Social Mobility Partnership Programme 2023-2026

In the past year we have developed a social mobility outreach programme designed to find potential applicants for our apprenticeships. This programme creates an outcome at every stage for candidates we engage with. We begin with outreach in specifically targeted schools, that have high numbers of socially diverse students and build on this initial interest through further insights sessions. We then set candidates up for success by providing mentoring and skills bootcamps before they “opt in” to an assessment process. 2022 saw us successfully recruit 13 new apprentices through this process.

To support our Diversity & Inclusion Strategy and commitments, we are looking to build on this work with an annual cycle of activity and partner with a specialist organisation with expertise in social mobility to assist us in scaling our social outreach activities and developing our existing programme. We are looking for an organisation that can represent us across the UK, providing us with access to school leavers across the country, helping us to target specific geographical areas and educational establishments with low levels of social mobility (also known as social mobility ‘cold spots’). We also require support in onboarding new apprentices, helping to set them and their line managers up for success in their first 100 days and beyond.

Any contract(s) awarded following the conclusion of the tender process will be for an initial duration of 36 months. At Ofcom’s absolute discretion the contract may be extended for up to 24 months. The maximum length of the contract is therefore 60 months.