Scottish indies launch diversity scheme

A slew of Scottish producers have launched a scheme to address the challenges of attracting a diverse workforce north of the border.

Six indies – STV, Tern TV, Raise the Roof, Mentorn, IWC and Lion – have partnered with Pact to fund the scheme after struggling to improve the diversity of their companies organically.

Paul Sheehan, commercial director at STV, which spearheaded the scheme, said: “There are challenges with diversity in Scotland, primarily because the population here isn’t as diverse, particularly in terms of BAME.”

Tern TV managing director David Strachan agreed that it is “much more difficult” to achieve diversity in Scotland.

The firms have each offered a six-month paid position to a candidate who is either BAME, disabled or socially disadvantaged, with the possibility of extending the contract. The scheme will provide mentoring and training to enable the candidates to specialise in one of a variety of roles.

It is an extension of Pact’s existing indie diversity scheme, which launched in 2013. Pact chief executive John McVay said the scheme highlights its commitment to “supporting the creation of sustainable and diverse talent bases in the nations and regions”.

Strachan said Pact had helped the firms make a co-ordinated push to find candidates.

Pact’s UK-wide scheme brought together Endemol Shine, Warner Bros and All3Media indies to provide training for 12 candidates a year. Some 38 of the 44 people who have completed the scheme so far are still working in the industry.

STV’s Sheehan is already looking at the second iteration of the scheme. “This will give the candidates an all-round experience and enable them to find a place in the industry. We hope it returns annually.”