While studying for the BA Television and Media Production at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), Suda secured an assistant producer internship with Sky through Creative Access’s diversity and inclusion programme, reports Prospects.

Four new grant awards awarded by Mo Siewcharran Fund, now in its eighth year, with Publishing Scotland amongst the recipients, reports BookBrunch.

Administered by diversity and inclusion social enterprise Creative Access, the fund provides grants to help organisations offer six-month salaried internships for talent from global-majority backgrounds, reports Matthew Hemley, The Stage.

The Mo Siewcharran Fund is delighted to announce the latest recipients of four new grant awards: writer-led theatre, Royal Court Theatre; youth-focused theatre, Boundless Theatre; Edinburgh-based network, trade and development body for the Scottish book publishing sector, Publishing Scotland; and The Association of Illustrators, the professional body for illustration in the UK and beyond. 

In its eighth year, the Mo Siewcharran Fund continues to support a range of creative organisations driven by its mission to champion people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds pursuing careers in publishing, music and theatre.

Since launching in 2018, the Fund has supported 61 Black, Asian and ethnically diverse trainees to access roles in publishing, theatre and music across the UK. Each grant award contributes to the salary costs for a six-month traineeship and a full programme of support from Creative Access to ensure the trainee thrives in their new role. 

The Fund’s impact can be seen clearly across the sector: two-thirds (65%) of the interns have gone on to secure a role post-traineeship, with 70% remaining in the creative industries, and three-quarters (75%) of line managers reported increased confidence working with colleagues from under-represented groups as a result of participating in the traineeship. Read our latest impact report for 2022 – 2025 here. 

John Seaton, founder of the Mo Siewcharran Memorial Fund, commented on the most recent funding round: 

“I am thrilled that the Mo Siewcharran Fund moves into its eighth year so confidently, in partnership with four exciting organisations, who, in their different ways, exemplify the values of diversity, equity and inclusion that underpin both the Fund, and the tireless work of Creative Access.”

Josie Dobrin OBE, executive chair, Creative Access, said: 

“This was one of the toughest rounds yet, with an extremely high calibre of application from many wonderful organisations. It is gratifying to see how many creative businesses recognise the value of such a targeted programme but also demonstrates the urgent need for funding for smaller organisations to create internships themselves. As ever, it’s a joy to work with John on these awards and we have now placed over 60 trainees through the Awards. The vast majority of the interns have gone on to forge successful careers in the creative industries, which represents a fantastic legacy for Mo.”

The Royal Court is the leading force for championing and cultivating playwrights. It presents work across two theatre spaces in Sloane Square and beyond, to support writers and creatives at every stage. Will Young, executive director, said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded support from the Mo Siewcharran Fund towards a production trainee role next year. The award will directly support our shared goals to support a more diverse and inclusive future talent pipeline, and the successful candidate will have an enviable opportunity to learn from the Royal Court’s world-class production teams during our celebratory 70th Anniversary season. We can’t wait to start recruitment!”  

Boundless Theatre makes space for young people aged 15–25 to create, connect, and lead the future of the arts. Adele Reeves de Melo, executive director and co-CEO at Croydon-based Boundless Theatre, said: 

“Boundless Theatre is honoured to receive support from the Mo Siewcharran Fund. The fund’s commitment to opening doors in the arts is invaluable, and we’re proud that this traineeship will help a young person from an under-represented background build a meaningful career in our industry.”  

Established in Edinburgh in 1974, Publishing Scotland is a membership body and charity that acts as the voice and networking for publishing companies, organisations and individuals in the industry. Publishing Scotland CEO, Shelia Pinder, said:  

“I had such a positive experience working with Creative Access in the past that when joining Publishing Scotland I knew connecting with your work again could enrich our EDI commitment to the Scottish publishing sector. We are looking forward to supporting deserving talent gaining experience of and building networks in the creative industries in Scotland.”

The Association of Illustrators is a non-profit, professional body championing illustrators and the illustration industry within education, promotion and campaigning in the UK and beyond. Rachel Hill, chief executive, said:  

“We are sincerely thankful to have been awarded a grant from the Mo Siewcharran Fund. With this support, we can offer a structured development opportunity to someone at the start of their career, while adding a fresh perspective that will enrich our team and outreach.” 

The Fund is once again open for other music, theatre or publishing organisations wishing to support internships for those from under-represented communities. 

The deadline for the next round is midday Thursday 25 June 2026. Those interested in applying should download the application form here. 

