A skilled and representative workforce

The strength of the UK’s screen industries depends on who gets to tell the stories.

We need directors from every background and every part of the UK, bringing their unique experience and fresh perspectives that reflect the country as it truly is. That means building a talent pipeline that works; opening doors at entry level, supporting midcareer progression, and enabling sustainable, long-term careers in every nation and region. Without diversity of voice behind the camera and a system that allows directors to grow and thrive, we risk losing the richness, relevance and creative ambition that underpin the UK’s global reputation.

What we want

  • Skills and career development - ensuring skills support includes mid-career progression and development. Ensure apprenticeships and skills training are suitable for the Creative Industries.
  • Mid-career opportunities – “fewer, higher-impact” commissioning and the loss of mid-budget programming has removed traditional career pathways. PSB commitment to support a mix of productions is essential to maintain the directors’ talent pipeline.
  • Improve inclusivity – broadcasters, streamers and production companies must commit to long term diversity and inclusion policies to improve representation behind the camera.
  • Improve accessibility - remove barriers to entry and progression for directors. Addressing financial insecurity, improve hiring practices, and tackling workplace discrimination to ensure access for all.
  • Improve Freelancer diversity monitoring - expand Ofcom’s powers to require broadcaster reporting on their freelance workforce. This will improve awareness and help the industry target ED&I activity more effectively.
  • Sustainable Investment in the nations and regions - reinforce PSB requirements for commissioning across the nations and regions and ensure Ofcom’s regional production criteria promote genuine local economic impact. Broadcasters and producers must invest in and employ local talent, building sustainable production hubs outside London.

What we’re doing

  • Responding to Government inquiries and consultations to advocate for directors on the issues of skills, ED&I and ensuring work is available across the nations and regions.
  • Membership of industry coalitions on diversity and industry workplace standards, including advising on the work of CIISA and the Creative Diversity Network and contributing to the work of the Film & TV Charity.
  • Member of the BFI Sector Skills Task Force, setting the screen skills strategy.
  • Engaging with Screenskills on its five-year strategy to deliver the Skills Task Force recommendations. We are also a recognised training provider for ScreenSkills.
  • Feeding into Screenskills policy on skills passports and their planned implementation in 2026
  • Member of Creative UK’s Creative Skills and Future Network advocating for the skills needs of the current and future workforce.

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To request more information on Directors UK’s policy positions or to arrange a meeting, please contact [email protected].

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