Law firm Simmons & Simmons has been ranked 43rd in the Social Mobility Employer Index 2021. This is 14 places higher than the firm’s ranking of 57th in 2020 and 26 places higher than in 2019, reflecting sustained gains in the rankings over the past three years.
This is the fifth year of the Social Mobility Employer Index which has grown to become the leading authority on employer-led social mobility. It assesses and ranks UK employers on the actions they take to ensure they are open to talent from all social backgrounds.
The Social Mobility Employer Index is comprised of two elements: questions directed at employers, and an employee survey which was introduced in 2018.
Simmons was recognised for its innovative social mobility initiatives, including:
- Simmons’ Young Talent Programme, where so far three alumni this year have chosen to start their career at the firm
- the implementation of Rare’s Contextual Recruitment System which allows us to consider the context in which an applicant has studied
- our partnership with Brampton Manor Academy, which officially launched in 2021 and aims to empower students who want a career in commercial law
- our continuing work in partnership with SEO London and Aspiring Solicitors to increase the diversity of students on our vacation schemes
- our BreakThrough graduate recruitment diversity panel series which focused on gender, race and ethnicity and LGBT+
- the introduction of a social mobility action plan, holding ourselves accountable on progress and identifying key areas for improvement. A core component of the action plan is the creation of a social mobility working group.
Commenting on this ranking, senior partner Julian Taylor said: “I am proud of the original and impactful social mobility initiatives that we have in place here at Simmons and I’m pleased with our efforts to improve and adapt our programmes year on year. Developing and implementing our own social mobility programmes is a real cornerstone of our responsible business activity and through our partnership with Brampton Manor and our Young Talent Programme, we really are making a career in law more accessible.”.