• Only 8% of publishing freelancers report having mentorship access, and 1 in 2 feel unsupported by employers  
• Backed by 10 trade and academic publishers, the Thrive career development programme will provide 15 essential training and support places for minority freelancers   

12 January 2026 – The UK’s leading diversity, equity and inclusion social enterprise Creative Access has – for the second consecutive year – secured sponsorship from across the publishing industry to support mid-level freelancers from under-represented backgrounds through sponsored places on its Thrive career development programme.  

This initiative addresses a significant gap in professional support for freelancers, who provide essential services to the publishing sector, yet who often lack access to crucial career development resources like training, mentorship and networking opportunities.  

For the second year, a group of 10 leading trade and academic publishers have gathered together to sponsor a cohort of 15 individuals on the Creative Access Thrive programme. These organisations are: Cambridge University Press and Assessment, Canongate, DK, Hachette, HarperCollins, Pearson, Penguin Random House, Profile Books, Sage Publications and Simon & Schuster. 

On re-launching the scheme, Josie Dobrin OBE, executive chair & co-founder, Creative Access, said:  “We had fantastic feedback from the 2025 programme participants, so we are over the moon that the sector has gathered together again to support publishing freelances from marginalised communities.  This is real strength in numbers – the sector coming together to collectively address the challenges faced by the book industry. This is a great model for other creative industries; we know what a vital freelancers pay, yet many, especially from minority backgrounds, face barriers to career growth and support. This programme will once again help ensure that all individuals – whatever their background – feel valued and are given the opportunity to thrive.” 

Serita Bonsignore, global director, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) at Cambridge University Press & Assessment said: “We’re proud to renew our support for Creative Access’s Thrive programme. A representative industry depends on sustained investment in the talent pipeline and Thrive equips under‑represented talent with the skills, mentoring and networks to progress and stay in publishing. and sustain long‑term careers.” 

Jessica Harris, HR director at Simon & Schuster said: “We’re delighted to sponsor Thrive and support Creative Access in expanding access, opportunity and career development for under-represented freelancers. This builds on our DEI work at Simon & Schuster UK and reinforces our belief that diverse talent and inclusive opportunities strengthen both our industry and the stories we bring to readers.”  

Julie Fielding, HR business partner at DK said: “Freelance professionals are the backbone of the publishing industry, and it is vital that this career path is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. DK is delighted to support this Creative Access initiative, which provides under-represented freelancers with the networks and skills needed to thrive. Strengthening this pipeline is essential for a more inclusive and resilient publishing ecosystem.” 

Shirley Finlayter, who joined the Thrive programme in 2025, commented on how valuable her experience was: “The training courses were expertly planned and delivered, offering a wealth of practical tips and valuable advice. Both in-person and online community events created excellent opportunities to expand my professional network and build meaningful connections. The mentoring sessions have been particularly impactful, giving me the confidence to apply for roles I may not have considered before and helping me recognise the experience and skills I already have.” 

Thrive Career Development Programme details  

The year-long Thrive programme will begin in March 2024 and offers 15 sponsored places for mid-level freelance talent in publishing. Participants will gain access to:  

• Targeted training in key areas such as career sustainability, leadership presence, financial literacy for freelancers, and advocacy skills.  

• Mentorship from senior professionals in the publishing industry, providing six months of personalised career support.  

• Exclusive networking events with publishing partners, offering connections to foster long-term professional relationships and more!  

This opportunity is designed for freelancers with at least six months of experience in the publishing industry, including roles across editing, design, project coordination, and other key publishing functions. It will include both in-person and online sessions to ensure accessibility to freelancers across the UK.  

Why is this programme needed? 

• Freelancers are a vital part of the publishing workforce, supporting multiple functions including proofreading, copyediting, design, illustration, and sensitivity reading.  

• According to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), 32% of jobs in the UK’s creative and cultural industries are self-employed, compared to just 14% across the wider UK economy. Publishing freelancers, like their counterparts in film, television, and the performing arts, are essential to sustaining the UK’s vibrant creative landscape yet often face barriers to support and growth.  

• A 2023 report by Literature Alliance Scotland showed that 93% of freelancers agree that the sector relies on freelancers, however the majority of freelancers (58%) do not feel valued by the sector.  

• Moreover, freelancers from minority backgrounds often face a significant lack of support: Creative Access’ Freelancer report in 2023 showed that only 19% have received training and just 8% have had a mentor. This is despite 61% wanting to see training from employers and 44% stating mentorship is vital. Half of publishing freelancers (50%) felt unsupported by employers. 

