Jane English has been appointed Channel 4’s new Head of Inclusion and will work closely with the Head of Creative Diversity and the broadcaster’s People team to champion inclusion and diversity across the business.
Jane will foster an inclusive culture at Channel 4 through collaboration with passionate advocates inside and outside the business, and she will lead inclusion programmes that ensure best practice for staff.
Jane is currently on maternity leave and will take up her new job in the autumn. She joins from 4Creative and Marketing where she was instrumental in some of the broadcaster’s most famous campaigns including Super.Human for the 2020 Paralympics, 100 Years which marked the centenary of women’s right to vote, and a short form series with Grayson Perry exploring gender identity.
She has also been an innovator as co-Chair of the 4Women network, one of Channel 4’s Employee Resource Groups. Jane was behind the broadcaster’s menopause policy which was the first of its kind in the media industry, as well as a pioneering pregnancy loss policy, and a ‘get home safe’ taxi service for Channel 4 staff.
Jane is also a steering committee member of The Inclusion Group established by the Advertising Association, ISBA and IPA.
Giles Barker has also been announced today as Workplace Disability Lead at Channel 4, a brand-new role for the broadcaster. Giles will work closely with Jane to help ensure Channel 4 is one of the best places for disabled talent to work in the UK.
Giles joins from BT where he was Group Diversity & Inclusion Lead, and before that he led transformation programmes at Transport for London before becoming an accessibility and inclusion specialist.
Channel 4 has a strong track record in disability representation, leading the agenda and changing perceptions of disability in the TV industry.
Jane said: “At Channel 4, inclusion means creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong, whilst redefining what it means to be inclusive: breaking new ground, shattering taboos, and giving a platform to unheard voices. I can’t imagine a more important brief and I can’t wait to get started.”
Giles said: “I am thrilled to join such an iconic organisation whose reputation has been driven forward by a constant focus on inclusion and innovation.”
Zaid Al-Qassab, Chief Marketing Officer and Inclusion & Diversity Director at Channel 4, said: “We are proud of our reputation as one of the most diverse and welcoming workplaces in the UK. I’m sure Channel 4 will become even more inclusive under Jane’s leadership. I am also delighted to welcome Giles, whose experience and expertise will be invaluable in increasing accessibility and awareness amongst all colleagues.”
Giles will join Channel 4 in April and will report into Zaid Al-Qassab until Jane returns to work in the Autumn.