students attending university in 2014,
63%
entered a Russell Group university
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97%
of students said their work placement exceeded their expectations
95%
of employers said that the SMF students they hosted on a work placement were of the calibre they would employ after university
r u o o t s k n Tha … s r e t r o p sup We’d like to thank all of the companies and individuals who enable us to continue to support young people in reaching their potential. Supporters include:
TRUSTEES
STAFF
Sir Victor Blank (Chairman) Lis Astall Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP Tom Cassels Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell MP Sir Terry Leahy Theresa Loar Fraser Nelson Dr Geoff Parks Trevor Phillips OBE
David Johnston (Chief Executive) Ayesha Begum Deb Conner (Secondment from KPMG) Trishna Datta Emily Hodgson Rubeca Hussain Sammy Hussain Charlynn Koranteng Fiona McCourt Paul McDonald Isobel Plant Sally Weatherall Elsie Wraighte
As we continue our exciting plans for regional development, we rely on the dedicated support of employers and volunteers in providing mentoring, work placements, venues, speakers and financial backing. We’d like to hear from you if you think you can help us in achieving our vision of better social mobility for young people, wherever they reside in the UK
Photographs © Charlotte King Photography (unless otherwise indicated) Page 18 icons (house and office) © Emir Simsek/ shutterstock.com Design & illustrations: Catherine Charnock Creative www.catherinecharnock.co.uk
Social Mobility Foundation 2014 Annual Review 23
info@socialmobility.org.uk twitter: @socialmobilityf www.socialmobility.org.uk Registered charity no. 1115888