After almost 15 years with Creative Access co-founder and Executive Chair, Josie Dobrin, has made the decision to step down from her role.
Creative Access started out in 2012, driven by a commitment to addressing inequity in the creative industries. We now stand as a strong trusted voice, and our impact is widely felt.
Under Josie’s leadership, Creative Access has changed the landscape of the sector in the UK. The organisation is firmly established as the go-to resource for both creative employers, and for individuals from marginalised communities. Josie’s dedication has helped build a strong team, meaningful partnerships, and a foundation that will continue to support our mission for years to come.
Ameet Shah Chair of Creative Access said: “We are deeply grateful for the legacy Josie leaves behind. Her impact will continue to be felt for years to come. Over the past decade and a half, Josie’s vision and commitment have shaped not only the direction of the organisation, but also the values that guide Creative Access. On behalf of the board, staff, and the wider community, I wanted to thank Josie for her extraordinary contribution over the past 15 years and wish her every success and happiness in the next chapter.”
Josie said: “It has been an incredible privilege to lead Creative Access, and I am immensely proud of all that we have achieved; from the early days at The Rights House and then Freuds and then to our current home at ITV, it’s been a phenomenal journey.
There are so many thousands of individuals who have supported us along the way; from the hundreds of people who volunteered as mentors, to the myriad employer partners across the whole creative ecosystem, to our outstanding interns and alumni community. And, of course, it has been a joy to work with so many wonderful colleagues and board members over the past 15 years – too many to name, but I’m grateful to you all.
When we set up Creative Access, we did so out of a fundamental belief that the workforce should be equitable. As in all other fields of work, in the Creative Industries, people from all backgrounds should feel able to contribute, feel valued, progress to senior roles and make an impact. Some things have certainly changed for the better, but there is still a long way to go to ensure true parity of experience, particularly when it comes to improving social mobility, fighting for racial justice and removing barriers for people with disabilities.
I will always continue to champion Creative Access, but it’s time to hand over the reins to the next generation of talented people in the team. I look forward to seeing how Creative Access evolves.”
Josie has already begun the process of transitioning her responsibilities with the board, chief executive Mel Rodrigues, and the rest of the team to ensure a smooth handover and continued delivery of the organisation’s mission.
