Individual support

Springboard (entry-level) 

An 18 month programme of training, networking and support designed specifically to kickstart successful careers for those who are under-represented in the creative industries

Programme content:

• Training: A full induction covering goal-setting, navigating being a minority in the workplace and presentation skills; Monthly masterclasses at leading creative organisations; Transition training post-internship to either help secure a new role, or to build and grow in your current role
• Wellbeing and support: Each individual is matched with a buddy; a former Creative Access trainee who has worked in a similar role or organisation; Participation in wellbeing and mental health sessions, led by a clinical psychologist; Facilitated sessions on embracing neurodiversity and reaching potential led by clinical psychologist; Ongoing access to trained mental-health first aiders on the Creative Access team
• Community: Regular networking events including book club; Participation in peer support online and in-person groups; Provision of regular CV clinics and employability resources; Free / discount tickets from to conferences, training courses and cultural events
• Employer support: Inclusive line management training – 90 minute workshop for the the line manager of each individual; Ongoing support and evaluation via the Creative Access team

Thrive (mid-level) 

A 12 month programme for those at mid career level with a focus on developing a leadership mindset, increasing influence, building resilience and developing the confidence to advocate for new work opportunities, equal access to training, pay rises and promotions.

Programme content:

• Training: Four half-day practical, interactive workshops including: essential leadership skills; Confidence and presence; Building resilience and managing mental health
• Mentoring: Each individual is matched with a senior professional who is achieving success in their desired career field for 6 x one-to-one sessions.
• Community: Access to exclusive bi-monthly networking events, monthly masterclasses at leading creative organisations, social events and participation in monthly Creative Access book club

Freelance? Here’s how to access free career support programmes:

Are you freelancing? Access free career support programmes, browse & apply to join the 2024 cohort if you’re in music composition or TV/entertainment:

• Thrive: development programme for freelance music composers & sound designers. Deadline to apply: 18/02/24 (12-month duration)
• Thrive: Banijay TV & entertainment freelance development programme 2024. Deadline to apply: 28/01/24 (12-month duration)

How to access our support programmes for all career levels:

For Springboard, Creative Access interns and those recruited into entry-level roles are automatically enrolled on the programme.

For Thrive, if you were a Creative Access intern, you will automatically be invited to join the programme. At this point, you can be funded by your current employer or apply for a funded place.

For both programmes, employers can pay a fee to enrol eligible individuals onto the programme even if they were not recruited through Creative Access.

To find out more contact us at: info@creativeaccess.org.uk.

Eligibility criteria

At Creative Access, our mission is to enable people from communities that are under-represented in the creative industries to access careers, progress and reach leadership.

Within the creative industries the urgent need is to improve representation of those from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse and lower socio-economic backgrounds and of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, as well as those with mental health problems – and we primarily focus on these groups.

While many of our opportunities are open to anyone to apply, you will see some are ring-fenced for people from specific groups, normally marked as Positive Action schemes.

We have a detailed application form and the more information you give us about yourself here and in your covering letter, the more it helps us ensure those who are eligible get access to these opportunities. You can read more about how we define each of these groups and get answers to other frequently asked questions below.

How we define the groups we support?

How do you define the term ‘ethnically diverse’?

Creative Access follows the UK Government guidelines about what constitutes an ethnic minority. Follow this link for details on guidelines.

How do you define the term ‘lower socio-economic status’ ?

The categories we use to define socio-economic status are based on the Office for National Statistics guide, plus guidance from Arts Council England. We ask individuals to register for Creative Access and self-declare a number of factors including eligibility for Free School Meals, accommodation type and whether or not you were the first person in your family to attend university.

How do you define the term disabled?

Under the Equality Act 2010, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

Frequently asked questions:

What is a positive action scheme?

A positive action scheme is a strategic initiative under the Equality Act 2010 which allows organisations to provide training opportunities to certain groups of the population as long as they can prove that:

• The opportunity is a training role and not a job
• That it is targeting a group of the population proven to be under-represented in the sector. For our opportunities, this is usually under-representation in terms of ethnicity, disability, or socio-economic background. Please note, this will be specified on each opportunity.

See full Government guidance on positive action in the workplace here (published 17 April 2023)

Registration

I’m already registered with Creative Access, why do I need to register again? 

In December 2021 we launched our new and improved website and jobs board. To access the benefits of the new site we are asking our existing registrants to re-register with us in three simple steps which you can read here. The whole process should take no longer than 5 minutes.

