On Tuesday night, we announced the first wave of All In Champions at a Parliamentary Reception held in the Churchill Room, at the Houses of Parliament. The Parliamentary Reception served as an opportunity to highlight the work of All In, our initiative in partnership with the IPA and ISBA, and its mission on behalf of the industry to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong.
Dame Caroline Dinenage DBE MP opened the reception by discussing the pivotal work that All In has done – and continues to do – to diversify, recruit, and retain talent in our industry. She explained how a more diverse industry would only benefit UK advertising and the creativity within it. She ended her speech with an inspiring remark on how courageous is is to ask difficult questions in society which then go on to help promote industry change. Next, she introduced our next speaker: Jess Phillips MP, Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding.
Societal progression was at the forefront of Phillips’ speech. She praised the All In campaign, stating that initiatives like All In allow us to keep “our foot on the pedal” for progress. She added that “the kids in my constituency should see themselves on screen and represented in offices and in this room.” The role of the advertising industry in shaping society was, once again, highlighted in her speech.
Kathryn Jacob OBE, Chair of the Inclusion Working Group & CEO, Pearl & Dean, and our Inclusion Lead & Commercial Director, Sharon Lloyd Barnes, rounded off the evening. Kathryn highlighted the work and achievements that All In has accomplished so far since its launch in 2021, saying that “It’s immensely gratifying that in response to the results, so many companies have stepped up, signed in and signalled a willingness to be part of this work.”
This progress was echoed by Sharon, who gave a huge thank you to the Inclusion Working Group members and all the companies who have supported the Action Plan and provided evidence to become our first All In Champions. Sharon took the chance to remind all of us that All In is an ongoing, evolving plan and companies can still enter a submission to become an All In Champion if they provide evidence against the first six actions. (From January 2023 any company applying will need to provide evidence against all nine actions).
Want to know which companies are the first to qualify for All In Champion status? Then head here.
You can find out more about All In and how to become an All In Champion by visiting our All In hub here.
Here’s a selection of photos from the night: