15 June

Change Starts Together

Today mark's the launch of our new storytelling campaign ‘Change Starts Together’.

The initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of social mobility within the City of London and across the UK, as well as inspiring businesses to create inclusive cultures by hearing the stories of those from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. 

Change Starts Together is a collaboration of five unique stories, from employees in the City of London who have all been impacted by the issues of social mobility. It tells their personal story and highlights the importance of giving a voice and visibility in businesses to those from different backgrounds.

Right now, Social Mobility is a timely and important issue, as we see the huge impact the pandemic has had on those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. According to the Social Mobility Barometer in 2021 56% of the public think the pandemic has increased social inequality in the UK, so addressing the challenges and opportunities of social mobility needs to become a priority for businesses.

Change Starts Together is supported by Standard Chartered and is part of The Lord Mayor’s Appeal’s Power of Inclusion initiative, which works towards creating a City that is inclusive and open to everyone regardless of background. 

Commenting on the campaign Lord Mayor Alderman William Russell said “Change Starts Together is an excellent new storytelling campaign. It has been proven that inclusive workplaces are more productive, with improved performance and our storytelling campaign encourages businesses to create a culture of belonging and acceptance for those from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Change Starts Together starts a much-needed conversation between individuals and businesses to increase diversity and inclusion in the City.”

As one of the most diverse cities in the world London offers a range of opportunities for employees and businesses, however many people are still facing significant barriers to getting a job or progressing their careers in the City, simply because of their background. Throughout the campaign it is hoped businesses will have an increased understanding around the issues and be inspired to begin to address them. 

“Social Mobility is of great personal interest to me” said Dan Robertson, Chair of the Power of Inclusion, “and I am passionate about seeing a City that has opportunities for everyone to progress their careers regardless of backgrounds. There is still much to be done in this area, but it is great to see so many businesses working together to support our campaign to increase social mobility in the City of London and beyond.”

Sonia Rossetti, Managing Director, Regional Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Europe and Americas at Standard Chartered Bank said: “The value of creating an inclusive, fully diverse and representative City resonates strongly with our purpose of driving commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity.  We all have a duty to think about the opportunities we are supporting to make sure they provide a real solution, not a sticking plaster. We are proud to be sponsoring Change Starts Together storytelling campaign, working alongside The Lord Mayor’s Appeal and we believe the power of hearing these stories can inspire action from businesses across the City, as we work together to bring change.”

The full Change Starts Together film alongisde a tool kit is available for businesses who are part of The Lord Mayor’s Appeal Power of Inclusion initiative. Here companies are able to access the storytelling tool alongside a guide for beginning their own journey.

The film has been created with businesses Standard Chartered, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Fidelity International, Legal and General and PwC. Filmed in conjunction with Mountain Way Pictures. 

Through the storytelling campaign we hope that more people across London businesses will be inspired to share their stories and support others to understand the importance of socio-economic diversity in the workplace

For further information on Change Starts Together or the Power of Inclusion head to www.thelordmayorsappeal.org/initiatives/an-inclusive-city/ 

You can see the Change Starts Together by clicking on the image below