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How To Increase Social Mobility in Retail

As an executive director from humble beginnings, I’m passionate about helping less advantaged young adults find opportunities in fashion. In recent years I’ve noticed less diversity in retail head offices with businesses missing out on talent outside of London and from different socio-economic backgrounds. Whilst there are no quick fixes to resolve this, I’ve identified four ways to increase social mobility in Retail and help businesses benefit from more diverse experiences in the workplace.

1. Question what qualifications are really needed for a role being advertised, instead identify what real-life experience and personal qualities could demonstrate better suitability. Many less advantaged people have dealt with adversity and can demonstrate both grit and resilience, which may be more useful than a geography degree for many retail roles. No offense intended to geography graduates!

2. Conduct a skills audit across your entire business to understand what talent you have and whether a role can be recruited internally before seeking to advertise it externally. At Whistles we were massively surprised at how much latent hidden talent existed within the organisation which could be harnessed. Entry level MAAs and BAAs with shopfloor experience are often quicker to learn their new roles, likewise, I’ve known receptionists transform into amazing buyers and warehouse operatives into successful operations managers. In my experience the right mindset is far more powerful than qualifications.

3. Ask whether the role can be performed remotely to capture a wider cohort of candidates outside of London. With skyrocketing rental and shared housing costs, living in London is no longer feasible for lower income candidates and will limit the size and nature of the talent pool.

4. Organise talks for students in comprehensive schools and six-form colleges to provide more insight into all careers in retail. It still amazes me that four people from my high school have made successful careers in merchandising and design, given we had absolutely no career advice or information about opportunities in the retail industry. A big shout out to Jo Bray, Amanda Bird and Catriona Smith all from Preston High School!

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