Social Mobility Always

I am delighted to be the lead for social mobility in Joe’s team for the Counter Fraud Compliance and Debt (CFCD) Directorate.

Inclusion has always been a core principle for me throughout my career, and, having had the opportunity to lead hundreds of people for over two decades in both the private sector and the Civil Service, I have actively sought out opportunities to embrace variable working patterns, job sharing, part-time working, accessibility and promote social mobility. In addition, I was asked to lead a project in Southeast London to provide digital, financial and social media upskilling to underrepresented communities.

I am fortunate to lead two intervention centres on the Kent coast, and we have been able to bring in social mobility apprentices regularly over the years, the vast majority of whom I have been able to agree permanency for. This is a fantastic result for bringing talent into the department. The main focus for me is to ensure the opportunity remains clear for social mobility civil servants to develop in role and also progress their careers at a desired pace through a variety of awareness sessions, forums and clear signposting. This can only strengthen the department’s desire to be certain we are representing the full range of our customer base at all levels.

Thank you for reading. Below is the testimony of Molly, just one of our excellent social mobility apprentices:

“Dover Jobcentre found me this opportunity as a Social Mobility Apprentice, and I jumped at it straight away.”

I felt this would be the perfect opportunity for me to put my anxiety behind me and try something new.

With their support, training and guidance, I was put forward for this role.

I remember the day I started like it was yesterday... I was a nervous wreck and wanted to bail the second I arrived. However, I had a feeling this really could help me develop as a person and give me valuable experience. It has been exactly that and more!

I am so fortunate to be in an office, surrounded by such amazing people, who have all been a part of my journey so far, and who have all brought back the bubbly, happy person I lost. I’ve never felt so supported in a job as I do here. I feel accepted for who I am, and to me that is so important.”

Author: David