Research aims to identify issues and causes related to gender balance in the games industry
Today sees the launch of the Next Gen Skills Academy Gender Balance Workforce Survey. Women working in the games industry are invited to fill in an online survey outlining their experience of working in the sector and any challenges or issues they have come across, which will be open until Wednesday 24 December. Those who wish to contribute further will be able to opt in to take part in more detailed phone interviews. Companies and men working in games will also be consulted and any who wish to contribute can share their views by emailing info@nextgenskillsacademy.com.
The aim of the Gender Balance Workforce Survey is to understand more about career challenges and barriers that women face in the games industry. The results will be analysed by an advisory group, and distilled into key issues that will be explored at a workshop in February 2015 held in three locations across the UK. The project’s findings will be made publicly available so they can be used by anyone working in the industry, and build a platform from which solutions can be made to address the current gender imbalance in the games industry. According to the Creative Skillset census in 2012, only 14% of the games industry workforce are women.
A company focused workshop will also take place in London during February 2015 exploring the issues faced by organisations in recruiting and maintaining gender balanced workforces. These practical workshops and knowledge sharing events will be based on the evidence collected during the online survey and telephone interviews.
This project is funded by Creative Skillset’s Skills Investment Funds, which helps companies invest in the development of skills and talent in games and other creative industries. Next Gen Skills Academy is also working within the VFX and Animation industries to investigate and address gender imbalances in those sectors.
Managing Director of Next Gen Skills Academy Gina Jackson, said, “An Internet Advertising Bureau study published earlier this year found that 52% of gamers in the UK are women, yet women only make up 14% of the industry workforce. It’s important that the games industry is made up of a range of people reflective of the demographics of its customers, to ensure relevance to the mass market and the commercial success of the UK Games Industry. The results of the Gender Balance Workforce Survey will help us work towards strengthening our industry and ensuring that the British games industry remains relevant and competitive on a global scale.”
The Gender Balance Workshop Programme is a project run by Next Gen Skills Academy and funded by Creative Skillset’s Skills Investment Funds.
To contribute, fill in the survey by Wednesday 24 December at surveymonkey.com/s/GenderBalanceWorkforceSurvey2014. Companies and men interested in contributing can email info@nextgenskillsacademy.com
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NOTES TO EDITORS
About Next Gen Skills Academy
Next Gen Skills Academy (NGSA) is an industry-led education initiative to develop the next generation of talent for the Games, Animation and VFX industries. We’ll develop and offer Higher Level Apprenticeships, new entry level qualifications, short courses and online learning opportunities — all designed to meet the skills needs of employers. NGSA has received £6.5m of investment from industry and government. Investors include the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, plus a consortium of industry partners including Double Negative, Framestore, Moving Picture Company, Pinewood Studios, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Ubisoft Reflections.
About the Skills Investment Funds
The Skills Investment Funds help companies invest in the development of skills and talent in the film, high-end TV, animation, games and visual effects industries in the UK. Managed by Creative Skillset, the Skills Investment Funds attract co-investment from the Creative Industries and UK Government.
About Creative Skillset
Creative Skillset empowers the Creative Industries to develop skills and talent; we do this by influencing and shaping policy, ensuring quality and by securing the vital investment for individuals to become the best in their field and for businesses to grow. As the industry skills body for the Creative Industries, we work across film, television, radio, animation, games, visual effects, fashion, textiles, publishing, advertising, marketing communications and performing arts. www.creativeskillset.org