Communications sector unrepresentative of broader society, hears PRCA conference

Lateefah Jean-Baptiste, Strategic Columnist.

A frank assessment of diversity and inclusion in the communications industry was given by Koray Camgöz, CEO of the Taylor Bennett Foundation, at the PRCA UK | PA Conference 2025: Fit for the Future. He led the session on “The State of Inclusion in 2025: Building Cultures Where Diverse Talent Thrives”.

The Scale of the Challenge

Koray initiated the discussion by highlighting the detrimental impact of discrimination and unconscious bias on the industry. He contended that the communications sector remains unrepresentative of broader society, with nine out of ten professionals being white and nearly a third having been privately educated.

He emphasised that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) should not be treated as a mere tick-box exercise. At its core, DEI is about fostering an environment where individuals feel respected and have genuine access to opportunities. Koray underscored the importance of distinguishing between diversity, equity, and inclusion, noting that these terms are often used interchangeably in the industry despite their distinct meanings and roles. He argued that the failure to make these distinctions contributes to the problem.

When Inclusion Misses the Mark

As of recent, we have seen numerous instances that demonstrate the consequences of a lack of diversity in creative brainstorming meetings and campaign approval processes. In PR campaigns, the absence of diverse perspectives can be costly, reinforcing the critical need for diversity in decision-making rooms.

Koray further illustrated the pitfalls of attempting inclusion without a diverse workforce by referencing a past incident when Tesco included smokey bacon-flavoured Pringles in a Ramadan display.

Business Benefits of Diversity

Multiple reports have consistently shown that diverse workforces positively impact businesses, particularly in areas crucial to success. According to a McKinsey report, “companies in the quartile for ethnic diversity are 37% more likely to outperform their competitors.” Koray suggested that bringing together individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences not only reduces inequalities but also enhances organisational creativity, innovation, and overall effectiveness.

Relationships, Not Just Policies

The PR and communications industry is inherently relationship-driven, even more so than many other sectors. This characteristic, Koray argues, makes access and opportunity even more critical, as career progression often relies on networks and connections. Without deliberate efforts to include individuals from diverse backgrounds in these networking spaces, the profession risks remaining inaccessible to many who could offer fresh perspectives and valuable talent.