Inspired Ability Event at the BBC

22nd March 2010

Thirty-five disabled people with an active interest in becoming a media professional spent a day at the BBC at an event called Inspired Ability. All participants, who applied online demonstrated a keen interest in the industry. 

The careers day itself included up-skilling workshops on how to respond to a creative brief (by BBC creatives) and how to plan a print publication (by editor of Radio Times).  Other workshops enhanced career management skills by looking at how to navigate the application and interview processes.

Over lunch participants had an opportunity to network with BBC professionals and learn more about several recruitment schemes they could apply for in a Careers Marketplace.  

The day ended with a Question Time panel hosted by Geoff Adams-Spink with speakers Victoria Brignell (Radio 4 Producer), Gary O'Donoghue (Political Correspondent) and Nigel Smith (Comedy Writer) who have hugely successful careers and have a disability themselves.  An evening of networking drinks was provided so participants can expand their contacts and knowledge of the industry.  Fifteen of the participants are going on to have a personal mentor (someone that works in the BBC) to further develop their career ambitions.  

The mentoring scheme is facilitated by BBC's Connect & Create (Karen Ackerman) for 12-weeks.  This is the BBC's second Inspired Ability event and has doubled in size and workshops since the first one last year.  The BBC is aiming to run further events with the next one in Manchester due to the BBCs career opportunities in its new Salford campus.