Social mobility: driving inclusive growth in Bristol

On Wednesday 13th November, Babbasa and PwC hosted an event exploring the unique challenges for social mobility and inclusion in Bristol. 

Ben Pykett (Government and Health Industries Partner, PwC) set the scene for this exploration, introducing PwC’s recent Good Growth for Cities Index, which ranked Bristol second of 51 UK cities against a set of high-level economic metrics, performing especially well on skills, new businesses and the availability of jobs. 

This impressive ranking was contrasted with poverty data showing that Bristolians are not benefitting equally from this success; with nearly a quarter living in the most deprived 20% areas of England – a stark figure given Bristol performs so strongly. 

Chaired by David Adair (Head of Purpose, PwC), the panel for the event consisted of Poku Osei (Founder, Babbasa), Professor Judith Squires (Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at the University of Bristol) and Marvin Rees (former Mayor of Bristol). 

They discussed their experiences of inclusivity in Bristol, considering how structures and infrastructures can affect social mobility, the role of anchor institutions such as universities in driving local action on social mobility, and the inputs, and roadblocks, which affect young peoples’ pathways to high achievement.

The consensus was that Bristol’s success has led to increased pressure on housing and transport, pushing Bristolians from lower socio-economic backgrounds further from the city centre – widening divides in access to quality education and jobs. 

The discussion also considered how  targeted social mobility interventions can help address these structural barriers and help more people access economic growth and opportunity in the city. Indeed, this inequality of opportunity is what drives Babbasa’s work to level the playing field in Bristol for young people from ethnic minority and low income households.

Following the discussion, guests were invited to enjoy food by local charity the Square Food Foundation, and explore stands from Babbasa, Empire Fighting Chance, upReach, Inclusive Futures and Spear Programme, where staff and young people supported by these social mobility organisations were available to discuss the work they are doing in this space.

If you would like to work with Babbasa to offer opportunities to underrepresented young people, please contact caroline.amran@byep.org.uk to arrange a meeting.