Social mobility can be upward or downward. It refers to the ability of individuals to move up or down the social and economic ladder through education, employment and opportunity. It’s a vital measure of a fair and thriving society, but in Jersey, significant barriers prevent many from progressing and realising their full potential.

The Social Mobility Fund, established in partnership with Jersey Community Foundation, has been launched with an initial investment of £50,000 for 2025, and two further £100,000 pledges for 2026 and 2027, to support organisations working to break down barriers to opportunity in Jersey. The fund aims to expand access to extra-curricular education, cultural and sporting activities, helping  young people to reach their full potential regardless of background.

Seeded with an initial contribution from Sir Mark Boleat, the ambition is for the fund to grow through further investment from others who share a commitment to improving social mobility in Jersey.

Sir Mark is a Senior Adviser at the Policy Centre Jersey. He was knighted in the 2017 Birthday Honours for his contributions to the financial services industry and local government in London.

Why does social mobility matter?

Upward social mobility is typically achieved through high quality education, employment, financial stability, wealth building and strong social networks and mentorship. High social mobility levels mean individuals can improve their circumstances based on talent and hard work rather than being constrained by the socio-economic status they were born into.

It isn’t just about individual success, though. Upward social mobility has wider benefits for creating a more prosperous, fair and stable society and economy.

When people have the opportunity to move up economically, it helps reduce inequality, narrowing the wealth gap and easing social divisions. A more skilled and educated workforce leads to higher productivity, innovation and economic growth, benefitting society as a whole. Increased mobility also breaks cycles of poverty, giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds better life prospects. Societies with greater mobility tend to experience stronger social cohesion, with lower crime rates, better health outcomes and greater political stability. Additionally, when success is based on effort and merit rather than background, it encourages a fairer and more talent-driven society.

What are the barriers to social mobility?

In Jersey, as in many places, access to opportunity is not always equal. The Policy Centre Jersey's report, "Social Mobility in Jersey", identifies several barriers hindering upward mobility on the island and, while they reflect the barriers to social mobility globally, there are some specific Jersey factors.

Housing

A significant challenge in Jersey is the high cost of living, particularly housing, which strains lower-income families and limits their ability to invest in opportunities for themselves and their children. The report emphasises that Jersey's housing market has compounded social mobility issues, making it difficult for those without a “Bank of Mum and Dad” to afford suitable accommodation.

Early Years, primary and secondary education

Education is one of the most powerful drivers of social mobility, yet many children start school at a disadvantage. Barriers such as language gaps, an unsatisfactory home environment and lack of participation in structured activities hinder early learning.

Sir Mark highlights that islanders’ life chances are largely determined before they even start school. "That means positive interventions should begin early, ensuring that children, regardless of background, have access to the experiences and education that set them up for success.” While some children benefit from enriching extracurricular activities, tutoring and exposure to cultural experiences, others miss out. This makes it harder for them to compete academically and professionally later in life.

A key challenge for schools is 'summer learning loss', where children from lower income backgrounds tend to fall behind academically. Summer learning programmes, cultural experiences, sports and other enriching activities can help keep children engaged and progressing academically.

Sir Mark acknowledges that there are systemic challenges within education that require long-term policy solutions, but he is clear that the Social Mobility Fund is designed to focus on immediate, practical ways to widen access to opportunity. While it can’t change the structure of the education system, it can help ensure that more children – regardless of where they live or go to school – have access to enriching experiences that broaden their horizons.

"There are children in St Helier who have never even been to the beach,” Sir Mark says. “Something as simple as covering transport costs for school trips or sporting activities within the Island can make a big difference."

The Social Mobility Fund aims to bridge these gaps by supporting learning initiatives and expanding access to sports, cultural and educational activities. Sir Mark, who has previously been involved in similar initiatives in London, stresses the importance of broadening children's horizons. He says, "Providing these experiences is crucial for showing children what is possible. By ensuring access to cultural, creative and sporting opportunities, the fund seeks to give young people, regardless of background, the best chance to succeed.” 

