Business in the Community launches Advancing Social Mobility in Scotland report
Business in the Community launches Advancing Social Mobility in Scotland report
Business in the Community (BITC) has today alongside members of its Social Mobility Working Group, launched the Advancing Social Mobility in Scotland report, with a focus on bringing businesses together to create a fairer Scotland.
Launched in Glasgow, the event featured contributions from Cllr Richard Bell, Deputy Leader, Glasgow City Council, a keynote from Roisin Currie, CEO Greggs, Angela Halliday, Chair of the BITC Working Group and Social Impact Director, Sodexo UK&I, Louisa Macdonell, Director BITC Scotland. Members of the Social Mobility Working Group Mairi McInnes, Director Global Industries at PwC, Sheelagh Cooley, Partner and Head of Edinburgh Office at Shoosmiths and Steven Jolly, Deputy Head of Corporate Banking, Scotland and Northern Ireland, HSBC UK Bank plc with contribution from Lynne Mitchell, Director Wheatley Foundation.
The report provides an easy to understand and use framework for businesses of all shapes and sizes to assess how they are driving social mobility and contributing effectively to the current and future social and economic positioning across Scotland.
The report features insights and guidance from Aegon UK, City Facilities Management, CBRE, Enterprise Mobility, Equans, FWB Park Brown, HSBC, Purpose Coalition, PwC, Shoosmiths, Sodexo (Chair) and SQA. The Social Mobility Working Group reviewed the current landscape in Scotland, assessed available data on the drivers of social mobility with best practice examples in employment and recruitment.
The BITC Scotland Social Mobility Working Group is focused on bringing businesses together to create a fairer Scotland to:
- enhance the way in which businesses understand, engage and elevate their social mobility activities
- highlight actions which move the dial on social mobility, helping to reduce inequality and create opportunities for those within our communities
Louisa Macdonell, Director Scotland at Business in the Community, said:
“I am proud of the work that our members are doing across Scotland and this report will support each of them to do more and encourage others to drive social mobility. This new analysis of best practice in Scotland and beyond should be the starting point for every business. The time to act is now.”
Angela Halliday, Chair of the BITC Scotland Social Mobility Working Group and Social Impact Director at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said:
“At Sodexo, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background. Supporting social mobility is central to our social impact pledge, and we’re proud to work with other businesses committed to driving positive change. This report provides practical guidance for organisations to take meaningful action and play their part in creating fairer workplaces and stronger communities across Scotland.”
Ends
Notes to editor
- For further information on the report visit Advancing Social Mobility in Scotland – Business in the Community
For further information, please contact Polly Dacam, Press Officer, on 020 7566 6638.
About Business in the Community
Business in the Community is the UK’s largest and most influential responsible business network dedicated to building a fairer and greener world together, supported by His Majesty the King for over 40 years. We inspire, engage and challenge purposeful leaders to take practical action to mobilise their collective strength as a force for good in society.