Creative Access ‘The Class Ceiling in the Creative Industries’ report findings mentioned in opinion piece, ‘Crossing the class divide: are the creative industries a closed shop for the working class?’. Read the article by Tom West at Marketing Beat.

Creative Access data from their report: The Class Ceiling in the Creative Industrues reveals that over half of Public Relations professionals (PRs) say working class is underrepresented in the industry. 70% of PRs agree working class representation is worse at senior level – research from Creative Access and FleishmanHillard. Article by Elizabeth Wiredu at PR Week

Arts Professional covers Creative Access report stating: Class barriers persist in the creative industries. The publication reports 74% of employees in the creative industries, including those in the Creative Access community state it’s harder for working-class people to land a role in the creative industries. Click the link to read the article by Arts Professional

Industry title Broadcast reports on the perceptions of social mobility and class representation which vary dramatically in the world of TV and film. Click the link to read the full write up by Heather Fallon at Broadcast

Since 2022, Creative Access’ partnership with Bloomsbury Publishing Plc has strengthened. This is down to a combination of Creative Access’ involvement in senior level recruitment in the form of Bloomsbury Publishing’s Diversity and Inclusion Manager, via the Creative Access opportunities board, as well as Bloomsbury Publishing’s commitment to elevating and developing under-represented staff. Our joint aim is to empower under-represented staff, facilitating career advancement and professional development opportunities.

Creative Access’ partnership with Bloomsbury Publishing is all about practical steps and smart resource use. Thanks to our opportunities board, Bloomsbury was able to bring in fantastic diverse talent, including a new Diversity & Inclusion Manager. This has really paid off, with 10 times more staff joining initiatives like the Springboard entry-level career support program, enabling these historically under-represented individuals to build skills and networks. The involvement of key team members shows how effective our collaboration is in driving positive change.

Since 2022, Creative Access’ partnership with Bloomsbury Publishing has driven significant Diversity Equity & Inclusion progress. Bloomsbury has leveraged Creative Access’ opportunities board to recruit diverse talent and has actively engaged staff in Creative Access’ career support programs for entry and mid-level under-represented talent. Key achievements include the recruitment of a Diversity and Inclusion Manager in 2022 via Creative Access, as well as enrolling ten staff members in Creative Access career development programmes in 2023 and planning further participation in Thrive the mid-level career development programme in 2024. This collaboration has effectively promoted diversity and professional development within Bloomsbury, supporting the career advancement of under-represented staff.

During the 2022-23 academic year, Creative Access and Loughborough University collaborated to support Black and Asian students in career guidance and support. Through a series of initiatives, including showcase events, employability sessions, industry insights days and a mentoring programme, we aimed to enhance students’ understanding of, as we as raise awareness of opportunities within the creative industries.

Our showcase event featured a panel of successful alumni who shared insights and tips for success with 28 students. The bespoke employability session focused on portfolio development, networking, and personal branding, engaging 20 students. The industry insights day at ITV Studios provided 23 students with valuable behind-the-scenes experiences and networking opportunities. Additionally, our mentoring programme paired 20 students with industry professionals for six months, offering tailored support and guidance.

Feedback from participants highlighted the positive impact of our initiatives. Across events, respondents expressed increased confidence, inspiration, and optimism about pursuing careers in the creative industries. Specifically, the employability session helped develop crucial skills and knowledge for 84% of participants, while the mentoring programme beneficiaries spoke of: boosted confidence, industry understanding, CV and cover letter skills as well as an increased professional network they wouldn’t have otherwise had access to.