Sometimes a health issue can make completing work difficult. You wouldn’t work with a broken arm, but more invisible conditions can be a little harder to navigate… Informing your employer of any ongoing difficulties you are facing is called disclosure – and it can be very hard to do, but will ultimately help you turn up to work as your best, most authentic self.  

We here at Creative Access have put together our top tips on how to overcome this and helpful advice that’s useful to know along the way… 

Adjustments can help you perform at your best, providing tailored support and works to reduce barriers you might face in the workplace. Although this decision is a personal one, we would recommend telling employers about any condition, physical or mental, that you may have, because there could be potential risks if not. 

The 2010 Equality Act describes disability as a “physical or mental impairment that has substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.” 

An ‘impairment’ can mean your physical or mental abilities are reduced in some way compared to most people. This could be the result of a diagnosed medical condition (like arthritis in your hands that means you can’t grip or carry things as well as other people) but it doesn’t need to be. If you’re suffering from stress, you might have mental impairments – like difficulty concentrating – as well as physical impairments such as extreme tiredness and difficulty sleeping.  

Any condition can have substantial and long-term adverse effects on your ability to carry out day-to-day activities. It doesn’t have to stop you doing anything, but can make it harder.  

This is known as disability discrimination, and it is against the law; disabilities fall under the 9 protected characteristics of the Equality Act. There is a difference between your employer making reasonable adjustments and you feeling discriminated against. If you feel uncomfortable by the actions made by your company, we recommend reaching out to your HR team for further advice. Disability discrimination could include things like failing to provide reasonable adjustments, e.g., wheelchair access, harassment, being treated less favourably and having information about your disability shared without your prior knowledge.  

Most companies have an equal opportunities statement or policy that is designed to prevent things like this from happening, but this is not always the case. Companies often welcome being informed where discrimination is happening in their organisation, so they can take action or make changes to prevent this in the future. 

You don’t have to inform your employer, but it may be in your best interests, especially if you would benefit from reasonable adjustments being made to make your working day easier. 

If a disabled person’s conditions are impeding their efficiency in everyday activities, they may need reasonable adjustments. 

• A Dyslexic person may experience challenges with reading fluency. Your employer can provide adjustments such as screen reading/read-aloud and proof-reading software or by presenting information visually to help you process documents easier 
• A candidate with ADHD may experience challenges with time management and organisation and could benefit from shared calendars, a separate working area to help them focus and stationary to help aid their working style  

• An individual experiencing mental health difficulties such as Anxiety or Depression may benefit from a designated safe space to retreat to when overwhelmed and flexible deadline adjustments. It may also be beneficial to complete a Wellness Action Plan to discuss the working style that benefits you most and anything that could hinder you in the workplace 
• An Autistic person may get anxious about unfamiliar environments and overwhelmed by bright lights. Adjustments could include assigning a designated colleague to help with moving around the building and a work space with adjustable lights and modified equipment so that the work environment is more recognisable. 

The above are not exclusive to these conditions, but show the array of adjustments that you could be entitled to. Your employer has a duty to provide extra support for you, whether you are applying for a job or are an employee, but they can only do this if they are aware.  

Any costs occurred from reasonable adjustments are covered by the employer; employees are not responsible for paying for these. 

Ultimately, disclosure of health issues at work is a personal choice, and you can say as much or as little as you want. It might be helpful to think about the role you may play in educating your organisation, or setting an example to those who might also be afraid to speak up about their invisible battles.  

1. Advocate for yourself!  

2. Know your rights 

3. Don’t be worried about the conversation 

4. Timing isn’t everything, you can always mention when circumstances have changed. 

5. Support is available – check out our links below! 

• Creative Access disability survey findings 2022
• Creative Access employer resource for creating more accessible workplaces
• Scope is a disability equality charity in England and Wales, they provide information and support, and strive to create a fairer society 
• Disabilityrightsuk is a leading organisation led, run and working to support disabled people, they have lots of free, helpful advice on their website 
• Mind provide advice and support to anyone experiencing mental health problems and tries to promote understanding and awareness. This post explores disclosing a mental issue in your workplace 

• Check out the pros and cons of disclosing a mental health issue! 
• Take a look here where the Diversity Movement has a great blogpost discussing invisible illness. 

Here are some apps that might improve your routine and productivity: 

• Sensory apps – Range of sensory apps to help with relaxation and overstimulation  
• tiimo – Visual learners, or anyone who appreciates graphics, typically love Tiimo. This visual daily planner helps users keep a routine, stay organized, and meet goals 
• I cant wake up! – alarm for those who struggle with sleep/time management (the alarm only shuts off after completing math, memory, and order questions or can play music to prevent a return to deep sleep) 

Creative Access joins those across the globe in speaking out in solidarity and to condemn the brutal murder of George Floyd and the many others who have died tragically because of State aggression.

