Welcome to our 2026 Thrive survey for individuals navigating the creative industries

Our annual Creative Access Thrive survey aims to provide a snapshot of how the creative economy is progressing in terms of diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging from both the perspective of those working in the sector and employers.

For those working in the sector, the survey seeks to understand how confident and optimistic you feel about your career progression and how employers are supporting you.

The results of the survey play a critical role in helping us develop our services and in lobbying employers to improve access, training and support for their employees.

Please support our mission to build a creative economy that reflects society by taking 5 minutes to complete this important survey by Wednesday 6th May and you could also win one of 10 book tokens worth £20 each.

Responses are anonymous (see our Privacy Policy for more information).

Part 1 - About You

First Name

Last name

Email

Your current role

Please rate each of the following statements

	Strongly Agree	Agree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Disagree	Strongly Disagree
I have the knowledge and skills I need to progress my creative career
I have access to the contacts and networks I need to progress my creative career
I have the confidence I need to progress my creative career
I am optimistic about the opportunities for progression that are open to me

Please tell us anything else you think will help us to understand your answers more fully

Has your career progressed in the last 12 months?

I have received a pay rise in the last 12 monthsI have received a promotion in the last 12 monthsI have been given access to training in the last 12 monthsMy career has not progressed in the last 12 monthsI have been given access to equipment / software in the last 12 monthsI have secured new freelance work in the last 12 monthsI have gained additional responsibility in my roleI have gained more contacts in my network

Pay and financial stability

Do you feel you are paid fairly for your role?

Yes No Not sure

Have financial pressures affected your ability to stay in the creative industries?

Yes, significantly Yes, somewhat No

In the past 12 months, have you considered leaving the creative industries due to pay or financial stability?

Yes No

Part 2 - Your experience with Creative Access

How significant was support from Creative Access in helping you to progress in your chosen career?

	Help from CA was very significant to my progress	Help from CA was somewhat significant to my progress	Help from CA was not very significant to my progress	Not applicable
Recruited me into a job or traineeship
Helped me build skills and knowledge relevant to my field
Helped me to develop contacts and networks in my field
Increased my confidence
Supported me (or encouraged my employer to support me) during a challenging time
Helped me to overcome barriers to accessing my chosen career

Please tell us anything else that you think will help us to understand your answers more fully

Part 3: Your experiences of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace

Please answer the following questions with reference to your current employer (or most recent client, if freelance).

If you are not currently employed, please answer the questions with reference to your most recent employer/client.

	Strongly Agree	Agree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Disagree	Strongly Disagree
The organisation has historically invested in improving greater diversity, equity and inclusion
The organisation currently has a supportive and inclusive culture with diversity, equity and inclusion at its core
The organisation has plans set in place for greater diversity, equity and inclusion

At which level do you think the organisation is most focused/investing the most to drive increased representation and bring in more diverse talent?

At which level do you think the organisation ought to be most focused / investing the most to drive increased representation and bring in more diverse talent?

Which of the following is currently your greatest barrier to career progression?

Financial barriers e.g. lack of funds for new equipment or training The area where I’m currently located Lack of mentoring or a career champion Lack of role models who share my lived experience Lack of training Structures in my organisation e.g. no space to progress I am not experiencing any barriers to career progression Other (please specify):

Other

Does your current (or most recent) role impact on your mental health?

Please explain your selection

Which of the following do you have access to at work to help your mental health?

Other

Welcome to our 2026 Thrive survey for individuals navigating the creative industries

Part 2 - Your experience with Creative Access

Part 3: Your experiences of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace

Part 4 - More information