Shaping a society that gives everyone a fair chance

The Social Mobility Commission exists to help create a country where the circumstances of someone’s birth do not determine their outcomes in life.

About us

This year marks 15 years since the passage of the Child Poverty Act 2010. The Act is our founding legislation, establishing us as the only independent statutory body for social mobility in the UK.

Find out more

Hear the latest from the SMC

Posts

6 May 2025

The Child Poverty Act 15 years on: the truly disadvantaged must not be forgotten

More than 15 years after the Child Poverty Act came into force, we are at risk of losing sight of our truly disadvantaged communities. Alun Francis, Chair of the Social Mobility Commission, and Alan Milburn, the Commission’s first Chair, tell us why we must not be distracted from supporting the people and places most in need.

Learn more

Posts

23 Apr 2025

From Silicon Valley to South Yorkshire: boosting innovation for economic growth

How can Britain tackle persistent barriers to economic growth in ‘left behind’ communities. Rob Wilson explores the issues with David Richards, managing partner of venture capital firm Yorkshire AI Labs.

Learn more

Posts

4 Apr 2025

Social Mobility Commission at 15

Our Chair, Alun Francis, reflects on 15 years since the foundation of the Social Mobility Commission

Learn more

News and media

What is social mobility?

A person experiences social mobility when they have different life outcomes from their parents. This could mean a different income level, a different occupational class, or other differences, such as housing or education. Mobility can be upwards or downwards.

What is social mobility?