Supporting RESULTS 95% of surveyed agreed the mentees programme improved our industry: their knowledge and understanding of the television industry MENTORING 73% of surveyed agreed the mentors experience had improved their skills and confidence in working with colleagues In 2023, we continued our from under-represented groups partnership with Creative Access, an organisation that helps people from under- represented communities to UTV SistersIN programme access careers and progress UTV LAUNCHED A to leadership in the creative NEW MENTORSHIP industries. ITV colleagues are PROGRAMME, SISTERSIN partnered with young people SistersIN is a Northern Irish starting out in their careers leadership development programme, bringing together schools and for six months of mentoring. businesses to empower and develop female pupils to become the leaders Since the partnership began in 2021, of tomorrow. 130 local businesses ITV staff have provided a total of got involved, with four female UTV approximately 2,000 hours of mentoring. colleagues volunteering for the Each mentee is given regular time with eight-month programme. They their ITV mentor to discuss their career were matched up with a sixth-form plans, access contacts, and ask questions mentee each to support and guide – whether it’s expanding their network, them through a chosen project, practising for interviews or advice on a helping build confidence, developing current role. The scheme saw a further leadership skills and broadening 90 mentoring partnerships and 559 career perspectives. UTV is hours of mentoring take place in 2023. Creative Access volunteering programme continuing its involvement in 2024. ITV Social Purpose Impact Report 2023 51