On 31 January 2023 the Publishers Association launched the newest iteration of its ‘Inclusivity Action Plan’ to promote equality, diversity and inclusion within the industry’s workforce. Created alongside leading diversity and inclusion social enterprise Creative Access, the plan sets out ten commitments for publishing businesses to undertake over the period 2023 to 2026. The pledges outlined in the plan aim to promote equality of opportunity, drive action, and empower individuals working within the UK’s world-class publishing industry.
The Inclusivity Action Plan has been created following focus groups with a range of employees from different firms across the publishing sector. Those involved in the sessions were asked to discuss some of the most pressing issues the industry is facing when it comes to diversity, equality and inclusion, as well as areas where they see room for improvement. These conversations informed the development of each pledge set out in the plan. These include:
- Develop and embed an inclusivity policy which is set and driven by senior leadership.
- Commit to data collection and support consistent cross-industry data collection.
- Provide opportunities for flexible, hybrid, agile, and part-time working.
- Work towards pay equity, including salary transparency.
Publishers Saraband, HarperCollins, and Hachette are among the 21 signatories.
For the Inclusivity Action Plan, and the full press release, see the Publishers Association website.
The UK Publishing Workforce: Diversity, inclusion and belonging in 2022
On 31 January 2023 the PA also published The UK Publishing Workforce: Diversity, inclusion and belonging in 2022. The PA’s industry survey shows that there has been an increase in the diversity of the workforce, but that there are still areas which need to be improved on. You can read a summary of the survey findings on the PA website. The 2022 survey will be the last in that form, with a new way of collecting data to take place as part of the Inclusivity Action Plan.
