Social Mobility Conference- Unlocking the UK's potential: making social mobility work for all

On the 14th December 2017, Re:State will hold its first inaugural social mobility conference, setting the agenda over the rest of this parliament for this cross-cutting issue. There will be a keynote speech delivered by Rt Hon Justine Greening MP as well as three panels on each phase of citizens’ lives. Whether it is attainment, employment or income, on many measures the gaps between Britain's richest and poorest only widen from birth.

Some local areas are facing particular challenges, with twelve Opportunity Areas announced so far to help. The Secretary of State has made social mobility her number one priority for post-Brexit Britain, with support across Government including through the industrial and digital strategies. Re:State is keen to bring together key voices to raise the profile of successful solutions that are already having an impact, and to identify further areas for improvement.

Speakers so far include (more will be announced in due course):

• The Rt Hon Justine Greening MP, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities (keynote speech)
• David Johnston, Commissioner, Social Mobility Commission and Chief Executive, Social Mobility Foundation
• Emran Mian, Director of Strategy and Social Mobility, Department for Education
• Sam Freedman, Executive Director, Teach First
• Sir Kevan Collins, Chief Executive, Education Endowment Foundation
• Melanie Richards, Deputy Chair, KPMG UK and founder member and UK Board member of The 30% Club Steering Committee.
• Campbell Robb, Chief Executive, Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Agenda 

08:50 - 09.00 Welcome and introduction 09.00 - 10.00 Keynote speech: The Rt Hon Justine Greening MP, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities

10.00 - 11.00 Panel session one: Years 0-14 – a fair start in life 

Family background has an impact on life chances from the very beginning, with outcomes as early as infant health affected by sociodemographic circumstances. Differences are only exacerbated from there, and by the time children join school, over half of those eligible for free school meals have not reached a ‘good level of development.’ The gaps in attainment continue through primary and secondary school, and are often quoted as the key obstacle to equal opportunities later in life. Are interventions such as child tax credits, free childcare entitlements, universal free school meals and the pupil premium the right way to overcome them? If so, questions still remain with regards to the best kinds of implementation, given the slow progress in reducing gaps. In an environment of constrained public finances, achieving value for money for such investments is essential to reach and benefit as many children as possible.  This panel will explore how the playing field can be levelled when disadvantage is established so early in life, and how value for money can be achieved in the pursuit of doing so. If you are interested in sponsoring this panel, please contact events@test.helloknox.com 

11.00 - 11.20 Coffee break

11:20 - 12.20 Panel session two: Years 14-21 – developing future capabilities (in partnership with KPMG)

At key points in their lives children and their families make important choices about their futures, deciding which education and training options are best for them, with many starting the transition into employment. But the options keep changing and choices are often made with limited information and under a range of influences. Few truly high status vocational options currently exist. Too many young people still leave formal education unprepared for the next stage. How can clear and meaningful pathways be offered to all young people? What do they, and the nation need to thrive in the future? Should we be seeking parity between vocational and academic routes or is that a false dichotomy? Are we near agreement about the right balance between knowledge, skills and character? Where do qualifications and different providers help, or hinder? Given some young people are learning and earning from the age of 16, what do employers want and what is asked of them? This session will offer practical examples of good practice and suggestions for how key players can work better together, to ensure this crucial transition stage works for all young people, especially in social mobility cold spots.

12:20- 13.20 Panel session three: Years 21-67 – rewarding lives for every citizen (in partnership with Joseph Rowntree Foundation)

Despite record levels of employment, the nature of work is changing rapidly, with more self-employment, a growing skills gap, and intensifying global competition. Accounting for rising living costs, real wages fell by over 10 per cent from 2008 to 2014. Automation and artificial intelligence are disrupting a growing number of roles and sectors, but in different ways, in different places, and at different speeds. How can work help improve social mobility? What can employers and learning providers do differently? How should informal and lifelong learning respond? How can public services and public procurement help those who are left behind? What should the role of Government be? Can the cycle be prevented for their children? This panel will explore what good work and inclusive growth looks like, with short presentations of up to five minutes from each speaker, followed by an audience Q&A.

13:30 Close