We’ve collated a list of resources for those for those wanting to improve their understanding of racial justice. It includes a collection of articles, links and books, as well as signposting for those who may have been triggered by recent events and need support with their mental health at this time.

Articles and links

• How the George Floyd Killing Is Just as Relevant in the UK, and What You Can Do About It by Ayeisha Thomas-Smith

• George Floyd: how can I help from the UK? is a list of resources and suggestions for white UK residents via @das.penman

• 10 Steps to Non-Optical Allyship, a Twitter thread by Mireille Cassandra Harper

• Transform Allyship into Action: A Toolkit for Non-Black People via Social Justice in Medicine Coalition at USC

• Anti-racism resources for white people, a live doc of articles, podcasts, and videos collated by Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein

• How to be a good ally by Isabella Silvers

Books to read

• Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala

• Dark Days by James Baldwin

• The Heart of the Race, Black Women’s Lives in Britain by Beverley Bryan, Stella Dadzie, and Suzanne Scafe

• Don’t Touch My Hair by Emma Dabiri

• Freedom Is A Constant Struggle by Angela Y. Davis

• Why I’m No longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

• Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging by Afua Hirsch

• Your Silence Will Not Protect You: Essays and Poems by Audre Lorde

• Black and British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga

• Me and White Supremacy: How to Recognise Your Privilege, Combat Racism and Change the World by Layla F. Saad

• Diversify: An award-winning guide to why inclusion is better for everyone by June Sarpong

• The Good Immigrant, edited by Nikesh Shukla

Mental health resources

• If you’re struggling to cope with feelings of anxiety and stress, please speak to your doctor or NHS 111. Many GPs are offering telephone consultations.

• For urgent support, Samaritans are also here to listen at any time, day or night. Call free on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.

• The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN) share free services on their website.

• Self-Care Tips for Black People Who Are Struggling With This Very Painful Week by Rachel Miller.

• 7 Virtual Mental Health Resources Supporting Black People Right Now by Jesse Sparks.

• Anxiety UK also have a helpline staffed by volunteers with personal experience of anxiety so you will be speaking with someone who has been there. Call them on 08444 775 774 (Monday – Friday: 9.30am – 5.30pm).

• You can text the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger, for free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you need urgent help text YM to 85258.

• Local Minds offers valuable support for yourself and if you’re supporting someone else experiencing difficulties with mental health.

Creative Access’ mission is to help under-represented communities, not just enter the creative industries, but to thrive when they get in – because only then will the industry truly reflect and engage broader society. If you work in the creative industries, you can support us by signing up to be a mentor or anyone can support our work by making a donation.

Writer’s block? No time? No energy? It’s not always easy to stay creative, despite our best intentions, so we’ve put together a list of top tips and resources to help inspire you to get things started…

1.Set up a daily routine

Set aside a little time to create every day, even if it’ s just for 15 minutes. Finding some time in the day for a hobby you enjoy is a great boost for your wellbeing. You might find once the 15 minutes are up, you want to keep going! Getting into the swing of things can be the hardest part.

2.Try something new

It can feel frustrating when a hobby we usually enjoy isn’t going anywhere. Switching things up can help get you inspired, like drawing or painting in a new medium, writing in a new genre and or even learning a new instrument. Lack of familiarity can spark a new idea and even kickstart a new skill.

3.Get inspired by others

Turning to work we love can be a great source of inspiration. If you’re a writer, read widely. If you want to create television, watch lots! Think about art you admire and why you’re a fan. This a brilliant way of figuring out what you enjoy and how you can emulate this in your work with your own style and perspective.

4.Don’t put too much pressure on yourself

Focus on the process of creating something, rather than the end result. The first draft or the beginning stages of a project are rarely perfect. Working on something until it gets to where you want it to be is often the most fun part of a process. Don’t be too hard on yourself and enjoy being creative!

5.Take part in competitions, workshops and training schemes

Some people need a deadline to give them a push and get creating. There are lots of incredible opportunities out there and plenty of great prizes also on offer. We’ve put together a list of them to keep you inspired and motivated. This list will be regularly updated:

Writing

• Curtis Brown are running a free Weekly Writing Workout, a programme which provides tasks and teaching notes, tips and pointers

• First Story are sharing creative writing video tutorial series, with videos from Dean Atta, Vicky Foster and Caleb Parkin

• Penguin are looking for under-represented writers with their competition WriteNow, you only need to submit 1,000 words – Deadline 31/05/20

• Creative Future are running a writing competition with over £12,000 worth of prizes on offer for underrepresented writers. The theme is tomorrow – Deadline 31/05/20

• The Phil Fox Award for Playwriting is looking for submissions – Deadline 16/06/20

Film, TV, Theatre and Radio

• Writers and directors are invited to submit a one-page outline of their film idea to Short Circuit’s competition #SharpShorts – Deadline 15/06/20

• JustOut Theater would love to hear from writers based in the North for their weekly Radio Plays – Deadline rolling

• FutureLearn have released a new course from BFI Film Academy – Explore Filmmaking: from Script to Screen that you can join for free

• Bitter Pill Theatre are holding The Painkiller Project – a fortnightly playwrighting competition with a £150 prize

• Check out BBC Writers Room for loads more opportunities

• Enjoy world-class theatre at home for free via National Theatre at home.

