Stephen Lotinga, CEO of the Publishers Association, said: ‘This year’s survey provides us with the most comprehensive data on diversity and inclusion that we’ve ever had. It’s encouraging that so many in the industry are now taking part and reflects the increasing desire for accurate benchmarks which future progress can be measured against.
‘While the data does show some progress is being made, we should not shy away from the fact there are still some key areas where much more needs to be done.
‘There is common recognition amongst publishers of the importance of diversity and inclusion issues and the PA is committed to this work in the longer term, in terms of further developing the survey and our broader work, to help the industry identify and direct their action on inclusivity.’
The survey is the second of its kind, with the first in 2017 being used as the basis for the Publishers Association’s 10-point Inclusivity Action Plan and two related five-year targets – which aim for at least 50% of leadership positions and executive level roles to be occupied by women and 15% of publishing employees to be Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) by 2022.
The full report is available here
IPA’s immediate past President, Dr Michiel Kolman, has been appointed IPA’s first-ever Special Envoy for Diversity and Inclusion and will be working to promote inclusion within the industry. Keep an eye on the IPA website for more news on this in the coming weeks.