We work alongside young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to create access to top-quality education and career opportunities through our Aspiring Professionals Programme, learn more about it or apply here.
98%
"Without the SMF's support, I am confident that I would not have received all my university offers. The internship gave me plenty to talk about in my personal statement and my mentor really helped me to become more confident."
Milly, aged 18 from Glasgow*
50%
"It’s honestly life changing. My personal statement would’ve never been this strong without the help of SMF and my mentor; my UCAS application wouldn’t have been as strong as it was and this is what got me into the top unis for mechanical engineering."
Abdullah, aged 20 from London*
87%
"The SMF was integral to my personal development and helped give me confidence in my abilities and a peer network of similar like-minded people, many of whom I'm still friends with to this date. I could not have asked for a better experience."
Isaac, aged 25*, working in the Digital Sector
We work with partners to change systems so all young people experience access to opportunities, not obstacles. One way we do this is through the Social Mobility Employer Index, which gives employers the tools to create workplaces where everyone can thrive.
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Let's hear from PwC, who placed number one in the Top 75 Social Mobility Employers for the 2023 Index.
"At PwC, we’re proud to have placed number one in the 2023 Social Mobility Employer Index. We understand that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not and that we must take steps to ensure we’re supporting people to get in and get on. Not only is it the right thing for our business, but it also benefits the whole of the UK economy.
The Index has helped us to understand how to achieve greater socioeconomic diversity and a more inclusive culture by reflecting on our approach and best practice.
Through partnering with the SMF across their wider advocacy work we have also collectively encouraged other businesses to act and recognise the importance of measuring and closing the socioeconomic background pay gap."
Vicky Broadhurst,
Head of Inclusion, Culture and Wellbeing at PwC
39 pieces of national news
coverage on the Class Pay Gap
Our volunteer mentors help our students dream bigger and reach higher. With our support, mentors help young people gain the skills, knowledge and networks to reach their full potential.
“
Daphne has really boosted my confidence when sharing her own experiences, and we’ve worked together when making decisions so that I don’t feel alone or scared when making choices and plans about my future.
”
Tayla Thurgood
|
Mentee
Aged 17
“
As a mentor, I have gained from this program not just from the opportunity to pay it forward, but the process of providing guidance and listening to my mentee also reminded me to look inwardly to ask if I am still practising what I am preaching and how I can be a better individual both personally and professionally.
”
Daphne Chan
|
Mentor
Media Rights Lead
at Arsenal Football Club
There’s no better way to show the impact of our work than by hearing from our community. Have a watch of this chat with Anmol, one of our alumni now working at Julius Baer International, her sister Rija, a current SMF student and Monique, our partner at Julius Baer International. You'll learn loads about what we do.
Our team walk alongside our community every step of the way. Here, they reflect on their highlights.
“
I’ve experienced so many moments of pride in our charity and the impact we have this year.
A standout moment was joining the launches in Birmingham and London, when we welcome our new student cohort and invite back some of the previous intake to share their experiences and their advice. Hearing their stories, and seeing the next group of young people take their first steps on the same path, really brings home how much potential we unlock through our work.
I’ve also been so proud this year to see the growing impact we’re having on employers through our influencing work. Because of us, more businesses are taking action to measure and close their class pay gap – meaning more people from working class backgrounds have the opportunity to get on in their careers.
”
Sarah Atkinson
|
CEO
Sarah Crossan,
Programme Development Manager
Chris Savage,
Aspiring Professionals Programme Coordinator
Beccy Forrow,
Campaigns Manager
Amy Leadbitter,
Aspiring Professionals Programme Coordinator
“
What I love most about being a Trustee at SMF is witnessing the transformation of potential into achievement. This year I attended events for 6th formers and early career professionals at which practical support was provided to boost communication and networking skills. It was a joy to see the breaking down of barriers, instilling of confidence and building of connections
”
“
I am incredibly proud to be a Trustee of SMF and have been inspired by the passion and dedication of our teams across the UK, as well as the real impact being made to our students lives. I have loved meeting our students through various events such as the “Young Women’s Forum”, and am energised by their curiosity and hunger to learn. When I see the difference the SMF can make, I feel hopeful for the future of our society.
”
“
It is a great privilege being an SMF Board Trustee; I get to witness and support first-hand the transformational change that is being undertaken. I’m especially proud to be a part of this organisation around Social Mobility Day each year, where we get to hear the stories of young adults who have defied the odds to access, and then complete higher education, sharing their experience for others to do the same.
”
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With the cost of living crisis, more and more young people are being locked out of opportunities to achieve their goals. It’s our mission to propel them forward.
Together, we can make an even bigger difference to the lives of thousands of young people across the UK.
Make a regular or one-off donation through JustGiving.
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