Sky announces its Assistant Commissioner programme

Sky today unveils its new Assistant Commissioner programme, a two-year scheme designed to attract creatives from outside the traditional commissioning pool, to apply for six roles, on a full-time salary, working across Sky’s key commissioning genres – comedy, drama, arts and entertainment, factual, kids and original film.

Recognising that senior commissioning executives, with the power to select which programmes are made, are often from similar backgrounds, and with turnover low, the new scheme has been developed to bring in fresh perspectives and voices by widening the creative recruitment pool. The programme forms part of Sky’s wider strategy to support diversity and inclusion in our industry and our workforce.

The very best creative talent with a wide range of skillsets from industries ranging from theatre, gaming and music to script writers, producers and more will be identified and invited to apply.

To ensure Sky’s hiring panel look at recruitment through a different set of success metrics, Sky is also working with an expert on assessment criteria that’s based more around personality, situational judgement and motivation fit rather than the traditional commissioner skill set.

Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content Sky UK and Ireland explains, “We know there has been a lot of work done to bring new voices and perspectives to commissioning, but it’s mainly been focused on entry level positions. We recognised a big gap in the market in terms of developing real skills in commissioning at a senior level which is why we are launching the Assistant Commissioner programme. “

He continues, “It’s about giving people a platform who don’t already have it. We want new voices, new experiences and new perspectives in our team to tell authentic stories that represent our wide customer base. This will not only bolster Sky’s creative output but it will upskill talent for the wider broadcasting industry.”

Sky has deliberately made this a two-year programme to ensure each successful applicant sees a programme through from greenlight to production, experiencing all aspects of the commissioning and production process. Once hired and on the programme, candidates will be supported with mentoring and dedicated development and support tools.

The Assistant Commissioner programme has been funded by Sky as part of our £30 million commitment to tackle structural inequality, support diversity and inclusion, and use our voice to make a difference in communities impacted by racism. The programme will go live today for internal and external candidates on the Sky Careers page. Sky welcomes applications from ethnically diverse candidates and those with disabilities where we are currently underrepresented.

ENDS

For more information contact:

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS HAS NOW PASSED AND NO FURTHER APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THIS TIME

To apply for the Assistant Commissioner Programme roles, visit 

For PR enquiries, contact: Charlotte Mitchell, Head of PR Content & Brand, Sky: 

In June 2020, Sky announced its intention to invest £10 million per year across its markets for three years to tackle structural inequality and make a difference in communities impacted by racism. As part of this commitment, Sky put targets in place to measure progression of under-represented groups throughout its business and is aiming for 20% of employees at Sky in the UK & Ireland to be from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background by 2025, with at least a quarter of these to be Black.

Sky has appointed seven leaders in diversity and inclusion to its Diversity Advisory Council to advise and guide the business on issues of diversity. Members of the group are experts in their field and represent views from a variety of backgrounds.

Sky recently announced a £1m partnership with the Black Equity Organisation (BEO) to deliver the Future 100 Growth Fund, backing Black British entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses. Read more here: https://www.skygroup.sky/en-gb/article/sky-announces-1m-partnership-with-the-black-equity-organisation-to-back-black-british-entrepreneurs

Read more about Sky’s ethnicity targets here: https://www.skygroup.sky/article/sky-sets-ambitious-2025-target-to-increase-its-ethnic-diversity-and-representation

Read more about how Sky is spending £30 million on diversity and inclusion here: https://www.skygroup.sky/en-gb/article/standing-up-for-equality-see-our-progress-since-our-30-million-commitment.