Lee Elliot Major OBE: “Imagine if we tapped into the talent of all people in this country, all people in the world.”
Feb 20, 2024
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Lee Elliot Major OBE, the UK's first Professor of Social Mobility, shares his journey from a working-class background to academia. He discusses the importance of education and business in social mobility, advocating for social economic background as a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act.
Investing in quality early years education can bridge socioeconomic gaps for under-resourced children.
Customizing the school curriculum to cater to diverse talents can provide equal opportunities for all students.
Reintroducing maintenance grants and equal funding for further education supports access to higher education for diverse backgrounds.
Promoting diverse talent in businesses and recognizing social economic background as a protected characteristic can advance social mobility.
Deep dives
Importance of Early Years Education for Social Mobility
Prioritizing decent early years education is crucial to mitigate developmental gaps caused by socioeconomic disparities. Children from under-resourced backgrounds often start school at a disadvantage, making schools work to bridge this gap from day one. Investments in quality early years education and properly trained teachers can significantly improve the prospects of these children.
Reforming School Curriculum to Include Diverse Talents
A fundamental review of the school curriculum is needed to cater to the diverse talents and strengths of students. The focus on academic memorization may alienate children who are more creative or possess vocational skills. Customizing the curriculum to embrace different talents can engage students better and offer equal opportunities for all.
Enhancing Access to University for Underprivileged Students
Reintroducing maintenance grants for under-resourced students and equal funding for further education colleges are essential steps to support access to higher education. Ensuring fair opportunities and adequate support can help students from diverse backgrounds pursue their academic aspirations.
Challenging Workplace Cultures to Promote Diversity
Encouraging businesses to reevaluate their selection processes and promote diverse talent is key to advancing social mobility. Eliminating biased practices like using multiple interviews can level the playing field for candidates from underprivileged backgrounds. Leadership in organizations must champion diversity and challenge existing workplace cultures.
Legislation for Social Economic Background as a Protected Characteristic
Advocating for social economic background to be recognized as a protected characteristic could help combat inequality and promote fairness in society. Implementing measures like pay gap reporting for individuals from less advantaged backgrounds can drive accountability and transparency in promoting equal opportunities.
Tapping Into the Full Potential of All Individuals for National Prosperity
Recognizing and utilizing the talents of individuals from diverse backgrounds is crucial for maximizing the country's potential. Embracing social mobility not only as a moral duty but as a strategic investment in talent can lead to a more productive and inclusive society. Efforts to address social mobility can unleash a wealth of untapped talent and contribute to national prosperity.
Hypothecated Tax for Early Years Education
Implementing a dedicated tax for early years education to ensure equal access and development for all children, regardless of their background, is a practical step towards fostering social mobility. Securing long-term resources for early education can offer a sustainable solution to bridging gaps and empowering future generations for success.
Lee Elliot Major OBE is the UK’s first Professor of Social Mobility at the University of Exeter. He has spent a lifetime researching how to uplift who he calls children from under-resourced backgrounds. Lee previously served as the Chief Executive of the Sutton Trust and played a key role as a founding trustee of the Education Endowment Foundation. His most recent book, "Equity in Education", introduces a pioneering equity-centred approach tailored for schools.
In this episode, Lee tells us about his working-class background, being the first in his family to go to higher education, and what it was like climbing that social ladder. He explains how both education and business have a role to play in social mobility. And how social economic background should be a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act.
