蜜芽传媒

Introduction: A Modern UK, Represented and Authentically Portrayed

The 蜜芽传媒 is proud of its unique role as a public service broadcaster in the United Kingdom. Our mission is to serve all audiences through high-quality, impartial and distinctive content that informs, educates and entertains across TV, radio and online platforms.

Funded by the licence fee, the 蜜芽传媒 is accountable to the public. Audiences have the right to see their lives, communities, stories and places meaningfully reflected in the content we commission. Portrayal plays a vital role in ensuring that audiences see themselves reflected with depth, nuance and authenticity. This means not only representing the full diversity of our population in terms of identity and experience, but also capturing the rich cultural, social and geographical variety across the UK’s nations and regions. Authentic portrayal and representation are fundamental to the 蜜芽传媒’s relevance, creativity and impact – and key to sustaining audience trust.

This Code of Practice sets out the steps the 蜜芽传媒 will take across all genres to ensure our commissioned content accurately represents and authentically portrays the full diversity of the United Kingdom. That includes diversity of background, identity, geography, life experience and language. This representation must be mirrored off-air in production teams in all roles to achieve authentic on-air portrayal.

Reflecting the UK in all its diversity unlocks deeper creative potential and drives richer storytelling. It brings a wider range of voices, perspectives and experiences to our screens, airwaves and digital platforms. Through our content, the 蜜芽传媒 fosters shared experiences, mutual understanding and cultural connection across communities - locally and nationally.

We put these commitments at the heart of our commissioning approach because they are at the heart of our public purpose. The 蜜芽传媒’s Royal Charter enshrines our responsibility:

"To reflect, represent and serve the diverse communities of all the United Kingdom’s nations and regions and, in doing so, support the creative economy across the United Kingdom..."

"...to accurately and authentically portray the lives of people in the UK today, raise awareness of different cultures and perspectives, and help bring people together through shared experiences."

Delivering on this ambition requires action. Our commissioners, producers and editorial and support teams must reflect the diversity of the UK, and we must work with our creative partners to do the same. As a publicly funded broadcaster, the 蜜芽传媒 has both the opportunity and the obligation to lead by example—setting the standard for inclusive, authentic and representative storytelling.

We deliver our value through the content we commission. That means putting representation at the centre of our editorial thinking and production decisions. We are committed to leading the way: on air and behind the scenes, so that our output not only reflects the full breadth of the UK today, but remains distinctive, relevant and trusted for audiences here and around the world.

Purpose of this Code of Practice

The 蜜芽传媒 plays a unique role as a publicly funded broadcaster, accountable to audiences across the UK. Central to that role is a commitment to reflect and represent the full breadth of diversity of the UK - on and off air, and across all genres and platforms.

Why this code exists

The 蜜芽传媒’s [1] issued by Ofcom contains regulatory conditions considered appropriate for requiring the 蜜芽传媒 to fulfil its mission and promote the Public Purposes, including the fourth Public Purpose covering diversity and representation. Ofcom has included a specific regulatory condition[2] for the 蜜芽传媒 to establish and comply with a code of practice, approved by Ofcom, setting out the steps the 蜜芽传媒 will take when commissioning content across all genres to ensure that such content accurately represents, authentically portrays and reflects the diverse communities of the whole of the United Kingdom. This code of practice sets out our commitments, our expectations of production teams, the values we want to inspire and the support we offer to deliver against our mission and meet our ongoing Operating Licence conditions.

The code covers all 蜜芽传媒 commissioning. It applies to the commissioning of content across 蜜芽传媒 network and non-network TV, radio, online, digital content and services in the UK. Where the code refers to the ‘蜜芽传媒’ it refers to 蜜芽传媒 Commissioning and 蜜芽传媒 Creative Diversity. Where the code refers to ‘content makers’ it refers to production companies including in-house teams that are part of 蜜芽传媒 Public Service, 蜜芽传媒 Studios or independent companies. 

The code covers diversity of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background. It also covers representation of the Nations and regions of the UK.

Our 2018 Diversity Commissioning Code of Practice set 5 principles for ourselves and for our producers to achieve.

