While experts agree that data needs to be tracked as a first step to understanding the problems with representation and creating solutions, data laws across certain markets make it hard to gather information. In the US, data regulations are less restrictive, but in France, for instance, it is illegal to collect data on religion, race and ethnicity. In the UK, data regulations prevent companies from gathering such information unless it is given voluntarily.
“There have been small nuggets of data captured here and there [on diversity in British fashion], but nothing on an industry-wide level,” says Jamie Gill, founder of The Outsiders Perspective – which helps people from underrepresented backgrounds working outside the industry access networking and employment opportunities in fashion – and chair of the BFC’s diversity and inclusion committee.
The data will feed into a wider review of the state of DE&I in the UK fashion industry, to be published later this year, which will outline what else is needed for measurable progress. “We want to point to what best practice looks like and say what our recommendations for positive change and business growth are [based on the data],” says Gill.
“I’m keen to see how people feel about how [DE&I] is progressing within their own companies,” adds Daniel Peters, founder of Fashion Minority Report. “While we won’t be looking at individual companies [because the survey is anonymous], it will be interesting to look at things regionally and understand where people feel changes can be made.”