Former BBC talent executive Michelle Matherson has returned to the corporation to join June Sarpong’s creative diversity team, which is also set to have a dedicated creative lead on disability.
Matherson and Iyare Igiehon, formerly of the British Film Institute, have taken on the joint role of BBC creative diversity partner, with each working three days a week and reporting to creative diversity head Miranda Wayland.
The duo will be tasked with implementing and delivering the BBC’s £100m diversity investment and 20% off-screen diversity target, which comes into effect next April.
Since leaving her previous BBC role in 2013, Matherson has headed up talent at ITV label Shiver and set up entry-level platform My First Job in TV. She has hired talent for shows ranging from BBC2’s Hospital to ITV’s Martin Lewis Money Show and Peston on Sunday and Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me.
Igiehon, who will continue to work part-time with the BFI’s Screen Advisory Groups, has produced and presenter shows for BBC 1Xtra and is the co-founder and director of black film festival S.O.U.L. Fest.
Matherson took up the role last week, with Igiehon set to join her on 19 October.
The BBC will soon advertise for the new role of creative diversity lead of disability to ensure fair and authentic representation of disabled people and to push the boundaries in on-screen portrayals.
The successful candidate will work with specific productions to upskill creative leaders in diversity matters.