1. 蜜芽传媒 Commissioners will lead by example
2. Portrayal should be authentic
3. Casting should be open and fair
4. A diverse workforce makes better content
5. Measurement

We launched these principles in 2018, and by 2024, were able to demonstrate that we were meeting each of them, as reported in the annual Diversity Commissioning Code of Practice reports.  These five principles are now embedded across all areas of our commissioning practice and form the foundation of what we expect from our producers. We have since reviewed, elevated and expanded these principles through our refreshed, bold creative diversity commitments designed to drive lasting change across the industry. The details of how our refreshed principles build on the existing ones whilst meeting the Ofcom requirements, are highlighted in the table below.

The 蜜芽传媒’s Creative Diversity commitments announced in September 2024, form the basis of and are incorporated in this updated code of practice and formalise the actions that the 蜜芽传媒 takes when commissioning content. These commitments include a minimum annual investment of £80 million across TV and radio commissions that meet our creative diversity criteria on and off-air; a 25% off-screen target for all productions across; and the application of our Inclusive Production Principles, which set clear expectations around inclusive casting, crewing, accessibility, DEI education and community engagement. These commitments focus on under-represented groups and are in addition to our existing commitments to portrayal of the Nations & Regions, including our devolved services and local output.

This code of practice sits alongside a suite of commissioning guidelines that the 蜜芽传媒 publishes for TV and Radio, to set out its relationship with content makers[3].

Ofcom Operating Licence Conditions (4.7 -4.10) 

[1] “Operating Licence for the 蜜芽传媒’s UK Public Services” published 23 March 2023 (Updated 6 August 2024)

[2] Condition 4.7 of Operating Licence

[3] This includes production and commissioning decision process, Condition 4.8.3 of Operating Licence

Principles of the Code

We ask all the producers we work with, to commit to the following principles on their productions.

Principle 1: Inclusive Casting and Crewing

Enriching content through the breadth of the UK’s people and perspectives

We ask all producers we work with to uphold inclusive casting and crewing as a fundamental principle of their production practice.

To truly reflect the UK’s communities, across geography, background, identity and lived experience, we must remove systemic barriers in recruitment and representation. We are committed to ensuring that casting and crewing processes are equitable, accessible and inclusive across all genres and platforms.

WHAT WE DO OURSELVES:

We are committed to supporting the UK creative industry so it can continue to tell world-class stories that represent people from across the UK. We provide a significant range of development opportunities for creative talent across different areas and career stages.

We invest in initiatives such as and dedicated 蜜芽传媒 diversity development funds across TV and Radio. to widen and strengthen our pipelines of mid to senior level underrepresented talent across the UK.

We also invest in initiatives to support content creators, writers, performers and journalists. To showcase the opportunities available, a website 蜜芽传媒 Talent, has been launched to champion and grow the best UK creative talent.

We are committed to authentic casting and meaningful on-screen representation across all genres. We actively support inclusive and accurate portrayal, including adapting scripts where needed – for example, integrating BSL on screen for a deaf actor - to ensure characters reflect the richness and complexity of the audiences we serve.

We champion underrepresented talent at every level of production - particularly those with experience shaped by geography, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic background, gender identity or sexual orientation - ensuring there is real agency in shaping stories that resonate across the UK’s nations and regions. Our strategy is that every programme we commission should make a significant, positive contribution to the location in which it is made in - both employment opportunities, production spend and opportunity – and increasingly, delivers positive on-air portrayal of that region, its stories and communities.

WHAT WE EXPECT OF OUR PRODUCERS:

Producers must engage in a meaningful conversation with 蜜芽传媒 Commissioning and Creative Diversity teams at the earliest stage to agree clear plans to widen talent pools and dismantle barriers. This is embedded into the Commissioning Specification.

We expect:

• All productions to meet at least 25% diversity in their production teams across ethnicity, disability, and working class backgrounds
• Active, open, and fair recruitment - particularly for senior roles.
• Job opportunities advertised through multiple, accessible platforms.
• Paid placements, fair and prompt pay and transparent criteria for experience.
• Inclusive and accessible language in all job adverts (e.g. using a gender bias decoder).
• Commitment to inclusive casting that authentically reflects the UK’s communities, including lived experience where relevant.

In practice, this includes:

• Working with a broad range of agencies and organisations across all four Nations. The 蜜芽传媒 has a list of suggestions, but this is by no means an exhaustive list.
• Seeking inclusive casting agencies and ensuring audition spaces and communications are accessible.
• Making reasonable adjustments for disabled talent and anticipating access needs.
• Diversifying stand-ins, extras, and walk-on roles - not just lead characters - to reflect the UK’s full population.

