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The Publishing Association has welcomed a diversity charter for the creative industries as a "clear statement of intent" for the trade.
Formally adopted by the Creative Industries Council (CIC) last week, the charter commits to action in eight areas designed to promote a more diverse workforce producing output for people of all backgrounds and areas of the UK.
Applying to film and TV alongside publishing and other sectors, it pledges to collect relevant data on diversity and inclusion, while increasing entry-level opportunities.
Businesses should also aim to diversify mid or senior level hiring, development, retention and promotion. There is also a commitment to report and publish on their progress to Government and the CIC itself.
Stephen Lotinga, c.e.o. of the Publishers Association which sits on the council as the sector’s representative, said: “We are delighted to endorse this pledge on behalf of the publishing industry. Diversity and inclusion are right at the top of our agenda and this provides an opportunity to make a clear statement of intent that we will be doing everything we can to make sure that both our work and the people who make it are representative of our society. To come together with other leading creative industries to collectively agree the vital nature of this work and how to best pursue it is important.
“For those looking to benchmark and further their work in this area, the Diversity Charter gives practical ideas and inspiration. The eight points that make up the pledge give a helpful framework at an industry, sector and individual company level. They also show us that we are already focusing on many of the right things – for example, the collection of meaningful data which we are pursuing via our third annual workforce survey.”
The industry-wide pledge builds on a range of initiatives in place across creative sub-sectors including the BFI’s Diversity Standards aimed specifically at the screen industries.
Co-chair of the CIC and BBC Studios c.e.o. Tim Davie vowed it would help drive real change. He said: "Diversity and inclusion are crucial to the vitality of our world class creative industries. To sustain our success, and spark creative new ideas, it is vital that we draw on and develop the broadest possible talent pool, and ensure that our businesses and output reflect and resonate with people from all backgrounds.”