BBC Studios Outlines New Diversity & Inclusion Commitments

BBC Studios Production is introducing four steps to improve diversity and inclusion across its content and teams, including measures to proactively broaden its talent pool on both sides of the camera and enhance the representation of audience groups across program-makers.

The measures include an ‘Inclusion Rider’ stating BBC Studios Production’s commitment to a minimum target of 20 percent of its on-screen talent and production teams on all new BBC and third-party U.K. commissions coming from a Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) background, having a lived experience of a disability or being from a low-income background. There will also be an additional commitment to a target of at least one senior role on scripted and unscripted production teams being appointed from one of these backgrounds.

This also encompasses funding a new year-long Trainee Assistant Producer Programme (TAPP) to develop the next generation of content-makers.

Additionally, there will be a mentoring program with ScreenSkills aimed at under-represented talent at assistant producer or script editor level or above.

Also, the creation of a short film for schools covering all the behind the camera roles in drama, entertainment and factual to inspire them to pursue a career in the TV industry.

Effective immediately, the Inclusion Rider will apply to every new commission from the business’s scripted and unscripted teams across drama, comedy, factual, including the Natural History Unit, factual entertainment and entertainment. LGBTQ+ talent also form part of the on-screen Inclusion Rider commitment but not off-screen teams as BBC Studios Production has already exceeded this target.

Ralph Lee, BBC Studios’ director of content, said: “As the U.K.’s biggest producer of content, my ambition has always been that BBC Studios Production leads the way in leveling the playing field for anyone wanting to join and thrive in our industry. These initiatives are by no means a magic bullet and we’re also doing a lot of work on culture and education to make our teams more inclusive. The talent in front of and behind the camera will give perspectives that will shape our content, making it more authentic and universal in its depiction of our audiences—and ultimately its appeal with them.”