Creative Access secures support from Penguin, Profile and Sage for Thrive career development programme

Creative Access has secured sponsorship from publishers, including Penguin Random House, Sage and Profile Books, to support mid-level freelancers from under-represented backgrounds via sponsored places on a year-long creative development programme. 

It has partnered with 11 trade and academic publishers to provide 17 mid-level freelancers from under-represented backgrounds essential training, mentorship and networking opportunities on its Thrive scheme.   

This initiative is designed to address what Creative Access describes as “a significant gap in professional support for freelancers, who provide essential services to the publishing sector yet often lack access to crucial career development resources like training, mentorship and networking opportunities”. 

Creative Access’ Freelancer Report 2023 revealed that only 19% of freelancers have received training and just 8% have had a mentor. Half of publishing freelancers (50%) feel unsupported by employers, with 58% citing basic practices such as late payment as a major issue.   

According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 32% of jobs in the UK’s creative and cultural industries are self-employed, compared to just 14% across the wider UK economy.  

A 2023 report by Literature Alliance Scotland showed that 93% of freelancers agree that the sector relies on freelancers, however the majority of freelancers (58%) do not feel valued by the sector.  

Josie Dobrin, executive chair and co-founder of Creative Access, said: “We know how vital freelancers are to the publishing industry, yet many, especially from minority backgrounds, face barriers to career growth and support. It is so gratifying to see key players across the industry come together to collectively address the challenges faced by the freelance community; to promote retention and ensure that all individuals—whatever their background—feel valued and are given the opportunity to thrive.”  

Claire Thomas, director of organisational development and talent at Penguin Random House, said: “Penguin Random House is thrilled to support Creative Access’s innovative new programme. Investing in the development of freelancers from under-represented communities will support the industry’s commitment to greater representation and retention, through the development and strengthening of new networks and skills.”  

Kiren Shoman, executive vice president, editorial and global executive lead, diversity and inclusion at Sage, said: “We are thrilled to support the freelancers’ publishers’ training programme as a sponsor. At Sage, we believe in the power of diverse voices. This programme aligns with our commitment to fostering creativity and inclusivity in the publishing industry. We look forward to seeing the valuable impact that will emerge from this initiative.”  

Rebecca Gray, managing director at Profile Books, said: “Creative Access is constantly driving change and coming up with ways to open up our industry, so when Josie asked us to sponsor a place on this scheme we said a very quick ‘yes, please’. Making freelancing accessible is a clever way to look at our diversity initiatives through a new lens and we are very much looking forward to meeting the people who join the programme.”  

The year-long Thrive programme will begin in March 2024 and offers participants targeted training, mentorship from senior professionals in the publishing industry, and exclusive networking events with publishing partners, offering connections to foster long-term professional relationships and more. It will include both in-person and online sessions to ensure accessibility to freelancers across the UK. 

This opportunity is designed for freelancers with at least six months of experience in the publishing industry. Freelancers can apply via the Creative Access opportunities board.