A colleague recently described social mobility to me as the difference between where you start in life and where you finish. Why does it matter? Because where you start in life can still determine where you finish.
I’m a deputy director in the Food Standards Agency, but I’m writing today as co-chair of the Government Socio-Economic Diversity Network. My interest in social mobility rather naturally comes from being from a low socio-economic background and, in telling my story, I want to recognise that there is a wide spectrum of experiences for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Here is mine: I grew up in Kent, from a single-parent family with a disabled sibling. I was a carer, but we didn't have that language then. I just helped to look after my family. I was the first in my family to attend university despite opposition from extended family members. I took a path which for my family is novel. My mum is still disappointed I'm not a teacher because for her, that is the height of aspiration.
Through my career I've experienced barriers and prejudice because of my background. All subtle. Does my accent mean I'm from Essex? No, I’ve never been skiing. No, I can’t speak a word of Latin. No, I don't have a favourite medieval battle (a story for another day!)
Through co-chairing the Government Socio-Economic Diversity network, I have learnt that only 19% of the senior civil service are from low socio-economic backgrounds and so I have a responsibility to tell my story, to be visible. I’ve learnt the importance of community. So many people, after attending their first social mobility event say: “I didn’t think people like me existed in the civil service!”
I’ve also gained an appreciation of the intersectional nature of socio-economic background and indeed the role of double disadvantage (being called a "girl" or being asked to get the coffee for a meeting: is that because I'm a woman or because I sound "common"?).
Finally, I’ve learnt how we can shed light on the career-enhancing things that only some people seem to know about.
It is this last point that the network has been focused on. In the Social Mobility Commission’s 2021 report, Navigating the Labyrinth, demonstrates how civil servants from disadvantaged backgrounds are significantly underrepresented, and that even if they do "get in", they struggle to "get on".
There are a series of unwritten rules and cultural norms around progression and development which colleagues from low socio-economic backgrounds (LSEBs) struggle to navigate. As a result, they often report feeling isolated, or like a fish out of water, because they don’t understand the unwritten rules or how to overcome them.
"Being called a 'girl' or being asked to get the coffee for a meeting: is that because I'm a woman or because I sound 'common'?"
As people from LSEBs, who have experienced these feelings, we were committed to using our personal experiences and learnings to help others to develop.
I am really proud that we recently published Thriving in the Workplace, which is an innovative guide for civil servants in how to navigate the civil service. It shines a light on the unwritten rules and provides practical, honest and impartial careers advice in one place, accessible to all.
This includes hints and tips on overcoming imposter syndrome, how to seek a mentor, the importance of corporate contributions and promoting yourself and your work.
Importantly, the guide also highlights our backgrounds as a strength. Our background and life experiences help us build resilience. Overcoming adversity can lead to the development of more skills, keep us motivated to work hard and pay it forward to help others in the future. Those from LSEBs can bring their experience and knowledge to help shape policy and delivery of services that affect people from similar backgrounds.
I’d encourage everyone – regardless of background – to read Thriving in the Workplace. And, if like me, you do not come from a privileged background, I’d encourage you to see what hints and tips you pick up and indeed to pass along your own learnings to others.
Laura Blair is co-chair of the Government Socio-Economic Diversity Network. If you would like to get involved with the network, be added to their mailing list and be invited to their meetings, please contact secretariat.xgsedn@DWP.GOV.UK