Diversity & Inclusion – Changing the face of the PR and Communications industry

Diversity & Inclusion – Changing the face of the PR and Communications industry

There has been much discussion and acknowledgement, that lack of Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority representation is a serious issue within the PR and communications industry, with nine out of ten (91%) identifying as white according to the CIPR state of the profession report 2020.

There are various initiatives and steps being taken to help tackle and we too are doing our part to help create a better work environment and fairer working world for all. Entry pathways into the PR and communications industry is a hot topic, and something we wanted to shed some more light on. 

If you’re interested in a career in PR and Communications, we have sign posted below some information that can help you along your journey as well as some useful links for employers.

Entry level/Graduate

PR Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a great way to enter an industry at entry level, it works well if you’re keen to get started with work but also keen to study.

An apprenticeship includes:

• Paid employment with holiday leave
• Hands on experience in the PR/communications sector
• At least 20% off the job training
• Formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

PR apprenticeships are available, you can find out about more information from the PRCA or by visiting the national apprenticeships site where you can apply for them.

Who can apply?

• People over the age of 16 in England who are:
• Early in their career
• Looking to upskill in their current job
• Looking for a career change
• Not in fulltime education

Is it specifically targeting black and ethnic minorities? No, it’s open to all.

Entry – Mid-level roles

Taylor Bennett Foundation:

The Taylor Bennett Foundation is a charity that exists to encourage black, Asian and minority ethnic graduates to pursue a career in communications.  Established in 2008 by executive search firm, Taylor Bennett in partnership with the university of East London and founding agency Brunswick.

You can search their website to find out information on traineeships, internships specifically for black, Asian and minority ethnic graduates. You can also view listed permanent jobs which are open to candidates from any background.

• TB training foundation
• TB sponsored training programme – Finsbury Glover Hering
• TB sponsored training programme – Brunswick
• TB internships
• TB Jobs board

Creative Access – mission is to support talented people from groups that are under-represented in terms of ethnicity, socio-economic background and disability, or facing significant barriers to employment. It is the only organisation in the UK dedicated to recruiting under-represented talent in the creative industries. 

UK Black Comms Network – , is on a mission to increase the seniority of black PR and communications professionals in the UK. A membership organisation for black professionals that provides learning, networking and resources including  a job boards for its members ranging from entry to senior. 

BYP Network – are passionate about amplifying black talent working with a range of corporate partners. While they do not specialise in a sector, they do cover roles within PR and communications. 

Senior Level Roles

Don’t’ forget us! At Hanson Search as an executive recruitment search firm we pride ourselves on providing a great service to our clients and candidates. As we specialise in the PR, communications, public affairs, marketing sector, we are well placed and have experience in placing candidates from black, Asian and minority backgrounds into senior roles. We know there is room for improvement and we are committed to helping as many individuals from diverse backgrounds in roles that they can thrive in.

Search our jobs section and give us a call.

UK Black Comms Network – , is on a mission to increase the seniority of black PR and communications professionals in the UK. A membership organisation for black professionals that provides learning, networking and resources including  a job boards for its members ranging from entry to senior. 

What’s out there for employers?

• BAME2020/No Turning Back – calling on industry to increase diversity by 20% of total young talent to be from BAME backgrounds and for them to stay in the industry. And for young talent, and 20% of leadership roles to be BAME – across, PR, Comms, marketing & sports marketing. 
• BME PR pros – ‘The Blueprint diversity mark’ – helps organisations to  attract, retain and nurture diverse talent. The mark is meant to help Black, Asian, Mixed Race and Ethnic Minority communications professionals find employers committed to supporting them to achieve their career dreams.
• The Taylor Bennett Foundation is a charity that exists to encourage black, Asian and minority ethnic graduates to pursue a career in communications.  Established in 2008 by executive search firm, Taylor Bennett in partnership with the university of East London and founding agency Brunswick.
• Change the race ratio – group of senior leaders committed to taking-action to change and increase racial and ethnic participation in their businesses.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training providers:

• Howlett Brown – people intelligence company, specialising in culture, diversity and inclusion, work place training, people advisory solutions and investigations. the UK’s only firm that offers a holistic approach to people-related issues within organisations by looking at the root cause to ensure lasting solutions. 
• Creative Equals – A consultancy focusing on diversity and inclusion – offering workshops, training and business leadership acceleration programmes and coaching etc.