Around 41% of creative organisations demonstrate poor DE&I reporting practices, according to a new report from Creative Access.
The report also found that PRs were the least impressed with their organisation’s DE&I practice progress, with almost six in ten (59%) disappointed.
They were also least likely to feel they were working in an inclusive and supportive environment at 54% compared to an average 64%.
In addition, two-thirds (66%) of creative employers also admitted to focusing DE&I efforts at entry level despite four in five acknowledging that a greater focus was needed on senior level appointments.
Despite this need for a shift in DE&I focus in the creative sector, just one in three employers have actually increased spending over the last 12 months.
This is a significant drop from 60% from the previous year.
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The report also found that for employees from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds there appears to be a career ceiling, citing the biggest barrier to progression as organisation structure (36%), whereas those who identify as disabled (26%) and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (20%) ranked location as their biggest barrier to progression.
Equally, freelancers were disadvantaged, with 48% reporting a decrease in work volume this year and professionals from under-represented backgrounds particularly at risk.
“The creative industries are at a critical juncture in their DE&I efforts. Despite intentions to expand support beyond entry-level roles, data tells a different story, leading to decreased career optimism, especially among individuals with disabilities and freelancers facing a shrinking market,” said Creative Access chair Josie Dobrin.
“To foster true inclusivity bold actions are needed at all talent stages, including tailored career development programs, mid-level positive action traineeships, and elevating under-represented mid and senior-level employees,” she added.
