The Industry Club Announces New Career Support Programme for Women in the Creative Industry

The Industry Club, specialists in recruitment for the creative sector, is tackling the challenging issue of gender diversity this Thursday at Advertising Week Europe 2016. In addition to discussing the role that recruiters can play in leveling the playing field for women, the female-run company is set to unveil its new career support programme, Work Sisters.

“When I was questioning my future in the creative sector, I had no role models to turn to. Today I meet brilliant, talented and driven women every day,” said Anna O’Callaghan, a consultant with The Industry Club who runs the Work Sisters programme. “I know that agencies are not about to strike a gender balance anytime soon. With this programme, I’m determined to get us closer. “

Working in partnership with UK initiative Creative Equals, the panel will cite research revealing that only 14% of London’s creative directors are female – despite the fact that 85% of consumer purchasing decisions are made by women. Over the last five years, The Industry Club has been passionate about bringing more women into the industry and, more importantly, helping them to climb the ladder once there.

‘We provide extensive training and recruitment services, working closely with female creatives to make sure their careers’ progress on to the leadership rungs they seek,’ says Melissa Smith, Managing Director of The Industry Club. ‘From maternity leave to unequal pay, we know that women face unique challenges while working in a male-dominated industry. This is where our Work Sisters programme comes into play.”

The Industry Club and Creative Equals are taking to the stage on 21 April at 11:30 a.m. in the Sun Lounge at Advertising Week 2016. Fellow panellists addressing the diversity problem include Harriet Minter, Women in Leadership, The Guardian; Daniele Fiandaca, Token Man/Creative Social; Simon Richings, Executive Creative Director of AnalogFolk and Becky McOwen-Banks, Creative Director at FCB Inferno, Creative Equals partner. Blippar Creative Director and Creative Equals founder, Ali Hanan, will introduce the discussion.