This principle is not only about fair access. It’s about enriching storytelling and delivering content that resonates deeply with the breadth of our audiences.

(See also: Principle 3: Accessible Productions for more detail on access and adjustments.)

Useful resources for hiring:

: Matches independent production companies with entry-level talent (both graduates and non-graduates) from underrepresented backgrounds. 

: Pact worked with the 蜜芽传媒 to produce this resource for independent producers.

: Ten top tips to ensure that you don’t miss out on disabled talent.

Principle 2: Hair and Makeup Equity

Authentic portrayal through expert care respecting cultural identity

Productions must provide expert hair and makeup support tailored to the requirements of all performers, including specialist skills for afro-textured hair and a variety of skin tones.

We recognise that authentic portrayal goes beyond casting - it requires professional care that respects cultural identity and personal expression. Ensuring all on-air contributors can present their best selves is essential to telling stories that resonate genuinely with our audiences.

WHAT WE DO OURSELVES:

We commit to enabling productions with access to highly skilled hair and makeup professionals who understand the nuances of afro-textured hair and a variety of skin tones. We will provide guidance and resources to guarantee that every individual’s requirements are met with expertise and respect, fostering authenticity both on and off screen.

WHAT WE EXPECT OF OUR PRODUCERS:

• Engage early and respectful conversations with on-air actors / contributors about their specific hair and makeup requirements to ensure comfort and authenticity.
• Employ hair and makeup artists with the expertise and experience necessary to serve the full range of hair types and skin tones with respect and professionalism.
• Allocate sufficient budget to cover specialist products and tools, recognising that quality care for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic hair and skin often requires additional investment.
• Build adequate time into production schedules for culturally appropriate styling, particularly when working with intricate or time-intensive looks.
• Use lighting and filming techniques that complement all skin tones, ensuring every individual is presented to their best advantage. For guidance, refer to the . 
• Regularly evaluate and update hair and makeup practices to maintain inclusivity, respect and high professional standards throughout the production lifecycle.

Principle 3: Accessible Productions

Setting the standard for accessibility and inclusion on and off screen

Productions must embed accessibility at every stage, ensuring that physical spaces, communication methods and working practices are inclusive for deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals both on and off screen. 

WHAT WE DO OURSELVES:

We acknowledge the barriers that still exist within the industry and commit to fostering an environment where no one is excluded. We will engage early with producers to understand and address access requirements, providing expert advice and supporting access costs.

We adopt and champion the TV Access Project’s industry-wide best practice framework, known as the , to ensure consistently high standards of accessibility across all 蜜芽传媒 productions.

Through 蜜芽传媒 Elevate we invest in career progression and empower deaf, disabled and neurodivergent professionals, to create a more inclusive industry at every level.

WHAT WE EXPECT OF OUR PRODUCERS:

Producers are expected to proactively plan for accessibility, including budgeting for access costs and considering the appointment of an Access Coordinator. They will collaborate closely with commissioning editors and Creative Diversity Partners to embed inclusive practices throughout production.

To guarantee full and inclusive participation of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent individuals, producers are required to follow the 5A’s framework:

1. Anticipate: Proactively design accessible processes and environments that welcome disabled talent, working with experts to stay current on best practice and legal requirements.
2. Ask: Engage sensitively and regularly with individuals to understand their access needs, respecting privacy and enabling open conversations about adjustments.
3. Assess: Evaluate the production’s accessibility openly, gathering feedback and making improvements to ensure a supportive culture where everyone can communicate their needs safely.
4. Adjust: Implement timely, reasonable adjustments to support physical and emotional wellbeing throughout the production lifecycle, backed by sufficient funding and expert support.
5. Advocate: Champion deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent by setting high inclusion standards, challenging bias, ensuring equal pay and supporting long-term career progression.

By embedding these standards, we ensure our productions not only comply with accessibility guidelines but become exemplars of inclusion and equity.

Principle 4: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Education and Insights

Fostering true inclusion through commitment to learning and leadership

DEI learning must be embedded at every level to create production environments where respect and inclusion are non-negotiable. Through ongoing training and insight, we equip teams to confidently champion diversity and foster genuine belonging.

WHAT WE DO OURSELVES:

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and transparency, setting the benchmark for the producers and teams we collaborate with.

