Skillset Patron calls for diversity in London film industry

The Chair of the London Assembly and Skillset Patron, Trevor Phillips, has said that the media industry is a key engine of growth for the capital but that there must be an increase in its diversity.
Speaking at the launch of a new interactive CD-Rom for careers advisors at Channel 4, Phillips told the audience: “The number of people working in these industries is in excess of 200,000 and employment across these sectors is now higher than the water, gas and electricity industries combined.
"Around half of the UK’s industry is based, or works here in the capital, however, our industry will not continue to thrive if it is unrepresentative of, and therefore unappealing to, significant sections of the London community.
"I’m very pleased to see Skillset working in partnership with the London Development Agency to produce such a high-quality careers guidance product so that we can ensure everyone has access to the same quality information and advice, therefore creating a more level playing field.”
Last year, the Skillset industry census found that less than 7% of people in the industry come from ethnic minority backgrounds – compared with a quarter of people of working age in London where the industry is predominately based.
The CD-Rom which was launched was one part of a major project made possible by London Development Agency (LDA) funding of £194,000. The CD-Rom, developed by Skillset, will help careers advisors guide individuals through career options in the industry using a series of case studies.
Based on industry information this innovative new resource will help individuals make the right choices about their next steps. It also links to other on-line sources of media careers information, such as the skillsformedia website.
Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset, said: “I’d like to thank the London Development Agency for supporting this project which has included the CD-Rom for careers advisors, a two day event for runners and training support for under-represented groups are just some examples of Skillset’s work in London. The CD-Rom is just one element of Skillset’s careers information and advice strategy which is implemented by skillsformedia, our partnership with the union, BECTU.”
The launch of the CD-Rom was attended by key representatives from London’s public agencies, Heads of Careers at FE Colleges, universities and the private careers companies as well as key media industry figures.
Skillset, www.skillset.org
(GMcG)