Hallam and The Agency Collective, two UK-based marketing agencies have released a report looking into the true state of diversity, equality and inclusion across over 100 small British agencies.
Its primary findings are stark; close to 40% of all UK agencies do not employ a single person from an underrepresented ethnic group, and giving the supposedly diverse creative sphere food for thought, the report found that 75% of agency leadership teams were 100% white.
On a more positive note, the report found clear progress in term of women occupying senior roles, with 43% of senior leadership team members being female. It should be mentioned however that across the board, 48% of agency staff are women.
The report illustrated a clear dichotomy between certain firms, with over half of the agencies surveyed having a more diverse workforce than the UK average, whereas close to a quarter fell below the national diversity average.
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Hallam senior account manager and diversity and inclusion lead, Kiorhte Aghoghogbe gave further insight into his own experiences with the agency world as a black man: “I’ve often worked in places where I have been the only person who isn’t white. The typical agency culture isn’t progressive or diverse.”
“Those who can effect change are often not making any changes, so it’s left to those who are affected to be the trailblazers.”
The Agency Collective managing director, Ellie Hale who was asked to comment on her experiences with gender-based barriers to progression added: “I have been in positions where I have had to fight tooth and nail to be paid the same as my male counterpart.
“This simply shouldn’t be the case, and gender equality within agencies needs to be consistently addressed.
She concluded: “Look at your hiring process. Look at your career development paths for your teams. Look at what you are doing to actively support and encourage women in leadership roles?
“Women in agencies deserve to be heard, be recognised and be promoted. Be an advocate and let’s do away with any career ceilings.”
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