Shifting Mindsets: The Real Work of Social Mobility 

In the conversation around social mobility, it’s easy to focus on programmes, policies, and statistics but the real catalyst for change begins with how we think. To mark this year’s Social Mobility Day on Thursday 12 June 2025, with the theme Shifting Mindsets, we invited Adella Brown, Employment Manager at LTSB Charity, to share her perspective on what truly drives change. Drawing on her work with LTSB (Leadership Through Sport & Business), Adella highlights how mindset shifts, not just resources, can unlock opportunity for young people from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. Her insights challenge us to look beyond traditional definitions of talent and start recognising the potential that exists in every corner of our communities.

Shifting Mindsets: The Real Work of Social Mobility 

‘Social mobility doesn’t start with programmes or policies. It starts with mindsets. 

This year’s theme for Social Mobility Day is Shifting Mindsets, and a powerful reminder that it doesn’t take a huge campaign to change someone’s future-it can start with just one person choosing to think differently. 

At LTSB, we work with young people from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds-young people who are talented, ambitious and full of untapped potential. The problem isn’t ability. It’s access. They often lack the networks, exposure, and opportunity to step into meaningful careers. 

Social mobility isn’t just about giving; it’s about recognising value in places that are often overlooked. If you were to stand in the heart of Birmingham city centre, you wouldn’t have to travel far to find areas facing deep deprivation. Even within just a few miles, many communities remain among the most deprived in the country, communities that are so close to a hub of opportunity, yet it still feels out of reach for many. 

Why? Because the way we define “potential” is often limited. 

Young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may not speak the corporate language, have polished CVs, or dress the part-but that’s not a reflection of their worth, talent, or drive. It just means the system wasn’t built with them in mind. 

When we shift our mindset, we start to see things differently. We begin to value lived experience. We recognise professionalism in different forms. We look beyond polish-and see potential. 

When employers open their doors, share their knowledge, and rethink their approach to recruitment, lives change-but so do businesses. 

It’s time to challenge outdated ideas about what talent looks like. Let’s be more intentional about designing pathways that make space for raw ability, resilience, and a willingness to learn. Because when we diversify our pipelines, we don’t just tick a box-we gain innovation, perspective and strength that enhances workplace culture and future success. 

How can employers take action? 

• Offer insight days or work shadowing – Give young people a glimpse into your world. It helps them build confidence and imagine themselves in professional spaces. 

• Rethink job descriptions – Are your early career roles accessible or filtering out talent? 

• Champion inclusive hiring – Lived experience brings fresh perspective. 

• Partner with changemakers – At LTSB, we’ve seen how powerful it is when employers step up. From small gestures to deeper involvement, there are numerous ways to make a real impact and it starts with being willing. 

It’s time to take action. 
Discover talent. Value difference. Invest in the future.

If you’re ready to be part of meaningful, lasting change, let’s have a conversation. 

Contact me: Adella@LTSB.Charity 
Visit: https://ltsb.charity 
Or come along to our event on 17th June to hear more: Free tickets available here

Colmore BID has been a valued partner in supporting LTSB’s mission in Birmingham. Their efforts in connecting us with professionals for mock interviews, organising insightful industry days and opening doors to meaningful opportunities have had a significant impact on the development of our young people. These experiences have been instrumental in helping them grow in confidence and thrive in professional environments and we are grateful for the ongoing support.’