Channel 4’s new equity strategy, “Equity by Design,” aims to foster fair outcomes and promote diversity and inclusion in decision-making processes.
It emphasizes incorporating equity into every aspect of the organization, from decision-making to content creation.
The strategy includes renaming the Creative Diversity team to Creative Equity and is structured around six principles supported by comprehensive initiatives to drive transformation across the organization.
Each principle is backed by bold, organisation-wide activities designed to drive transformation:
- Make Informed Choices: Channel 4 will base decisions on diverse perspectives and high-quality data, incorporating audience feedback and conducting reviews of representation metrics both on and off-screen.
- Design For Inclusion: The organization is committed to creating content, products, and workplaces that are inclusive for everyone. This includes launching Codes of Portrayal for various groups and demographics, ensuring fair representation.
- Choose Inclusive Partners: Channel 4 will invest in diverse partners who share their values and hold suppliers accountable for their commitment to equity, aiming to spread expertise and learning throughout the industry.
- Treat People Right: The company expects inclusive behavior from its leaders and aims to set industry standards for addressing unacceptable behavior through training and programs like the “Safe Space” initiative.
- Create Opportunity: Channel 4 will continue to prioritize workforce representation and implement inclusive workplace practices, moving beyond diversity targets and introducing new initiatives like employee networks focused on social class.
- Lead On Societal Impact: The organization will address societal issues others may avoid, including class dynamics and conflicts like the one in Israel and Gaza. It will foster dialogue and support the wellbeing of employees from diverse backgrounds, while also implementing anti-racism commitments.
Channel 4 has been a trailblazer in both on-screen and off-screen initiatives, from groundbreaking events like Black to Front to innovative commercial programs like the Diversity in Advertising Award and Untapped.
Additionally, the organization has implemented progressive workplace policies, such as those addressing women’s health and gender-affirming healthcare for employees.
However, the new strategy acknowledges that there is still progress to be made to align Channel 4’s aspirations with its reality and to further amplify its impact on diversity and inclusion.
