We at IPA would like to reaffirm our line on this very important social crisis as we believe the conversation must be continued and that as a whole, our industry is going to be, and should be, judged on our actions and not just our words.
Following the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis nearly two months ago, statements of solidarity have flooded the internet and the Black Lives Matter protests have spread across the world and prompted a reassessment of culture.
In the UK, this came at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has also exposed the health inequalities affecting the BAME community disproportionately, as the recent government studies show.
The IPA is committed to nurturing existing talent, monitoring diversity within the industry and championing inclusivity in the workplace. We condemn discrimination and violence. We strive for equality, fairness and advancement. In this, we support Black Lives Matter.
Improving ethnic diversity in the industry has been one of our main goals in recent years, as is evident from our portfolio of activity and the diversity targets we set the industry back in 2016 (two of three targets focus on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic).
We are starting with two focus areas which include continuing to measure and monitor the entry and progression of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups in the industry and using our voice and influence to facilitate open discussions on diversity and race. Watch the webinar chaired by Karen Blackett OBE on 30 June 2020 with our iList panel.