Featured in The Guardian: Kirsten Barnes on the shifting graduate labour market

Featured in HR Magazine: Social mobility should be part of DEIB

Bright Network CEO Kirsten Barnes emphasises the importance of integrating social mobility into wider DEI efforts, urging employers to engage students early and provide inclusive opportunities through workshops, mentoring and partnerships.

Featured in The Times: Kirsten Barnes on the need for early engagement

Students are seeking to meet employers earlier. Kirsten Barnes, CEO of Bright Network, says that rather than wait for the final year milk-round scramble, 55 per cent of current first-years are researching employers. “Employers need to be visible when students are exploring, not just when they’re applying,” she told The Times.

Bright Network Illuminate Conference 2025 – Event Summary

In late September leading voices in early talent, recruitment and inclusion came together at the Bright Network Illuminate Conference to share insights, innovations and practical strategies for hiring and supporting the next generation of graduates. With inspiring keynote speakers, student and employer panels and engaging employer-led breakout sessions, Illuminate reaffirmed the power of a strong employer network when striving to attract, assess and retain top graduate talent.

Featured in The Guardian: Kirsten Barnes on the shifting graduate labour market

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