Progression: The next challenge in social mobility

In this podcast, Simon Reichwald, Elizabeth Robertson and Tim Smith discuss how law firms can support legal professionals from less privileged backgrounds to progress their careers. The discussion focuses on three key areas: ·       The evidence and research underpinning the need to focus on progression·       The tools available to support progression such as mentoring; how to avoid marginal mentoring and instead deliver ‘mentoring with purpose’; why choice of mentor matters·       How creating the right culture and environment matters Simon Reichwald is Strategic Lead for Talent at MyKindaFuture and a Delivery Partner for the Government commissioned taskforce to improve socio-economic diversity at senior levels in UK financial and professional services. Elizabeth Robertson is a partner and white collar crime specialist at Skadden Arps, an international law firm. She is also a Board member of PRIME, an alliance of law firms across the UK and Republic of Ireland determined to improve access to, and socio-economic diversity within, the legal profession. Tim Smith is a partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner where he specialises in planning and environmental law. Tim is also Chair of PRIME’s Partner Advisory Group and a trustee of the Bridge Group. Useful links:PRIME - https://primecommitment.co.ukPRIME is an alliance of law firms across the UK and Republic of Ireland determined to improve access to, and socio-economic diversity within, the legal profession. Visit our website for more information on how your law firm can join PRIME. Taskforce to address Socio-Economic Diversity at Senior Levels in Financial & Professional Services - https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/supporting-businesses/business-support-and-advice/socio-economic-diversity-taskforce/socio-economic-diversity-taskforce-brochure    Why mentoring programmes often deliver only marginal impact - https://hbr.org/2020/07/why-your-mentorship-program-isnt-working The Government backed ‘Get into Work’ Technology platform to support those who need it get into work and progress when in work - https://getintowork.co.uk/lp-a How firms are delivering ‘Social Impact’ through mentoring https://www.mykindafuture.com/2021/04/08/supporting-young-people-hit-hardest-by-covid-19-with-mykindafutures-partnership-with-the-jobcentre-plus/https://www.mykindafuture.com/2021/07/08/6995/