Better futures, built together

There is no single, universal definition of social mobility, at SMLF we have chosen to use the Sutton Trust’s definition:

“Social mobility is the link between someone’s socio-economic (or “class”) background - the social and economic circumstances they grew up in - and their own outcomes as adults… An individual’s socio-economic background is made up of several different factors, some primarily social, some primarily economic, and others a mix of both. Many different aspects of someone’s socio-economic background will also interact with one another.” – Sutton Trust, ‘What is Social Mobility?’ (2025).

In the UK, where you grow up, your family income, education, networks and local opportunities shape your chances of getting good work. Social mobility is about changing that so more people can access and progress in good careers.

The Social Mobility Leader’s Forum (SMLF) harnesses the combined power of organisations across sectors and places to create more opportunity for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds through action and influence.

We connect people and organisations, across sectors and places, who each hold different parts of the solution to social mobility – from education into work and progression. By combining evidence, expertise, practice and lived experience, members can turn share challenges into practical action and strengthen their influence on the issues that shape access to and progression in good careers. That is our mission.

The Social Mobility Leaders’ Forum (SMLF) was founded by our Chair, Paul Modley, Managing Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at AMS, a Korn Ferry company, in 2024.

Paul could see excellent action and collaboration happening across social mobility and a strong commitment to improve it. Turning that commitment into progress has been the challenge – social mobility in the UK hasn’t moved in decades. That is how SMLF started – as a Forum to bring organisations together to work towards practical, sustainable improvements to social mobility.

Two years on, we have 157 members (and counting) across the UK from employers to charities, educators, social enterprises, membership bodies and policymakers.

SMLF is supported by a Board of seven people who bring different perspectives, expertise and lived experience from across the social mobility landscape. All are volunteers, contributing their time and experience alongside their day-to-day roles. They are united by one shared vision: everyone has access to and can thrive and progress in good careers, regardless of their background.

The Board helps guide the Forum’s direction and supports its mission to turn connection into practical action, bringing together evidence, insights, practice and lived experience to influence the people, practices, pathways and policies that shape access to and progression in good careers.

SMLF helps organisations move from conversation to action. We convene our members every six weeks to share evidence, practice and lived experience, work together on shared challenges and strengthen collective influence on the people, practices, pathways and policies that shape access to and progression in good careers.

SMLF is for organisations that want to play an active role in improving social mobility. Members include employers, charities, educators, social enterprises, membership bodies, policymakers

and other organisations that influence access, opportunity, careers and progression. We have 157 members spread across the UK, with hubs in Manchester, London and South East and Wales. You do not need to have all the answers; you just need to be willing to contribute.

We connect people and organisations, across sectors and places, who each hold different parts of the solution to social mobility – from education into work and progression. By combining evidence, expertise, practice and lived experience, members can turn shared challenges into practical action and strengthen their influence on the issues that shape access to and progression in good careers.

As an SMLF member you can:

• Collaborate for action: Work with others on shared initiatives and practical challenges, from inclusive recruitment to youth voice.

• Influence change: Contribute to a stronger voice on the issues shaping access, progression and opportunity to good careers.

• Share and learn: Exchange insight, evidence, lived experience and emerging practice.

• Change the narrative: Help shape a more positive conversation about people from lower socio-economic backgrounds – one that recognises capability, talent, ambition and potential, while being honest about the barriers that get in the way of progress.

• Be part of a community: Join organisations across sectors committed to improving social mobility.

• Build your network: Connect with employers, educators, policymakers, charities and enablers.

Start by signing our member charter, joining the conversation, coming to an event and contributing what you know. SMLF gives members opportunities to share insight, collaborate on practical projects, contribute to collective thinking and help shape action on the barriers affecting access, opportunity and progression into good careers.