Art

• Brixton Life Drawing hold weekly life drawing session via Zoom

• In Grayon’s Art Club, Grayson Perry teaches viewers how to draw, paint and sculpt as well as encouraging entries to exhibit on episodes

• MoMa have free online courses on their website where you can immerse yourself in ideas and see your world in new ways through art

• Be inspired by great artists and discover how they made their masterpieces via Tate’s ‘How to’ series on YouTube.

• It’s Nice That believes passionately that creative inspiration is for everyone. Sign up to their newsletters to keep in the loop with everything good going on in the creative world.

• Take an online tour of a museum, whether the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay in Paris, the British Museum in London, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, The Guggenheim in New York or the Vatican and its Sistine Chapel in Rome.

• Google Arts & Culture puts the treasures, stories and knowledge of over 2,000 cultural institutions from 80 countries at your fingertips.

• Cass Art is on a mission. A mission to fill every town with artists! Read their blog to find out about a range of techniques, opportunities & creative fun for all the family.

Music

• Tune into Boiler Room’s live series. Their broadcasts stream from artists’ homes and private spaces, direct to you.

• NPR Music’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts, bring you performances from all over the world. In the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space. Watch these 5 Tiny Desk concerts to calm your mind.

• COLORS unique aesthetic music platform showcases exceptional talent from around the globe. Discover the most distinctive new artists and original sounds.

• See artists sharing their work from their homes to yours via Royal Albert Home. Browse their free streaming programme online.

• Listen to Worldwide FM, an award-winning platform for underground music, culture and stories from all over.

Let us know if you have any more links to the above and get creating…!

Helpful resources and further support for those affected by the Coronavirus crisis

The Creative Access team have shifted to a blended model of home and office-based working. We appreciate that these are challenging times for everyone, and especially conscious that interns, trainees and a range of creative professionals may be experiencing high degrees of uncertainty. Below are a collection of helpful resources and further support for those affected by the COVID-19 Coronavirus crisis. Please note this blog post is regularly updated as more material becomes available.

• NHS Advice on Coronavirus 
• UK Government advice on Coronavirus 
• The Government’s advice on on self-employment and Universal Credit. Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income or out of work. The minimum income floor in Universal Credit will be temporarily relaxed for those directly affected by Covid-19 or self-isolating, ensuring self-employed claimants will be compensated for losses in income 
• Official guidance on claiming sick pay and other benefits from the Department of Work and Pensions 
• You can apply for an Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work. 
• HMRC has set up a dedicated Covid-19 helpline to help those in need. HMRC will also waive late payment penalties and interest where a business experiences administrative difficulty contacting HMRC or paying taxes due to Covid-19 
• UCL School of Management has published “The pain of financial stress, and what you can do about it” with tips on how financial stress can be reduced and a glossary of common financial terms. 
• If you’re on low income and can’t work due to self-isolation, you may be eligible for the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment 
• If you’ve been told to work from home and your household costs have increased as a result, you may be eligible for HMRC’s working from home tax relief.

• Creative Access & McLaren Racing are offering bursaries of between £250 and £1000 to those from under-represented communities to help remove the financial barriers of entering or progressing in the creative economy. 
• The Arts Council have funds and support available for artists and creatives as well as a Financial Difficulties guide and toolkit to help individuals recognise and manage some of the financial challenges they might be facing 
• The Film & TV Charity provide a support line and financial relief to workers affected by the crisis as well as stop-gap grants of up to £750. 
• Leading theatrical charities provide information about how and where you can access support if you work in the theatre industry. 
• Museum news and support for freelancers working within museums, galleries, archives, libraries and heritage sites 
• Dance Professionals Fund offer grants for professional dancers, including support for freelance dancers with portfolio careers 
• The Arts Marketing Association offer free webinars and resources for those in the arts, culture and heritage sector 
• Mayor of London’s resources for creative organisations and freelancers 
• The City of London Corporation have compiled a list of resources, guidance and funding opportunities for those working in the tourism, arts, culture and creative sectors. 
• PressPad offer mentoring sessions, masterclasses, networking opportunities and accommodation to entry-level journalists. 
• The Book Trade Charity offer affordable housing in North London to those who are looking to enter the publishing industry. 

