Many of our colleagues mentor young people from low‑income backgrounds to build confidence, employability skills and career insight.
At Rathbones, we believe talent, ambition and potential are not limited by background but opportunity often is.
That’s why we created our Social Mobility Network: a colleague-led network focused on removing socio-economic barriers and helping to ensure progression is driven by capability and contribution, not circumstance.
Why social mobility matters in the workplace
Too many people still face barriers to entry, progression and leadership based on factors outside their control – such as socio-economic background, education, or access to professional networks.
At Rathbones, we believe a wider range of lived experiences strengthens our organisation. When people from different backgrounds are able to contribute, challenge and succeed, we make better decisions, better manage risk, and better serve clients.
Our Social Mobility network
Our Social Mobility Network forms part of Rathbones’ diversity and inclusion strategy, focused on fair access, opportunity and progression.
The network is open to permanent and temporary colleagues who consider themselves to belong to this group, as well as allies who are committed to its aims.
We meet regularly as a network and through focused working groups, and we prioritise respect and confidentiality to help create a safe, supportive environment.
How we support social mobility at Rathbones
Here are some of the practical ways we work to widen access, build confidence and support fair progression.
Mentoring
Back to School volunteering
Colleagues share their career journeys with schools and colleges to broaden awareness of routes into work and financial services.
Insight days
We bring pupils from lower socio‑economic backgrounds into our offices to meet colleagues and see what a career in financial services can look like.
Awareness and advocacy
We run events and colleague‑led activity that keeps the focus on performance and contribution, not perceptions of ‘fit’, confidence or background.
Bi-monthly drop-in sessions
Providing an open forum for network members to share advice and lived experience, stay connected with peers, and keep up to date with the work the network is doing to support social mobility across the Rathbones workplace.
Supporting social mobility causes
We’re active members of a number of initiatives including the 93% Club, Early Careers Foundation and Progress Together.
We're proud to support a range of social mobility initiatives
The Early Careers Foundation
Helping young people from low-income backgrounds secure great first jobs through mentoring, career exposure and financial support.
Progress Together
Working with UK financial services firms to improve socio‑economic inclusion by removing barriers to progression and increasing representation at senior levels.
The 93% Club
Building networks, skills and opportunities for people educated at state schools, helping them access the support and influence traditionally available through private‑school alumni networks.
Did you know?
9 in 10 people think it’s important to level the playing field and improve social mobility in the UK.
The 2020 Global Social Mobility Index ranked the UK 21st out of 82 countries.
The economy may be missing out on £19bn in GDP growth every year due to systemic barriers to social mobility in the workplace.
Lived experience from our colleagues
“I joined the Rathbones Social Mobility Network because I believe everyone should have the opportunity to realise their potential and thrive in life, based on merit, not privilege. I’m grateful for the chances Rathbones has given me in my career, and I’ve never felt that my background has held me back. I want to help ensure others have that same opportunity. Whilst we’ve made great progress, there is still plenty of work to do to break down barriers and create a truly level playing field for everyone.”
Craig Santangeli, Head of Transfer Agency
“I co-founded our Social Mobility Network because if we want to remain competitive, we must be led by job performance, not notions of perceived confidence, gravitas or ‘fit’. … I want to ensure that all stakeholders – clients, shareholders, employees and society – benefit from our Social Mobility Network’s work.”
Elliot Evans, Investment Director
Our ongoing commitment
We know this work matters at every stage of a career – not just at entry level. That’s why our focus includes outreach, mentoring, awareness and advocacy, alongside efforts to support fair progression and reduce barriers to opportunity across the organisation.
Why join Rathbones?
If you’re considering joining Rathbones and you’re concerned about whether your background could be a barrier, you’ll be joining a business that recognises socio-economic diversity, is actively working to widen access to opportunity, and is committed to ensuring career outcomes are driven by capability and contribution.
