The IPA has released the second part of its annual diversity survey which looks at the ethnic diversity of agencies. The Survey reveals that although BAME representation is improving at the junior level, the industry must work harder to make sure this filters upwards into the boardroom.
This is the second time the IPA, in association with Campaign magazine, has run the survey. This year it has been broadened out to the wider IPA agency membership, with data now captured as part of the IPA’s comprehensive annual Census*. Responses regarding BAME figures were received from 91 agencies.This compares to last year where responses regarding BAME data were received from only the biggest 31 agencies with a gross income of £20m or more than 200 employees.
In light of the wider sample size, direct comparisons on year-on-year figures are not possible. There are, however, some key trends to emerge from 2016 data.
Survey findings:
To help agencies meet the ethnic diversity targets, the IPA has been working on a number of initiatives:
In addition, the launch of the Government’s apprenticeship levy in April provide agencies with an opportunity to recruit talented young people from a far broader range of backgrounds than the usual graduate ‘milk round’.
Says IPA President Tom Knox: “Diversity of thought leads to greater innovation, creativity and financial returns, as well as increased staff motivation and retention. So, while I am pleased that this survey has played a part in raising ethnic diversity up the agenda of agency leadership teams, the crucial part now is for our agencies to take action.”
For further information, visit: www.ipa.co.uk/diversity; www.wewillmaketheleap.com; or contact the IPA’s Head of Diversity Leila Siddiqi: leila@ipa.co.uk
*The IPA has undertaken an annual membership census since 1960. The IPA Agency Census is considered to be the definitive media, advertising and marketing communication agency survey because of its wealth of employment trend data across a number of categories: size and geography of agency; male to female ratios across job titles; agency churn rates; and different ways of working. The full census will be released in February.