An event looking at how to improve diversity in the creative sector is taking place on Monday as part of this year’s Digital Bristol Week.
Staged at  BBC Bristol in Whiteladies Road, the event promises to be an open and honest discussion on the challenges and barriers which prevent a diverse and equal ‘21st century workforce’ across the sector in Bristol and Bath. 
Many in the industry acknowledge that, both nationally and locally, the creative and cultural workforce is still not truly representative of modern Britain.
Crucially, in this region, the industry is missing out on the diverse range of skills, ideas and experience essential to the sustained growth of a highly-regarded and thriving sector.
The event, which starts at 2.3pm, is sponsored by Represent, the social enterprise with a mission to improve diversity, inclusion and equality in the region’s creative sector.
It will look at what action Bristol and Bath creative businesses can take to set the agenda and will address:
- What can those in the creative industries do together to move from funding dependent schemes to best business recruitment practice?
- What prevents the development of a truly diverse workforce?
- How can creative businesses ensure fair access across the sector?
The event is aimed at employers, young people, education, careers advisors, key influencers and funders.
On the panel will be:
Phil Gibby – Area director, Arts Council South West
Jo Welch – Diversity & inclusion manager, Creative Skillset
Elonka Soros – BBC diversity editor, leading on BBC Diversity actions
Will Hahn – Programme director, Creative & Cultural Skills
The workshop will be chaired and supported by;
Roger Griffith -Â Director of Ujima Radio
Liz Gadd – Director, Represent and recruitment consultant
Joanna Randall - Director, Represent and director of Purple Fish PR
Sam Thomson – University of West of England & co-author of the ELEBCIS report
Paul Appleby – Chair for the Creative Sector Group, West of England LEP & Bristol Media
Nicky Williams – Creative & digital skills adviser, ‘Creative Skills Hub’ West of England LEP
The actions of the workshop will be fed into a Diversity Wins Panel at Engine Shed next Friday and build on a joined-up strategy for the region.
To book go to http://bit.ly/21stCenturyworkforce or contact nicky.williams@woeskills.co.uk for further information.
Digital Bristol Week runs next week from Monday to Saturday with a schedule packed with free events. Building on Bristol’s reputation as a centre of excellence for digital media, the BBC Bristol-led partnership’s programme will help industry professionals understand the opportunities that digital brings. Each day of the week will have a different theme.