Our Creative Diversity team leads regular insights sessions for commissioners, independent producers and presenters on key topics such as inclusive leadership, disability & neurodiversity inclusion and inclusive language to build confidence and deepen understanding.

We actively support the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority  (CIISA) framework and collaborate closely with industry partners to uphold best practices. Additionally, we fund DEI training for independent companies through PACT, ensuring access to industry-leading resources and support to build inclusive cultures and deliver authentic storytelling. 

WHAT WE EXPECT OF OUR PRODUCERS:

• Commit to ongoing DEI training for all members of the production team, both cast and crew, to embed an inclusive culture throughout the production lifecycle.
• Ensure leaders and managers complete dedicated DEI training, equipping them to nurture an inclusive environment and effectively address related challenges.
• For productions featuring landmark portrayals of underrepresented groups, implement tailored DEI training to ensure the entire team is well-informed, confident and aligned in delivering authentic representation and an inclusive working environment.
• We recommend using expert industry providers such as ScreenSkills and Pact, and we offer bespoke training from the Creative Diversity team where relevant.

Principle 5: Community Collaboration and Engagement

Authentic content through meaningful community collaboration, building social cohesion and public trust

We understand that telling stories from underrepresented groups and communities goes beyond accurate representation—it fosters connection, strengthens social cohesion, and reflects the shared humanity of our audiences. Guided by the principle “Nothing about us, without us,” we commit to authentic collaboration that ensures communities are not just subjects, but active partners in shaping their stories. This approach strengthens public trust, promotes mutual understanding, and reinforces the 蜜芽传媒’s public purpose to reflect the full diversity of the UK, embracing its rich cultures, languages, and identities.

WHAT WE DO OURSELVES

We are dedicated to deepening our engagement with communities across all Nations and regions through new and existing partnerships within the industry and beyond. Through our Creative Diversity team, we share cultural insights and connect productions with trusted external partners and local experts, ensuring every story is told with respect, authenticity, and regional relevance.

WHAT WE EXPECT OF OUR PRODUCERS

Particularly for landmark portrayal titles, we expect the following:

Pre-production:

• Conduct thorough research to understand the histories, cultures, languages, and contemporary realities of the communities represented across all Nations and regions, ensuring narratives authentically reflect lived experience.
• Build meaningful relationships with community leaders, cultural organisations, and local stakeholders to foster trust and collaboration.
• Involve community representatives from the earliest stages through consultations, focus groups, or surveys to embed their perspectives and ensure inclusive storytelling.

Production:

• Ensure all production elements - from script to design - are culturally sensitive, accurate, and respectful, reflecting the nuances of the communities portrayed.
• Partner with communities to identify authentic filming locations and culturally appropriate settings across the UK’s Nations and regions.

Post-production:

• Where feasible, host community screenings to invite feedback and acknowledge community involvement prior to public release.
• Appropriately credit communities and contributors in line with our credit policy, recognising their vital role in the storytelling process.

Measuring, Reporting and Industry Communication

The Creative Diversity commitments, including the Inclusive Production Principles have been integrated into the commissioning process, with 蜜芽传媒 commissioners and producers collaborating closely, supported by the Creative Diversity Team. These commitments are clearly documented in the commissioning specification to ensure shared accountability from the outset.

Throughout production, ongoing support will be provided by 蜜芽传媒 Commissioners and the Creative Diversity Team, who will also engage external partners where relevant to help meet these principles effectively.

Progress will be measured through end-of-production reports, internal reporting against our £80m commitment and the industry-wide Diamond monitoring tool. The end-of-production report outlines the required information for comprehensive assessment. Diamond, the pan-industry diversity tracking system, enables production companies to monitor both on- and off-screen diversity. We expect production teams to actively engage with Diamond reporting and to encourage individuals to self-declare their diversity data to build an accurate picture.

Transparency and continuous progress are at the core of our commitment. We will provide consistent updates on our collective achievements and insights through webinars, press releases and detailed industry communications. By sharing best practices and real-world case studies, we aim to drive meaningful change and inspire sector-wide adoption of inclusive standards.

The tangible impact and success of these principles, our commissioning activity across the Nations and English Regions and the portrayal of our programming will be set out annually in the 蜜芽传媒 Commissioning Report and the 蜜芽传媒’s Annual Report and Accounts, holding us accountable and setting a benchmark for the industry.

The 蜜芽传媒 isn't responsible for the content of external websites linked to in this code.