• The Publishers Association 2024 workforce survey showed that ethnic minority representation had reduced by 2% since 2021 and that representation of people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds remains an area for improvement in the sector. The DCMS Earnings Economic Estimate report showed that as of April 2024, for every £1.00 earned by a man employed in the included DCMS sectors, a woman earns £0.80. 

Application information  

• Applications open: 12 January 2026  

• Deadline: 8 February 2026, 11:59 PM  

• How to apply: Freelancers can apply via the Creative Access Opportunities Board, where they will complete an application form and submit an up-to-date CV, indicating any prior work with the programme’s partner publishers. Click here to apply. 

The David Tebbutt Trust and Creative Access have launched a second internship fund in memory of the late David Tebbutt, finance director at Faber from 2002 until his death in September 2011, reports Maia Snow, The Bookseller.

5 January 2026 – The David Tebbutt Trust and Creative Access are thrilled to announce the second iteration of an internship fund in memory of the late David Tebbutt, finance director at Faber from 2002 until his untimely death in September 2011. 

Any organisations wishing to apply can download an application form here. The deadline for applications is 12 noon, Monday 23 February 2026.  

As last year, the Fund will provide 100% of the cost of an intern’s training bursary or salary based on the Real Living Wage for a 6-month full-time traineeship. It will also cover all costs relating to the recruitment and training of successful candidates. 

The Fund aims to encourage young people from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds to pursue a career in publishing. This means that successful trainees will identify as being from an under-represented group in the creative industries, including, but not limited to, Black, Asian and ethnically diverse candidates, disabled, deaf and neurodivergent people, and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. 

It will support smaller regional publishers who might otherwise not be able to host a trainee. The internship will be funded by the David Tebbutt Trust, which is jointly administered by Faber and the Tebbutt family.  

Oliver Tebbutt, the late David Tebbutt’s son and David Tebbutt Fund Trustee said:  

“We are very pleased to be running the David Tebbutt Internship for the second year. My father was dedicated to publishing and the book trade and was passionate about supporting people from all backgrounds to pursue careers in the sector. I know it would make him extremely happy and I hope it can help people from under-represented communities enter the industry that he loved.” 

Josie Dobrin, Executive Chair of Creative Access, said:  

“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the David Tebbutt Trust again to create much-needed entry roles in the publishing industry for people from marginalised communities; a Fund which honours David and is fitting to his memory. We are particularly pleased to be funding small to medium-sized organisations where this grant can have more impact and to be focusing on regional companies where there are fewer opportunities to enter the book sector.” 

The Emma Press, an independent publisher based in Birmingham, was the first recipient of the David Tebbutt Internship Fund. They successfully placed a trainee last year, Emma Dai’an Wright, founder of The Emma Press, said:

“Our trainee Ella has been a fantastic temporary addition to our small team. She’s learnt numerous tasks to take part in the wide range of roles across an independent publisher’s working day, and quickly become a valuable colleague in our publicity, marketing and social media work. Being unable to offer salaried work experience, and unwilling to exploit free labour, it’s been a huge support to us having an extra pair of hands working alongside us full-time, eager to learn about the industry and the various jobs that keep it ticking. We are hugely grateful to the David Tebbutt Trust & Creative Access for enabling this support.” 

The process of recruiting candidates for the traineeship will be undertaken by Creative Access. Successful interns will be paid the Real Living Wage and will join the Creative Access Springboard programme, including training, networking and peer support. 

Any organisations wishing to apply can download an application form here. The deadline for applications is 12 noon, Monday 23 February 2026.  

More recently, work is being done to increase diversity in the sector, break down barriers to entering creative professions and eradicate exploitative internship practices. For example, Creative Access is the leading inclusivity organisation in the creative industries, supporting people from underrepresented groups (diversity, ethnicity, socioeconomic background) into creative careers.
‘Creative Access exists to help ensure opportunities are communicated widely, and that candidates have all the information they need to build a strong application,’ says Mel, reports Prospects.

“Creative Access, the UK’s leading inclusivity organisation in the industry, defines underserved communities as groups proven to be underrepresented in the sector”, reports Kirklees Local TV.

Inside Maya Jama’s new partnership with Creative Access and why it matters for diversity in entertainment, media and talent management, reports The Talent Times.

Broadcaster and entrepreneur Maya Jama has partnered with Creative Access on a 6-month mentorship for eight early-career women from historically underserved backgrounds, reports Abbey Bamford, Creative Boom.

Eight brilliant individuals across all sectors of the industry are celebrated in the Publishers Association’s People of Publishing campaign. This year’s judging panel included Josie Dobrin, executive chair and founder of Creative Access, reports The Bookseller.