The BBC is looking to its 2020 diversity goals after achieving this year’s targets.
Nearly a year after the organisation launched its diversity strategy, the BBC have revealed the results of their most recent and comprehensive staff census.
Within the BBC workforce, over 48 per cent are women; 14.5 per cent are from black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds; over 10 per cent identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender; and more than 10 per cent have a disability.
The BBC has implemented a number of programmes to improve the diversity of its workforce including the Creative Access programme, which saw over 30 interns from BAME backgrounds join.
Within the BBC News Leadership programme, over half of candidates are women and a £1 million scheme for journalists with disabilities was also recently launched.
The organisation is also improving social mobility with a growth in apprenticeships. In 2012, the BBC had 37 apprenticeships, growing to 230 in 2017, with the aim of having more than 400 by 2018.
The BBC is now hoping to achieve its 2020 targets of 50 per cent women; 15 per cent of people from a BAME background; and 8 per cent with disabilities and LGBT respectfully.
Speaking at the Creative and Culture Skills annual conference, Tony Hall, Director-General said, “Getting the very best at the BBC means making sure we draw on all of the country’s diverse talent.”
“Ours is already one of the most diverse workforces in the UK – as far as we know, we’re more diverse than any other major broadcaster, more diverse than the civil service, more diverse than any FTSE100 company that reports its figures.”
“But the targets we have set ourselves to reach by 2020 are among the most ambitious and stretching of any organisation.”
“For the BBC, it’s right that that’s the case.”
“We know there’s plenty more to do – and no room for complacency.”
“So we’re looking at how we can go further.”
“For me, one of the real priorities is to get more women, and more people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, into our most senior leadership positions.”
