Numeracy for Equality
One of the Three Big Changes National Numeracy wants to see is 'Numeracy for Equality'.
Our work uses numeracy improvement to drive social mobility and gender equality.
- We want everyone to have the opportunity to develop numeracy throughout life, regardless of socio-economic background or gender.
- The strongest predictor of a person’s numeracy level in the UK is their socio-economic background.
- The numeracy gap between those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and their wealthier peers starts young and can last a lifetime. This is a major barrier to social mobility.
- Low numeracy can prevent people from accessing work and building a sustainable career, and increases vulnerability to debt, fraud and unemployment.
- This is felt most acutely by women and girls, whereby a pervasive number confidence divide holds millions of people back from fulfilling their potential.
- Crucially, this can be changed. Supporting people to improve their numeracy will help address these systemic inequalities, level the playing field and create a wealth of opportunities.
Read more about how we are tackling inequality in our strategy
Numeracy for Gender Equality
Numeracy for Gender Equality
The Gender Taskforce, part of the National Numeracy Leadership Council, has made a ground-breaking set of recommendations to tackle the ‘gender number confidence gap’ in the workplace. The recommendations, developed by a pioneering coalition of businesses and organisations, outline the steps employers can take to drive change and create equal opportunities for women and girls.
About the Gender Taskforce and its members
Independent charity National Numeracy and a pioneering group of organisations have come together to address the UK’s gender number confidence gap, with the launch of the Gender Taskforce. Find out more about its aims and members.
A statement of support from the Chancellor
The Chancellor of the Exchequer's full statement of support for our Numeracy for Gender Equality recommendations for employers.
Press release: National Numeracy’s Gender Taskforce Launches Key Recommendations for Employers
Over a third of women are put off applying for jobs that involve numbers. The Numeracy for Gender Equality recommendations for employers aim to tackle the ‘gender number confidence gap’ in the workplace and create equal opportunities for women and girls.
The Numeracy for Equality Pledge
The Numeracy for Equality Pledge is a unique marker of recognition awarded to employers that have a strong commitment to numeracy development and inclusivity. Displaying the Numeracy for Equality Mark can help with both attracting and retaining employees.
People with lower numeracy face barriers getting into work, and getting on at work. This means they don’t have an equal opportunity to thrive. And it means the UK's employers are missing out on an incredible well of untapped talent.
The Numeracy for Equality Pledge allows employers to support applicants and colleagues with lower number confidence & skills, helping to get and keep talented people. Get involved now!
Numeracy for Equality research
Work with us
Our partners play a crucial role in tackling low number confidence and skills in the UK. Together, we create positive change for individuals, communities and society through the transformational power of numeracy.
National campaigns, programmes in communities and schools, staff engagement, research... our tailored partnerships come in all shapes, sizes and scales.
National Numeracy's Partnerships Team is dedicated to creating purposeful relationships that meet shared goals, tailored to an organisation’s strategic priorities, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) aims. Partners can expect bespoke support, unique opportunities and high impact.
