Channel 4 sets out new diversity policy

Channel 4 has unveiled a new policy to diversify its workforce, which will be rolled out between now and 2020.

The top-line 120 staff members will consist of 15% BAME (black, Asian or minority ethnic), 50% female, 6% disables and 6% LGBT.

As part of the changes, Channel 4 will diversify roles for its roles and actors: A programme to increase the number of women drama directors; diverse writer schemes; and commitments focussed specifically on recruitment, mentoring and training around diversity along with the funding of seven diverse Deputy Commissioning Editors, and investment in disabled production talent for the Rio 2016 Paralympics. Channel 4 will also put greater emphasis on investing in indies led by BAME entrepreneurs in its Channel 4 Growth Fund.

David Abraham, Channel 4�۪s Chief Executive said: ���Diversity is baked into Channel 4�۪s DNA and our remit ��� it�۪s vital that we are open to the widest variety of voices, and that we nurture new talent from all backgrounds and reflect all of contemporary Britain.

���We have a rich heritage in pioneering programming that has reshaped how we think about diversity from Desmond�۪s and Queer as Folk through to the 2012 Paralympics, but like all media organisations, there is more we can do.

���The launch of our 360� Charter is an opportunity for us to change how we think about diversity and ensure that it�۪s at the very heart of everything that we do, on and off-screen.

���It�۪s a complex area but our goal is to create meaningful and long term change and I believe the commitments we�۪re setting out today are a significant moment in the history of Channel 4.�۝