Reflecting the market? Diversity in Publishing Network Equalities Charter

By 2011, just 18% of Britain’s workforce will be white, non-disabled, under 35 and heterosexual. But does the publishing workforce reflect this?

We have been working with the Diversity in Publishing Network and a number of other partners to develop a framework for UK publishers, irrespective of size, to promote and enhance equality throughout the sector. The Equalities Charter is about taking manageable, positive and practical steps towards achieving equality in publishing.

We are keen to involve all parts of the publishing sector in the development and we’d welcome your thoughts on how the draft Charter can be improved.

You can take part in the consultation by clicking here to read the draft (posted on the Publishers Association website). Email your comments to shelina.permalloo@booktrust.org.uk by Friday 12 March 2010.

Please note that comments will be collated at the close of the consultation and not reflected on the draft until then. After the consultation period has ended the Charter will be amended and will be launched at the London Book Fair in April.

The Equalities Charter has been devised by a core group comprising ACE (Arts Council England), DIPNET (The Diversity in Publishing Network), the IPG (Independent Publishers Guild), Skillset, the SYP (Society of Young Publishers) and the PA (The Publishers Association).

We are asking publishers, trade associations, booksellers and other organisations related to the publishing industry to pledge their support for equality in publishing by becoming a signatory to this charter. Please circulate this consultation call wherever possible to members, colleagues and any other contacts. And tell us if you would like to become a signatory to the Equalities Charter.