'As a Black PR pro I’m not likely to reach a senior position in PR'

I’m not likely to reach a senior position in PR.

That’s what 50% of UK Black PR professionals surveyed believe according to a recent report released by the UK Black Comms Network (BCN). 

Other key findings in the One Step Forward, Two Steps Black report include:

• Almost half (46%) of Black and Mixed-Black PR professionals reported not receiving a promotion in their previous position.
• Over two-thirds (68%) have considered leaving the PR industry
• Two-thirds (66%) of Black and Mixed Black PR professionals have had to code-switch when applying to roles in communications

As someone who still is quite junior in their career, I would be lying if I said these findings didn’t slightly dishearten me. We often pat ourselves on the back at how much progress we’ve made with DEI in the PR/comms industry but this report reveals there’s a LOT more work to be done. 

To ensure Black PR professionals:

• Are thriving in the workplace
• Are comfortable in the workplace
• Are safe psychologically in the workplace

I say it all the time but diversity doesn’t just start and stop with hiring more Black people. It continues and is never-ending since effort is needed to ensure, like all employees, that they feel like a valued part of the business fabric.

However, I am also full of hope. Along with the BCN, the work of many people like Elizabeth Bananuka and Taylor Bennett Foundation, People Like Us and several passionate allies I've met over the years like Louie St Claire are trying to shift the dial on this issue. But it takes the devotion of whole businesses to make a difference – they need firstly to believe that there is positive value in investing in DEI and unfortunately, we’re not there yet. (They don’t say it but it shows).

Hannah Abban is senior account executive at Kindred.