I’ve re-registered and I can’t see my previous application. What can I do? 

Don’t worry, your application is safe with us and we will continue to update you on the status of your previous applications via email. If you have any further questions please email recruit@creativeaccess.org.uk.

How can I track my application? 

If you applied for a Creative Access role (marked by three coloured dots on the listing), we will update you on the status of your application via email. If you applied via a third-party listing, we advise you contact the company directly.

How can I contact you about a technical issue? 

Please complete this form with your name and the details of the technical issue, as well as the device and browser you are using, and one of our team will get back to you as soon as they can.

Application process

How do I apply for roles?

You must first register an account with us here. To apply, please log-in and click on the role. You will be asked to upload your CV, cover letter, and any other relevant material as one document.

What is a third-party vacancy?

Third-party vacancies are roles advertised on the Creative Access website where individuals apply directly to the company that is recruiting. These opportunities are open to anyone and everyone to apply.

If you apply for a third-party vacancy, you will be updated on the status of your application from the company directly. In most situations Creative Access cannot provide application support for these roles.

How do I track my application(s)? Will I receive a confirmation email?

Yes, you will receive a confirmation email to notify you that your application has been received. Please make sure these do not go to your Junk/Spam folder.

Do I need to write a covering letter? If so, who do I address it to?

Yes. All roles require a covering letter, which must be tailored to the role and company you are applying for. Please ensure this is submitted along with your CV as one document. Please address your covering letter to Creative Access.

Who looks at my application once I submit it?

Our Creative Access team of recruitment experts, many of whom are from under-represented communities themselves, will review all applications for internships and roles we are recruiting for (which is why we request you do not contact the company directly).

If you are applying for a third-party vacancy, you will apply directly to the company that is recruiting. You will therefore be updated on the status of your application from that organisation. In most situations Creative Access cannot provide application support for third-party roles.

Individual support – applications and advice

What support will I receive with my application?

If you are shortlisted for an internship or role that is being handled by Creative Access, we’ll provide assistance with your application. We will also provide you with interview advice and support to ensure you have the best chance at securing a role.

How will you support me when I secure a role?

When you join Creative Access, you’ll become part of a phenomenal community of like-minded and talented people.

Once you successfully secure an internship (or after a year in a permanent role), you’ll join our entry level support programme. On completion of your internship (or after a year in a permanent role), you’ll automatically graduate onto our development programme.

Will an internship lead to a full-time job?

There is no guarantee that an internship will lead to a job. However, we will do our best to support you in converting it to a role and over 90% of our interns do secure roles at the end of their internships. The Creative Access team will support you to help look for employment as your internship draws to a close and you will automatically receive support via our development programme.

Can you review my application prior to applying?

Due to the number of submissions we receive ,we are unable to provide assistance with individual applications before they are submitted.

I keep getting rejected, how can I improve my CV?

For those who have registered with Creative Access, but have yet to secure their dream role, we hold regular CV clinics. Keep an eye on our opportunities page to register.

Why did the role I wanted to apply for close early?

We do encourage the companies we work not to close applications early. However, sometimes – for reasons beyond our control – organisations do withdraw listings prior to the official closing date. To avoid disappointment we recommend getting your applications in early.

Qualifications, contracts, sponsorship and pay

Do I need to have/be working towards a degree to apply?

No. Creative Access actively encourages employers to minimise the need for academic qualifications. Where needed we encourage them to accept a degree or equivalent Level 6 qualification or work experience. The requirements are stated in each role description.

Can I apply for roles if I’m still a student?

Yes you can apply, however must state your availability in your cover letter or CV.

Do I need a right to work in the UK to apply for the opportunities listed on the Creative Access site?

You will need a right to work in the UK to apply for a role recruited via Creative Access. This is not always the case with third party listings.

Can I complete a role part-time?

Most of our roles are full-time. However, where an opportunity is part-time, it will be specified in the role description.

Are all internships paid? If so, how much?

Yes. All our trainees are paid at the equivalent of National Living Wage or above.

Your company will choose to issue you with either a Fixed Term contract or a Training Contract. If you are given a Training Contract you will receive a training allowance (bursary) equivalent to a salary, which means no tax or National Insurance contributions will be deducted from your pay.

If I am willing to re-locate for a role, will you be able to support me with the cost or provide accommodation?

We do not organise accommodation for interns. If you are willing to relocate, we suggest you look for accommodation as soon as you have applied for the role. We do have a bursary fund where applicants can apply for one-off pots of funding. Check our opportunities page to see when this is next open.