The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has pledged to hit diversity targets within its membership by 2025, following its first global survey of members.
In a bid to address under-representation within its membership, Bafta launched the survey last year and it was a requirement for all voting members for the first time this year.
The results show that – as of February 2021 – 37.4% of members are women, 12.2% are from minority ethnic groups, 5.3% have a disability and 9.7% are LGBTQI+.
The organisation has already made a commitment to invite 1,000 new members from under-represented groups over the next two years and has already achieved one-third of this target.
In the last year, 635 industry professionals have joined Bafta as new members, of which 53.3% are women, 33.1% are from minority ethnic backgrounds, 7.5% have a disability and 13.6% are LGBTQI+.
Following the results of the survey, Bafta has committed to reaching its membership targets by 2025.
These targets, announced as part of a radical overhaul of voting, membership and organisation in 2020, are: 50-50 gender balance; 20% from minority ethnic groups; 12% disabled; and 10% LGBTQI+.
These targets were set in line with UK broadcasters, industry organisations and bodies and based on proportionality of the UK working age population with the aim of a more representative and inclusive membership that better reflects society.
“Bafta has set membership targets to reflect our vision for a more inclusive organisation and industry,” said Bafta CEO Amanda Berry. “While there is more work to be done, the demographic of our latest intake of members demonstrates that we are making progress to ensure our membership is more representative of society, and confirms our commitment to address areas of under-representation within our membership.”
The organisation is continuing to invite applications from people working in film, games and television and is proactively encouraging those from minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities and those based outside of London to apply. Applicants do not need to be proposed or seconded to apply.
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