BFC creates diversity and inclusion committee

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Sep 17, 2020

The British Fashion Council is stepping up its efforts to fight prejudice and discrimination.

After announcing a series of key board appointments to ensure its own ranks are more diverse, the BFC has unveiled a Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee. made up of industry and BFC representatives.

The group will aim to address key challenges facing minority communities in gaining fair representation within the fashion industry.

“The Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee aspires for the fashion industry to be open for all and reflect the diverse, global communities it inspires and serves,” the organisation said.

But what does this mean for designers from underrepresented groups in concrete terms? The committee will create a diversity and inclusion framework for fashion businesses of all sizes, review all of BFC’s support programmes to ensure they are fair and equitable for all, and look at Talent ID programmes to ensure that diverse perspectives and voices are heard during selection processes.

Additionally, the group will “promote allyship by providing toolkits that will support both businesses and individuals”, and address barriers to entry and career progression for designers from ethnic minorities. A key element of the plan is developing resources to recognise the influence of black culture on the fashion industry.

The announcement follows the appointment of Jamie Gill, CEO of Roksanda; June Sarpong, director of creative Diversity at BBC; and Scott Morrison, founder The Boom!, to the BFC executive board on Tuesday.