Diversity drive launched for advertising industry

The group has launched a new campaign, UK Advertising Needs You, to showcase the industry’s diversity and inclusion schemes and features advice for candidates looking to join the industry.

The campaign will also provide advice for companies looking to recruit from a more diverse range of people.

UK Advertising Needs You features resources for employers and individuals from initiatives such as BAME2020, Creative Equals and Brixton Finishing School, covering backgrounds including neuro-diversity, disability, age, gender and racial diversity.

The inclusion group will meet monthly and will ensure there is a clear, collective effort to increasing diversity in the industry.

The group also plans to track interest and interaction in the inclusion schemes.

Members of the group include: Bobi Carley, head of media at the ISBA; the IPA’s associate director of diversity, Leila Siddiqi; Saatchi & Saatchi’s managing director, Sarah Jenkins; Zaid Al-Qassab, chief marketing officer at Channel 4; 4creative’s business director, Jane English; GSK’s EMEA media director, Jerry Daykin; Ali Hanan, chief executive of Creative Equal; and Sharon Lloyd Barnes, commercial director of the Advertising Association.

Kathryn Jacob, chair of the inclusion group and chief executive of Pearl & Dean, said: “The success of UK advertising is built on our talent and it is vital that we nurture and access the widest pool of talent possible, as we know this always leads to the best work.

“Addressing our diversity and inclusion will enhance our reputation as a global hub for advertising and better answer the need for us to reflect the society we serve.”

Nadhim Zahawi, business minister, said: “As a previous business owner, I know that only by drawing on a diverse talent pool can businesses truly reach their full potential. This group is an excellent initiative to drive forward diversity and inclusion within the advertising industry, and I applaud the Advertising Association for their work.”