• If you live independently – renting an apartment, house or room or in a low-income household – you may be able to get support with your housing costs, through claiming Universal Credit or new style ESA. More info here 

• Mind offer advice and support for those struggling with their mental health 
• YoungMinds have some excellent advice and resources on looking after your mental health while self-isolating 

• Top tips for working from home and a free peer-support network from Creative Lives for anyone involved in arts, culture and creativity who would welcome the opportunity to talk to others about wellbeing and other topics 

• The Citizens Advice Bureau provides guidance for those struggling with living costs 
• Debt charity, Step Change, outline what to do if you need emergency help with money and food 
• The charity, National Debtline, provides useful advice and guidance on claiming benefits 
• Turn2us is a national charity which provides financial support to help people get back on track during tough times 
• General financial advice and guidance on paying bills from the team at Money Saving Expert 
• Ideas for budgeting and managing your money from the Money Advice Service 
• The Department for Education have launched The Skills Toolkit – an online platform giving access to free digital and numeracy courses to help people build up their skills and boost employability
• RIFT have set up a Guide to Tax Debt and Mental Health 

If you have further resources we can add to this list, tweet at us @_CreativeAccess. 

The Creative Access Book Club has come together to read and discuss eight books in 2023. These events – open to our community of mentees, interns, and alumni – have been a unique way to start conversations about new writing by authors from backgrounds that are historically under-represented in publishing.  

Here are all the books we read in 2023:  

• Lemon by Kwon Yeo-sun. Head of Zeus.  
• Just Sayin‘ by Malorie Blackman. Merky Books Penguin Random House.   
• Hungry Ghosts by Kevin Jared Hosein. Bloomsbury Publishing.  
• All the Houses I’ve Ever Lived In by Kieran Yates. Simon & Schuster.  
• Close to Home by Michael Magee. Hamilton Hamilton Penguin Random House.  
• Pulling the Chariot of the Sun by Shane McCrae. Canongate.   
• Dispatches from the Diaspora by Gary Younge. Faber.   
• Edge of Here by Kelechi Okafor. Orion, Hachette.  

This year: 

• 194 people were sent books and attended our meetings 
• We interviewed 2 authors about their new books: Kevin Jared Hosein (who dialled in from Trinidad to talk about his novel Hungry Ghosts!) and journalist Kieran Yates who joined our book club to discuss her debut book on housing.  
• Our book picks spanned the world with authors of 5 nationalities including Nigerian, Korean, Trinidadian, USA and British authors from under-represented backgrounds.  
• We worked with 8 different publishers or imprints, including independent publishers like Canongate and Faber alongside Penguin Random House, Bloomsbury, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster.  

A standout moment of the year has been a live interview with author and journalist Kieran Yates, before our discussion on All the Houses I’ve Ever Lived In, her urgent but often joyful book on homes and the housing crisis. This was our first collaboration with Simon & Schuster, and being among the first readers to speak to Kieran directly about her book was an amazing experience.  

A calendar of events that includes virtual meetings has continued to be the best way to make sure the book clubs can reach people outside of London and suit different access requirements, while in-person events are a fantastic opportunity for our community of creative industry professionals or those aspiring to be to meet and connect with peers.  

‘Brilliantly run – such a thoughtful and creative space to share our reflections on the book. I learned lots from everyone’s takes!’ – Book club attendee.  

Finally, we want to give a massive thank you to the publishers who have made the Creative Access book club possible and to the readers who came and provoked thoughtful conversation with their opinions and impressions. We’re looking forward to another book club-packed year in 2024.  

We’re always looking for new book club partners. As well as discussing the book, we’ll run a giveaway across our socials and make sure you get plenty of coverage across our community. So if you’d like to nominate a title by an author from an historically under-represented community (and you can post out 20-30 copies to attendees) please get in touch at theo@creativeaccess.org.uk.  

With the generous support of Lee & Thompson, Creative Access is supporting 13 mid-level freelancers from the creative industries, BookBrunch reports. You can read it here.

Creative Access, the leading diversity and inclusion social enterprise, is excited to announce that 13 mid-level freelancers from across the creative industries have been awarded a funded place in its new ‘Thrive’ programme. The programme – generously funded by leading law firm for the creative industries, Lee & Thompson – aims to provide the professional development and career support that 50% of freelancers from under-represented groups say they need to progress and currently cannot access.

The scheme targets those from backgrounds under-represented in the creative industries – this includes, but is not limited to Black, Asian and ethnically diverse candidates, or people of any ethnicity who belong to the following under-represented groups: disabled people, those undergoing gender reassignment or transitioning and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds – at mid-career level. Submissions had to outline career trajectory to date and outline what they were looking to get out of the support programme. 

Creative Access’s 2023 Freelance Report shows 78% of under-represented freelancers see professional training and networking as vital to career development yet often, unlike permanent employees, they do not receive this support from employers. The inaugural 12-month cohort of 13 freelancers will receive tailored guidance to boost their skills and network, addressing unique challenges faced in their careers.

The Thrive programme, designed to empower under-represented professionals, encompasses a comprehensive range of resources and opportunities. Participants will benefit from a dedicated mentor, networking opportunities and training sessions covering leadership development, self-belief, effective self-management, building a successful career, financial literacy and legal fundamentals, provided by Lee & Thompson’s team.

