ViacomCBS Networks UK Unveils New Measures for Diversity & Inclusion

ViacomCBS Networks UK has revealed a series of new measures that will strengthen its diversity and inclusion drive throughout the U.K.

ViacomCBS is spearheading a values-driven approach that will embed diversity into every aspect of the company, accelerating diverse representation on-screen, off-screen and within the organization. In order to achieve this, ViacomCBS is committing to a range of new initiatives, building on its existing U.K. diversity and inclusion program.

Among the measures will be the implementation of a ‘no diversity, no commission’ content policy for its suppliers, and extending CDN’s Diamond diversity data monitoring across all its pay-TV brands, in addition to Channel 5. ViacomCBS Networks UK is creating a new role within its commissioning team responsible for identifying and developing diverse talent on- and off-screen, at all levels. This position will also help launch and run a New Faces, New Voices diverse contributors search in order to boost on-screen representation.

A new Promotion Opportunity Project will identify and support the promotion of BAME talent in the U.K. production sector. From an organizational perspective, ViacomCBS will implement a raft of measures to embed inclusion into its strategy and leadership decisions, creating an Inclusion Board allying its senior leadership team in the U.K. with its Employee Resource Groups and will give quarterly reports on performance. The BAME Talent Sponsorship Programme will pair senior leaders with diverse talent in order to fuel career advancement and advocacy, building on existing Inclusive Leadership/Unconscious Bias training for all senior leaders and hiring managers with How to Ally training available to all employees.

Further, ViacomCBS will double down on its recruitment, retention and progression strategies to improve representation at all levels. It has committed to diverse candidate pools for every open vacancy and is evolving its internship scheme to provide entry-level and mid-level fast track positions into leadership. It has also committed to voluntarily publishing its Ethnicity Pay Gap report in the U.K. on an annual basis.

Maria Kyriacou, president of ViacomCBS Networks UK & Australia, said: “Society is now at an inflection point on the issue of systemic racism and as individuals, as a company, we all have a part to play in righting centuries of wrongs. For too long the TV industry has been a relatively closed shop and if we are to be of continued relevance to the audiences that we serve, then this must change. Diversity and inclusion is a core company value, yet hearing from our employees over the course of the past few weeks, we know that we can and we must do more to increase representation at all levels. Our commitment to this cannot be overstated. While this raft of new measures is intended to accelerate change, it is by no means a lone stake in the ground. Instead, it is a re-emphasis of a strategy that will continue to evolve in the coming weeks, months and years ahead.”

Ben Frow, director of programs at ViacomCBS Networks UK, added: “It is important that we work closely with our production company partners to ensure that they help us to achieve our ambition of being truly reflective of Britain today, both on- and off-screen. The Promotion Opportunity Project and New Faces, New Voices are two practical actions that will contribute to change in front of and behind the camera, building on our BAME indies initiative which remains a continuing area of focus.”