Educational disparities also play a crucial role. Sir Mark highlights structural barriers within the education system, noting that the high proportion of students attending fee-paying schools and the selective transfer of pupils at ages 14 and 16 create divisions. This selectivity impacts diversity within non-selective secondary schools and affects students' self-confidence and aspirations.

Higher education

Access to higher education presents another obstacle. Sir Mark says, “20% of university students in the UK live at home largely for financial reasons, an option not feasible for many local students because of the limited courses available on-island.” This situation makes university education less accessible to those from lower income families.

Employment and career progression

Even with strong academic performance, barriers to employment and career progression persist in Jersey. Job opportunities are often influenced by personal networks, unpaid internships and the affordability of higher education – factors that disproportionately benefit those from privileged backgrounds.

"Employers should look beyond traditional recruitment methods,” Sir Mark suggests. “Internships and entry-level positions should be accessible to all, and we must break the cycle of closed networks that prevent fresh talent from emerging. We need to make sure that talent isn’t wasted."

Low social mobility impacts economic growth, as industries miss out on skilled individuals who lack opportunities to develop their potential. A diverse workforce encourages innovation, better decision making and economic resilience, making it essential for Jersey’s future competitiveness.

Social cohesion

Social cohesion is another critical factor of upward social mobility as it encourages a sense of belonging, trust and shared opportunity within society. Societies with high levels of inequality and low social mobility often experience greater social tensions, division and a lack of collective progress. When individuals feel excluded or unable to improve their circumstances, it can lead to reduced civic participation, increased crime rates and political instability.

Addressing these disparities helps create a more united, engaged and productive community where people are more likely to contribute positively to economic and social development, ultimately benefitting society as a whole.

Why social mobility benefits everyone

Social mobility has a ripple effect that reduces inequality, strengthens economies and builds stronger communities. It helps to create a skilled workforce, drive innovation and lower reliance on welfare, benefitting businesses and public services. Societies with higher mobility enjoy greater stability, trust and civic engagement, making them fairer, more financially stable and more resilient for future generations.

By addressing immediate and practical barriers to opportunity, the Social Mobility Fund aims to help more people access the opportunities they need to succeed.

Ultimately, when people believe they have a fair chance to succeed and can contribute based on their abilities rather than their circumstances, they are more likely to contribute positively to their communities.

"Investing in social mobility is an investment in Jersey’s future", says Sir Mark. "We need to harness the potential of all our young people, not just those who are fortunate enough to be born into wealthier families."

Why collaborate with Jersey Community Foundation?

The Social Mobility Fund was established in partnership with Jersey Community Foundation, recognising the value of their professional and strategic approach to philanthropy. The Fund is designed to ensure that financial support reaches the initiatives that will have the greatest impact. As Sir Mark notes, “Giving money away is easy; giving money away well is very hard.”

Community foundations follow a professional model that reduces administration costs, ensures expert oversight through a dedicated panel and leverages deep sector knowledge to direct funding where it’s most needed.

Rather than duplicating efforts, the Fund will support organisations already doing impactful work, strengthening existing initiatives rather than reinventing the wheel. By aligning with Jersey Community Foundation’s structures and expertise, the Social Mobility Fund can make a lasting difference where it matters most.

Looking ahead

The Social Mobility Fund is an important step toward addressing one of Jersey’s most pressing social issues, but real change requires a long-term commitment from policymakers, businesses and the wider community. Creating a truly equitable and thriving society depends on collective action to ensure opportunity is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all.

The Fund also welcomes additional contributions from individuals and businesses committed to supporting social mobility. “By supporting social mobility, we are creating a more dynamic and thriving island for everyone", says Sir Mark.

With applications for grants now open, charitable organisations and schools schools working to address these challenges are encouraged to apply here.