Representation matters: the importance of diverse and inclusive awards

By Nathalie Diepstraten

Marian Wright Edelman (Founder of the Children’s Defense Fund) once said: “you can’t be what you can’t see”.

This year, BME PR Pros has developed The Pros Awards, a communications industry first that will celebrate and be judged by talented UK-based Black, Asian, Mixed Race and Ethnic Minority (BME) communications professionals. Blurred is a proud sponsor of The Pros Awards 2023, because representation matters. As a business built on driving positive impact, we are delighted to be supporting The Pros and cannot wait to see the brilliant talent showcased; the individuals creating change in a world in desperate need of it.

We believe that awards like this are important for a myriad of reasons. They celebrate diversity and champion often-overlooked talent. Diverse and inclusive awards can also have exceptional positive knock-on effects for both individuals and the wider industry: smashing the glass ceiling and reducing the ethnicity pay gap, to name a few. But they have another significant result: providing role models for the professionals of tomorrow.

These facts are true for numerous industries and sectors, but as a business offering communications consultancy with depth, we are going to look at the importance of awards like The Pros through the lens of the communications industry.

It won’t come as a shock to many that the communications industry has a diversity problem – it’s certainly visible. In the CIPR State of the Profession 2021/22 report, the sector was described as grappling with ‘substantial diversity issues’. And while there have been some important improvements in the youngest generations in communications, the industry is still predominantly white (89%).

The demographics of our industry do not accurately represent the society we exist in. Naturally, this has a considerable impact on the confidence of those considering a career in communications who are from BME backgrounds. Although impressive work is being done at entry-level to encourage joiners from different backgrounds, the cycle does continue to reinforce itself.

It is undeniable that role models play a critical role in shaping one’s career. But they are particularly important for people from an under-represented background. In this case, role models help those entering an industry to visualise their own success when the initial path may not appear as obvious as it is for some. Awards play a crucial role in spotlighting these individuals and offering inspiration.

Although this all may seem glaringly obvious, it is a relatively neglected topic. There is minimal research on the impact of role models on young BME professionals, and certainly none specific to the communications industry. But as has already been identified by BME PR Pros, there is a true need for more diverse role models amongst communications professionals. The Pros Awards actively promote, amplify, and support the voices of those within our industry driving positive change and inspiring others. They do this not only in how they champion the potential winners but also in having all judges from BME backgrounds, providing a backdrop we don’t often see in our industry.

The celebration of diverse talent within our industry will undoubtedly drive positive impact and new talent will be encouraged. Hopefully, awards like The Pros, can even inspire the next generation of communications professionals and ensure the future of our industry looks more like the world we exist in.

However, the broader end goal will not be achieved through awards alone. Awards excel at raising the profile of underrepresented groups and shining a light on the importance of diversity and inclusion. But it must go beyond a moment. In order to generate change at scale, businesses must carry forward the sentiment of The Pros Awards long after the winners are drawn. It is essential to keep highlighting BME role models and championing the amazing diverse talent that exists within our industry.

Visit The Pros Awards 2023 to find out more and apply: https://www.theprosawards.com/