The British Beauty Council is pleased to be collaborating with a range of diversity, equity and inclusion partners to action industry-wide change as part of its ‘A Beauty Industry That Looks Like You’ pillar
In 2024, the British Beauty Council released its landmark report ‘A Beauty Industry That Looks Like You’ report, which uncovered the true make up of the industry. Whilst proving that the sector promotes social mobility and entrepreneurialism for many (as also uncovered in the Value of Beauty report), it uncovered areas in which the sector was failing when it comes to providing opportunities for specific diverse groups.
These areas are; career progression of those from diverse backgrounds; increasing support and awareness for and of those working in beauty with neurodivergence; and, increasing representation and accessibility for those with disabilities and visible differences.
In order to drive change and ensure the future of beauty in the UK serves all, the Council has established dedicated taskforce groups for each focus area and is collaborating with Strategic Partners on each initiative.
These strategic partners will provide targeted support toward achieving key KPIs within each taskforce.
Learn more about the strategic partners and their taskforces below:
Career Progression – The Outsiders Perspective & 100 Allies
The Outsiders Perspective (TOP) and 100 Allies are both working to remove limitations and enabling increased career progression for founders of colour.
TOP works with the luxury fashion and beauty sector to provide access to a diverse pool of highly skilled professionals. Its Accelerator Programme empowers professionals of colour from alternate industries to seamlessly transition, bringing new perspectives and driving innovation. Via its strategic partnership with the Council, it is aiming to increase diversity at leadership level across the beauty sector.
100 Allies offers unique opportunities for leaders and founders to tap into mentorship which is designed to increase equity, inclusion and awareness of existing bias within the beauty industry. It offers clinics for diverse leaders and rising stars to arm them with tools to tackle and overcome challenges in the boardroom when it comes to accessibility.
Neurodivergence – Certified Accessible
Certified Accessible are working with the Council to guide its work in increasing both training and career opportunities for neurodivergent people.
Founded by Millie Flemington-Clare, founder of accessible brand Human Beauty, and YISKA, Founder and Director of Noteworthy Access, the pair are combining their skills and lived experiences to provide tailored consultancy for the beauty industry. The strategic partnership will primarily see the creation of open-source resources and toolkits designed to spotlight strategies for making the workplace accessible to those with neurodivergence.
Disability and Visible Differences – Zebedee Talent
Zebedee Talent has been sourcing inclusive for leading beauty and fashion brands since 2017. It is dedicated to unlocking the commercial potential of inclusive advertising, believing the consumers have to see themselves to truly be themselves.
At a time when barriers continue to exist when it comes to inclusive advertising, the British Beauty Council and Zebedee Talent will be creating guides for brands and businesses to use to ensure campaigns and productions are accessible for all. It is also exploring the potential of an industry roundtable to pull together leading brands and discuss collective supportive action.
These strategic partners have been appointed for a three year period, with work being carried out across the British Beauty Council’s existing roadmap. The organisation is continuing to appoint partners as and where it sees fit.
We welcome any brands and businesses interested in working with the Council’s strategic partners to drive internal diversity strategies. If you are interested in finding out more about ‘A Beauty Industry That Looks Like You’ click here.
