Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are three pretty big words that carry a lot of weight, and are not to be thrown around lightly. We know there is and always will be a lot of work to do in achieving and maintaining all three. We strive to spark positive change through education, empathy and flexibility, knowing that diversity is our greatest asset as a studio. Read on to find out what changes we plan to make in the world of ED&I, and hear about our journey so far.

Creative Mentorship

Back in 2021, we worked with D&AD Shift, partnering with them on a four-month-long night school for creatives without degree-level qualifications, helping tackle barriers for diverse and emerging talent. We provided mentoring as a studio, even scooping up some killer talent along the way. You can read more about the experience HERE.

In April 2023, our partnership with Creative Mentor Network kicks off, where 6 volunteers across the studio will be providing mentorship and support for 6 candidates from their Break the Wall scheme. This programme is CMN's longest running initiative, with a mission to make the creative industries accessible to all, so that everyone has the opportunity to flourish, regardless of their socio-economic background.

Our dedicated mentors will receive invaluable training on diversity, barriers faced by aspiring creatives, and how to become inclusive leaders. We are excited to be part of this effort to break down barriers and create a more equitable creative industry for all.

ED&I Forum

Off the back of the engagement survey, we founded our ED&I Forum, made up of 12 volunteers from a cross section of disciplines and levels within our team. Our Studio Manager acts as facilitator and makes sure everyone feels empowered to contribute candidly, and listens respectfully.

The Forum will be taking important steps to audit the shape of ED&I within our studio at present so that they can work together to identify further commitments and ambitions both internally and externally.

Company-wide ED&I training

It’s critical that everyone comes on this journey with us, and shares a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We’ve already begun to roll out an ED&I training programme working with experts on this all-encompassing topic to help our team understand these core principles, increase awareness, address barriers, and promote respect and understanding. Our goal is to create a workplace that values, celebrates and leverages our differences to enrich our lives and the work we do.

The first workshop was conducted by Tonic Theatre with everyone in Senior Management and the ED&I Forum. To continue to prioritise this learning internally, we want to build this ED&I training into the fabric of everything we do as an agency, as well as strategising more impactful ways to resolve inequality from the very start.

A long journey ahead

We recognise we have a long journey ahead of us, and hope that mapping these steps demonstrates Here’s commitment to ED&I both within our studio and within the Creative industry, actively considering the positive impact we can have both short and long term. We look forward to sharing how our journey continues.