The British Fashion Council (BFC), in collaboration with non-profit diversity advocacy organizations The Outsider’s Perspectives and the fashion industry’s Minority Report, has launched the Fashion DEI Review of the inclusion, equity, and diversity practices in the UK fashion business.
As part of the study, fashion industry professionals from all employment roles, functions, and different levels of seniority are encouraged to complete a five-minute anonymous survey.
Their responses will be evaluated in order to provide an understanding of the UK fashion business and what efforts should be made to improve representation and diversity in the sector.
The survey will be available on the The BFC website until September 18, 2023. No personal or professional information will be disclosed.
“The recent years proved to be an awakening for industry to tackle disparities in employees from boardroom to entry level positions,” said BFC CEO Caroline Rush .
Although most businesses have taken the time to consider their actions, it is exceedingly difficult to monitor their success because there is an appalling lack of data on the demographics of the UK fashion workforce at the industry level. We can make considerable progress toward equitable representation and a truly inclusive workforce by getting critical data on the primary demographics of the UK fashion industry through this audit.”
Daniel Peters, founder of Fashion Minority Report and Drapers Awards judge, added, “From stores to the runway, we hope that this survey will reinforce an inclusive conversation throughout the British industry of fashion regarding the significance of implementing contemporary DEI techniques in the workplace.”
Jamie Gil, the executive director of the London Fashion Week for womenswear designer Roksanda & a board member of the BFC, who launched The Outsider’s Perspectives in September 2022, stated, “We truly ask that the entire industry join by initiating the Fashion DEI Census.
Since the questionnaire is open to all, irrespective of history it’s our collective duty to stand up, participate, and help spread the word.” We have been striving for better results in the absence of data; now, progress must be tangible and measured.”
New information gathered by Drapers revealed earlier this month that, although many businesses implementing diversity goals and efforts, racism is still prevalent in the industry.