Our business is built on connecting stories and ideas with the widest possible readership. To achieve this, we need to represent the rich diversity of our society – both in who we publish and the people we work with. Each book, each colleague and each voice are critical in helping us become a more inclusive employer and publisher. This commitment remains firmly in our sightline.

In 2023, for the first time, Penguin’s paid summer internships were made open to only those who identify as being from a lower socio-economic background. The decision was made after an analysis of 2022 data, which highlighted that this was the greatest area of under-representation across the company. By providing more direct opportunities to those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and arranging travel support to those from outside of London, we hope to reduce some of the barriers that those early in their career may face when considering publishing.

Our flagship positive action programme, The Scheme, is also running from September 2023. The Scheme is a six-month placement in either Editorial, Sales or Publicity. Since 2018, it has run as a positive action programme for groups that are currently underrepresented at Penguin so those who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background and/or a lower socio-economic background.

Penguin also offers 450 paid work experience opportunities through random selection, none by personal referral, to give everyone an equal chance to see what working in publishing is like.

As well as our programmes, key priorities for the next year are ensuring our outreach approach is data led and there is a focus on internal retention and progression of colleagues from underrepresented groups.