Leading UK diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I) social enterprise Creative Access creates practical DE&I programmes that open up career access, help people thrive in the creative industries and create real impact. Creative Access is the only organisation in this space covering the largest breadth of DE&I services under one roof, from recruitment, to career development programmes, mentor-matching initiatives, employer training & partnerships and free-to-access masterclasses & bursaries. It works with hundreds of partners across film, TV, the arts, theatre, museums, advertising, publishing and beyond and supports thousands of individuals each year, from groups historically under-represented in the sector in terms of ethnicity, disability and lower socio-economic status, to access new careers and thrive in their existing ones.

Introduction and Background

Creative Access is the UK’s leading inclusivity organisation in the creative industries, founded in 2012. Its mission is to create a creative economy that reflects society by providing career access and support to individuals from historically under-represented groups. This includes, but is not limited to, Black, Asian and ethnically diverse candidates, disabled people, those undergoing gender reassignment or transitioning, and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The organisation prioritises diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) to address the significant under-representation in the creative sector, aiming to build inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive. This commitment is driven by the belief that a truly reflective creative economy is essential for broader societal engagement and improved output.

Challenges and Strategies

Creative Access initially faced challenges in addressing the systemic lack of ethnic representation and retention, as well as breaking into the creative industry. Overcoming these barriers required a multifaceted approach. Over the course of 12 years, Creative Access has partnered with over 800 organisations, providing tailored employability training, and offering paid internships to under-represented groups. Effective strategies included building extensive industry partnerships and developing impactful training programmes. As a result, Creative Access has so far placed over 2,400 individuals in permanent roles, significantly advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) across the creative sector. Creative Access alumni report high satisfaction, with 92% noting substantial career progression due to these career development programme initiatives.

Key Initiatives and Outcomes

Creative Access has spearheaded several impactful DE&I initiatives, including the Mo Siewcharran Fund, which offers partially-funded traineeships for Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse individuals in publishing, theatre, and music. Creative Access has also placed over 2,400 people from under-represented backgrounds into permanent roles and internships, and supported more than 63,000 candidates with employability skills. These efforts have led to significant career advancements for participants, with 92% of alumni reporting that Creative Access significantly influenced their career progression. Additionally, 82% of partner organisations within the creative industries acknowledged resulting positive DE&I impact through collaboration.

Organisational Growth and Learning

Creative Access has recently put more weight behind addressing senior representation within the creative industries. The Not for Profit continues to confront the deep-rooted DE&I challenges within this sector, which is vital to the UK economy, accounting for 2.3 million jobs and contributing £125 billion annually. Despite its significance, there remains a glaring under-representation of ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, and those from low-socioeconomic backgrounds among other groups, particularly at senior levels. Creative Access’ 2024 research reveals a stark ‘class ceiling,’ with only 25% of senior roles held by people from working-class backgrounds. Creative Access is committed to changing hearts and minds, fostering inclusivity at all levels, and addressing retention and development issues among diverse talent.

Future Plans and Goals

Creative Access is poised for significant growth under the leadership of new CEO Mel Rodrigues, who brings a strong track record of advancing DE&I in the creative industries. Moving forwards, the organisation’s focus is on expanding opportunities for under-represented groups, particularly in senior roles, and addressing retention and development challenges. This strategic direction aligns with the continued need to break the ‘ceiling’ for all under-represented groups and ensure that the creative economy, which contributes £125 billion annually, truly reflects the diversity of society. It will see an expansion towards a career development programme which supports senior-level talent, as well as an expanded bursary fund in September 2024 in partnership with entertainment mega-brands WME and McLaren Racing to address financial barriers to entry for many emerging and hustling creatives from under-represented backgrounds within the creative industries.

Advice for Other Organisations

Organisations looking to enhance their DE&I efforts should focus on three critical steps:

1. Build an Inclusive Employer Brand: Invest in authentic DE&I strategies rather than gestures, demonstrate progress, and clearly communicate your commitment to diversity. Candidates from under-represented backgrounds assess your senior leadership’s diversity and overall intentions towards inclusivity when considering job opportunities and are statistically more likely to apply if an employer’s intentions and sentiments are clear in their digital presence. You can do this in your job board/vacancy content and website most notably.
2. Adopt Inclusive Recruitment Practices: Use inclusive language in job ads, ensure salary transparency, and source talent from diverse networks. This approach widens your talent pool and attracts high-calibre candidates.
3. Develop and Retain Diverse Talent: Provide robust appraisals, equip line managers with inclusive training, and foster mentoring networks. Supporting career development for under-represented employees is crucial for retention and growth.

Creative Access emphasises that inclusivity in hiring and workplace culture is essential for attracting, developing, and retaining diverse talent in the creative industries. Implementing these strategies is vital for creating an equitable and thriving workforce.

Learn More: https://www.ethnicityawards.com/top-10-social-impact-2024/