BBC to boost BAME representation in senior ranks

The BBC has announced plans to step up efforts to rapidly increase Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) representation at senior levels of the organisation and ‘develop a new generation of talented leaders’.

“Diversity of thought is so important to us. We can’t be the creative, inclusive organisation we want to be if we’re not representative of the whole of the UK. We’re making some good progress, but we want to do more, particularly in relation to senior leaders across the organisation,” stated Director-General, Tony Hall. “So we’ve decided to take immediate action to promote a generation of talented leaders who’ll bring the diversity of thinking we need.”

BBC leaders have a crucial role to play in creating a truly inclusive culture throughout the organisation, so getting things right at this level ‘is vital if we are to build the very best BBC for our audiences’, added the broadcasting giant.

EMBRACING DIVERSITY OF THOUGHT

Every key BBC leadership group is to appoint two new advisers, bringing with them fresh talents, backgrounds, perspectives and insights. At least one of the appointments on each group will be expected to have a deep understanding of BAME issues, according to the BBC. This change will enable it ‘to nurture and develop’ new leaders to extend the range of its thinking, as part of a culture that’s ‘open to new people, new ideas, and different ways of doing things’. In other words, a culture that embraces diversity of thought. 

The appointments will come from within the BBC, and the roles will be for 12 months, alongside people’s existing jobs. The BBC is aiming for at least two BAME members on every senior leadership group by the end of 2020. Several leadership teams have already achieved the target for BAME representation, including the Executive Committee, Radio and Education and Finance, and there is still more to come, said the broadcasting house.

“The changes we’re making will help shape a culture of creativity in this organisation that will make us second to none – a culture that can seize the opportunities of our rapidly changing world,” explained Hall. “We need people from different backgrounds with different ideas and approaches who feel confident and empowered to work together to help shape our vision for the future.”

BOLD INCLUSIVE STEPS

The BBC will also lead a celebration of BAME talent with the Creative Diversity Festival in May 2020, curated by BBC’s Director of Creative Diversity, June Sarpong. 

“These bold inclusive steps are part of a much wider long-term effort by the BBC to ensure that all talent regardless of background can progress and contribute to the best of their ability,” added Sarpong. “The Creative Diversity Festival will leverage the convening power of the BBC to bring together the best BAME creatives with the industry as a whole and deliver real results and change – it will be a vibrant event where ideas from BAME talent can be bought and sold. I look forward to working with people across the creative industry to help make inclusion the norm.”