With today marking 2025 Social Mobility Day, we sat down with Emma Thorogood, Partner, Head of Purpose, Community and Corporate Affairs at PwC, to discuss closing social mobility gaps across the UK, and why promoting social mobility makes sound business sense.
A network of firms in 149 countries with more than 370,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services, PwC have won 4 UK Social Mobility Awards since their conception and supported the SOMOs as category champions since 2018.
The firm are category champions for the Small Business of the Year category at this year’s SOMOs, one of 15 categories open until June 27th for organisations and individuals to enter.
Here, Emma explains why PwC put such importance on enabling people to realise their full potential, and how partnering with the SOMOs has impacted their business.
Why is social mobility so important to PwC?
Social mobility is about opening doors to opportunity and paving the way to success. At PwC, we believe that promoting social mobility is the right thing to do ethically and makes sound business sense. By broadening our recruitment efforts and supporting individuals from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds, we can access a diverse range of perspectives and ideas, which in turn fosters innovation.
We have seen first-hand the positive impact of diverse socio-economic hiring. By making it a key part of our Inclusion First strategy, everyone is empowered to bring their best selves to work, feel a sense of belonging, and ultimately thrive.
And, we know a focus on social mobility is beneficial for society, through the work we do supporting communities which, in turn, drives economic growth.
How do you feel about the current state of social mobility in the UK?
While there has been progress in social mobility in recent years, significant work remains to ensure that talent and determination, rather than background, shape a person’s career progression.
Many challenges persist, including educational inequality and a gap in attainment between students from lower socio-economic backgrounds and their more affluent peers. This gap often translates into limited access to higher education or professional careers, and can result in a lack of professional networks, limited access to internships and work experience, and biases in recruitment processes.
Additionally, there are still wide gaps in social mobility across different regions of the UK, with areas of higher deprivation seeing less mobility.
What is PwC doing to advance the cause?
At PwC, we are leaders in advancing social mobility, committed to enabling people from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds to realise their full potential, whether at PwC or elsewhere.
Our inclusive recruitment process focuses on identifying potential. We removed UCAS criteria and the 2:1 degree requirement for graduate and undergraduate roles. We offer diverse entry routes, including apprenticeships and school leaver programmes, and actively engage with schools, universities, and charities in support of social mobility.
Our community engagement initiatives inspire and support young people through volunteering and outreach, offering role models, careers advice, and work experience opportunities. Last year, our New World New Skills program, ringfenced for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, welcomed 216 participants. Building on this success, we are now recruiting this year’s cohort across our UK offices.
But it is about more than just getting in; it’s about getting on. Our research with Thinks Insight & Strategy led to the introduction of optional £1,000 salary advances for new joiners and salary transparency for school leaver roles, making our positions more accessible. We publish our socioeconomic background pay gap alongside reports on gender, ethnicity, and disability, creating an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their data. This transparency helps us identify actionable steps to ensure equal opportunities for all.
True progress requires collaboration and so we work with charities, social enterprises, and policymakers to advocate for policies and practices that promote social mobility. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society.
How has partnering with the SOMOs positively impacted PwC?
Since 2017, our partnership with the SOMOs has enabled us to advance social mobility on a larger scale. Through collaboration, we have highlighted the advantages of supporting local communities and advocating for social mobility, thereby broadening our reach and enhancing workforce inclusivity and diversity. Previously we have been recognised as ‘Organisation of the Year’ and ‘Community Programme of the Year.’
Last year, we were proud to win the ‘Pre-Recruitment Programme of the Year, 2024’ for our work in expanding routes into the firm and supporting local communities. The award endorses our efforts to raise awareness, build skills, and improve access for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. We engaged with more than 17,000 students, providing workplace skills development and delivering school engagement activities across all four UK nations.
This recognition as a leading social mobility employer is important to us and we know it is valued by clients and prospective employees.
Why should organisations enter the SOMOs this year?
Progress on social mobility requires a collective effort, and participating in the SOMOs encourages just that. By entering the awards, organisations have the chance to share their experiences, learn from others, and advocate for best practices.
The award ceremony itself is a joyful celebration of the most inspiring social mobility stories. It not only recognises outstanding contributions but also strengthens commitment to social mobility.
Regardless of your stage in the social mobility journey, there is a category for all organisations to enter the SOMOs.
Enter the 2025 UK Social Mobility Awards here, with entries open until 5pm on June 27th. Find out more about the categories and entry guidelines here.
