Social Mobility Committee 2025 Round-Up!

The pro-manchester Social Mobility Committee is a group of professionals dedicated to improving access, opportunity, and inclusion across Greater Manchester’s business community. Our mission is to champion social mobility by promoting open conversations, collaboration, and practical ideas for individuals and organisations who want to make a difference.

This year, the committee delivered two impactful events. Our first was a Careers Insight Day hosted by BNY for around 30 Year 9 students from two Manchester schools. Students took part in interactive workshops, networked with professionals, and heard from an inspiring panel, all of whom shared their diverse career journeys and insights into the world of financial services. Our second event, “Rise & Thrive: Championing Social Mobility in Greater Manchester,” hosted by Menzies, brought together business leaders and social impact advocates to discuss how social mobility is both a moral and economic imperative.

“I have been extremely proud of the two events that the team have put together, which have been really successful. I am looking forward to working with them to see what we can achieve next year!” – Shamaine Armstrong, Co-chair of the Social Mobility Committee.

Together, we are committed to making Manchester a fairer, more inclusive place to work and thrive.

Social Mobility Schools event: 

The Social Mobility Schools event at BNY aimed to inspire and empower students from diverse backgrounds by offering them a window into the world of financial services. Spearheaded by a passionate committee committed to equity and opportunity, the event provided students with valuable insights, mentorship, and real-world exposure — underscoring BNY’s dedication to fostering social mobility and nurturing the next generation of talent.

The Social Mobility Schools event, hosted by Gillian Phillips in collaboration with the pro-manchester Social Mobility Committee, aimed to broaden horizons for Year 9 students from Manchester-based schools by offering a dynamic and immersive introduction to careers in financial services. The day featured a rich program of activities including a panel discussion with professionals from BNY, Barclays, and Luna Investment, interactive sessions with EY and LTSB, and a hands-on cyber threat simulation.

Students also had the opportunity to network with representatives from local organizations and reflect on their career aspirations during a dedicated wrap-up session. The event underscored the committee’s commitment to creating equitable access to opportunity and inspiring the next generation of talent through real-world exposure, mentorship and networking.

Rise & Thrive: Championing Social Mobility in Greater Manchester –  

Rise & Thrive was all about championing social mobility across Greater Manchester; creating a space for open, honest conversations about how we can break down barriers and create real opportunities for everyone to succeed. Our aim was to bring together voices from business and community to share ideas, inspire action, and celebrate the power of collaboration in driving lasting change.

The Social Mobility Committee is passionate about ensuring that background or circumstance never determines someone’s future. Through events like Rise & Thrive, we’re building momentum for a more inclusive, fairer city where talent and potential can truly shine.

Speakers included –

• Shamaine Armstrong – Director of Programmes at LTSB
• Carl Austin-Behan – Chair of the pro-manchester EDI Committee
• Lisa Moizer – Employer Engagement Manager at Greater Manchester Combined Authority
• John Quinton-Barber – Executive Chairman & Partnerships Director at Social

2025 brought two standout events for the Social Mobility Committee, and we’re excited to build on that momentum with even more planned for 2026!