Description
TLC Zoom
Wednesday 25th September 2024 @ 18:00 BST
‘The Miner’s Daughter – how important is social mobility to the health and wellbeing of our world’
Professor Claire Collins PhD MBA SFHEA FIBMS MCIM
Co-Founder, Henley Centre for Leadership
You will recall that Claire spoke to us in February on the subject of ‘Leaders: Why it makes sense to be champions of your EDI strategy’ It was very well received and attended.
But there is more to learn about how we think about equity and equality from her background, knowledge and experience – hence the title of this presentation
There is an old English saying, originally a Chinese curse, something along the lines of ‘May you live in interesting times’.
This is a story of social mobility, from working class, to part of the intellectual class. Her Dad was indeed a miner, as was his father before him. So, how did Claire become a University Professor? What had to change for her to break the chain of stereotypically working class jobs?
Social mobility is not a protected characterising in the Equalities Act 2010, but many think that it should be. The main problem for including it is that it is hard to define, and to mandate how to remedy it. Every individual seems to be unique, so how do we build in support for social mobility. What did the younger Claire, and all the other kids like her, then and now, need in order to fulfil her full potential?
From an Equity and Equality perspective, it is important to recognise what the ambitions of all groups are. For some, it is to stay close to home, work in the family business, or have a role which enables them to raise a family. For others, it may mean trying to right the wrongs of the past and improve their context and environment. Not everyone wants to study, or advance into white collar roles. The thing is, social mobility means allowing all options and providing the support required to make them happen.
Claire will talk about what motivates the daughter of a man from the working class to pursue education for its own sake, and then to make of that something which will make use of whatever talent, skill and experience are present. What impact did the education system have, what helped and what was lacking? What socio/political, and personal events were happening at the time, which shaped her, and sent her in certain directions?
What does internal locus of control mean when there is a vacuum of external wisdom and advice in that working class context? She will talk about having a growth mindset in a fixed world. Her father was a very special miner, as you will hear. He created a little revolution in social mobility; a small pebble, in a tiny pond. But the ripples are still spreading out, and if she has anything to do with it, they will never stop”.
So, what lessons can we draw as a result? What can we ensure creates equity for people from all backgrounds, no matter what their ambitions.
Biography
Dr Claire Collins, is an Emerita Professor of Leadership at Henley Business School, University of Reading.
She is a champion of diversity in all its forms and believes that everyone should feel free and empowered to bring their true selves to any forum in safety and warmth.
Claire was the Academic Lead, Army Higher Education Pathway, former Director of Diversity and Inclusion, and was Director of the DBA Programme from 2011 until April 2019.
She is the co-founder of the Henley Centre for Leadership and served on Senate as well as a number of other key University of Reading committees. She chaired the Women@Reading gender diversity group for six years. Claire’s research is in Leadership and Development, Diversity and Inclusion, and Coaching.
Her teaching experience includes, Post-Experience, Postgraduate, taught MA and MSc, and Doctoral research, at Henley and at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. Claire has held a number of external examiner positions and also supervises/examines Doctoral candidates.
Previous to her work in Higher Education, Claire was a scientist in the NHS and Chief Executive of a set of Family Law Chambers in London.
She is now an independent and experienced Executive Coach, Educator, and Consultant.