Crucially, Lee & Thompson’s three-year funding commitment will support a further 10 professionals per year, focusing on mid to senior career level individuals from under-represented groups seeking to expand their network and skillset. Future funding until 2026 will target the development of a career advancement programme for senior professionals from historically under-represented backgrounds in the creative industries.

The programme comes at a time when the most debilitating barriers facing under-represented freelancers and their careers are ones difficult to tackle without support:

• 1 in 5 (22%) became a freelancer due to negative experiences in a perm role
• Disabled individuals are 30% more likely to freelance after a negative permanent role experience
• 54% report being offered a day rate or salary below their level

Successful applications had this to say:

Olivia Swash, TV freelancer, Development & Production AP: “As with many freelancers in TV at the moment, I’ve been struggling to secure roles despite my strengths and experience. Through the Thrive programme guidance from a mentor, support from a network of like-minded freelancers, and better knowledge about the practicalities of freelancing will arm me with an iron-clad potential to achieve my goals.”

Hamza Ali, freelance movement artist & theatre director “I’m incredibly excited to be part of this programme and collaboration between two brilliant organisations that support the creative industries. I’m ready to absorb everything they offer to enrich and accelerate my career growth as a movement director.”

Bibi Hilton, CEO Creative Access stated, “We are delighted to partner with Lee & Thompson to launch the Thrive programme and provide critical professional development and career support to individuals at mid-career level from groups under-represented in the creative industries. Through this programme, we aim to empower those participating to achieve their full potential and overcome barriers they face in their career progression. We are grateful for Lee & Thompson’s support and commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the sector.”

Reno Antoniades, managing partner, Lee & Thompson: “We are really proud to collaborate with Creative Access and to support professionals from under-represented backgrounds.  For forty years, Lee & Thompson has worked with clients at the forefront of the creative industries and we understand the intrinsic link between diversity and creativity.  That is why we are backing this collaboration, not only financially, but also with our time, expertise, networks and advice. 

Schemes such as Thrive are crucial for the growth and success of the creative industries, and it is essential that we minimise barriers facing under-represented talent in particular to provide opportunities for individuals to continue to flourish.”

For more information about the Thrive programme and Creative Access, see here.

PR Week cover the new members of the Creative Access Steering Group initiative, which aims to prepare rising PR pros for leadership roles in comms and other creative industries. You can read their story here.

We know how hard it is to find work placements, but there are lots of other things you can be doing which reflect your passion even if you haven’t got concrete experience under your belt.

We’ve come up with our top ten tips for preparing for a role in the creative industries; what you can be doing whilst you’re still at school or college to give you a flying start…

1. Write a blog

Set up a blog, which you update regularly. This might be about books you’ve read, your favourite adverts, trips to the theatre, commentary on industry trends or a guide to what’s on in your area. Whatever it is you, make sure you post regularly. Add images and make sure it’s spell-checked before it goes live.

2. Organise an event

Join a committee at your a local school, church, sports team or charity – or set one up yourself. You can demonstrate your fundraising, teamwork, finance and organisational skills by helping to run comedy, music or social event (wherever your interest lies).

3. Develop your portfolio

Employers will want to see evidence of your creativity if you’re applying for a creative role. If you like film, animation, special effects or even presenting, get lots of practice creating your own content. Begin to build up a body of your work; be that in design, art or writing. Hard copies are great, but better to upload digital versions and create your own personal website or YouTube channel and start building an audience.

4. Join in with as many extra-curricular activities as you can

This will help you to build up your portfolio and show your enthusiasm. This can give you skills, knowledge and experience and it will look great on your CV too. It could also be a great way to meet like-minded creatives and share ideas or meet or hear of potential employers. And make sure you stay in touch with your fellow creative peers, as they could prove invaluable in the future. Keep on thinking of ideas for content and you’ll soon be asked to contribute on a regular basis. If you want to get into radio, consider getting involved with your local hospital radio. Or if you want to be a journalist, write for your school, college, university or even local newspaper.

5. Social Media

This is a great way to keep up to date with what’s happening in the industry. On Twitter and Instagram, follow influencers in the sectors in which you’re interested, as well as journalists and trade publications. Join relevant industry groups on LinkedIn and jump on industry-related hashtags. When you build up confidence you can actively engage in trending conversations.

Make sure you reflect the interests you say you have; if you claim to like news and current affairs, but only post about your social life, companies won’t be impressed. As a general rule make sure your social media accounts are set to private.

6. Approach people for advice

Most people like talking about themselves. If you have a genuine interest in a company or an industry, send a polite email asking if you can come in for a quick chat or to look around to learn more about the sector or that individual. Even if they say no, you’ve still shown willing and made a connection, and best-case scenario, it might lead to some work experience.

7. Learn to drive

Sounds strange, but many roles do require a driving license. It’s worth the expense and effort in the long run and will give you an advantage over other applicants.

