A BBC report published today has set out an action plan to help staff from lower socio-economic backgrounds to “reach their full potential.”
The BBC says that while data provided by The Bridge Group shows there is more socio-economic diversity at the BBC than in comparable professions and organisations including journalism, the creative industries and other UK broadcasters, “more can be done to reflect the socio-economic diversity of the UK.”
Based on the review’s findings, the BBC’s Board has accepted a range of recommendations to increase socio-economic diversity and are looking into the viability of introducing a career mobility programme throughout the BBC to promote high performing talent.
Other recommendations include aiming to provide at least 70% of places on apprenticeships, traineeships, internships and work experience for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, developing outreach activities, giving socio-economic diversity the same level of support and measurement in recruitment as BAME and disability inclusion and in-depth reviews into all BBC divisions with low socio-economic diversity.
Alan Davey, Controller, BBC Radio 3, BBC Proms, BBC Orchestras and Choirs, and Project Sponsor, says: “This report, its subject matter and the conclusions it makes, are important – not just from the point of view of fairness but also for the future of the BBC as a creative organisation. Unless we draw on talent from all backgrounds, and with a variety of different experiences in life, we will not be doing as well as we can do in delivering great things for audiences who pay the licence fee."
Staff Reporter
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