The IPA has published its annual diversity research. Despite a decline in participating agencies, the statistics show an increased percentage of women in senior roles and ethnic diversity at its highest recorded level.

The fact that the year-on-year improvement is marginal might, on the face of it, appear disappointing but it is also a helpful reminder that real and meaningful change cannot happen over night.  

Gender pay gap reporting has helped to ensure that the pay, participation and progression of women (particularly into senior roles) is a business and industry priority.  It is therefore interesting that the IPA statistics have been published in the same week that the government closes its consultation on whether mandatory ethnicity pay reporting should be introduced.  

We will wait to see whether additional ethnicity reporting obligations are forthcoming, but in the meantime, it is important to recognise that a collective approach to improving the diversity of available talent pool will benefit the industry and every agency in it.