Autotrader Celebrates Top 30 Ranking in the Social Mobility Index

Autotrader is proud to announce that we have been recognised as one of the Top 75 employers in the Social Mobility Employer Index by The Social Mobility Foundation for the fifth consecutive year. Ranking 21st in the index - its highest ever ranking - we are committed to creating a fair space and supporting all who join.

The Social Mobility Index is the leading authority on employer-led social mobility and is an annual benchmarking and assessment tool for employers. The Index shows how employers perform on eight areas of employer-led social mobility and it supports organisations to attract and retain the most talented performers. The Index is a rigorous assessment of the steps being taken by employers to ensure talent from all social backgrounds can get in and get on in organisations. This year saw 140 organisations enter the index as well as steady growth in entrants from the tech sector.

This year the Autotrader Social Mobility Network carried out multiple activities which contributed to this rise in the ranking:

Onboarding T-Level students for the very first time, and introducing new graduate schemes in copywriting and governance, risk and compliance
Worked in collaboration with Neurosight, introducing a new and shorter online test, eligible with mobile devices and accessibility friendly

Collaborated with Community computers to donate high-tech kits to colleges in low socio-economic areas to support with learning

Hosted an event in June to celebrate Social Mobility Awareness Day raising awareness about the insights and challenges faced coming from a working-class background, whilst addressing social equity

Hosted external events with Manchester digital, inviting tech employers to come and learn what Autotrader has been doing in the tech space

Across the broader technology sector, just 91% of employees come from lower socio-economic backgrounds. In contrast, Autotrader’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion has led to 33% of its tech workforce being represented by individuals from these backgrounds.

“We’re delighted to be featured once again in the Social Mobility Employer Index, rising up the ranks and joining an inspiring group of organisations committed to improving social mobility across the UK. “Our network continues to be instrumental in driving key initiatives, sparking important conversations, and promoting social mobility both within Autotrader and across the wider tech community. I’m incredibly proud that the network’s efforts have helped us achieve a higher ranking, and we’re excited to continue building on this progress as we strive for even greater impact and growth within Autotrader and beyond.”

Sarah Brooks Pearce, Head of Early Careers and Social Mobility Network Lead at Autotrader