Speaking up and standing out

For many young people, stepping from school into higher education or work can be daunting, especially if they lack the confidence or ability to speak up and share their ideas.

But every child deserves the chance to develop these vital skills and have equal access to a top education.

Across the UK, Debate Mate is helping young people in areas with high levels of child deprivation to raise their aspirations. Their after-school debate clubs and competitions create a fun, safe and supportive environment where they can meet role models, build their self-esteem and unleash their full potential.

Deloitte’s long-standing relationship with Debate Mate empowers disadvantaged primary and secondary students through debating, aiming to improve social mobility. This is crucial, given only 29% of students eligible for free school meals access higher education by the age of 19, compared to 46% of their peers.  

As part of its procurement, the government requires suppliers to commit to Social Value projects, so contracts deliver wider benefits.

When Deloitte won an engagement transforming shared services across bodies, including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), it was an opportunity to boost our support for Debate Mate and amplify its impact by getting DWP involved in its work as well.

We funded the Urban Debate League, a competition for eight West Midlands schools. Between October 2023 and May 2024, over 150 students took part in weekly clubs, debating the motion, ‘This house believes that AI/automation is the biggest threat to the future of jobs.’ 

The competition ran over two rounds across five regions, with the top 16 teams competing in the final at Bank of America in London. Our commitment went beyond funding. We helped design the programme, and Deloitte and DWP volunteers brought their skills and experience to mentor students and serve as judges. 

Jess Rolfe-Dix, executive director of Debate Mate says, “Volunteers saw the positive impact debating had on the children and watched them grow in confidence. It was a highly rewarding experience, with everyone exposed to new ideas, thoughts and perspectives on some of the biggest questions of our time.”

Every student reported enjoying Urban Debate League, with 94% feeling more equipped for university or further education. 

Our Social Value commitments have also included supporting a similar Debate Mate programme in Manchester, where 93% of students said they had become more confident speaking in class, and 92% felt their new skills would help them succeed in further studies or training. 

“Debating has helped to increase my confidence and composure when speaking, in turn developing my communication skills and making me more desirable to employers,” says one year 10 student. Our other Debate Mate initiatives included a competition offering students the chance to plan, produce and host an episode of our podcast, The Green Room. Broadcast in November 2024, the winning episode featured an exclusive interview with Team GB’s Eilish McColgan. 

“In an increasingly diverse and interconnected world, understanding different perspectives is crucial,” explains James Waterfield, director of programmes at Debate Mate. “Organisations like ours drive wider behavioural shifts within society and equip young people with the skills to succeed and thrive in today’s multicultural economy.”  

Together, government, businesses and charities can open doors for young people and give them the confidence to walk through. 

Get in touch

Alison Walker
Social Impact Skills Lead
aliswalker@deloitte.co.uk
+44 (0)20 7303 7462