8. Research, research, research!

Do your homework about industry leaders, sector trends and new initiatives. Look at the sorts of roles on offer in the sector you are interested in. Most trade bodies have excellent resources for you to access. When you read a book, check who published it; or if you’re a fan of a particular TV show, make a note of which production company made it. You can also research the skills employers are looking for. The easiest way to do this is by looking at job descriptions that resemble your dream role.

By sifting through vacancies, you might also stumble upon a role you’ve never considered before which might be just the thing for you.

9. Prepare your CV

Your CV should be a maximum two sides of an A4 page, ideally one. Always bullet point so you are short and concise. Proof read; yourself first and then get someone else to. Add a short intro about yourself at the top.

The most important thing for any career, is to show that you’re interested in what you are aiming to do, so make sure this reflects that.

10. Stay in touch

If you want more advice about entering the media or creative industries, stay in touch with Creative Access. We are here to support you. You can reach us on any of the following ways:

Instagram: @_creativeaccess

Twitter: @_CreativeAccess

LinkedIn: Creative Access

Facebook: Creative Access

Register with us at: www.creativeaccess.org.uk

Good luck & stay social!

Like lots of things, networking has largely moved online. It might seem like a struggle connecting to people with the move to working remotely and few events to meet professionals in. But have no fear, we have a list of top ten tips on how to maximise your virtual networking skills and the chances of hearing back from industry experts…

1. Be considerate of who you contact

These are strange times for everybody right now. Unfortunately, the creative industries are currently facing a lot of difficulty and many people aren’t working. Be mindful of this when reaching out. It’s a good idea to check how people are doing on platforms such as LinkedIn or their social media before you approach them.

2. Spruce up your LinkedIn

While we’re on LinkedIn, now is the time to finally make yours the best it can be. It’s a fantastic platform to make a strong first impression and connect with other creatives in your industry. Whether it’s taking a proper headshot or completing a skill quiz to prove your talents, there’s lots of ways to boost your profile.

Don’t be shy sending an invitation to peers and industry professionals you admire, connecting is what LinkedIn is for. You can even include a message with your invitation to explain why you’re reaching out.

3. Tweet to your advantage

Twitter is also a great way of making connections as lots of creative professionals are on there. You can build your network by following people relevant to your interests and career. Twitter lists are also a handy way of keeping track of everyone you want to engage with. Having a professional and easy username to remember also ensures people can find you too.

4. Join and create groups

On social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook, creating groups of likeminded peers to engage with can be useful and inspiring. Here, you can give each other tips and advice, brainstorm ideas together and even create new projects. Some of our CA interns and alumni have recently come together to create Cultrd Collective and other new initiatives include #VirtualCollaborators.

5. Attend virtual masterclasses

Online masterclasses are a fantastic way to gain invaluable knowledge from the comfort of your home. These sessions often have a chat feature and a Q&A, where you can connect with fellow attendees and engage with experts. Creative Access are holding a series of Thursday Thoughts; inspirational talks with leading figures from the creative industries. We are also hosting weekly Wednesday Workshops which are interactive employability sessions focused on staying job-ready throughout this current situation.

6. Follow up after online events

If you enjoyed a virtual session, it’s a good idea to send a follow up email or feedback letting them know. You can even shout out an organisation in your social media to share your thoughts. This way you can leave a lasting impression for any future opportunities and demonstrate engagement in an industry you’re passionate about.

7. Get involved in competitions and schemes

Lots of projects that showcase and discover talent have moved online. Getting involved in things like writing, acting or art competitions and callouts are a brilliant way of getting your work out there. Judges also tend to be experienced professionals in their field, submitting a piece can help introduce your work to them as well as giving you the opportunity to ask for advice and feedback.

8. Keep messages short and sweet

Keep messages concise and genuine when reaching out. Long bodies of texts in emails can immediately turn someone off from reading what you have to say. When contacting someone whose work you admire, mention what you like. Demonstrate your interest in their work before asking for a (virtual) coffee or chat.

9. Contact people early

When sending an email, it’s best to send one early so it doesn’t get buried underneath the other messages that come through throughout the day. With most people working at home, inboxes are especially busy right now. Sending an email before the working day starts could ensure your message sits at the top of the pile when people clock on, increasing your chances of receiving an answer.

10. Start an online portfolio

Now is a great time to set up an online blog or portfolio showcasing your talents. When reaching out to people, you can direct them to your work, instantly giving them an impression of your skills. Take the time to make your website look professional and well put-together.

Useful websites include WordPress, where you can set up a blog for free; Wix, which lets you build free websites and has lots of great templates to choose from; and YouTube for sharing films and video content.

Bonus tip: Be pro-active

None of the above will be possible unless you take initiative in finding opportunities to connect. Networking can certainly feel daunting at times, especially when contacting someone we’ve never even met. However, we only regret the chances we don’t take. You might be surprised at how far sending an email or message can take you. The only way to find out is to try. Good luck and keep us posted.

