A new campaign was launched today that will shine a spotlight on the vital role universities play in improving standards in schools and driving economic growth in their local areas.

One of the best parts of campaigning with the Purpose Coalition on social mobility is the young people I get to meet studying at our universities. It’s inspiring to learn about their plans for the future and their hopes and aspirations.

Since the invasion of Ukraine over a year ago, there has been an increased focus on defence capabilities and defence spending.

The first three months of the year are all about hitting the ground running. At the Purpose Coalition, we’ve been working hard with our existing and new partners in business, universities, local authorities and the NHS on setting an agenda that will drive social mobility in every part of the country.

Guest blog by Rob Powell, Strategic Director of Resources at Warwickshire County Council

Over the years, HM Treasury has been a department fermenting the decisions that shape our country. I saw that directly with my own first Ministerial role, as Economic Secretary to the Treasury in 2010.

Today’s Budget saw the Government pledge to introduce 30 hours free childcare as well as an end to additional payments for those using prepayment energy, both key recommendations in the Purpose Coalition’s recent Cost-of-Living Action Plan.

The Purpose Coalition has renewed its call to the Chancellor to include childcare reform in next week’s budget as a key element in tackling the cost-of-living crisis and building financial resilience.

Former Education and Skills Ministers call on Chancellor for an ‘Apprenticeship Levy 2.0’ to Level Up Britain

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, and all that’s undoubtedly been achieved so far, it is still truly shocking to hear that a young woman starting work today at 18 years old will not see pay equality in her working lifetime, if progress towards gender equality at work continues at its historical rate.

The cost-of-living crisis, alongside daily tales of missed meals and cold homes, has exposed a further harsh reality. Many people have little or no savings to fall back on when times get tough.

Employers should automatically enrol workers into a government-backed ‘rainy-day’ savings scheme to protect against future cost-of-living shocks, a report from a leading group of progressive businesses will recommend today.

Themes, slogans and pledges can come and go for any political opposition, but what Sir Keir Starmer did in setting out his five missions for Britain today was different.

Bob Dylan wasn’t primarily known for being a political pundit but he was closer than he realised when he said ‘the times they are a changing’ and “you better start swimming, or you sink like a stone”. It’s great advice for any political party. Especially today’s Conservative Party.

A new report has been launched to celebrate the wide ranging role that universities in the UK play in spreading opportunity. 

The University Best Practice White Paper sets out just some of the actions and projects that are having a direct impact on students and communities.

The University of Derby has launched a Levelling Up Impact Report in partnership with former Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening. 

Purpose Business Coalition to publish a Cost of Living Best Practice White Paper to highlight the work that is being carried out across the UK.

The document will set out the actions and initiatives taken by a range of businesses that are having a direct impact on creating a country that has real equality of opportunity.

Primary Health Properties (PHP) launches a report with the Purpose Coalition which examines its current impact on levelling up and how it can go further in the future.

A group of leading employers has launched a major UK campaign to make tracking and reporting socio-economic diversity common practice in boardrooms across the UK.

In our latest blog, Lord Walney reflects on the Queen’s Speech, the cost of living crisis and the businesses that are already leading the way in levelling up.