Pact is committed to helping its 600-plus member companies raise diversity levels within the independent production sector. The sector is growing rapidly, and as companies look to develop their business models, there is an opportunity to help them tailor their working and recruitment practices in a diversity-conscious way.

What we are doing

Pact’s work in this area includes a range of training courses focusing on diversity issues, paid for by Pact members, as well as providing guidance on statutory duties. We also have a dedicated Diversity Policy Group of member companies that work across all aspects of diversity.

Our comprehensive training service provides all members with information on recruitment and production management. We advise companies on their legal responsibilities and best practice with  courses including Employment Law and Getting the Right Talent, and offer in-company training via the in.indie scheme. Pact members voluntarily contribute to the Independent Production Training Fund (IPTF) to pay for this training. Through Pact’s work with IPTF and Skillset, we also support and fund paid trainee placement schemes with a remit to increase diversity in the sector – with schemes such as FT2 (Film and TV Freelance Training), Four Corners and TVYP@Work.

In 2006 we launched a voluntary Diversity Pledge for all members to sign, to demonstrate their commitment to Diversity, backed up by a Diversity Guide containing practical advice and best practice tips, aimed at demystifying many of the perceived issues. The goals in the pledge – which are meant as aims to work towards – include promoting diversity throughout the production process; encouraging industry entrants from diverse backgrounds and fair treatment for people with disabilities; enabling flexible working wherever possible; creating an equal opportunity policy; ensuring key workers receive diversity training; monitoring the workforce and taking part in events that promote diversity. In the 12 months since the Pledge was launched, 158 member companies have signed, from the largest to the smallest.

Skillset’s 2006 Employment Census showed that 5.8% of the independent production sector are from ethnic minorities (this is up from 5.1% in 2004 and 3.1% in 2002).