CILIP CEO, Nick Poole takes a deep dive analysis into the results of Workforce Mapping 2023

This June, the UK Information Workforce Data Consortium, which CILIP leads jointly with the Archives and Records Association (ARA), published the 2023 Information Workforce Mapping Report.

Workforce Mapping 2023 speaks of a tremendously innovative, adaptable and agile workforce that is committed to supporting information users, communities and organisations to succeed. The workforce's commitment to learning and CPD is encouragingly high, with around 66% of our respondents having undertaken CPD in the last 12 months, higher than most other sectors which the LGA has examined.

Respondents in most sectors speak of feeling well-supported by their employers and colleagues, of a culture of respect and inclusion with a strong focus on mission and purpose. This is, at heart, a hugely important professional workforce that does life-changing work for its users, every single day.

The relatively static nature of our labour force reflects long-term commitment and experience, but maintaining long term career professionals should not come at the expense of opportunities for young people to get into the information sectors and build a successful career.

The complex tangle of socio-economic barriers to entry and progression alongside the long-standing problems of pay, progression and status need further analysis, in the wider context of the continuing economic downturn.

Workforce Mapping 2023 has shown some frustrating trends. Despite considerable evidence of positive action programmes by employers, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) has not shifted meaningfully.