1 in 5 of the working-age population are classed as disabled and the number of people reporting a long-term health condition or disability is rising; largely driven by an increase in mental health conditions. Only 54% of disabled people are employed, compared to 82% of non-disabled people[1].

Some issues around employment and access to opportunities for disabled workers and job seekers are common across all sectors:

• Low levels of representation in the workforce and lack of role models at senior levels
• Recruitment processes that regularly create obstacles for disabled job applicants
• Fewer opportunities for career progression
• Lack of awareness and difficulties in getting employers to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ in the workplace
• Fears of being devalued if disclosing a disability or condition

The nature of the creative industries can make all these problems more acute. The working environment can be fast-paced and often staff are on short-term contracts and working towards tight deadlines which are apt to change. Career progression is not as linear as in other industries and informal networking still plays a large role. All of which can make those living with certain conditions feel the impact of their challenges more keenly. However, with the appropriate level of understanding, reasonable adjustments can be made to improve the accessibility of roles and opportunities.

The results of a survey of the Creative Access community in 2022, published in a report on disability equity in the UK’s creative industries showed:

• Only a quarter of disabled respondents feel they have access to the contacts and networks
• Less than a third feel they have the confidence they need to progress their creative career and are optimistic about the opportunities for progression

Whilst we acknowledge that the creative industries – in which disabled people are under-represented – do throw up many challenges, it also presents opportunities for companies to become trailblazer and lead the way in establishing the best approaches supporting disabled employees to thrive.

The Equality Act 2010 states employers must make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and employees, this includes support progressing in work. 88% of our survey respondents cited the two biggest barriers to their creative careers were:

• Employers’ understanding of making adjustments to allow them to work better
• Awareness of disability issues amongst non-disabled colleagues

We asked candidates about tactics to improve the accessibility of the creative economy to disabled people. The most important thing was that employers be responsive to employees negotiating a working pattern that met their individual needs; over three quarters of respondents cited that they’d like:

• More flexible working
• Training for line managers in supporting disabled employees to thrive

There is a pressing need for creative employers to improve access for disabled applicants and support progression within the sector. We’ve cited our top tips below, but you can read the full report and recommendations here: Disability equity in the UK’s creative industries

• Base your approach on universal principles that benefit the entire team, so disabled people are not always requiring differentiation. This might include a general respect and curiosity about what enables all staff to bring their true selves to work, or the completion of Wellness Action Plans that are an easy, practical way to support mental health at work
• Review use of imagery in presentations, in marketing material and on your website
• Audit policies and procedures around recruitment, training and promotion to flag up any barriers
• Audit your staff to ensure hiring and line managers sufficiently understand their legal duties towards disabled people as set out in the Equality Act 2010 If using third party recruiters, ensure they are compliant with the measures set out in the Equality Act
• Check your marketing collateral; are the fonts and colours disability compliant? Is the text conducive to neurodivergent reading? Is your website accessible for people using screen reading software?
• Consider making adjustments to your application procedures; not everyone is able to complete the conventional application form and a formal interview with a panel of interviewers can be daunting for many people. Allow applicants to see interview questions in advance, provide photos of panels and opportunities to visit the building
• Ensure you paint a realistic picture of life in at your organisation and within the sector during the recruitment process
• Undertake appropriate team training, eg, for example: embracing neurodiversity, cultivating empathetic conversations around mental health, disability equity to ensure staff are more aware of what ‘reasonable adjustments’ can and should be made
• Consider running a Positive Action schemes specifically aimed at recruiting disabled people
• Review working hours and patterns and provide opportunities for flexible working

• Disability & Employment | Factsheets | CIPD
• The Employment Toolkit for Job Seekers with Disabilities – Differently Wired
• Employability toolkit – BeyondAutism
• Equality Act 2010: Duty on employers to make reasonable adjustments for their staff
• The 4 types of discrimination: what every employer needs to know

 

[1] ONS Labour Market Status of disabled people, May 2022

Creative Access partnered up with media and publishing giants to deliver the final masterclass of 2023 for our community of creatives. Two back-to-back panels featured industry experts in journalism and publishing working at News UK, HarperCollins UK, Wall Street Journal, Financial News, The Times, The Sun and Dow Jones. They discussed everything from what the future of the creative economy, in particular media production & publishing, will look like, as well as the latest trends, and what these brands are looking for in a candidates’ applications. Keep reading to find out their top tips and stay up-to-date on the latest insights from senior leaders and diverse voices! 

Speakers:  

Will Payne, Director of Digital (Editorial) at The Sun  

Shruti Tripathi Chopra, Editor in Chief at Financial News & Private Equity News  

Ken Wilson-Max, Publisher at HarperCollins Children’s Books  

Josie Dobrin (chair), Co-Founder & Executive Chair at Creative Access 

“Anyone who says they know what the industry will look like in a few years time isn’t telling the truth. We are at a significant changing point.”

