Creative Scotland backs diversity targets for screen sector

Creative Scotland has recommended implementing diversity targets in the screen sector for funded work, across workforce, talent development opportunities and on-screen roles.

In the first comprehensive review of equalities, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in Scotland’s screen sector, it also suggests dropping age limits for training programmes and developing a code of good practice for work placements, internships and traineeships.

“In a climate in which UK partner screen agencies and broadcasters are developing strategies to meet their own EDI targets, there is scope for data monitoring to provide the evidence and strength to Creative Scotland’s own Screen EDI Framework and corresponding EDI targets,” the report says.

“However, to ensure that any funding targets are achievable, sustainable and holistic, supporting the creative potential of all, there must be a suite of initiatives across the whole screen sector which do the ground work in addressing inequalities of opportunity and barriers to participation.”

Working group

The review involved a survey of over 500 people working in the industry and has resulted in a report, Equality Matters, featuring a series of recommendations.

It recommends the creation of a self-elected working group – made up of “experts in EDI” and representatives from across the sector – to consider the review’s conclusions and determine how the recommendations should be implemented.

Creative Scotland confirmed to AP that any decisions about introducing financial incentives or penalties to enforce the EDI targets would be made by the working group.

The report recommends that diversity monitoring should operate within the scope of a new ‘Screen EDI Framework’, compliance with which should be made a “contractual condition of funding”. This would be shaped by Scotland’s national demographic, include those from lower socio-economic groups and “geographically under-served communities”, and complement the work of other funders and broadcasters with diversity commitments.

Other recommendations include:

• Requiring screen organisations to “commit to monitoring and improving” diversity of their boards and governance structures
• Making British Sign Language interpretation, captioning or audio described screenings more readily available by sharing equipment and training
• Increasing targeted initiatives to support the talent and skills development of under-represented groups such as women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds and disabled people
• Encouraging organisations funded by Creative Scotland to programme more diverse content.