East Midlands
Inclusive Growth
Commission

The opportunity escalator

At the heart of the commission’s work is the opportunity escalator tool. This is a ground-breaking, data-driven approach that can be used to give highly localised analysis to support inclusive growth policy and delivery.

The opportunity escalator looks at the skills that workers have now and which types of better-paid, higher-skilled roles they could move into to improve their pay while using the skills they already have. It estimates the extent of the skills gaps that need to be closed to make this a reality.

The toolkit can be used to build up a picture of the types of industries and occupations that would provide the broadest opportunities for inclusive growth in the East Midlands, and the routes to helping people up the escalator.

Many of the commission’s recommendations focused on how to best address the deep-rooted challenges that people face in being able to engage with work.

These include a lack of affordable housing, health issues, and a shortage of social connections and support networks to enable people to succeed.

The commission recommended the UK’s first-ever mayoral strategy to address weakening social connections and unlock social mobility by improving ‘social capital’ in the region. The RSA is at the forefront of work to strengthen social capital.

The commission explored solutions that offer a long-term plan for people who live, work and study in the region, equipping them with the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Recommendations are rooted in our unique Prosperous Places model, which combines economic, social and natural factors to provide long-term ideas for growth rooted in cutting-edge evidence, community insights and conversations with local leaders.

The commission’s findings and strategy were developed through extensive engagement with residents, and in close collaboration with councils, businesses, colleges and universities across the region.

Inclusive growth: forthcoming research and collaborative opportunities

The final report is only the beginning of the work of the East Midlands Inclusive Commission. The report sets out a vision and roadmap for the next decade.

Guided by the commissioners, activities will include regular interface with local place leaders, direct engagement with communities and subject matter experts, and desk-based research. The team will also be drawing on the expertise of our Fellowship (see our dedicated East Midlands Inclusive Growth Commission Circle space for more information).