Will Payne

For those curious about the changing landscape of digital media, journalism, and publishing, this panel hits the spot. The panellists are senior leaders in these industries and navigate topics like AI and diversity every day in their roles. Senior figures in journalism, The Sun’s Will Payne and Financial News’ Shruti Tripathi Chopra, discussed how they are adapting their business strategies to fit the world of news with advancements such as AI rolling in. 

Payne predicts that amongst the AI-produced low-quality, high-density content flooding the internet, there will be a growing hunger for high-quality, in-depth content that utilises digital and podcast forms. He also thinks that this gives publishers and writers the opportunity to mark themselves out. An important bit of advice here from the man who essentially deputises The Sun, a newspaper which digitally reaches 25 million readers per month. Chopra said that the strategy at Financial News (which is behind a paywall) is to make their mark by keeping it simple: “Understanding your reader and treating them like a human being, keeping it simple and keeping it interesting”. Her advice for budding journalists is: “Ask ‘How would you explain it to your nan?’ We say it as it is, and I encourage you to always question why you are writing the way you are.”

We touched on the impact of AI on publishing too, with food for thought shared by HarperCollins’ Ken Wilson-Max arguing that there may be blurred lines on the issue of ownership in the future: “Who owns the content if AI created it? And will the audience notice? Or care?”

For the publishing hopefuls in the room, we were thrilled to have publisher Ken Wilson-Max, who set up Kumusha Books, HarperCollins Children’s Books first imprint. Its globally focused list is a strong mix of inclusive and commercial storytelling from underrepresented voices. 

“I look out and see potential in this audience, and think wow, this is great. When I entered more than thirty years ago this audience wasn’t here in the same way. For every book that has been published, there is an inclusive alternative version waiting to be created. We can find the good stories and retell them.”

Ken Wilson-Max

How does Wilson-Max make sure the books he publishes are reflective of his readers? A brilliant answer on Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) strategy: “It’s actually not that hard, but it has many steps. You have to treat everyone the same, and really listen. I sell stories to the world, but try to bring stories from around the world. Keep it simple and do it well, repeat, repeat, repeat.”

 Chopra: Put your hand up, send that email, go talk to people, no one is expecting you to know everything, everyone is winging it. Be relentless about trying. 

Wilson-Max: I would look for someone who is very curious, who could take creative risks, take criticism, and still have a smile on your face and come back tomorrow. Technical skills I’m not so worried about, because the level is high, but the attitude of the person is so important.

Payne: Hardwork and determination always resonate. If you’re prepared to put the hours in, dedicated, and creative. A creative spark will set you apart. 

In this panel, three incredible industry professionals answered burning questions all about how to kickstart your career with top tips galore. Khurana entered publishing via an advertising apprenticeship and emphasised the transferable skills between these two industries (take note career switchers!), Mukuru was a business journalist in Kenya and came to the UK to study finance journalism, and Khalique-Loonat got in through a graduate scheme having been inspired by some inaccurate sports analysis he saw on TV.

Speakers:  

Hamzah Khalique-Loonat, Football reporter at The Times and The Sunday Times  

Simran Khurana, Senior Sales and Marketing Executive at HarperCollins   

Miriam Mukuru, Reporter, Credit Markets at The Wall Street Journal  

“You sort of apply for the first few, and get rejected. Then you apply for some more and hmmm, don’t worry. Apply for some more, but it seems personal now. But you sometimes just need a little luck, so persevering is key. Brilliant people can spend a long time looking, but if you persevere you will get it.”

Hamzah Khalique-Loonat

Mukuru: “Don’t aim for perfection. I read a lot of journalists’ work and compare it to my own, and then think ‘I cannot publish this!’ but you have to start somewhere. If you don’t then you’ll have nothing to show when you’re trying to get the internship and they want to see some of your work.”

Khurana: “Research is very important. It can be hard to get your foot in the door, but it’s easy to move around once you’re in. Whether it be editorial, marketing, design, do your research on their websites, as well as Twitter and Facebook groups. Social media is a powerhouse where you can gain experience and see what jobs you can apply for.”

Khalique-Loonat: “Often when people do internships they will network in a way that’s very formal. We have people join us and the ones that make the biggest impressions usually let themselves be themselves. Networking comes with connotations of formal engagement, but building lasting relationships is through knowing people better so just try to do that.”

Mukuru: “I reached out to journalists virtually a lot, and they really helped and guided me, so I recommend doing that.”

Khurana: “Recruiters often go on TikTok and give advice – honing in on those platforms is key so make sure you’re building a brand for yourself and establishing a social presence.”

Lots of audience questions on career highlights, how to avoid burnout and diversity followed, until the networking session started and LinkedIn search bars were popping off. To make sure you’re signed up with us to hear about the next masterclass in 2024! 

A BIG thank you to our host News UK, alongside Dow Jones and HarperCollins, the brilliant speakers and of course our fantastic community for coming.