Campaign and the IPA recently revealed that black, Asian and minority ethnic employees make up only 8% of those at the most senior levels across the advertising industry. This rises to 10.8% in creative agencies but drops to 2.9% at media agencies. A Stonewall survey also found that nationwide, 82% of LGBT people went back into the closet after higher education when they began work.

Sunshine’s Good Morning breakfasts are dedicated to discussing key issues in marketing. With these stats in mind, it is no surprise that their latest discussion was focused on the lack of diversity in advertising, and what action needs to be taken to promote ethnic, LGBT and disability inclusivity within the industry.

The discussion was led by Nadya Powell, Sunshine Managing Director and co-founder of the Great British Diversity Experiment. She was joined by fellow co-founder Jonathan Akwue, CEO of Lost Boys and Trustee of The Black Cultural Archives; Andrew Barratt, Head of Ogilvy Pride; and Hussain Manawer, Social Entrepreneur, Campaigner and Poet.

Key Take Outs:

The communications industry waited until 2003 to publish its first report on diversity. How can the industry continue to thrive on innovation and lateral thinking if everyone thinks the same way?

Brands realise that advertising can play a major role in supporting social progress, and don’t want to miss the chance: see below for examples.

Inclusiveness is key – recruitment can and should play a big part in promoting diversity, through innovative graduate schemes and intern programs.

To find out more please contact Gemma Knox at Sunshine