Chapter One and Irwin Mitchell Discuss The Vital Role Businesses Can Play In Boosting Literacy Skills

In celebration of this year’s International Day of Education, we’re shining a light on our impactful collaboration with Chapter One.

The charity connects schools with corporate volunteers who spend 30 minutes each week reading online with the same child throughout the academic year. This initiative helps children develop fundamental reading skills and fosters a love for reading, building their confidence and ensuring they have the best possible life outcomes after education.

To support its focus on empowering its communities through education, employment and access to justice, Irwin Mitchell has partnered with Chapter One to deliver volunteering opportunities to support primary aged children in schools located in Manchester, London and East Sussex.

Here Chapter One’s Corporate Partnerships Manager, Anna Ansted, discusses the vital role businesses can play in helping to improve the future livelihoods of young people in our communities.

Tell us more about how Chapter One and Irwin Mitchell work together

“Our mission is to close the reading gap by providing children with one-to-one support at the time they need it the most. 38% of 11-year-olds in England from disadvantaged backgrounds leave primary school unable to read to the expected standard (Department for Education, 2024) and a worrying 1 in 5 children aged 5-8 don't own a single book (National Literacy Trust, 2023).

Our partnership with Irwin Mitchell is key to closing the reading gap. Irwin Mitchell joined us as a corporate partner in 2024. As a Silver Partner, Irwin Mitchell is helping us to support more struggling young readers by committing to providing Chapter One with a minimum of 30 online reading volunteers for the school year.

Volunteers have access to a range of resources in our volunteer Knowledge Base and can attend optional live training and development sessions with Chapter One staff and literacy experts.”

Why is it important for businesses like Irwin Mitchell to engage in community partnerships focused on education?

“Reading has the power to transform futures, yet far too many children facing disadvantage struggle with reading, affecting their ability to thrive. Worryingly, the National Literacy Trust's 2024 survey found that only 1 in 3 (34.6%) of children enjoy reading - the lowest level since 2005.

However, children who read regularly are more likely to overcome disadvantage and are more likely to be happier, healthier and have better mental wellbeing. They are also more likely to develop empathy and creativity and are better positioned to make progress across the curriculum. The scale of the reading gap is so large that no single agency or sector can tackle it alone. That’s why it’s so important for businesses and their volunteers to work together with schools to unite behind young readers and create lasting change.”

What benefits do you see for both the volunteers and the pupils?

“Teachers report that students who have regular, consistent reading sessions with our volunteers really flourish as readers. Not only do they develop stronger vocabularies and exhibit improved reading confidence, but they also improve their reading fluency, comprehension and oracy skills. In 2023-24, Chapter One pupils significantly increased their reading levels, by an average of 3 levels.

Our online reading volunteers tell us that they find it highly rewarding to experience the growth in their students’ abilities and confidence during the school year. The sessions are also an opportunity for them to switch off from the demands of their jobs for half an hour and gain some headspace, with many telling us they’re more productive following a reading session.”

What advice have you got for businesses wanting to get involved with addressing literacy issues?

“You have the power to make a real difference. We have seen how targeted support at the right time can transform a child's future. Corporate partnerships make these transformations possible, creating a ripple effect that strengthens not just individual lives but entire communities. When businesses invest in literacy and education, they're not just supporting children's reading skills – they're helping to shape the next generation and future workforce.”

The United Nations General Assembly has marked 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. Although education is a human right, 250 million children and adolescents are out of school and 763 million adults are illiterate, according to UNESCO.

Irwin Mitchell’s partnership with Chapter One is one of several initiatives it undertakes to reduce inequalities and drive social mobility. These include working with Governors for Schools, National Literacy Trust, Business in the Community, and Inclusive Employers. Irwin Mitchell is also part of PRIME, a consortium of law firms dedicated to providing high quality work experience placements to students from underrepresented groups. As well as providing a range of alternatives routes into law through its apprenticeship programme it also provides mentoring to a diverse range of students through charities and organisations including Envision and City St George’s, University of London.

You can find out more about this work in our latest Responsible Business Report.