Savills has placed 37th in the Social Mobility Employer Index 2023 – moving up 63 places and demonstrating a continued commitment to improving accessibility in the real estate sector.

The index was created by the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) and recognises companies’ efforts to ensure those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have the ability to succeed.

This is the second year that Savills has taken part in the index and we now rank 37th out of the 143 businesses that took part – climbing 63 places from 100th in 2021.

The SMF noted that Savills is taking positive steps to ensure the business is open to and progressing talent from all backgrounds.

This includes improving accessibility to the real estate industry through the strength of our graduate and apprenticeship programmes, as well as targeted outreach with young people through the Savills with Schools initiative and continuing to support organisations such as Career Ready and Real Estate Balance.

The depth of Savills recruitment pipeline was also highlighted, as well as our approach to career progression and culture.

Bids Manager Rebecca John, who sits on the Savills Social Mobility Group, co-ordinated this year’s submission. “Improving outcomes for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds is at the heart of what we do and this recognition is testament to everyone’s hard work,” she said.

“Our aim has always been to remove barriers to careers in real estate and support those who join the industry. We also recognise the importance of collaboration in helping to change the dial on social mobility and that’s reflected through our work with the likes of Real Estate Balance, Rethink Food and Career Ready.

“The feedback from the SMF has been very encouraging and it’s great to know the business continues to move in the right direction. But there is still plenty of work to be done and we’ll be using this year’s findings to improve our practices even further.”

Congratulating Savills on becoming a top 75 employer, Social Mobility Foundation CEO Sarah Atkinson said: “Your participation and ranking are evidence of your commitment to ensuring people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds get in, get on and belong. By accessing and progressing talent from all backgrounds, your organisation will benefit from better decision-making, higher productivity and engagement, and more innovative thinking.”

Now in its seventh year, the SMF Employer Index is the definitive benchmark of organisations committed to improving social mobility in the workplace across the private, public and voluntary sectors.