Bringing the inside out: How Auto Trader are addressing Social Mobility in Tech

In the run-up to Social Mobility Awareness Day on the 13th of June, hear from Auto Trader’s Social Mobility employee Network as they lift the lid on class and address Social Mobility imbalance in the tech industry.

With the network celebrating their 1 year anniversary recently, hear about their learnings, actions and changes embraced, with the support of Auto Trader.

The Tech charter recently reported that only 9% of Tech employees are from a lower working class background. This compares with 31% of employees at Auto Trader, but despite this, we still have work to do to better represent the communities within our reach, with the national average sitting at 39%.

In this webinar you will learn:

– What Social Mobility is and why it’s important for organisations
– How we started and what we did in our first year
– Who we worked with, learned from and the available resources that can support you too
– What’s next and our plans for the year ahead

Auto Trader have featured in the Top 75 Social Mobility Employers list for the past 4 years and we’re shortlisted for best Social Mobility Project in 2022 with Inclusive Companies.

Peter Farrell – Product & Technology Director:

Pete has worked at Auto Trader for more than 10 years across a wide range of product roles and is a leader in Auto Trader’s Product & Technology community.

Championing diversity in the workplace, Pete works closely with Auto Trader’s talent team not only helping individuals find the right opportunities, but supporting them on their journey to thrive as they progress into more senior roles.

Passionate about the power of people, Pete discovered his interest in team dynamics when he first joined the tech industry as a Graduate Programmer in 1997. Pete’s interest developed further as he moved into team leadership for a software house and then into the world of consultancy. After assignments consulting for the NHS, BAE Systems & Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Pete finally found his way to Auto Trader in 2012.

Pete joined the Auto Trader Social Mobility network as a senior sponsor in mid-2023, and working alongside the Co-Leads, and Facilitators has been instrumental in establishing the network, and raising awareness in Auto Trader around social mobility, especially in the North-West a place Pete is proud to have always called home

Claire Baty – Director of Governance, Risk and Compliance and Company Secretary

Claire joined Auto Trader in July 2015 and is responsible for corporate governance; legal services; regulatory compliance; procurement; and risk management – all a fundamental part of our purpose to Drive Change Together, Responsibly.

Claire describes herself as proudly working-class, and is passionate about creating an environment where people can reach their full potential, regardless of socio-economic background or educational opportunities.  Claire is an advocate for alternative career routes and professional development, having starting her working life at the age of 18 in a small accountancy practice in Stockport, she became a qualified accountant, holds an MBA from Manchester Business School and is now a member of the Operational Leadership Team at Auto Trader.  Claire has been the Sponsor of Auto Trader’s Social Mobility Network from its inception in 2023.

Brad Mills – Performance Manager

Brad specialises in enhancing omnichannel solutions for automotive retailers to meet the ever-evolving consumer buying journey, as a Performance Manager at Auto Trader.

Brad graduated with a first-class honours degree in Business Management from Lancaster University in 2018. He commenced his journey at Auto Trader in October 2020 during the pandemic, joining as a Graduate Account Manager. Through this role, Brad participated in a comprehensive two-year consultative sales programme, engaging in various rotations to collaborate with independent and franchise automotive retailers, nurturing strong partnerships and equipping retailers with essential tools and insights to enhance efficiency and drive sales.

Brad also serves as a co-Facilitator of the Social Mobility Network at Auto Trader. Growing up in Blackpool, one of the most deprived areas in the UK, Brad is passionate about working towards a place where everyone has access to equal opportunities regardless of socio-economic background, supporting inclusion and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups to achieve their full potential in employment and education.

Sarah Brooks-Pearce – Head of Early Careers

Sarah creates brilliant career journeys for future talent at one of the most forward-thinking technical businesses in the UK, as Head of Early Careers at Auto Trader. Working with various education partners, community organisations, and charities, she inspires students, graduates, and returners to explore the incredible possibilities of STEM subjects and tech careers.

Sarah has ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia and grew up in a single-parent household, and started her career as an apprentice straight from high school, with little guidance, direction but thankfully with a lot of good luck.  This is where her passion for raising awareness and breaking down barriers around Social Mobility as well as Disability and Neurodiversity, has seen her take the role of Social Mobility Network Co-Lead, and a member of the Diversity & Inclusion Guild.  With a wealth of experience in Tech Resourcing and Talent roles in different industries and as a parent, Sarah is passionate about increasing the number of people entering the Technology industry and driving change to ensure that everybody has the insight and opportunities to start a great career in tech.

She is a proud member of the Greater Manchester Neurodiversity and Learning Disability Employer Network, STEM Ambassador, Enterprise Advisor, Chartered Member of the CIPD, and Associate Member of the European Mentoring & Coaching Council

Monica Mistry – Squad Lead

Profile coming soon!