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The Social Mobility Employer Index, now in its seventh year, evaluates employers’ efforts to enhance social mobility across critical employee milestones. These milestones include engagement with young people, pathways into the workforce, attraction, recruitment and selection, data collection, progression, culture, and experienced hires, along with advocacy.
Notably, 143 organisations participated in the 2023 index, spanning private, public, and voluntary sectors. Law firms dominated the entries, comprising 36%, followed by banking, financial services, and insurance at 15%.
A significant trend revealed by the report is the evolving recruitment landscape. Forty-six organisations no longer consider grades during the recruitment process, signalling a shift towards holistic evaluation. Additionally, over 100 organisations collect socioeconomic data on employees, emphasising a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
However, challenges persist, as three organisations still offer unpaid internships, highlighting an area that requires continued attention.
The legal sector’s commitment to social mobility is exemplified by initiatives such as Freshfield Bruckhaus Deringer LLP’ Aspiring Professionals Programme. This three-year program, delivered in collaboration with the Social Mobility Foundation, targets high-achieving young people from areas with limited work opportunities and diverse ethnic backgrounds.
A participant in the program emphasised its transformative impact, stating, “Without this internship, I would have never met anyone practising law in London or from such a prestigious firm.”
The report also provides recommendations for employers and policymakers. These suggestions include reviewing the socioeconomic background of apprenticeship intakes, investing in well-structured school leaver programs, utilising contextual recruitment tools like upReach’s REALrating, covering travel and accommodation costs for interviews, and analysing pay data to identify class pay gaps. These recommendations serve as a roadmap for organisations striving to enhance social mobility within their ranks.
In the legal profession, social mobility pertains to creating a level playing field for individuals from diverse backgrounds to access and progress within the field of law. It involves dismantling barriers that may impede individuals from underprivileged backgrounds in pursuing legal careers and ascending through the ranks.
Historically, the legal sector has faced criticism for its lack of diversity and inclusivity. Entry into the legal profession often required not only academic excellence but also access to elite networks and resources. This exclusivity perpetuated a cycle where individuals from privileged backgrounds had a more straightforward path to success, while others faced formidable obstacles.
Browne Jacobson, retaining its position as the highest-ranked law firm in the index, is a testament to the firm’s commitment to social mobility. Caroline Green, a senior partner at Browne Jacobson, expressed pride in the firm’s achievements. This success reflects not only on the firm’s accomplishments but also on its responsibility to lead by example.
DWF Group Plc, inspired by the success of its Ethnic Minority Programme, recently launched its Social Mobility Programme. These initiatives underscore the industry-wide acknowledgment of the need for comprehensive strategies to address disparities and create pathways for individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive in the legal profession.
The Social Mobility Foundation’s Chair, Alan Milburn, commended the efforts of organisations entering the index but urged the government to scale up these initiatives. The collective commitment of employers must be met with corresponding policy measures to create a sustainable impact. As the legal sector leads the charge in social mobility, there is a need for collaboration between government bodies, employers, and educational institutions to bridge gaps and create a level playing field for aspiring professionals.
Caroline Green, a senior partner at Browne Jacobson, expressed pride in the firm’s continued success on the index. Such sentiments signify not only accomplishment but also a recognition of the responsibility that comes with influence. Law firms, as key players in shaping legal landscapes, are well-positioned to influence positive change in social mobility.
Recognising that social mobility is a collective effort, several schemes within the legal sector bring firms together to promote and develop initiatives:
Promoting social mobility within law firms is not just a matter of compliance; it is a strategic imperative. A diverse and socially mobile workforce brings a range of perspectives, experiences, and talents, enriching the professional environment.
Beyond the ethical imperative, there is a growing recognition that diverse teams are more innovative, better equipped to navigate complex challenges, and ultimately contribute to the success and sustainability of the legal industry.
In conclusion, the prominence of law firms in the 2023 Social Mobility Employer Index is a testament to the legal sector’s commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a more diverse and inclusive environment.
By understanding the nuances of social mobility, acknowledging historical challenges, and actively participating in initiatives, law firms can continue to lead the way in advancing social mobility. As the legal profession pioneers change, it sets an example for other industries to follow, fostering a future where opportunities are truly equal for all.
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