Iyare Igiehon and Michelle Matherson (pictured above) have been jointly appointed to the role of BBC Creative Diversity Partner. Both Matherson and Igiehon roles will support “strategic priorities” spearheaded by the BBC’s Director of Creative Diversity, June Sarpong.
Together they will support the Creative Diversity Unit in championing diversity in the creative community and delivering on-screen diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategies. They will be responsible for managing projects, such as the implementation and delivery of the BBC’s £100m diversity investment and 20% off-screen diversity target, which comes into effect on 1 April.
Iyare joins on 19 October, while Michelle returned to the BBC on 14 September, having worked as a Talent Executive. Together they will carry out the role on a shared basis, each working three days a week. They will report directly to Miranda Wayland, Head of Creative Diversity.
WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE
Michelle Matherson worked as a Talent Executive for on and off screen talent in TV across the industry for the past 12 years. She has consistently championed diversity, from her beginnings as a radio and TV producer to roles in talent management. In addition to the BBC, Michelle has worked at ITV Studios, Channel 4 and independent production companies.
Iyare Igiehon joins the BBC from the British Film Institute, where he will continue to work part-time as part of the inclusion department. He has extensive production experience as both a presenter and a producer, including on BBC 1Xtra. He is also the co-founder and Director of SOUL Fest, the Black film festival.
Commenting on the new appointments, Miranda Wayland, BBC’s Head of Creative Diversity, stated: “Michelle and Iyare both bring a wealth of talent and production experience to the role of Creative Diversity Partner. Their work, alongside our new Disability Lead, will be instrumental in delivering the change we want to see at the BBC. I am delighted to welcome them to the team.”
PUSHING BOUNDARIES
The BBC also plans to recruit a Creative Diversity Lead for Disability, in addition to Creative Diversity Partner. This role aims to ensure that the BBC’s output fairly and authentically represents disabled people and their lives. It also wants to push boundaries when it comes to the portrayal of disability on screen. The new appointment will work closely with specific productions to upskill creative leaders in terms of disability insight and understanding, giving them the confidence to deliver on BBC disability strategies.
The Creative Diversity Unit is responsible for improving the BBC’s portrayal of diverse and under-represented lives and stories. The newly created roles will work alongside June Sarpong, Miranda Wayland and Nina Goswami, the current Creative Diversity Partner in the team, to build on the BBC’s commitment to D&I throughout the organisation.
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