Media Parents

We’re delighted to announce that Media Parents is partnering with BBC Wales, Channel 4, ITV Studios, Sky, Wall to Wall, Endemol Shine UK, the CDN and GEITF to support parents getting back into TV via the Media Parents Back to Work Scheme for a third year running. The scheme has a 100% success rate in returning experienced TV professionals to the industry, and applications are now closed, see www.mediaparents.co.uk for details. Read on to see what Sky’s Celia Taylor and Channel 4′s Ralph Lee have to say about it… Applications for the scheme have now closed, thank you and congratulations to everyone who applied.

The 2014 Media Parents Back to Work Scheme Winners at Edinburgh TV Festival.

Media Parents (a social enterprise set up to promote flexible working and help working parents balance the demands of media and childcare) is running a mentoring and placement scheme to help parents and carers back in to the TV industry following a career break. Seven successful applicants will be awarded sponsored places at the Guardian Edinburgh International TV Festival (GEITF) and returned to the TV workplace via mentoring and networking.

Channel 4's Ralph Lee is a Media Parents mentor.

Channel 4’s Deputy Chief Creative Officer Ralph Lee, a mentor on the Media Parents Back to Work scheme, says “A lot of talented people in our industry face challenges managing the development of their careers and their roles as parents.  It’s great that Media Parents Back to Work Scheme helps people return resume their careers and supports them in achieving a work life balance in a demanding work environment.”

BBC Wales's Judith Winnan with a freelancer at a Media Parents event in Cardiff.

Judith Winnan Head of Factual for BBC Wales comments “BBC Wales has been working with Media Parents to strengthen our relations with the freelance community in Wales and it’s great to be part of a scheme that is specifically aimed at helping experienced professionals return to work.

Media Parents’ Director Amy Walker says “It’s fantastic to be running the Media Parents Back to Work Scheme again at a time when the importance of diversity in the workplace is being recognised, and when the BBC squeeze could see freelancers under greater strain to find work. This successful scheme will offer skilled parents the opportunity to bring their talents back to TV through networking and mentoring. Previous mentors have included Channel 4’s Ralph Lee, BBC Worldwide, Channel 5 and Discovery Channel commissioners – it’s a great network.”

Sky's Head of Non-Scripted Commissioning for Sky Entertainment, Celia Taylor.

Celia Taylor, Head of Non-Scripted Commissioning for Sky Entertainment backs the Media Parents Back to Work Scheme: “As a working Mum I fully appreciate the importance of this scheme and I am really happy to fully support it”.

Richard Thomson, Wall to Wall MD at a Media Parents networking event.

Richard Thomson MD, Wall to Wall, says “We have a number of returners at Wall to Wall and are delighted to be helping other experienced individuals back into the workplace. This is a great initiative.”

ITV's HR Director Sue Harrington

ITV Studios’ HR Director Sue Harrington commented “I’m delighted ITV Studios is able to support this years Media Parents Back to Work scheme.  We’re a family friendly employer and helping talent return after a career break is something we’re very supportive of’.

Bella Lambourne, HR and Operations Director at Endemol Shine UK notes “Endemol Shine UK is delighted to be able to be part of this scheme again after the previous success stories.  Enabling and encouraging talent to return and remain in production is as important as ever for the content industry.”

Endemol Shine's Bella Lambourne at a Media Parents event.

Amanda Ariss, Executive Director of the CDN, comments “The Creative Diversity Network is delighted to support Media Parents’ Back to Work programme which has a great track record in helping parents and carers reconnect with the industry and their peers, and at a time when diversity of talent, ideas and backgrounds has never been more vital to the industry’s creative way forward.”

The CDN's Amanda Ariss.

Successful candidates will be awarded a delegate pass, plus accommodation in Edinburgh, with bespoke mentoring sessions from the sponsors. To apply by MIDDAY AUGUST 5th please send an email to events@mediaparents.co.uk to request an application form, and scroll down this blog for further details. Download here  application form 310715 media parents GEITF Back to Work Scheme

The Media Parents Back to Work Scheme is accepting applicants until July 31st - for details see blog post and email events@mediaparents.co.uk Please join www.mediaparents.co.uk for great jobs, networking and events.