UK ad industry unveils All In Census results and action plan to improve inclusion in the workplace

ISBA together with Advertising Association and IPA have revealed the findings of the All In Census, the first industry-wide census on diversity in UK advertising’s workforce launched in March which would inform an action plan to achieve greater representation and inclusion in the industry.

“All In” is led by the Inclusion Working Group, formed by the three associations in April 2020, to help “build a workplace where everyone feels they belong”.

Conducted in collaboration with Kantar, the All In survey asked 16,500+ UK advertising professionals to share their experiences in the workplace and collected a unique dataset about the industry’s make-up, highlighting strengths and areas for action. While 83% of respondents believe their company is actively taking steps to be more inclusive, Black, Disabled and Working-Class talent are significantly underrepresented.

The Inclusion Working Group also unveiled the first phase of the All In Action Plan during the virtual All In Summit in June, which will focus on improving the experience and representation of Black, Disabled and Working-Class talent. Key actions include adopting the newly launched BRiM framework (Black Representation in Marketing), auditing UK advertising’s websites to ensure full accessibility online, and using the upcoming Social Mobility Commission toolkit for creative industries.

The group also created a directory of inclusion schemes and initiatives accessible to the whole industry, with details on how to recruit, support and advance diverse talent. A roadmap of further actions will be published later this year.

CLICK HERE to access the All In Report and Action Plan.

The findings of the All In Census is corroborated by the Unstereotype Alliance’s 2021 State of the Industry report which assessed the progress of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the global ad industry over the past year. The report found that pre-existing inequalities in the industry have been exacerbated amid the pandemic, and while global calls for social justice have led brands and agencies to scrutinise the levels of diversity in their workplaces and content, representation across the industry remains disproportionately low.

CLICK HERE for a copy of the Alliance’s State of the Industry report.