BBC Unveils Creative Diversity Appointments

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Iyare Igiehon and Michelle Matherson have been jointly appointed to the role of BBC creative diversity partner.

In their new roles, Igiehon and Matherson will support in the delivery of strategic priorities spearheaded by June Sarpong, the BBC’s director of creative diversity. Igiehon joins on October 19, while Matherson returned to the BBC on September 14, having previously worked as a talent executive. Together, they will carry out the role on a shared basis, each working three days a week. They will report directly to Miranda Wayland, head of creative diversity.

Working closely with senior leadership in BBC Content, Igiehon and Matherson will support efforts to champion diversity in the creative community and deliver on-screen diversity and inclusion strategies. They will be responsible for managing specific projects, including the implementation and delivery of the BBC’s £100 million diversity investment and 20 percent off-screen diversity target.

A new creative diversity lead for disability will be advertised soon. The new appointment will work closely with specific productions to upskill creative leaders in terms of disability insight and understanding, helping to ensure that the BBC’s output not only fairly and authentically represents disabled people and their lives, but also pushes boundaries when it comes to the portrayal of disability on screen.

Wayland said: “Michelle and Iyare both bring a wealth of talent and production experience to the role of creative diversity partner. Their work, alongside our new disability lead, will be instrumental in delivering the change we want to see at the BBC and beyond. I am delighted to welcome them to the team.”